Ocean City's 2023 Sunfest: Everything to know before attending the big fall event
After nearly one month into the fall season, the sun continues to shine down on the Eastern Shore.
Although summer has come to a close, the fun is far from over in Ocean City. Now, the popular resort town is gearing up for the 48th annual Ocean City Sunfest, a free, family-friendly, four-day arts, crafts, music and food festival.
“Sunfest has always been a beloved tradition in Ocean City and is our way of saying thank you for a great season," Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said. "We are thrilled to welcome locals and visitors back for another incredible year!”
From the music lineup to featured art vendors to transportation availability, here's everything you need to know about this year's festival.
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Here's what to expect at Ocean City's Sunfest for 2023
Sunfest, located at the Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, is set to take place from Oct. 19-22, 2023. The festival will kick off on Thursday, with festival grounds open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Sunfest will conclude on Sunday, when festivalgoers are welcome from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This year's festival will feature a big lineup of live rock, country, fusion and R&B bands, delicious food, arts and crafts, and fun for people of all ages. Admission to the festival is free.
Here's what to expect at this year's Sunfest:
Live entertainment: Sunfest is known for its live music performances, and this year is no exception. Enjoy four days of free musical acts including the Spin Doctors, Ballyhoo! and many more bands from multiple genres, ensuring there is something for every music enthusiast.
Delicious food: Savor the flavors of Ocean City with a wide selection of food vendors offer made-to-order eats so you won’t be going hungry.
Arts and crafts: Discover unique treasures and one-of-a-kind creations from talented artisans and crafters.
Kid-friendly activities: Sunfest is a family-friendly event. Kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including a beach maze, pumpkin races, Halloween trunk or treats and more. For some of the events, attendees should come dressed in costumes.
Dog Days of Sunfest: Tailored for every member of the family, including everyone’s beloved furry friend. A lineup of activities including a pet parade, competitions, and the return of Dock Dogs with a National Point Competition.
Bike events: Saturday brings bicycle fans a testing opportunity and a shopping experience. Give it a go at the Sunray Bicycle Sprint Race and shop some very rare bikes at the swap meet. A BMX Freestyle Exhibition and Workshop is offered all four days.
Fireworks: As the sun sets, Ocean City’s Sunfest comes alive. Gather on the beach Saturday evening for a cozy bonfire, followed by fireworks, creating a magical family-friendly evening.
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Live music is a definite highlight at Sunfest
In search of some non-stop entertainment? Look no further than Sunfest, set to feature more than 20 bands across two stages — the Midway Stage and Beach Stage — with each performance free of charge.
From chart-topping headliners to local favorites, the diverse lineup is guaranteed to satisfy listeners of all music tastes. Here's a look at which artists will be performing at this year's festival:
The Uptown Band
Chris Sacks Band
Bob Loughead & The Memphis Mafia
Forever Tina: The World's #1 Salute to Tina Turner
Making Waves
Live Wire "The Ultimate AC/DC Experience"
Beatlemania Again
Signal Fire
Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys
ZZ-KC "Tribute to ZZ Top"
NOMaD North of the Mason-Dixon
Ballyhoo!
Rick K Road Trip
The McCartney Experience
Spin Doctors
Guys in Thin Ties
Not Reely Dan "Steely Dan Tribute Band"
Monkee Paw
TreeHouse!
Island Fusion
Dry Reef Band
8 Ohms Band
Smiths Cover Band: Girlfriend in a Coma
Callum and the Storm
Reagan Years
What vendors will be at Ocean City's Sunfest?
Sunfest brings together esteemed artisans and exhibitors from coast to coast. This year's festival will feature works of art and fine crafts presented by more than 200 artists.
A wide variety of handmade art will be available in many mediums, including clothing, textiles, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, pottery, specialty foods and wood.
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Will transportation be available?
Parking is restricted at the festival grounds. As a result, all visitors are advised to take advantage of the town’s Park and Ride services, said the town of Ocean City in a Oct. 4 news release.
The West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50, just west of the bridge, provides a convenient location for attendees with free parking and affordable shuttle service to and from the South Transit Center on S. Division Street, just one block from Sunfest. Shuttle service is $4 to ride all day.
Special Event express shuttle service is also available at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, where attendees can park for free in the south lot and ride the express shuttle directly to Sunfest. Fare is $4 to ride all day. Passes purchased for either express service are also valid all day aboard the Coastal Highway Beach Bus.
The Boardwalk tram also will be in service during the event, with fare of $5 per boarding one way. Additional information regarding bus fares for senior citizens, disabled persons, Medicare card holders and children can be found on the Public Works Transportation's webpage.
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What's the weather forecast for Ocean City's Sunfest?
A mix of sunshine and rain is on the horizon for Sunfest, which will be held rain-or-shine.
According to The Weather Channel's 10-day weather forecast, Sunfest will kick off with a healthy dose of sunshine, partly cloudy skies and high of 69 degrees on Thursday. The festival will head into Friday with rain showers and scattered thunderstorms early, and rainy conditions later in the day and overnight. Friday will reach a high of 70 degrees.
Festivalgoers can expect more rain on Saturday, which calls for cloudy skies with occasional rain showers and a high of 65 degrees. The rain is to end that same evening. The sun will then make a grand return on Sunday — the final day of Sunfest — which calls for intervals of clouds and sunshine throughout the day, as well as a high of 64 degrees.
The weather will continue to be updated as Sunfest draws near.
If you go:
WHAT: Ocean City's 48th annual Sunfest
WHEN: Oct. 19-22, 2023: Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot
INFO: https://www.ococean.com/sunfest/
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Sunfest is back in Ocean City, with live music, crafts, food and more
