Our community is about to reclaim a cherished piece of its history. The Miss New Jersey pageant is returning to the Ocean City Music Pier in 2026, reestablishing roots in a venue that proudly hosted the competition for over twenty years before it relocated to other cities, including Atlantic City.
The homecoming feels especially meaningful given reigning Miss New Jersey Belle Nicholas's already strong connection to our shores. On New Year's Day, Nicholas joined Ocean City's own royalty—Little Miss Ocean City Harper Juelg, Junior Miss Ocean City Arianna DiAntonio, and Miss Ocean City Antonella DiAntonio—for the traditional first dip in the ocean, a beloved local ritual that marks the start of each year.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to do this as Miss New Jersey," Nicholas said while warming up after the chilly plunge, "and how special is it to do it here in Ocean City?"
Beloved Boardwalk Parade Returns
The pageant's return brings with it a public celebration that many longtime residents will remember fondly: the Miss New Jersey "Show Us Your Shoes" Parade. Scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 17, the parade will wind along the Ocean City Boardwalk as contestants ride in convertibles, dressed in creative costumes and showcasing elaborately decorated footwear.
This tradition echoes the famous boardwalk parade once tied to the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, which drew massive crowds before the national competition departed in 2005. Now, our community gets to experience that magic once again, right here on our own boardwalk.
Competition Schedule and Local Legacy
The preliminary competitions at the Music Pier are set for 8 p.m. on June 18 and 19, with the finals taking place at 8 p.m. on June 20. The Miss New Jersey Teen Competition will be held at 1 p.m. that same Saturday, giving younger contestants their moment in the spotlight.
Atlantic and Cape May counties have long been powerhouses in the state program, producing multiple Miss New Jersey winners throughout the years. Local preliminary pageants—including Miss Cape May County, Miss Ocean View, and Miss Avalon, among others—serve as crucial stepping stones for young women aspiring to represent our state on a larger stage.
The return of this storied competition to Ocean City represents more than just an event coming home—it's a renewal of our community's commitment to celebrating achievement, talent, and the aspirations of young women from across New Jersey. Mark your calendars for June, and get ready to welcome Miss New Jersey back where she belongs.
