To get to the outlets, there's free shuttle service all day from various hotels. Once there, sign in at Factory Brand Shoes for a free shopping bag and a Preferred Shoppers Card with numerous coupons. You can also ask about Rodney Rate deals. The factory outlets are at 12741 Ocean Gateway (Route 50) and Golf Course Road, West Ocean City, 410-213-7898, ocfactoryoutlets.com.
Free or nearly so
* Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. : From the booty recovered from ancient shipwrecks to old-fashioned swimsuits, check out the items at this museum at the south end of the boardwalk. The museum will offer free morning programs at 10:30 all summer. Topics vary daily and will include beach safety, aquarium feeding, knot-tying and a session on sharks. Admission fees are just $3 for adults, and free for kids younger than 6.
* Family Movie Nights : on the beach at 27th Street every Monday and Friday, 7:30 to 10:30 (June 29-Aug. 14). Gather for fun activities such as arts and crafts and games during the first hour, with the movie starting at approximately 8:45 p.m., weather permitting.
* Concerts on the Beach. : The free performances take place at North Division Street on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (July 15-Sept. 2; no concert July 29). The stage will be set up just steps from the boardwalk. Bring your beach chairs and/or beach blankets, then sit back and enjoy the show.
* Bonfires on the Beach. : This weekly program will return to the beach at North Division Street for its eighth season on Thursdays at 9 p.m. (July 9-Aug. 27). Bring beach chairs and blankets, and gather around the bonfire for a fireside chat, with entertaining topics by various speakers.
* Sundaes in the Park. : The family concert series will continue on Sundays in Northside Park, 127th Street, bayside (July 12-Aug. 27). The music begins at 6 p.m.; visitors can make their own sundaes for a small fee. There's also entertainment for kids.
* Festivals. : Two ethnic festivals are being planned at Sunset Park on the bayside in Ocean City's downtown at South Division Street. Polish Festival Night is slated for July 28, and Greek Festival Night is scheduled for Aug. 25. Both events will feature music (food and drink items are not free). The festivals will run 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Information
* Ocean City Convention and Visitors Bureau and Department of Tourism, ococean.com or ocvisitor.com.
* Worcester County Tourism, visitworcester.org.
