The Art League of Ocean City's pARTy of the Year Is SOLD OUT!

We’re thrilled to be welcoming a full house to An Evening in Rivendell at The Hobbit Restaurant!

But even if you won’t be joining us in person, there are still plenty of ways to get involved, support the Art League of Ocean City, and even win!

The Online Auction is Open

Our pARTy of the Year Online Auction is open and items are available to view and bid on now!

Please share the auction with your friends and family. It is an important part of our pARTy of the Year fundraising, and anyone can participate — you do not need to attend the dinner to bid and support the Art League.

The auction will remain open through October 13 at midnight, and new items will continue to be added throughout the auction. Be sure to check back frequently for updates!

CLICK HERE TO BID!

Win Big in Our Trip of a Lifetime Raffle

WIN $5,000 CASH or $5,000 Travel Voucher!

Where will your next adventure take you?

Enter for your chance to win $5,000 toward the trip of your dreams—or choose the $5,000 cash prize instead!

$100 per ticket
6 tickets for $500 (Best Odds!)
ONLY 350 TICKETS AVAILABLE

Dreaming of Europe? A tropical getaway? A cruise? Or maybe you'd rather take the cash? The choice is yours!

The winning ticket will be drawn at the pARTy of the Year on October 6, and every ticket purchased supports the Art League's programs and mission. Need not be present to win.

Every ticket purchased helps support the Art League of Ocean City's free exhibitions, educational programs, scholarships, outreach initiatives, summer camps, and opportunities for local artists.

Trip of a Lifetime Raffle sponsored by Oasis Travel

pARTy of the Year:
An Evening in Rivendell

An extraordinary evening awaits…

Join the Art League of Ocean City on Tuesday, October 6 at The Hobbit Restaurant for our annual pARTy of the Year fundraiser.

This year’s celebration will transport guests to an enchanting setting inspired by The Hobbit, with an elegant atmosphere, a sit-down dinner, and a memorable evening in support of the arts in our community.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
6 - 9pm
$250 per person

The Hobbit Restaurant
121 81st Street, Ocean City, MD 21842

The Evening Will Feature:

Fine dining & premium drinks
Open bar
Silent auction
Golden-hour bay views
Cocktail attire / fantasy elegance encouraged

Your support helps the Art League continue bringing art programs, scholarships, exhibitions, and creative opportunities to our community.

Assigned Seating

To create an enjoyable dining experience for all guests, assigned seating will be provided for this intimate, plated dinner at The Hobbit Restaurant.

Guests whose tickets are purchased together will be seated together. If you are purchasing tickets separately from friends or family and would like to be seated together, you may submit a seating request during checkout. We will make every effort to accommodate these requests; however, seating requests between separate purchases cannot be guaranteed.

If sitting with a companion is a priority, we encourage selecting a sponsorship level of $1,000 or above, which includes admission for two guests. For larger groups wishing to sit together, we recommend selecting a sponsorship level that includes a private table.

Due to the intimate setting and limited seating, we appreciate your understanding as we work to create the best possible experience for every guest.

Accessibility

Please note that a large portion of the seating at The Hobbit Restaurant is booth seating, and we are unable to guarantee traditional chair seating for every guest. If you would prefer or require a chair rather than a booth, please contact Jessica Bauer at development@artleagueofoceancity.org. We will make every effort to accommodate your request, although specific seating arrangements cannot be guaranteed.

Guests should also be aware that, depending on your assigned seating location, you may need to navigate steps during the event. If steps present an accessibility concern, please let us know in advance so that we can make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Sponsorships

Make your evening in Rivendell even more memorable while supporting the arts in our community! Sponsorship opportunities range from $500–$10,000 and include special benefits such as event admission, elevated menu options, recognition at the event, raffle tickets, private seating at select levels, commemorative gifts, and more.

Your support helps the Art League of Ocean City continue providing art programs, scholarships, exhibitions, and creative opportunities throughout our community.

To receive full sponsorship benefits, please reserve your sponsorship by September 21, 2026.

For sponsorship availability, contact Jessica Bauer at development@artleagueofoceancity.org or 410-524-9433 x105.

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP PACKET

Menu

General Admission Menu

Appetizers (Passed):

Scallops rumaki
Fried duck confit cigars
Vegetarian spring rolls
Thai Shrimp “Corn Dogs” with smoked chili relish and Thai mustard

Second Course:

House salad served with our homemade creamy Italian dressing.

