8 Reasons to Make a Trip to Sunfest

Sunfest is known for its wide variety of artisan goods and crafts. Each year, creatives from all over the region bring their wares to Sunfest and showcase their talents through a display of handmade goods such as jewelry, fine art, photography, home decor, blown glass, clothing, pottery, textiles, and more. 

Keep an eye out for that perfect new decor piece for the home, pick up a new accessory for your wardrobe, or get a head start on holiday shopping! You’ll find all of that and more as you make your way through the craft tents and peruse over 200 wonderfully talented vendors.

The music is undoubtedly one of the most popular parts of Sunfest, with exciting acts drawing visitors from both near and far. 

At Sunfest 2024, enjoy live music from over 20 artists spanning multiple genres like rock, pop, and country. This year’s acts include Romeo Delight “The Ultimate Van Halen Experience,” Bumpin Uglies, Making Waves, July Moon, Davisson Brothers Band, Bob Lougheed & the Memphis Mafia “A Tribute to Elvis,” and more. 

The best part? All of the music at Sunfest is FREE and takes place outside in the OC sunshine!

Get the full lineup here.

Need to entertain the kids or grandkids, or want to have some fun of your own? Sunfest features a variety of autumn-themed experiences to help everyone get into the fall spirit! 

With events suitable for all ages, bring the whole family and cheer on your favorite Jeep in the Drive in Disguise, go for a hay ride, get lost in the Halloween Beach Maze, jump around on bounce houses, go trunk or treating, and more.

A variety of activities are available all throughout the weekend!

Need we say more? Over the weekend, check out the dog events where our furry friends are the stars of the show. There will be a Dock Dogs National Point Competition, PETx Talks, K9 Demonstrations by the Maryland State Police and Ocean City Fire Department, a Weave Poles and Agility Course, and of course, the annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade and Pageant!

The Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade and Pageant is always a favorite event, as dogs walk the boardwalk showing off their finest attire (Halloween costumes!). On Saturday, October 26^th, grab a spot along the boardwalk at 1 p.m. and watch as the parading pups compete for prizes (and lots of awwws).

Outside of the events, anyone is welcome to bring their pup to Sunfest. Starting in October, the boardwalk and beach are once again open to pets, making Sunfest a great place to include your best friend in the fun!

On Saturday, as the sun sets and the lights along the boardwalk and the pier come to life, experience bonfires right on the beach from 5-7 p.m.!

Grab a drink and snack from the food tent, bring along your beach towel or chair, grab a spot on the sand, and enjoy cozy fall feels while sitting beside a warm fire. 

Fireworks begin at 7 p.m. and make Saturday at Sunfest an evening to remember.

This year, The Great Pumpkin Race returns as kids and adults alike put their pumpkin vehicle making skills to the test. In this exhilarating display of gourd-themed creativity, entrants place their pumpkins at the top of a downward slope. Once released, the pumpkins race toward the finish line to see whose contraption gets there first. 

To enter, participants must decorate their pumpkins (as much or as little as they’d like), and attach axles and wheels. Nothing fancy or electronic is allowed, as this race is all about good old physics!

Catch a glimpse of the action on Sunday, October 27^th. The race will take place at 12 p.m. on the Boardwalk at North Division Street.

Want in on the fun? Access The Great Pumpkin Race application form here.

For bicycle enthusiasts, Saturday at Sunfest offers exciting opportunities with the Beachin’ Bikes Show-N-Shine and Swap Meet! Sunfest attendees may peruse bikes and enjoy a variety of vintage, modern, and custom bicycles, including rare and historic styles.

Show-N-Shine

Entrants interested in showing off their bicycles can enter into Show-N-Shine competition, where judges will evaluate the bikes based on criteria in a variety of categories. If you’re interested in participating in the Show-N-Shine, check out our Sunfest information for 2024 registration details. 

Swap Meet

At the Swap Meet, attendees may browse and share bikes, parts, and gear, allowing those interested to hunt for the perfect new addition to their own bike, or even trade or purchase a completed bike that’s ready to get on the road! 

Bicycling on the Boardwalk

October marks the end of boardwalk bicycle restrictions for the season. Biking is permitted on the boardwalk at any time until next spring (with the exception of during select events), allowing you to go for a nice ocean-side ride down the nearly 2.9 mile stretch. If you’re biking to Sunfest, keep an eye out for convenient designated bicycle parking areas throughout the festival grounds!

Last but not least, Sunfest is known for fantastic food. With dozens of vendors to choose from, there is certainly no shortage of delicious options! 

As always, Sunfest will feature everything from hotdogs, perogies, cheesesteaks, wraps, pit beef, gourmet pickles, and fries, to specialty crepes, home-made cookies, fruit smoothies, Dippin Dots, kettle corn, funnel cake, and so much more. Attendees over 21 years of age may also enjoy craft beer and wine.

Bring your appetite, because you’re going to want to try it all. It’s impossible to leave Sunfest hungry!

Each year, Sunfest offers a variety of live music, food, crafts, activities, and more. Whether you’re a foodie coming for the bites, a craft lover ready to explore the goods, or you just can’t wait to hear some live music in the sunshine, you’re sure to enjoy yourself at Sunfest 2024 and create memories that extend far beyond the weekend. We hope to see you at the Inlet October 24-27!