Night in Venice
Ocean City, NJ's annual decorated-boat parade and bayside-house competition — a 70-year tradition typically held the third Saturday in July. Free to watch from anywhere along the bay.
- DateSaturday, July 18, 2026 — 6:30 PM
- VenueGreat Egg Harbor Bay, Ocean City
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About Night in Venice
Night in Venice is Ocean City's flagship summer event — a 6-mile decorated-boat parade along the Great Egg Harbor Bay, paired with a competitive bayside-house decoration contest. Boats and houses are judged on creativity, theme execution, and lighting, with categories for Power Boats, Sail Boats, Classic/Antique Boats, and several house divisions.
The event has been held annually since 1954 and is one of the longest-running boat parades on the east coast. It draws an estimated 20,000–30,000 spectators each year, with bayside homeowners hosting parties and the city running free shuttle service from the boardwalk parking decks.
Most importantly: the entire event is free to watch from any public bayside location.
Best places to watch
Tennessee Avenue Bayside Park
Best for familiesPublic park with grass, playground, and unobstructed bay views. Closest spot to the parade start. Bring chairs and bug spray.
💡 Arrive by 4:00 PM for a spot near the railing. Restrooms on site.
34th Street Bay End
Excellent for boatsThe wider bay channel near 34th Street gives the largest decorated boats room to maneuver. Best photo angle for Power Boat and Yacht entries.
💡 Limited public access; use the city marina visitor area.
Music Pier Waterfront Walkway
Great for ocean+bay comboElevated boardwalk view that catches the parade beginning and rolls into a Music Pier event after dark.
💡 Combine with dinner at a boardwalk restaurant for the easiest evening.
Ocean City–Longport Bridge approach
Sunset photographersThe bridge approach on the Ocean City side gives a panoramic, elevated view of the parade and bayside-house lights against a south-facing sunset.
💡 Best for Instagram/photography. Limited parking; arrive early.
Where to stay for Night in Venice
Bayside hotels and rentals along the parade route command premium rates and book months in advance. Boardwalk-area Ocean City hotels are easier to book and you can shuttle or walk to the bay. Cape May, Sea Isle City, and Avalon are all 30–45 minutes by car if Ocean City is full.
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Get on the Water for Night in Venice
Sunset cruises and bay tours in Ocean City — see the decorated boats from the best angle
How to enter a boat in Night in Venice
- Watch the Ocean City Department of Special Events page at ocnj.us/specialevents starting in early June for the year's entry form and theme.
- Choose a category: Power Boats, Sail Boats, or Classic/Antique Boats.
- Decorate to fit the announced theme. Lighting matters more than daytime decoration — judging happens after sunset.
- Submit your free entry form before the deadline (typically two weeks before the parade).
- Arrive at the parade staging area 90 minutes before the 6:30 PM start. Routes are published the week of the event.
Make a weekend of it
Pair the parade with a full Ocean City weekend. Popular combinations:
Frequently asked questions
When is Night in Venice 2026?
Night in Venice 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:30 PM and continuing until dusk along the Great Egg Harbor Bay in Ocean City, NJ.
Where is Night in Venice held?
The decorated-boat parade follows a 6-mile route along Ocean City's bay between approximately 17th Street and the Ocean City–Longport Bridge. Bayside homeowners decorate their houses along the same route to compete alongside the boats.
How do I watch Night in Venice for free?
The parade is free to watch from any public bayside location in Ocean City. The best public spots include Tennessee Avenue Bayside Park, the bay-end of any numbered street between 17th and 34th, and the Music Pier waterfront walkway. Arrive by 4:30 PM for parking close to the bay.
How can I enter a boat in Night in Venice?
Boat owners can enter for free in Power Boat, Sail Boat, or Classic/Antique categories. Entry forms typically open in early June through the Ocean City Department of Special Events. Decorations should reflect the year's announced theme; judging considers creativity, theme execution, and lighting.
Is Night in Venice family-friendly?
Yes. The parade is a free, all-ages event with no alcohol restrictions on private property. Bayside parks have grass, playgrounds, and restrooms. The event ends at dusk so it works well for families with younger children.
Where should I park for Night in Venice?
Bayside street parking near 17th–34th fills by 4:30 PM. The city runs free shuttle service from the boardwalk parking decks starting at 4:00 PM, which is the easiest option. If driving from out of town, plan for a 30–45 minute walk from the boardwalk decks if shuttle queues are long.
Where should I stay for Night in Venice?
Bayside Ocean City hotels and rentals along the parade route command premium rates and book months in advance. Boardwalk-area hotels are easier to book and you can shuttle or walk to the parade. Cape May, Sea Isle City, and Avalon are all 30-45 minutes by car if Ocean City is full.
What time does Night in Venice start?
The parade typically begins at 6:30 PM, with bayside-house judging starting earlier in the afternoon. Boats are at peak decoration after sunset (around 8:30 PM in mid-July) when the lighting comes on.
Has Night in Venice ever been cancelled?
The event has been cancelled or postponed for severe weather and was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic. If high winds or thunderstorms are forecast, check the Ocean City Department of Special Events page the morning of the event for the official call.
How long has Night in Venice been held?
Night in Venice has been held in Ocean City, NJ since 1954, making it one of the longest-running decorated-boat parades on the east coast. The 2026 event will be approximately the 72nd year.
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