The OOB Pier
500 feet into the Atlantic. Six rebuilds. Frank Sinatra. Charles Levine's transatlantic landing. The social heart of OOB.
Updated May 2026
The current Pier
Rebuilt in 1980 after the 1969 fire that destroyed most of the previous structure. The deck has been modified since, it's a working commercial pier with souvenir shops, bars, casual dining, and Pier Fries at the entrance.
The 1898 original
Steel construction, 1,770 feet long, at the time the longest pier in the world. Built for $38,000. Hosted ballroom dancing on the casino at the seaward end. Burned in a 1907 fire.
The casino era (1920s, 30s)
The big-band era put OOB on the national map. Frank Sinatra, Rudy Vallee, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong all played the Pier ballroom. The Quebec summer crowd packed the deck.
The 1969 fire
Destroyed most of the Pier. The 1980 rebuild produced the much shorter 500-foot deck you walk on today.
Pier Fries
The iconic stand at the entrance. Owned by Allan and Tiffany Buotte. Vinegar and salt is the standard order. Lines stretch down Old Orchard Street on weekends.
Other Pier businesses
Seasonal souvenir shops, bars, and casual dining run the length of the deck, most operate Memorial Day to Labor Day, with limited shoulder weekends.
Thursday fireworks
Every Thursday evening from June 20 through August 22 in 2026, 9:45pm. Sponsored by Palace Playland and the Pier. Best viewing is from the beach south of the Pier or the upper deck. See Thursday fireworks.
4th of July fireworks
Special extended display on July 4. Bigger crowd than the Thursday shows; arrive early for beach space.
Year-round vs seasonal businesses
The Pier itself is open to walk on year-round. Most retail and food on the deck is closed November through April. Joseph's by the Sea and Brunswick Restaurant nearby stay open year-round.
Compiled from Town of Old Orchard Beach, RSU 23, FEMA, Maine Revenue Service, US Census, MLS, and field interviews. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed; verify before any transaction.