Sunfest, now in its 48th year, is gearing up for an exciting celebration with a fresh lineup of attractions to thrill both loyal patrons and newcomers. This iconic end-of-season festival boasts an array of activities, from beach bonfires and dazzling fireworks to pumpkin races, beach mazes, vibrant parades, and a mouthwatering variety of food options.

Highlighting the event are 200 arts and crafts vendors and an incredible four days of free concerts on two stages. With its unique offerings and revamped experience, Sunfest promises to maintain its status as the ultimate outdoor fall festival in the region.

So, if you're looking for the perfect fall festival getaway in OCMD, here are just a few compelling reasons to secure your spot at Sunfest:

Four Days of Free Music on Two Stages!

Back to Top of List
Sunfest

You've got it right – all the musical entertainment at Sunfest is completely FREE. Visitors can revel in a diverse music lineup featuring over 20 artists spanning rock, country, reggae, and more. Alongside headline acts like Live Wire - The Ultimate AC/DC Tribute (Thursday), Ballyhoo! (Friday), Spin Doctors (Saturday), and Girlfriend In A Coma - Tribute to Morrissey & The Smiths (Sunday), Sunfest guests will be treated to an extraordinary gathering of talent rarely seen at a single event. With performances by TreeHouse, The Reagan Years, NOMaD (North of Mason Dixon), and Forever TINA!, you can catch them all on two stages over four sensational days.

Date: October 19 - 22
Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Thursday-Saturday) and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Inlet Parking Lot

VIEW MUSIC SCHEDULE
DOWNLOAD THE OCMD SPECIAL EVENTS APP

Delmarva Dock Dogs

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 bring thier pups and give it a try.  All mixes and breeds are welcome. *Small fee may apply

Event Times:

Thu Oct 19, 2023
Onsite Registration/Practice – 10:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 1 – 11:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 2 – 1:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 3 – 3:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 4 – 5:00 pm

Fri Oct 20, 2023
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 10:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 5 – 11:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 6 – 1:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 7 – 3:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 8 – 5:00 pm

Sat Oct 21, 2023
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 10:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 9 – 11:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 10 – 1:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 11 – 3:00 pm
Extreme Vertical Competition – 5:00 pm

Sun Oct 22, 2023
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 10:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 12 – 11:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 13 - 1:00 pm
Speed Retrieve (All in one Finals) – 3:00 pm
Big Air Finals start at 5:00 pm
(Pro, Semi-Pro , Contender & Amateur Finals)

BMX Freestyle Exhibition & Workshop

Back to Top of List
BXM Freestyle at Sunfest

Get ready to be wowed by the thrilling BMX freestyle show featuring jaw-dropping stunts and high-flying action!

Date: October 19-22
Time: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Thursday - Saturday & 10am - 4:30pm:  Sunday
Location: Inlet Parking Lot

Bike de Beach

Back to Top of List
Sunfest Sprint Bike Races

 

SUNFEST '23 embraces pedal power with exclusive biking events. While the boardwalk typically restricts biking after 12 Noon during the festival, a special exception is granted for this weekend.

Kickstart the day with the Sunray Bicycle Sprint Race, where riders will push their pedals harder and faster against the clock. This race offers two distances: 200 Meters for those aged 15 and over, and 50 Meters for our younger competitive riders. Two riders will dash north on the Boardwalk from the Amusement Pier to Talbot Street, with awards for the best times at the finish line. 

After the sprint race, don't miss the Beachin' Bikes Show-N-Shine & Swap Meet. It's your chance to showcase your vintage, modern, or custom bikes and participate in judging. You can also show, sell, or trade bicycle-related products and parts. Check the event website for times and how to register.

Pumpkin Races

Back to Top of List
Pumpkin Race at Sunfest

It doesn't take a fairy godmother to get these pumpkins rolling. On Sunday, 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
Registration:  11:30am - 12:30pm
Races Begin:  1:00pm 

Register Online

Artistry & Craftsmanship Showcase

Back to Top of List
Springfest Vendors

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.  Download the app to learn more.

Date: October 19 - 22
Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Thursday-Saturday) and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Inlet Parking Lot

Saturday Beach Bonfire, Reggae and Fireworks

Back to Top of List
Sunfest Fireworks

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 TreeHouse. Bonfires will warm up the sand as the festival-goers countdown to a evening firework display.

Date: October 21
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fireworks at 7pm
Location: Inlet Parking Lot

HOWL-O-WEEN Pet Parade & Pageant

Back to Top of List
Pet_Parade_9

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 21
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm 
Location: Inlet Parking Lot
Register Online

*Rain Date: Sunday, October 22 at 11:30pm

View More Sunfest Pet Events

Beach Maze

Back to Top of List
Beach Maze at Sunfest

The Beach Maze is back, located just north of North Division Street. It's a thrilling adventure for kids of all ages, filled with laughter and shrieks of delight as they navigate the sprawling sands of the enormous beach maze. Be prepared for encounters with wicked witches, sand-dwelling pirates, eerie scarecrows, graveyard ghouls, zombies, and a trove of other exciting surprises!

Date: October 19-22
Time: 10am - 5:30pm:  Thursday - 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 $4 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 $4 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 23 visit ococean.com/sunfest or download our the free app!