Over $300 million to Ocean City after two music festival weekends

OCEAN CITY, Md. – After a successful two weekends at the Ocean City inlet, officials are continuing momentum for the ‘second season.’

The second season is the time after the peak summer season that’s filled with tourists, events, and community.

Executive Director for the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Amy Thompson, calls the time wonderful. “It extends the season, into the shoulder season. We all know fall is a beautiful time to be here, and these festivals bring in fresh faces.”

Oceans Calling and Country Calling invaded the inlet with several big-name musicians, selling over 50,00 tickets and gaining millions in revenue. Thompson said it’s just the start.

“Ocean City, Maryland, being from Memorial Day to Labor Day, those days are long past; when the festivals are just one of many off-season things that happen in our town.”

Tom Perlozzo, the Director of Tourism and Business Development, says while estimations are still early, the economic impact was huge.

“Around $300 million to Ocean City just for the two events. When you add the third one in, we are close to $500 million of economic associated with hosting the events in Ocean City.”

The money comes from food, room, and sales taxes; gas spending; grocery shopping; and so much more. The next big event is Endless Summer Cruisin,’ starting October 9th through the weekend.

Over 3,000 custom and antique vehicles are expected.

Thompson hopes the influence brings people back to visit. “Hopefully, when they’re planning their summer vacation, they come back.”