What to know
The Fourth Annual Unlock the Ocean ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at East 20th Street Beach in Ship Bottom. Organized by Ocean County Business Development and Tourism, the event symbolically opens the summer beach season on Long Beach Island and gives visitors, officials, and community members a short ceremonial kickoff at the shoreline. Guests should check the event organizer for any weather updates, parking guidance, and ceremony details.