It’s not too early to start making plans to ring in 2027 at Ocean City’s family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve celebration. All-inclusive admission buttons for the annual event will go on sale at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.

First Night Ocean City has become a favorite New Year’s Eve tradition for families, offering an entire evening of entertainment and activities at venues throughout town on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. One admission button provides access to the full lineup of First Night entertainment. This will be the 34^th year for the celebration.

Tickets will be available:

• Online: firstnightocnj.com
• By phone: 609-399-6111
• At the City Hall Welcome Center, 861 Asbury Avenue (9th Street entrance)
• At the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the 9th Street causeway
• At the Music Pier Information Center on the Boardwalk
• At the 46th Street Welcome Center, 4500 block of West Avenue

The entertainment lineup will feature something for every age and musical taste.

The Ocean City Music Pier will host the Pennsport String Band, followed by Still Surfin’, a Beach Boys tribute; and Shadows of the 60s: A Tribute to Motown Super Groups.

At the Ocean City High School auditorium, the Ocean City Theatre Company will present “Junie B. Jones.” Other shows there include Country LIVE, featuring tributes to Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan, and the return of Yacht Rock Gold Experience.

Returning First Night favorites will include the Harlem Wizards, magician Chad Juros, mentalist Dustin Dean, Dueling Pianos, the Give & Take Jugglers’ Little Circus, illusionist Salazar, Brain Wash Game Shows, karaoke, line dancing and much more.

Family activities will be offered throughout the evening, including outdoor ice skating, a DJ Skate Party at the Ocean City Skate Park, swimming at the Community Center, trivia at the Ocean City Free Public Library and open houses at the U.S. Life Saving Station and Ocean City Historical Museum.

The celebration will also light up the sky with two drone shows over Carey Stadium synchronized to music. First Night festivities begin with a 3:45 p.m. kickoff and ribbon-cutting at the Ocean City Music Pier, and entertainment continues throughout the evening. Jitney transportation will begin at 5 p.m. to help First Night button holders travel between venues.

As always, Ocean City will welcome the arrival of 2027 with a spectacular midnight fireworks display launched from the Fifth Street beach.

First Night is Ocean City’s signature alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration and provides families with a safe, fun and memorable way to celebrate together. With entertainment spread throughout the city and activities for children, teens and adults, First Night offers something for everybody.  Admission buttons are limited, and purchasing early is encouraged.

For complete First Night information, entertainment schedules and updates, visit firstnightocnj.com.

First Night’s 2027 sponsors include the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage, the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, McMahon Insurance Agency, Ocean City Free Public Library, Pete Madden of Goldcoast Sotheby's International Realty, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House and Atlantic City Electric.