What to Expect at Sunfest This Fall

What’s an outdoor festival without great music? Sunfest brings in more than 20 live acts covering a range of genres. The best part? It’s all free! This year’s artists include The Amish Outlaws, Tropidelic, Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band, Fade to Black: A Metallica Tribute, Strange Souls: The Reimagined Doors, and so many more! Grab a spot in the sunshine and enjoy the tunes all weekend long.

Sunfest is a paradise for shoppers and art lovers! With over 200 vendors, you're sure to find something you love. Explore everything from hand-thrown pottery and blown glass to jewelry, photography, textiles, and home décor. It’s the perfect chance to discover one-of-a-kind treasures, pick up a gift, or even start your holiday shopping a little bit early.

No festival is complete without food, and Sunfest is a foodie’s dream. From pit beef, cheesesteaks, and pierogis to crepes, cookies, kettle corn, and funnel cakes, there is without a doubt something for everyone! Attendees 21+ may enjoy their bites alongside a local craft beer or glass of wine. Come hungry, because you’ll want to taste a little bit of everything! Here are all of the food options that you can expect to see.

Sunfest’s family-friendly environment is great for bringing along kids of all ages. The festival will include plenty of fall-themed activities to help everyone get into the spirit, including the Drive in Disguise Jeep Parade, Trunk or Treat (a favorite among kiddos!), the Halloween Beach Maze, and even hay rides!

The dog portion of Sunfest has quickly become a favorite among attendees! Over the four festival days, a number of events will feature our furry friends. The Delmarva Dock Dogs will make their return to the festival, allowing both novice and experienced dogs to compete in dock jumping competitions to see which pups can jump the farthest, swim the fastest, and leap the highest.

On Sunday, the Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade and Pageant will return, and dogs will walk the boardwalk (accompanied by their owners) to show off their Halloween costumes and compete for prizes.

In addition to these events, leashed dogs are permitted throughout the festival grounds, making Sunfest a great event for truly the entire family!

Cycling fans and bicycle enthusiasts will want to stick around for Saturday’s Beachin’ Bikes Show-N-Shine and Swap Meet. From vintage rides to modern builds, you’ll see some incredible bikes on display. Entrants can show off their bikes and compete for prizes in the Show-N-Shine competition and then peruse bikes, parts, and gear during the Swap Meet!

Additionally, October means Boardwalk biking is allowed, and bikers are permitted to pedal the full 2.9-mile stretch until noon during Sunfest weekend!

Learn more about the bike events or register to participate here.

Bonfire lovers, have no fear! The Sunfest Beach Bonfire will make its return on Saturday from 5:30-7pm. Grab something to eat from one of the delicious food vendors, bring along your towel or beach chair, and head to the sand to enjoy the cozy fire.

The Great Pumpkin Race is another iconic OCtoberfest/Sunfest event that will return this season. During the race, both child and adult pumpkin engineers will compete to see who has the most efficiently assembled pumpkin chariot!

Entrants will decorate their pumpkin as they see fit, and then they’ll attach axles and wheels. Nothing electronic is allowed. During the competition, contestants will place their pumpkins at the top of a ramp, and then release them in head-to-head races.

Want in? Sign up here and we’ll see you on October 26th to see if your pumpkin-on-wheels contraption crosses the finish line first!

This year, there is a special addition joining the list of Sunfest activities: a community mural! To commemorate the Town’s 150th Anniversary, Sunfest attendees may make their mark on a lasting piece of art. There will also be a unique photo op spot, allowing everyone to capture their time at Sunfest with a photo memory!