OCEAN CITY, MD (June 30, 2025): Ocean City is set to dazzle the night sky with not just one, but two simultaneous fireworks displays on Friday, July 4th, in celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. This unique experience promises to be a sight to behold. However, with these two celebrations, the Ocean City Police Department anticipates heavy traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, throughout the Town of Ocean City.
Northern Display- Northside Park
The northern display at Northside Park, 125th Street, and the bay will kick off at 8 p.m. with DJ musical entertainment, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
The soccer field and walking path on the park’s northwest side will be closed to viewing due to state and local safety precautions, as the fireworks display will move from the west pier into the park to bring the experience closer than ever before.
There will be “No Parking” on Friday, July 4th, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the following areas:
- The north and south sides of 123rd Street between Coastal Highway and Jamaica Avenue
- The north and south sides of 125th Street between Coastal Highway and Jamaica Avenue
- The north and south sides of 127th Street between Coastal Highway and Jamaica Avenue
- The east side of Jamaica Avenue from 123rd Street North to 125th Street
- The west side of Jamaica Avenue from 125th Street to 127th Street
- The east side of Jamaica Avenue, from 127th Street to the road’s end, is near the entrance to the Department of Recreation and Parks’ maintenance complex.
Residents and visitors attending the northern display can expect an alternate traffic pattern between 123rd Street and 127th Street starting at 7:00 p.m.
Southern Display- Caroline Street
The southern display at Caroline Street will kick off at 8 p.m. with DJ musical entertainment, and the official fireworks show will take place at 9:30 p.m.
There will be “No Parking” on Friday, July 4, 2025, beginning at 6:00 a.m. in the following locations:
- Baltimore Avenue and N. Division Street
- 900 to 902 Philadelphia Avenue
- Northside of the 200 block of Dorchester Street
- 200 block of 1st Street
- Southside of the 200 block of 2nd Street
- South St. Louis Avenue between Dorchester Street and Talbot Street (eastside)
Parking
Residents and visitors should anticipate minimal parking at both fireworks locations and significant traffic delays after each show. The Inlet Parking Lot will be open. The parking rate will increase to $6 per hour for that day.
Pay close attention to the “No Parking” signage near the celebration sites. Parking in a restricted area is subject to be towed to the Ocean City Police Department Impound Lot, located at 6501 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.
Additionally, the Town of Ocean City has enacted Resolution 2025-10, which designates specific dates for enhanced paid parking rates and penalties during select special events. These measures will be in effect on July 4, 2025, to help manage the increased number of visitors and support public safety. The enhanced parking penalties focus on prohibited parking areas (like no parking signs, red curbs, fire hydrants, and sidewalks) to improve traffic flow, parking compliance, and enforcement during high-attendance periods.
Ocean City Beach Bus
Ride with us on Ocean City’s municipal buses that travel along Coastal Highway. A $4 Ride-All-Day pass allows you to ride from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. the next morning, providing a convenient and stress-free alternative to dealing with parking and traffic. The Beach Bus goes from the South Division Street Transit Center to the North End Transit Center or anywhere in between.
Don’t forget, with your $4 pass, you can transfer to one of our Park & Ride buses at no additional cost and go to the West Ocean City Park & Ride facility. The West Ocean City Park & Ride, located at 12848 Ocean Gateway, also offers free parking. The West Ocean City Park & Ride will have limited buses from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. This service will run between the West Ocean City Park & Ride and Dorchester Street and St. Louis Avenue. Expect traffic delays and high rider demand at the West Ocean City Park & Ride.
Boaters
The Route 50 draw bridge will remain closed to marine traffic during its usual scheduled openings of 10:25 p.m. and 10:55 p.m. The Route 50 bridge will reopen for boaters at 11:25 p.m. on the evening of July 4th.
Delays and Congestion are Expected
We encourage everyone to arrive early for either celebration to allow time for parking and to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the festivities. Please be aware of increased pedestrian traffic in and around event areas.
To help you get on your way quickly and safely after the celebration, we strongly encourage anyone parked in the Inlet Parking Lot to travel northbound on Baltimore Avenue. In years past, we’ve seen long delays from vehicles trying to exit via 1st Street toward the Route 50 Bridge. To avoid the backup, consider heading north and using 9th or 15th Street to access Philadelphia Avenue and Route 50. You can also continue north to 33rd Street to take Route 90 out of town. A little extra travel upfront can save you a lot of time in the long run.
By planning ahead, arriving early, and staying late, we can all help make this Fourth of July a safe and enjoyable experience for all. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks displays will be postponed to Saturday, July 5, 2025, and all details outlined above will remain the same.
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