October 5th 2023

USA Today's annual Best Of lists have included multiple Jersey Cape towns and establishments in 2023, and their newest ranking of Best Fall Festivals In The U.S. adds one more: Ocean City's Fall Block Party!

Here's what USA Today had to say in their article:

Fall festivals are a great way to mark the changing of the seasons, celebrate the harvest, enjoy the outdoors, and have some fun with friends and family. And there's something magical about being surrounded by colorful leaves as the sounds of live music and laughter fill the crisp air. 

These 10 festivals — voted by our readers as the best across the United States — deliver all of that and more during the fall season. 

No. 4: Ocean City Fall Block Party - Ocean City, New Jersey

While Ocean City is a popular summertime destination thanks to its sandy beaches, this New Jersey getaway is a fall favorite as well when the Ocean City Fall Block Party rolls around. The evening fireworks are a sight to see, but don't miss out on the daytime festivities too, with live entertainment and several hundred vendors congregating to sell local crafts, food, and beverages for festival guests.

Each year, tens of thousands of visitors descend on the resort town to enjoy the Fall Block Party, which is sponsored by the Chamber. Visitors do some holiday shopping and enjoy time with family and friends.

“Thousands attend and enjoy the hundreds of crafters, delicious food vendors and fun entertainment,” Gillian said. “It’s the place to be, where neighbors, second homeowners, as well as new guests get to catch up with people and places they haven’t seen for a while.”

Bridget Jacobson, vice president of the Downtown Merchants Association, and director of operations for Stainton’s by the Sea and Stainton’s Gallery of Shoppes in the downtown, said that the Fall Block Party is something merchants “look forward to all year long.”

“There is always a great turnout. It’s a huge kickoff to the fall shopping season,” Jacobson said. “And just like the people who come out for the block party to support local small businesses, we look forward to them coming back to Ocean City and supporting the small business owners who are open all year long.”