Main Course (Choice of):

Single Hobbit Crabcake- 5 oz. all Maryland jumbo lump crabcake served with
mashed potatoes and vegetable of the day.
Hunter’s Chicken - Pan roasted airline chicken breast with roasted mushrooms,
mashed potatoes, and truffle spiked jus
Swiss Steak Short Rib - Tomato jus braised short rib, roasted mushrooms,
caramelized onions, gruyere cream, onion crisps, and mashed potatoes
Horseradish Crusted Salmon - Maple roasted fall squash, celery root puree,
pancetta, sage, maple balsamic reduction, and tarragon oil
Vegan/Vegetarian option - Moroccan spiced grilled vegetable skewer of mushrooms,
eggplant, and onion. Served over fruited couscous with spicy harissa sauce, baby
carrots, almonds, and smoked olives

Dessert

Sorbet
Mary's Delight: The Hobbit specialty for over 45 years. Crushed walnut crust, thin layer of sweetened cream cheese, chocolate pudding, homemade whipped cream

Sponsor Menu

Appetizers (served family style at table):

Mini Lobster rolls
Crab beignets with remoulade and house pickles
Blackened lollipop Lamb chops with honey aioli
Baked oysters with spinach and country ham hollandaise

Second Course:

Fall Salad - Baby arugula tossed in maple & pumpkin seed oil dressing, served with
smoked cheddar cheese, pickled onions, Granny Smith apples, and candied pecans

Main Course (Choice of):

Steak & Cake - comprised of a 5 oz. all Maryland jumbo lump crabcake and 5 oz.
Angus filet mignon served with demi glaze, mashed potatoes and vegetable of the
day.
Hunter’s Chicken- Pan roasted airline chicken breast with roasted mushrooms,
mashed potatoes, and truffle spiked jus
Swiss Steak Short Rib - Tomato jus braised short rib, roasted mushrooms,
caramelized onions, gruyere cream, onion crisps, and mashed potatoes
Horseradish Crusted Salmon - Maple roasted fall squash, celery root puree,
pancetta, sage, maple balsamic reduction, and tarragon oil
Vegan/Vegetarian option - Moroccan spiced grilled vegetable skewer of mushrooms,
eggplant, and onion. Served over fruited couscous with spicy harissa sauce, baby
carrots, almonds, and smoked olives

Dessert (Choice of):

Crème Brulee
Sorbet
Mary's Delight: The Hobbit specialty for over 45 years. Crushed walnut crust, thin layer of sweetened cream cheese, chocolate pudding, homemade whipped cream

All sponsors receive a beautiful take home box of candies and chocolates curated by Candy Kitchen Shoppes.

About the Art League of Ocean City

Founded in 1963 by a small group of local artists, the nonprofit 501c3 Art League of Ocean City has grown into one of the Eastern Shore’s most respected cultural institutions. It offers more than art—it offers belonging. With a commitment to accessibility, the Art League provides free programming that reaches people of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to creativity. From family art days to inclusive workshops and community-wide events, the League's free offerings have made it a lifeline for students, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. It stands as a place where art uplifts everyone, not just a privileged few.

At the heart of it all is a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who see art as a necessity—for individuals and for community. The staff is small but mighty, driven by a shared belief that art can educate, inspire, and transform. They are curators, teachers, advocates, and mentors, often wearing all these hats in a single day. And behind them stands an ever-growing army of volunteers—retired teachers, working artists, students, and long-time residents—who give generously of their time and talents, from helping hang shows to organizing community events.

The Art League is perhaps best known for its dynamic calendar of exhibitions, changing monthly to spotlight emerging and established artists alike. Over 2,300 works were exhibited last year alone, offering artists a vital platform and giving audiences a chance to see their own community reflected in oil, clay, wood, and glass. Admission to the galleries is always free. On any given day, a family visiting the beach might wander in and discover the work of a local painter, while a seasoned collector might come specifically to meet a featured artist and discuss their process.

But the Art League’s impact reaches far beyond gallery walls. Its programs meet people where they are—across ages, abilities, and life circumstances. Free Family Art Days bring together parents and children, some of whom have never picked up a paintbrush before. After-school art programs reach underserved youth in Worcester County, providing not just creativity, but confidence. Veterans find healing in expressive arts workshops, while adults with disabilities find community and joy in inclusive classes designed for every ability.

Signature events throughout the year anchor the Art League’s presence on the Eastern Shore. The Ocean City Film Festival, Artists Paint OC Plein Air competition, and the glamorous pARTy of the Year celebration all bring diverse audiences together around a shared love for the arts. These events draw visitors from across the region and beyond—but they also create economic impact, supporting local businesses and tourism during off-peak seasons.

What makes the Art League of Ocean City truly exceptional is its belief that art belongs to everyone. Whether it's offering scholarships to young artists, providing free supplies for community projects, or making space for a first-time exhibitor to share their work with the world, this organization continually asks: Who else can we welcome in?

And for over sixty years, the answer has been: everyone.

2026 pARTy of the Year

Purchase Raffle Tickets & Bid in Our Online Auction!