Travel Itinerary: Your Guide to Sunfest Weekend

On Thursday, October 22, the Sunfest gates will open at 10am! The excitement starts as soon as you step into the festival grounds. Six bands will grace the Beach and Midway stages on Thursday, (with 20+ playing over the course of the weekend!). Stop by each stage to see performances from Rick K, Smiths Cover Band: Girlfriend in a Coma, The Dunehounds, Michael Sky Band, Us and Floyd: New York’s Pink Floyd Tribute Band, and a TBD act (stay tuned!). Here’s the full music schedule.

After taking in the tunes, the Arts & Crafts are ready to welcome you in for some exploring! Browse unique goods from over 200 vendors. You can expect an array of artists and exhibitors featuring everything from clothing, textiles, paintings, jewelry, and metal works to glass, photography, pottery, and more!

Get into the fall spirit with a seaside tractor ride! One of Sunfest's most beloved traditions, breathe in the crisp, salty fall air as you cruise along the coast, soaking in the sights and sounds of the beach in autumn. It’s a fun activity for all ages and can be enjoyed 11am-6pm daily ($).

Finally, close out your Thursday with a visit to the Performing Arts Center to see Elton Dan & the Rocket Band! It’s sure to be a great night.

It’s time for day two of Sunfest! Exciting live performances will take place from Pistol Whipped, Cash Only: A Tribute to the Man in Black, High Noon Band, Van Hagar - Sammy Years!! Van Halen Tribute, Here’s to the Night (90s & 00s Tribute), and The Land of Ozz: Honoring the Legacy of Ozzy Osbourne. Get the full music schedule here!

Another weekend long event is a crowd favorite: Dock Dogs! Head over to the Dock Dogs arena to watch pups compete for the longest and highest jumps. Friday’s competitions begin at 10am, with more opportunities to watch spanning over the course of the weekend. Get the full schedule here.

This year, Wine on the Beach is part of Sunfest! This annual event is taking place right inside the festival grounds, allowing attendees to enjoy the live Sunfest music and delicious food while sipping wines from a variety of vineyards. The event will run inside of Sunfest on Friday and Saturday from 11am-7pm (sampling until 6pm). A ticket is required for admission into the Wine on the Beach area. Get your tickets here!

Grab a bite from the food trucks and then check out the Midway vendors located outside of the artisan tents around the grounds! You’ll find a variety of brands, some that you recognize and some new! From cutting-edge technology to stylish clothing and accessories, you're sure to find something that catches your eye.

Once your Sunfest fun wraps up for the day, journey up to the Performing Arts Center for the second PAC show of the weekend! Friday night will feature Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney.

This year, Sunfest welcomes a fun new addition: morning beach yoga! This has been a hit the last couple of years at Springfest, so bringing it to Sunfest was an obvious move. The session will take place at 9am on the beach in front of the Sunfest grounds. Feel the ocean breeze as you enjoy a relaxing flow led by Lish from Pure Yoga, and end your session with a complementary cup of Rise Up coffee! It’s free to participate (donations accepted). Register here.

Saturday’s music will feature City Groove Band, Chris Sacks Band, REAL DIAMOND: Tribute to Neil Diamond, Romeo Delight: America’s Van Halen Experience, Triple Rail Turn, and Matthew & Gunnar NELSON. Here’s the full music schedule!

After that yoga class and some music watching, you’re sure to have an appetite! Head to the festival food tent to grab something you love, like perogies, gyros, bbq, or crab cakes!

What's better than a dog dressed up in a costume? Dozens of dogs dressed up in costumes! Head to the boardwalk at N. Division Street at noon for the Pets in Disguise: A Sunfest Halloween Pet Celebration! During this event, dogs parade down the boardwalk as they compete for who has the most Halloween spirit. It’s free to spectate and participate, but registration is required.

The annual Drive in Disguise will kick off at 3pm! Dozens of Jeeps decked out in festive decor will make their way down the sand from 30th Street south to Caroline Street. It’s so much fun to watch! Anywhere between those streets is a good spot to stop and take in the view. Once the Jeeps complete their route, they will set up between Caroline Street and the pier for the annual Trunk or Treat! This is estimated to begin around 3:30/3:45 and will run until the candy is gone (it goes fast!). During the Trunk or Treat, enjoy music from DJ Rupe!

Beginning around 4:45 will be a Beach Bonfire! Sit around the fire and relax as you enjoy music taking place on the beach stage from Matthew & Gunnar NELSON (5:30-7pm). Once their show wraps up, stick around for fireworks at 7pm!

Last but not least, round out your Sunfest Saturday with another Performing Arts Center show! The night will be headlined by Black Tie Optional: A Tribute to Michael Bublé & Beyond. It’s going to be a great time.

Sunday offers another opportunity to kickstart your day with morning beach yoga! Everything is the same: the flow kicks off at 9am on the beach in front of the Sunfest grounds, and it is free to participate (donations accepted)! Register here.

Sunday’s music consists of a variety. Enjoy grooving along to Island Fusion, Erich Cawalla’s Uptown Band, The Amish Outlaws, Luke Borchelt, NEW NORMAL, and Guys in Thin Ties (get the full schedule here!).

Sunday is the perfect time to make your way into the Gourmet Food Tent! Another Springfest addition that has made its way to Sunfest, the gourmet tent offers delicious food items like small-batch jams, key lime pies, infused olive oils, specialty spreads, and other gourmet finds that are perfect for taking home or gifting.

Bike enthusiasts, Sunday is your day! The annual Show-N-Shine & Swap Meet offers two opportunities to showcase your wares. Bring your vintage, modern or custom bikes to show and participate in judging, and/or show, sell or trade bicycle-related products and parts. It kicks off at 10am, and judging will take place from 2:30pm to 5:00pm with awards presented prior to 5:30pm. Registration is required (free to attend and participate!).