Ocean City's 2024 Springfest: From live music to transportation, all to know about event

Say hello to spring at Ocean City's 33rd annual Springfest.

Get ready to join the town of Ocean City, Maryland, for four days of food, family, fine art and fun at this year's event, taking place from May 2-5, 2024. Here's everything you need to know about Springfest.

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When is Ocean City's Springfest?

Springfest kicks off with music sung by 4th graders from Ocean City Elementary Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Ocean City, Maryland.
Springfest kicks off with music sung by 4th graders from Ocean City Elementary Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Ocean City, Maryland.

This year's fun-filled Springfest celebration will take place from May 2-5.

Hours for the festival are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the four-day event is free.

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Will there be live music at Springfest in Ocean City?

There will be no shortage of diverse live entertainment at the 33rd annual Springfest, which is to be located in the Inlet Lot at the south end of Ocean City’s historic Boardwalk. This year, Springfest will host more than 20 musically- talented groups showcasing styles such as rock, country and R&B on two live stages.

Thursday night, come see The Olivia Show “A Stage Show Tribute to Olivia Newton-John." Then, American Idol’s very own country music star Lauren Alaina will take the stage on Friday night, with Everclear bringing their multi-hit alternative sounds to Springfest on Saturday night. All headlining performances are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Other entertainers set to hit the stage throughout the four-day festival include Beach Bandits, Poole and the Gang, Joe Wodarek and 51 South, Colossal Fossil Sauce, Jesse Garron's Tribute to Elvis, Hot Sauce Band, Rick K. Road Trip, Making Waves, Atomic Light Orchestra, Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys and much more.

Headliners for the evening shows require the purchase of tickets, which can be done online at OCocean.com or through Etix. All other performances are free on the Indoor and Midway stages. Those interested in signing up for the V.I.P. email for ticket information and early access to tickets may register here.

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What else is in store at Ocean City's Springfest?

Makayla Harvey, 12, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., poses for a photo with a wig on during Springfest 2014 in Ocean City.
Makayla Harvey, 12, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., poses for a photo with a wig on during Springfest 2014 in Ocean City.

Springfest, one of the top arts and crafts shows in the United States, features more than 200 vendors showcasing their creations. The festival brings together artisans and exhibitors from coast to coast. A wide variety of handmade art will be available in many mediums, including clothing, textiles, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, pottery, specialty foods and wood.

Be sure to come on an empty stomach, as Springfest's array of food vendors will make sure its festivalgoers never go hungry. Guests will get the chance to sample a wide variety of delicious eats and tasty creations from all around the Eastern seaboard as they jam out to live music, browse handmade arts and crafts, watch an artist at work or take a stroll around the festival grounds.

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Will transportation be available to Ocean City's Springfest?

The town of Ocean City will be offering transportation to and from festival grounds. The Coastal Highway Beach Bus's spring schedule will kick into gear on April 8. Come spring, buses will arrive at their stops approximately every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Bus service will not be available between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Standard bus fare is $4 per person for a ride-all-day pass. Exact cash fare or use of pre-paid photo ID General Bus Pass obtained from Town Hall is required. Children 42 inches in height or under, Ocean City senior resident bus pass holders and ADA Certified Disabled card holders may ride for free.

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Visitors may also take advantage of the town’s Park and Ride location on Route 50 in West Ocean City. Visitors may park their car for free and ride the shuttle, which travels out of the South Division Street Transit Station to and from the West OC Park-N-Ride Transit Station, to Springfest for $4 per person for a ride-all-day pass.

Special Event express shuttle service is also available at the Convention Center on 40th Street, where visitors can park for free in the south lot and ride the express shuttle directly to Springfest for $4 all day boarding. The Boardwalk tram also will be in service during the event, with fare of $5 per person boarding one way.

A woman in a sombrero gets on a bus Tuesday, May 5 in Ocean City.
A woman in a sombrero gets on a bus Tuesday, May 5 in Ocean City.

If you go:

WHAT: Ocean City's 33rd annual Springfest

WHEN: May 2-5, 2024, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot

COST: Free

INFOhttps://www.ococean.com/events/springfest

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Springfest returns to Ocean City in early May, and here's all to know