New London — Ocean Beach Park, the city's 50 acres of waterfront access, will open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer season.

Fees to drive or walk into the beach have gone up this year, the first increase in about seven years, according manager Dave Sugrue.

"I think it's all right. We're still competitive compared to everyone else,'' Sugrue said. "Plus, most people see us putting money back into the buildings."

The City Council approved the new rates, which are $1 or $2 more than last year for parking and $5 more for season passes.

Passes will go on sale Monday at the beach gift shop, which is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

Leading up to the May 26 opening, the beach will be busy with a road race, a Rotary fundraiser and a tag sale to benefit the Save Ocean Beach organization, Sugrue said. The New London Rotary Club will hold its annual Brewfest tonight, which will feature more than 150 beers, food and live music. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door, and proceeds will benefit Rotary projects.

On Saturday, members of Save Ocean Beach will host its third annual "Mile Long Tag and Craft Sale" on the boardwalk. The event, which will also feature a bake sale, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Money raised at the event will be used for projects to enhance the park. Rain date is May 19.

Also on Saturday, the beach will host the James A. Greenleaf Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund River Run for the Fund. Registration for the 5K race is 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Nautilus Room at the park. The race is set to go off at 11 a.m.

The Board Walk Ice Cream Stand will also be open starting this weekend, Sugrue said.

The first of the 2012 KOOL101 Classic Car Cruise nights will take place Monday. Antique cars and motorcycles will be on display nearly every Monday night this summer in the beach parking lot. There is no charge to park during classic car night.

k.edgecomb@theday.com