OCEAN CITY, Md. — The first-ever Boardwalk Rock festival electrified downtown Ocean City this past weekend, drawing large crowds and delivering a significant boost to local businesses. Featuring major acts like Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Nickelback, and Def Leppard, the event quickly sold out, filling streets and parking lots by midday both days. Visitors arrived via car, bike, bus, and on foot, many parking in West Ocean City and crossing the Route 50 bridge to reach the festivities. Local merchants reported unprecedented foot traffic. One downtown coffee shop manager described lines extending out the door for hours during peak morning times. The surge in visitors brought welcomed early-season business after a typically slow period. Attendees came from as far as Pennsylvania, with many expressing plans to return next year. Festival-goers praised the event’s impact on the town’s economy and atmosphere, with some already looking forward to upcoming Ocean City events, including Country Calling later this year. City officials see the successful launch as a promising sign for future festivals aimed at extending the tourism season and increasing revenue for Ocean City businesses. The Boardwalk Rock festival’s strong debut underscores the value of major events in stimulating local economies while enhancing community engagement.
