Cruisin' Ocean City: Everything you need to know about traffic, Jay Leno appearance, more

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.

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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 resort town 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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 the resort town will be designated a Special Event Zone to reduce established speed limits from May 16-19.

Violators will face increased fines and penalties for violations and, in extreme cases, arrest. The Ocean City Police Department will remain on high alert during the entirety of the event.

Officers from the OCPD, Maryland State Police and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office will strictly enforce all traffic laws. Officers will also enforce all laws for spectators who incite drivers for spinning of wheels or burn-outs.

Significant traffic congestion and alternate traffic patterns are anticipated throughout the weekend. All motorists are advised to plan their drives accordingly to ensure they arrive at their destinations safely and on time.

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: Jay Leno, tons of cools cars headed to Ocean City's Cruisin' event