Night in Venice 70th Anniversary Celebration Set for July 26

Ocean City is getting ready to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Night in Venice boat parade on Saturday, July 26.

Here’s how you can join the fun:

• Participate: Entries are currently being accepted from all those who want to participate in the bayfront celebration. The boat parade and decorated bayfront home contests provide a chance to be part of the highlight of the summer season in Ocean City. The theme for the 2025 event is “70 Years of Champions.” It will be an opportunity for people to honor the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles or any other championship team, individual or group from the past seven decades. The theme is always optional, and entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/NIV or by calling 609-399-6111. Participants will receive a commemorative mug and poster by local artist Aaron “Bogy” Bogushefsky.

• Spectate: Tickets are on sale for a special viewing area at the Bayside Center at 520 Bay Avenue. The viewing area will include a picnic spot and snack stand, face-painting, a DJ, and bleacher seating. Ticket prices will be $6 for children 12 and under and $10 for adults (with service fees included). The area will remain open and provide a prime spot to view a fireworks display after the boat parade. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks display will go off at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tickets are limited at the Bayside Center. The parade is free to watch from other areas. Bleacher seating will be set up at street ends with a free shuttle service running from remote parking areas.

• Yacht Rock: At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25, “Boat House Row: The Yacht Rock Experience,” will perform a special concert at the Music Pier to open the Night in Venice weekend. The six-piece band will perform smooth hits from the 1970s and 1980s, including music from Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Toto and more. Ticket prices are $30 and $25 (inclusive of fees). Tickets are available online at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111 or in-person at the Music Pier Box Office, City Hall, the Welcome Center on the Ninth Street causeway, and the 46th Street Information Center.

• 5K Run: The third annual Night in Venice 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk are scheduled for the morning of Night in Venice on Saturday, July 26. Registration for the event is now open. The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race will start at 8 a.m. at 19th Street and Haven Avenue, and the one-mile walk will begin soon after. The race will follow a flat, out-and-back course along Haven Avenue and the adjacent bike path. Online registration and more information are available at: www.runsignup.com/NIV5k.

“I want to thank Dave Winslow and the Night in Venice Committee, the city and Chamber teams, our sponsors, all the marine safety personnel, and the community for putting this event together,” Mayor Jay Gillian said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to another fun year for Night in Venice.”