OCEAN CITY — Free family fun is returning to Ocean City for the 4^th Annual O.C.toberfest on Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25.

Come experience all the thrills of the giant Halloween Beach Maze during it’s two-weekend run. Kids of all ages, and the kids at heart, can enjoy a friendly fright as they meander the sands of the giant, bigger and better than ever, beach maze. Wicked witches, pirates of the sand, scary scarecrows, ghouls in the graveyard, creepy clowns, zombies and more will be waiting around every twist and turn.

Another event that will take place as part of the O.C.toberfest events will be the “Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade” on Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. on the Boardwalk near North Division Street. Dress up your pets and parade the boards or sit back, relax and cheer for your favorite. Lots of prizes and surprises will be awarded. While the event is free to participate, donations of pet supplies and monetary donations will be collected for the Worcester County Humane Society.

The fun continues with “The Great Pumpkin Race” on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. on the Boardwalk near North Division Street. Build your own pumpkin race car to bring and compete in this wacky and zany side-by-side downhill race. Prizes will be awarded in each division as well as for creativity. For complete rules visit www.octoberfestmd.com.

All O.C.Toberfest events are free thanks to the sponsorship by the Ocean City Mayor and City Council along with the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Advisory Board.

The giant Halloween Beach Maze will be held, weather permitting, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 18, 10 a.m-3 p.m.; Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-5 pm.; and Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade will be held Oct. 17 on the Boardwalk at North Division Street with registration starting at noon and parade at 1 p.m.

The Great Pumpkin Race will be held Oct. 24 on the Boardwalk at North Division with registration at noon and races at 1 p.m.