Ocean City's 2023 Springfest: Everything to know about attending the big event
What better way to greet the warm weather than with a festival dedicated solely to spring? Get ready to join the town of Ocean City for four days of food, family, fine art and fun at the 32nd annual Springfest, taking place from May 4-7, 2023.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's event.
Will there be live music?
Dance your shoes off and sing your heart out with a lineup that's jampacked with lively entertainment and musical fun.
Located in the Inlet Lot at the south end of Ocean City's Boardwalk, Springfest will host more than 20 groups from across the globe showcasing musical styles from rock to country to R&B. All performances, except for the three headlining shows, are free on the festival's two live 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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The headliners this year are "Shadow of the 60's," a Tribute to Motown's Super Groups, on Thursday, May 4; rockers Collective Soul on Friday, May 5; and country legend Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives on Saturday, May 6. All headlining performances are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., and tickets range from $20-$55. For ticket information, visit the Springfest website.
Other entertainers set to hit the stage throughout the four-day festival include Discoteks, Rick K. Road Trip, Jesse Garron's Tribute to Elvis, Real Diamond "Neil Diamond Tribute," Jukehouse Bombers, Lauren Glick, Lucas Hoge, Poole and the Gang, Sapphire and much more.
What else is in store?
From mouthwatering food to live entertainment to unique arts and crafts, Springfest has got it all.
The festival, which brings together artisans and exhibitors from coast to coast, will feature works of art and fine crafts presented by more than 200 artists. 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.
Springfest's array of food vendors will make sure its festivalgoers never go hungry. Guests can experience a wide variety of delicious eats and tasty creations from the Eastern seaboard as they jam out to live music, browse handmade art, watch an artist at work, or take a stroll around festival grounds.
Will there be family-fun activities?
There is no limit on fun during Springfest weekend.
Throughout the four-day-long extravaganza, Trimper Amusements will offer $30 unlimited daily ride passes. In addition, Jolly Roger Amusements will offer discounts including $5 off daytime or nighttime armbands at the amusement park on the Pier, BOGO off Treasure & Jungle Golf at 30th Street, and $10 off two-hour armbands at Speedworld.
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Also, together, families and friends can join Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, for a bike ride along the historic Boardwalk. During the outing, riders will be given the opportunity to chat with the mayor and enjoy the scenic views of the shore. All ages are welcome to ride.
Art enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are also invited to join T.C. Studio's paint sessions on festival grounds. There, they will be provided with all the necessary supplies and instructions to unleash their creativity on a canvas. As the artists paint, they can also listen along to the festival's live music.
Will transportation be available?
The resort town will be offering visitors transportation to and from the event throughout the entirety of Springfest, but be sure to have some extra one dollar bills tucked in your wallet.
Ocean City Town Council members voted 5-1 on March 6 to raise all-day, year-round bus fares from $3 to $4, and one-way ticket fares for the Boardwalk tram from $4 to $5. The fare increase will go into effect May 1.
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Guests can use the bus route along Coastal Highway or take a shuttle from the Park & Ride lot in West Ocean City. Both bus services will have a $4 fare, take about 20 minutes, and operate from about 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Boardwalk tram is scheduled to begin its 2023 season on the first day of Springfest. For $5, visitors can ride the tram between from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturdaysand 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
What’s the weather forecast?
A mix of sunshine and rain is on the horizon for this year's festival, which will be held rain-or-shine.
According to The Weather Channel's 10-day weather forecast, Springfest will kick off with a healthy dose of sunshine, partly cloudy skies and high of 65 degrees on Thursday. The festival will head into Friday with rain showers early and mostly cloudy and rainy conditions later in the day. Friday will reach another high of 65 degrees.
The sun is said to reappear on Saturday, which calls for intervals of clouds and sunshine throughout the day, as well as a high of 66 degrees. A few rain showers may pop up after midnight. The rain will carry into Sunday when a few showers are expected to begin early in the day, following up with cloudy conditions in the evening. Sunday calls for a another high of 66 degrees.
The weather will continue to be updated as Springfest draws near.
If you go:
WHAT: Ocean City's 32nd annual Springfest
WHEN: May 4-7, 2023, 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
INFO: https://www.ococean.com/events/springfest
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: Attending Ocean City's 2023 Springfest? Here's what you need to know
