Sunfest marks its 47th year by taking advantage of new dates and a modified lineup of attractions to excite loyal customers and new guests. The historic end-of-season festival features various activities, including beach bonfires, fireworks, pumpkin races, beach mazes, parades, and plenty of food.
Most notable are 200 arts and crafts vendors and four days of free concerts on two stages. With one-of-a-kind items and activities, the reimagined Sunfest event will undoubtedly continue to be a favorite outdoor fall festival in the region.
Here are just a few reasons why you should book your perfect fall festival stay in OCMD during Sunfest:
Four Days of Free Music on Two Stages!
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You heard us right - the music entertainment at Sunfest is entirely FREE. Visitors can enjoy an eclectic music lineup of more than 20 artists across the spectrum of rock, country, reggae, and more. In addition to Super TransAm (Thursday), Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (Friday), Gold Dust Woman (Saturday), and The Reagan Years (Sunday), guests of Sunfest can enjoy a wide array of talent rarely booked together for the same event. Including Lombardy, Kristen and The Noise, Jordan Matthew Young with special guest Little Rock and a tribute to Earth Wind and Fire will be performing on two stages over four days.
Date: October 20-23
Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Thursday-Saturday) and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Inlet Parking Lot
Delmarva Dock Dogs
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Delmarva Dock Dogs, an affiliate of DockDogs Worldwide, is a premiere dock jumping organization, making its Sunfest debut Friday-Sunday. Each dog is a star on the dock, from the smallest Novice jumper to the biggest ultimate high flyer. Disciplines include Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. Participants are encouraged to register online for this event, and All mixes and breeds are welcome.
Date: October 20-22
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Inlet Parking Lot
Shore Craft Beer Garden by Burley Oak
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Quench your thirst with six craft beers on tap at Sunfest's first ever Shore Craft Beer Garden by Burly Oak. Located inside festival grounds, visitors can enjoy hand-crafted brews from around the region, including Suntoberfest (Ocean City's Oktoberfest beer) and other seasonal varieties like Sorry Chicky, Bilsner, and Lost IPA. A commemorative stainless-steel pint is available for $15. Proceeds from the beer garden benefit OCDC.
Date: October 20-23
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Inlet Parking Lot
Bike de Beach
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On Friday, October 21, enjoy outdoor activity and the fun of the Mayor's Boardwalk Bike Ride, Sunray Bicycle Sprint Race, Bike de Beach Swap Meet, and Show N Shine. Although biking on the Boardwalk is not historically permitted after noon this time of year, a special exception was made for this brand new bicycle event.
Date: October 21
Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Inlet Parking Lot & Sunset Park
Pumpkin Races
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It doesn't take a fairy godmother to get these pumpkins rolling. On Saturday, October 22, friends of all ages are invited to create their Pumpkin Racer at Sunfest. Handcrafted, decorated pumpkins race side-by-side in a silly, suspenseful, and dramatic display of American creativity. Excitement builds as Pumpkin Racers battle head-to-head for the coveted Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy. Other prizes are also awarded. Participants are encouraged to register in advance, but you can also join in on the fun onsite.
Date: October 22
Time: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Inlet Parking Lot
Artistry & Craftsmanship Showcase
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Get your holiday shopping done early this year from our selection of over 200 vendors. A wide variety of handmade merchandise will be available, including paintings, photographs, wood crafts, pottery, glassware, furniture, specialty foods, floral arrangements, baskets, candles, soap, jewelry, clothing, and more.
Date: October 20-23
Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Thursday-Saturday) and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Inlet Parking Lot
Beach Bonfire, Reggae and Fireworks
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Saturday evening, Sunfest lays out a special night of music, fun, and fireworks! As Sunfest grounds wrap up for the evening, the beach stage welcomes the sounds of Rising Sun Reggae. Bonfires will warm up the sand as the festival-goers countdown to a evening firework display.
Date: October 22
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Inlet Parking Lot
HOWL-O-WEEN Pet Parade & Pageant
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On the boardwalk and on Sunfest grounds, pets and their owners can partake in the Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade and Pageant. In the spirit of Halloween, contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pets in fun costumes. Proceeds benefits the Worcester County Humane Society. Register yourself and your pet in this year's fun event.
Date: October 23
Time: 12p.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Inlet Parking Lot
Register Online
Beach Maze
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The Beach Maze returns just north of North Division Street. Children of all ages can enjoy a pleasant scream and laugh as they meander the sands of the giant beach maze. Wicked witches, pirates of the sand, scary scarecrows, ghouls in the graveyard, zombies and more treasures will add to the excitement.
Date: October 20-23
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Thursday- Saturday) and 10 a.m. - 3p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Just north of North Division Street
Due to limited parking in the downtown area and no parking in the Inlet Parking Lot, the Town of Ocean City will provide dedicated transportation to and from the event. The Coastal Highway Beach Bus will operate for only $3 all-day boarding. Take advantage of the town's park and ride location on Route 50 in West Ocean City. Park your car for free and ride the shuttle to Sunfest for a $3 all-day boarding pass. An exact fair is required. For more transportation information, visit: www.oceancitymd.gov.
Helpful Links:
Book Your Stay for Sunfest
Boardwalk Trams Schedule
Coastal Highway Beach Bus Schedule
Express Beach Bus Shuttle Schedule
For more information on Sunfest 22 visit ococean.com/sunfest