There’s a lot going on during the four-day weekend that is Sunfest. From the live music to the games to the shopping, sometimes you need to throw down a beach blanket and just chill out. That’s where the Kite Festival comes in.
Labor Day may mark the end of summer in some places, but Ocean City, Maryland is not one of them. In Ocean City, summer is a state of mind that can’t be located on a calendar or constrained to certain months.
In fact, the pursuit of endless summer is a major reason why Ocean City waits until September to hold it’s biggest, most popular festival of the year – Sunfest.
1. What is Sunfest?
For more than 40 years, Sunfest has brought together musicians, local food and people from all over the region for a 4-day celebration like no other at the beach. Sunfest features a multitude of live music acts, including headlining acts by national recording artists; local restaurants and caterers offering fresh seafood, pit beef, BBQ, fried chicken, funnel cakes and other local and regional fair food favorites; vendors selling artisan products, handmade knickknacks, souvenirs, jewelry and more great products; and plenty of games and amusements to keep the kids occupied.
Don’t cry because summer’s over – smile because fall is almost here, and that means it’s time for Sunfest. Sunfest is the biggest festival in Ocean City and it’s been the best way to end the summer for more than 40 years with food, music, arts and crafts vendors and games and amusements for the kids.
2. Music
As always, three big musical acts will take the stage throughout the weekend. This year our headliners are:
Who’s Bad The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience on Thursday evening
Granger Smith on Friday evening
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on Saturday evening
Check out all the details of this year’s music headliners here
3. Vendors
Sunfest was rated #1 of the 100 Best Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Vendors differ from year to year, but you can bet that some of the best crafts and foods in the country will always be found at Sunfest. If you’re interested in vending your own wares, the town invites you to fill out an application right here.
4. Transportation
There are a few options when it comes to getting to Sunfest. Wherever you are, you’ll probably end up paying $3.
You can park for free at the Convention Center south lot and ride the Sunfest Express for $3 all day. The shuttle will depart from the lot every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. until 30 minutes after the end of the last concert Thursday – Saturday, and from 9 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
If you’re nearer the boardwalk, you can ride the boardwalk tram for $3 per person one-way, 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday – Saturday, 10 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
You can also park for free at Northside Park on 125th street and the Municipal Lot at 100th street, and ride the bus to the Sunfest grounds for $3.
In West Ocean City, you can park your car for free at the Park & Ride and take the shuttle for $3 all day.
The leaves are changing color, the summer crowds have thinned out and the sand is cold beneath your feet – it’s autumn in Ocean City. It’s the perfect time of year to experience everything the town has to offer, now with just with a slight chill in the air (and did I mention that the crowds have thinned out?).
The weather is beautiful and there’s plenty to do at Sunfest, Ocean City, MD’s biggest and best festival.
Sunfest is Ocean City’s most popular festival for a reason. If you’ve never experienced Sunfest or made a late season trip to Ocean City, this is the year for you to change that!
6. Even if you can’t make it you still can share your memories
We’ve been collecting Ocean City Sunfest photos for years and have them all in a gallery here. Take some time to look at days gone by or click here to share some of your favorites!
This page was updated to include 2018 dates and info — Ed.
This year, Sunfest is celebrating its 45th Anniversary! With over 30 food vendors, free live entertainment on two stages, and a huge selection of arts and craft vendors, there is something for everyone at Ocean City's Sunfest. Enjoy four days filled with something for all the family, including over 250 vendors, live music, artistic demonstrations, gourmet food and beverages, family hayrides on...
"Who's Bad" The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience will headline the first evening of Sunfest this year. Ticket prices start at $10 and are available through Ticketmaster, as well as at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.
Granger Smith will headline the second evening of Sunfest this year. Ticket prices start at $25 and are available through Ticketmaster, as well as at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will headline Saturday evening at Sunfest this year. Ticket prices start at $25 and are available through Ticketmaster, as well as at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.
