OC Rock and Ride will return for its second iteration this fall, with some assistance from the Town of Ocean City.
During Tuesday’s work session, the City Council agreed to move forward with a three-year contract with the motorcycle rally’s promoter, Kickin Events, and to waive rental fees for the use of both the inlet and convention center parking lots in 2026. Organizer Matt Odachowski said the city’s support would allow his team to create a more sustainable event.
“Looking back at all the expenses that we had, with previous issues that have happened before our time, and just moving forward and looking forward, in order for us to be more sustainable, we’re looking at some relief there to capture moving forward,” he said.
Last spring, the council agreed to allow the Odachowskis — father Matt and son Tyler — to produce the 2025 motorcycle rally through their new production company Kickin Events. The council’s decision came after it was announced that former OC Bikefest promoter OC Jams had failed to pay rent and lease fees as outlined in its agreement with the city.
In an effort to keep the event going, the council also agreed to waive Kickin Events’ ticket fees for 2025 and 2026 and facility usage fees for 2025.
Last year, with the council’s support – and a new agreement in hand – the Odachowskis began the task of booking national and regional bands, securing vendors and sponsors, and obtaining a county liquor license, with less than four months remaining until the event’s kickoff.
In a show of good will, the organizers also agreed to honor the $130,000 worth of tickets sold by the previous promoter before it defaulted on the terms of its contract.