Ocean City Doo Dah Parade
The Jersey Shore's most gloriously absurd tradition. 300+ basset hounds, comedy floats, kazoo bands, and pure irreverent fun every April in Ocean City.
Parade at a Glance
April 11
2026 Date
12:00 PM
Start Time
FREE
Admission
Since 1990
35+ Years
What is the Doo Dah Parade?
Born in 1990 as a playful counterpoint to traditional parades, the Ocean City Doo Dah Parade has evolved into one of the Jersey Shore's most beloved spring traditions. The concept is simple: celebrate absurdity, creativity, and community through a parade where the only rule is to have fun.
What sets the Doo Dah apart is its embrace of the unconventional. While other parades feature marching bands and beauty queens, Doo Dah showcases kazoo orchestras, satirical floats, and the legendary Basset Hound Waddle - over 300 droopy-faced dogs waddling down Asbury Avenue in costumes.
The parade perfectly captures Ocean City's family-friendly but fun-loving spirit. It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's become an essential part of the shore's spring awakening. For many, it marks the unofficial start of the beach season.
What to Expect
Basset Hound Waddle
Over 300 basset hounds parade down Asbury Avenue in costumes. The Waddle has become the parade's most beloved and photographed segment.
Comedy Floats
Homemade floats satirizing everything from local politics to pop culture. Creativity and humor trump production value every time.
Marching Groups
Kazoo bands, drill teams with attitude, and marching groups that defy convention. The less traditional, the better.
Individual Entries
Solo performers, costumed characters, and one-person floats. Some of the parade's most memorable moments come from individuals.
2026 Schedule
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Parade staging begins
6th Street & Asbury Avenue
Basset Hound check-in
Near parade start
Parade begins
Asbury Avenue from 6th to 14th Street
Awards ceremony
Music Pier area
Spring Block Party
Asbury Avenue
Getting There
From Philadelphia
Take Atlantic City Expressway to Exit 7S, then Route 52 to Ocean City. About 1 hour. Expect traffic on parade day.
From NYC/North Jersey
Garden State Parkway to Exit 25, then Route 52. About 2-2.5 hours. Leave early for parking.
Parking
Street parking and municipal lots throughout downtown. Arrive by 10am for closest spots. Some lots are free in April.
Where to Stay
Ocean City Hotels
Walking Distance
Beachfront hotels on the boardwalk put you steps from Asbury Avenue. Spring rates are lower than summer.
Downtown Rentals
In the Action
Vacation rentals near Asbury Avenue let you walk to everything. Perfect for groups wanting to party.
Sea Isle City
10-Minute Drive
Quieter alternative with easy access to Ocean City. Lower rates and less crowded beaches.
Strathmere
Quiet Escape
Tiny beach town between Ocean City and Sea Isle. Very quiet, very local, minutes from the action.
Spring advantage: April rates in Ocean City are significantly lower than summer. Book a weekend stay and enjoy the parade plus uncrowded beaches.
Book Your Stay
Find hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs in Ocean City
Spring rates available - book your Doo Dah weekend stay
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Book a Vacation Rental
Beach houses & condos in Ocean City
Stay steps from the parade route in a vacation rental. April offers great rates before summer season begins. Perfect for groups wanting to make a weekend of it.
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Tips for Attending
Arrive Early for Good Spots
Prime viewing spots along Asbury Avenue fill up by 11am. Bring chairs or blankets and stake out your spot early.
Bring Your Dog
Non-basset dogs are welcome as spectators. Keep them leashed and be mindful of the parade route. Many spectators bring their pups.
Dress for the Weather
April weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring sunscreen. Rain doesn't cancel the parade - embrace the absurdity.
Explore the Block Party
The parade coincides with Ocean City's Spring Block Party. Vendors, food, and entertainment line Asbury Avenue all day.
Cash for Food Vendors
While many vendors accept cards, cash is faster and some food trucks are cash-only. Hit an ATM before you go.
Stay for Dinner
Ocean City restaurants are open for spring. Make reservations for a post-parade meal at local favorites.
Spring Block Party
The Doo Dah Parade is part of Ocean City's larger Spring Block Party celebration. Asbury Avenue becomes a street festival with vendors, food, and entertainment all day.
350+ Vendors
Crafts, art, and merchandise from local and regional vendors.
Food Galore
Food trucks, boardwalk favorites, and restaurant specials.
Live Entertainment
Street performers and musicians throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ocean City Doo Dah Parade 2026?
The Ocean City Doo Dah Parade is held on the second Saturday of April each year. In 2026, it falls on Saturday, April 11. The parade typically starts at noon and runs along Asbury Avenue.
Is the Doo Dah Parade free to attend?
Yes, the Doo Dah Parade is completely free to watch. Just find a spot along Asbury Avenue between 6th and 14th Streets. No tickets or registration required for spectators.
What is the Doo Dah Parade exactly?
The Doo Dah Parade is a comedic, irreverent parade that celebrates silliness and fun. Unlike traditional parades, entries are judged on creativity, humor, and absurdity. Think basset hounds in costumes, kazoo bands, and floats making fun of current events.
Why are there so many basset hounds?
The Basset Hound Waddle has become a beloved Doo Dah tradition. Over 300 basset hounds and their owners parade down Asbury Avenue in costumes. The breed's comically sad expressions and waddling gait perfectly match the parade's offbeat vibe.
Can I participate in the Doo Dah Parade?
Yes! Anyone can enter a float, walking group, or individual entry. Registration opens in early spring through the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. Creativity is encouraged - the weirder, the better. There's no entry fee for most categories.
Is the Doo Dah Parade family-friendly?
Yes, the Doo Dah Parade is family-friendly. While the humor can be satirical and irreverent, entries are reviewed to ensure they're appropriate for all ages. Kids especially love the basset hounds and silly costumes.
More April Events
Experience the Doo Dah
There's nothing quite like the Doo Dah Parade. Plan your spring trip to Ocean City and experience the Jersey Shore's most joyfully absurd tradition.