Cruisin' Ocean City: All you need to know about special event zone, Jay Leno appearance

Cruise on through Ocean City and catch a glimpse of acclaimed American television host and stand-up comedian Jay Leno for the 33rd annual Cruisin’ event.

From special entertainment to ticket prices to Ocean City Boardwalk parades, here’s everything you need to know about the colorful automotive spectacle.

Traffic and increased fines during Cruisin' Ocean City

Residents and visitors alike are reminded to tap the brakes as they cruise along Coastal Highway, as Ocean City will be designated as a Special Event Zone due to the Cruisin’ Ocean City event from Tuesday, May 14, to Sunday, May 19.

The Special Event Zone will reduce the speed limit in the area and increase the fines for any violations, said the town in a May 6 news release. In addition, legislation signed in 2020 will allow for enhanced penalties for specific motor vehicle violations. Similar to a construction zone, offenders face increased fines and, in extreme cases, arrest.

NEW OCEAN CITY MUSEUM: Ocean City to get grand new museum on Boardwalk soon: Take a look inside the restored bank

The Ocean City Police Department will remain on high alert during the entirety of the event. During this time, citizens should expect a significant police presence, as officers from allied agencies will also assist the OCPD. The traffic laws will be strictly enforced by the OCPD, Maryland State Police and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

The town urges all spectators to keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic and avoid encouraging drivers to spin their wheels or perform “burn-outs.” Such actions are not only dangerous, but also illegal. Officers will enforce all laws for spectators who incite drivers and enforce the violations with the driver, the release stated.

Pedestrians are encouraged to walk smart and use crosswalks when crossing roadways. Wait for the signal to change, and ensure drivers see you while crossing. Significant traffic congestion and alternate traffic patterns are anticipated. Motorists are advised to plan their drives accordingly to ensure they arrive at their destinations safely and on time.

GUIDE TO PBR EVENT: Ocean City professional bull riding event to return in May: Everything you need to know

Jay Leno to perform at OC Performing Arts Center

Jay Leno — late-night show host, stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, pioneering car mechanic, corporate speaker and philanthropist — is headed to the popular resort town destination of Ocean City.

Leno will kick off the first day of Cruisin' Ocean City when he takes the stage at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center, located at 4001 Coastal Highway, on Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets are now on sale.

Leno's fan-favorite late-night talk show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, had a long, successful run. The show first aired on May 25, 1992, and Leno was the host for 17 years before Conan O'Brien took over in 2009. The final episode of The Tonight Show premiered on Feb. 6, 2014.

OCEAN BOWL SKATE PARK: Two murals now coming to Ocean City skate park, the oldest continuously run one in the US

Leno currently produces and is host of the CNBC prime time series Jay Leno's Garage, now in its seventh season. The new season premieres Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 10 p.m. on CNBC. Leno's new show, which debuted in October 2015, explores the world of cars.

The show is an outgrowth of the Jay Leno's Garage YouTube Channel, which has garnered several Emmy Awards and nominations for Outstanding Special Class–Short-Format Nonfiction Programs.

Jay Leno is also currently hosting You Bet Your Life, a comedy game show co-hosted by Leno's long-time The Tonight Show band leader Kevin Eubanks. The show features strangers teaming up to answer a series of trivia questions in order to win thousands of dollars.

HOTEL RENOVATIONS: Historic Ocean City Commander Hotel to renovate pools, guest rooms in time for summer

Cruisin' Ocean City tickets, Boardwalk parades and more

This year's Cruisin' Ocean City will take place from May 16-19 in the resort town. Tickets for the car event are $15 per day for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, $10 for Sunday, and $40 for a Four Day Pass. Children under the age of 14 are free with a paid adult.

Fans of Ocean City’s historic Boardwalk can spend Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings checking out the revered OC Cruisin’ Boardwalk Parade from 27th street to the Inlet. Roughly 750 customized classic vehicles of all makes will be on display.

Parades are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., but may start earlier if traffic gets backed up, according to the event's official website. The Grand Finale Awards will take place Sunday at 2 p.m. on the Inlet Stage. More than 500 trophies, plaques and awards will be presented.

Cars of all makes and models will be on display in the Inlet lot and convention center Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and at the Inlet lot on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BALTIMORE AVE. PROJECT: Ocean City's Baltimore Avenue project gets big boost with federal grant. What's ahead.

If you go:

WHAT: 33rd Annual Cruisin' Ocean City

WHEN: May 16-19, 2024

WHERE: Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking lot and Ocean City Convention Center

COST: $15/day for Thursday, Friday & Saturday, $10 for Sunday, $40 for Four Day Pass

INFO: https://specialeventpro.com/cruisin-ocean-city

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Special Event Zone will be enforced for Ocean City's Cruisin'