OCtoberfest 2026 Returns to Ocean City During Sunfest Weekend

Ocean City’s fall festival calendar is getting another waterfront highlight. Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest returns Saturday, October 24, 2026, with local craft beverages, live music, food trucks, regional vendors and wide-open views of the bay.

Yes, OCtoberfest 2026 is back in October. After the 2025 festival fell on November 1, the 12th annual celebration returns to its namesake month—and it lands right in the middle of Sunfest weekend.

The festival takes place on the waterfront lawn outside the Cambria Hotel in downtown Ocean City, close to the Route 50 bridge. Whether you are planning a full fall getaway or looking for something different to do after a morning at Sunfest, here is what to know before you go.

See tickets, festival details and the latest OCtoberfest updates

2026 Ocean City OCtoberfest Quick Facts

• Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

• Location: Waterfront lawn outside the Cambria Hotel, 13 Saint Louis Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland

• VIP hours: 12:30–4:30 p.m.

• General admission hours: 1:30–4:30 p.m.

• VIP ticket: $60, plus ticketing fee

• General admission ticket: $35, plus ticketing fee

• Designated driver ticket: $15, plus ticketing fee

• Early-bird offer: Save $5 on VIP or general admission tickets purchased before October 1 with code earlybird

• Weather policy: Rain or shine; tickets are nonrefundable

• Atmosphere: Family friendly

More Than 30 Craft Beverage Choices on the Bay

OCtoberfest may have “beer” in its story, but the 2026 beverage lineup is built for more than traditional beer drinkers. Festivalgoers can explore more than 30 beverage options, including local craft beer, hard tea, cider, ready-to-drink cocktails and nonalcoholic beer.

General admission includes unlimited tastings from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. It is an easy way to discover new Eastern Shore favorites while spending a crisp fall afternoon beside the water.

Not drinking? Designated driver tickets allow guests to enter with their group and include complimentary water and soda, but no alcoholic tastings.

Lower Case Blues Brings the Live Soundtrack

Lower Case Blues will take the stage at OCtoberfest 2026. The Delaware-based band’s mix of blues and rock is a natural fit for an afternoon of craft drinks, food and bayfront views.

The live music runs through a festival setting designed for wandering. Grab a tasting, listen by the stage, browse the vendor booths and then take a walk along the waterfront boardwalk behind the Cambria.

VIP Tickets Include an Extra Hour and a Festival Mug

VIP admission begins at 12:30 p.m., one hour before general admission. VIP guests receive:

• One-hour early entry

• Access to specialty beverages during the VIP hour

• An engraved, double-walled stainless steel mug

• Two full pours of any offered beverage

• Access to the VIP tent

• Complimentary water and soda

• Unlimited festival tastings through 4:30 p.m.

Only 150 standalone VIP tickets will be sold in addition to the VIP admissions included with Cambria Hotel packages. If the mug, specialty selections and extra hour matter to you, this is one ticket not to leave until the last minute.

Buy a VIP or general admission ticket before October 1 and use code earlybird at checkout to save $5.

Check ticket availability and current festival information

Local Vendors and Makers at OCtoberfest

Come ready to browse as well as taste. The growing 2026 vendor lineup includes:

• Crafty Crab

• Drink Local MD

• Whimsical Wonders by Kris

• M.A.D. Trucker Hats

• Quinton’s Quality Products at Truitt Farm LLC

• Hillbilly’s Jerky

• ETCHCraft Designs by Kelly Lahr

• Kara’s K9 Waffle Treats

• The Bay Gypsy

• Renewal by Andersen

• Passanante’s Home Food Services

• Mary’s Sew Shop

• Beach Girl Woodworks by Marcy Witkowski

• Divine Planet Studio

Additional vendors may be announced as the festival gets closer.

Food at the Festival

The current food lineup includes:

• Anthony Sessa’s Hot Dogs

• Mother’s Cantina

• Coastal Catering

Food is sold separately, so guests can choose what sounds good while enjoying the music and tastings.

Turn OCtoberfest Into a Full Sunfest Weekend

OCtoberfest takes place during the Town of Ocean City’s 2026 Sunfest, scheduled for October 22–25 at the Inlet. That creates an easy two-festival Saturday: spend the morning browsing Sunfest’s arts and crafts, food and free entertainment, then head toward the Cambria lawn for OCtoberfest.

Sunfest is held at the south end of the Boardwalk, while OCtoberfest sits on the bay side of downtown near the Route 50 bridge. The two events are separate, and OCtoberfest requires its own ticket.

Explore the 2026 Sunfest schedule

Staying overnight turns the day into a relaxed fall getaway rather than a race home. At the time of publication, the Cambria’s OCtoberfest package includes a Saturday-night stay on October 24 and two VIP tickets for $349, plus tax. Friday night can be added for $219, plus tax. Rates and availability may change, so check the current package before booking.

Volunteer for Two Hours, Then Enjoy Two Hours

Want to be part of the event? OCtoberfest volunteers can work a two-hour shift and play for two hours. Volunteers help the afternoon run smoothly while still getting time to enjoy the festival.

Current volunteer information is available through the organizer’s ticket and information page linked from the OceanCity.com event hub.

A Fall Festival That Gives Back

Proceeds from the 2026 festival benefit Destination Growth Partners, a nonprofit that builds tourism experiences intended to support residents, visitors and local communities.

That means the day is about more than drinks and music. It also supports work connecting tourism, community development and economic vitality on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Get Tickets for OCtoberfest 2026

OCtoberfest returns to Ocean City on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with more than 30 beverage options, Lower Case Blues, vendors, food and a limited VIP experience on the bayfront.

Only 150 standalone VIP tickets are available beyond those included with Cambria Hotel packages. General admission and VIP buyers can save $5 before October 1 with code earlybird.

Get OCtoberfest tickets and see the latest event updates