Ocean City, New Jersey, is famous for its boardwalk, beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere. It is also home to one of the most vibrant faith-event calendars on the East Coast.
At the center of it all is the Ocean City Tabernacle, the nonprofit ministry that co-founded the city in 1879 and has anchored its spiritual life ever since. From free Sunday morning services featuring nationally recognized speakers to summer concerts, children’s programs, and community events on the Tabernacle grounds, something meaningful is happening almost every week of the summer.
Here is your guide to Christian events in Ocean City, NJ, for 2026.
Sunday Morning Services: Free and Open to Everyone
The cornerstone of the summer calendar is the weekly Sunday morning service at the Ocean City Tabernacle. Every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the Tabernacle welcomes a nationally recognized speaker—pastors, authors, theologians, athletes, and faith leaders from across the country.
Traditional Service: 8:30 a.m.
A hymn sing begins at 8:15 a.m., followed by a traditional worship service and message. The atmosphere is quiet, reflective, and deeply meaningful.
Contemporary Service: 10:30 a.m.
Modern worship music is followed by the same message. This is the most-attended service of the week, so arrive early for seating.
Both services are held at 550 Wesley Avenue, Ocean City, NJ. Both are completely free. No ticket, membership, or affiliation is required.
2026 Sunday Speaker Schedule: Highlights
| Date | Speaker | Details |
|---|---|---|
| May 25 | Rev. Chris Durkin | Senior Pastor, Colts Neck Community Church, NJ |
| June 1 | Rev. Chris Durkin | Bible teacher and conference speaker |
| June 7 | Dr. Ron Matthews | Founder, Beyond Our Generation; Bible teacher |
| June 14 | Dr. Gene Getz | Center for Church Renewal; Life Essentials Bible |
| June 21 | Rev. Chris Durkin | Senior Pastor, Colts Neck Community Church, NJ |
| June 28 | Dr. David Ashcraft | President and CEO, Global Leadership Network |
| July 5 | Dr. Ben Carson | Renowned neurosurgeon; former U.S. Cabinet Secretary |
| July 12 | Brian Dawkins | NFL Hall of Famer; founder, Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation |
| July 19 | Dr. Rob Pacienza | Senior Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian; author |
| July 26 | Susie Larson | National speaker, bestselling author, and Christian radio host |
| August 2 | Dr. Leonard Sweet | Author and theologian; more than 70 published works |
| August 9 | Rev. David Marvin | Teaching Pastor, CityBridge Community Church |
| August 16 | Ginny Owens | Award-winning singer-songwriter and speaker |
| August 30 | Al and Lisa Robertson | Duck Dynasty family; faith, marriage, and discipleship |
See the complete 2026 speaker schedule for additional speakers and dates.
Sunday Evening Concerts
Throughout the summer, the Tabernacle hosts Sunday evening concerts in its 1,000-seat, air-conditioned auditorium. The concerts span Christian music genres, from praise and worship to gospel, Southern gospel, and contemporary Christian music.
The 2026 season includes performances by The Collingsworth Family and Point of Grace, among others. Visit the special events page for schedules and ticket information.
Farmers Market: Wednesday Mornings, June Through August
The Ocean City Tabernacle Farmers Market runs on the Tabernacle grounds at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue every Wednesday morning from June through August, 8:00 a.m. to noon. Fresh produce, local vendors, crafters, and neighbors gather on the same grounds where worship happens on Sundays—a distinctly Ocean City experience.
The Farmers Market is free to attend and open to everyone.
Camp Sonshine: Summer Day Camp for Children
Camp Sonshine is the Tabernacle’s summer day camp for children, running Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings in July and August. It is built around a simple conviction: children can enjoy a genuinely fun summer experience while learning about faith and the love of God.
- Hours: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Camp weeks: July 21–23, July 28–30, August 4–6, August 11–13, and August 18–20
- Cost: $15–$55 per child, per week, based on school-lunch status
Registration is required, and space is limited. Visit the Camp Sonshine page for details.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School at the Tabernacle is one of the summer’s signature children’s programs—a full week of Bible stories, activities, music, and community for children of all ages. Visit the Ocean City Tabernacle website for 2026 dates and registration.
Legacy Sunday: August 2
Legacy Sunday is a special annual service honoring the trustees and longtime supporters who have made the Tabernacle’s ministry possible across generations. In 2026, Legacy Sunday falls on August 2, with Dr. Leonard Sweet as the featured speaker. It is a meaningful moment in the Tabernacle’s journey toward its 150th anniversary in 2029.
The Antique Auto Show: June 27
The Tabernacle grounds host the Annual Antique Auto Show, featuring more than 300 vintage vehicles from the region. The 2026 show is June 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a boardwalk parade to follow. It is free to attend.
Plan Your Visit
Sunday morning services are free and open to all—no reservation or membership is needed. Simply arrive at 550 Wesley Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226, and find a seat. The 1,000-seat sanctuary is air-conditioned. Street parking is available nearby; plan to arrive 20–30 minutes early for the 10:30 a.m. service.
For the full event calendar, concert listings, children’s program registration, and more, visit octabernacle.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sunday services at the Ocean City Tabernacle free?
Yes. The 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services are free and open to everyone throughout the summer. No ticket, membership, or affiliation is required.
What Christian events are happening in Ocean City, NJ, in 2026?
The Tabernacle hosts free Sunday services, evening concerts, the Wednesday Farmers Market, Camp Sonshine, Vacation Bible School, Legacy Sunday, and community events throughout the season.
Who is speaking at the Ocean City Tabernacle in 2026?
The season includes Dr. Ben Carson, Brian Dawkins, Dr. Rob Pacienza, Susie Larson, Dr. Leonard Sweet, and Al and Lisa Robertson, among others.
Is there a children’s summer program?
Yes. Camp Sonshine runs Tuesday through Thursday mornings during selected weeks in July and August. Vacation Bible School is also offered during the summer. Registration is required.
Where is the Ocean City Tabernacle?
The Ocean City Tabernacle is at 550 Wesley Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226, near the corner of Asbury Avenue and Sixth Street.
Partner With Us
Each season, the Tabernacle becomes a place where people gather to hear the Word of God, worship together, and be renewed in their faith. Your support helps make that possible—strengthening a ministry that proclaims the Gospel, invests in the next generation, and provides a place where residents and visitors alike can encounter truth, encouragement, and community. By partnering with the Tabernacle, you are helping ensure that this work continues with clarity, purpose, and lasting impact.
