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Saturday, September 27th 11AM-6PM & Sunday, September 28th 11AM-4PM
Celebrate the beauty of Margate’s bay area and promenade at the FREE Fall Funfest by The Bay! Now in its 24th year, this beloved event brings fresh and exciting family-friendly venues for 2024. With over 20,000 visitors each year, it’s a true celebration of the season, our stunning bayfront, and the welcoming spirit of Margate.
Margate’s marquee event features over 110 booths and amusements comprised of mouthwatering foods, unique fine arts and crafts, Margate retailers, sponsors, nonprofits, Margate City municipal departments, kid’s activities and… that doesn’t even include all the great FREE stuff like 10 Live bands on the WZXL 100.7 Main Stage, 12 acts on the 95.1 WAYV Kid’s Stage, Scott’s Dock Wetlands Wonderland, two days of parades featuring Miss New Jersey, costumed characters, the 27th Annual Steve and Cookie’s Dog Show, a beer garden, Tito’s Handmade Vodka tent, Tomberlin Golf Carts will have demonstrations and test drives and MUCH MORE!
Now in its 24th year, always FREE admission, Funfest brings fresh and exciting family friendly venues for 2024. Thousands of visitors attend Margate Fall Funfest to enjoy the breathtaking family friendly venue along the beautiful bayfront and promenade, and the friendly spirit of the people of Margate!
FUNFEST AFTER DARK: DEFINITELY NOT FOR KIDS
Saturday, September 27th from 7:30PM to 10PM
Funfest After Dark: Definitely Not for Kids, on Saturday continues the weekend’s fun into the night of the 28th, from 7:30pm to 10pm at the Washington Ave. pier with live music by Steve Moore & The MIA band features an adult beverage tasting. Plus, join the fun and adults only humor of The Hook, a homage to Atlantic City’s glorious age of live entertainment. They’ll be at After Dark offering a raffle for a VIP Dinner at Superfrico and show, free giveaways and other surprises. Admission to the tasting and access to the Washington Avenue Pier and the Tito’s Handmade Vodka tent is $20 (advance ticket purchase) $25 day of and includes 5 samplings of wine & spirits, finger foods provided by Dino’s Subs and Philly Pretzel Factory.
The live music performance and dancing in the streets is free for those who just want to groove to the beat of Steve Moore & The MIA band that features everything from the latest dance hits, classic rock favorites and country jams.
FOOD & DRINK
Food vendors from throughout the region will be offering a variety of savory food selections! At the Tacocat Food Truck, you can savor a diverse array of tacos, seafood, and more, while South Jersey Smoke House serves up mouthwatering smoked sausage with peppers and onions, alongside BBQ favorites like pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and burnt ends. Tommy T’s brings sweet treats with funnel cakes, lemonade, and strawberry smoothies, and The Muffin Top (Dew’licious Café) offers a Vietnamese twist with Boba tea, egg rolls, spring rolls, fried rice, beef bao buns, and more. For a nostalgic sip, head to Tin Cup Soda Company, where 32 oz. sodas are served in old-fashioned mountain brew tin cups. Philly Pretzel Factory has your snack cravings covered with pretzels, mini dogs, and a variety of dipping sauces. Sherri’s Crab Cakes of NJ delights with fresh crab cakes, crabcake sandwiches, a Captain’s Platter, Crabby Mac & Cheese, and Cream of Crab Soup. Cool down with California Frozen Yogurt and Shakes, or indulge in seafood delights like lobster rolls, crab cakes, scallops, and shrimp at Betty’s Seafood Shack. WaterDog Smoke House rounds out the feast with their BBQ pulled pork, ribs, and burnt ends, offering a true taste of BBQ heaven. We can’t forget about the beer garden and Tito’s Bloody Mary tent that will offer plenty of opportunities to quench anyone’s thirst.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Entertainment this year on the 95.1 WAYV Kid’s Stage will include mind boggling magic and mentalism in the Street Sorcery Show and the Wild Thrill Stunt Extravaganza featuring, juggling with knives, object balancing, fire eating and plenty of audience participation. A character parade with Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear and Star Wars favorites Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Stormtrooper, Miss New Jersey Elizabeth Mendel, in a procession down Amherst Ave. The excitement continues with performances by students from Blake’s Gymnastics.
Scott’s Dock ‘Wetland Wonderland’ will be hosting a myriad of activities including salt marsh and shore education, a native butterfly display, terrapin turtles, “what’s on the beach?”, and Sustainable Downbeach information with a variety of presentations featuring ocean and bay life. Families can book trips aboard the Captain Robin for Sunday Ecotours and turtle releases at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Call Scott’s Dock at (609)-822-6819 or visit www.scottsdock.com to reserve your seat. Admission is $25 adult, $15 for kids age 13 and under.
VENDORS & CRAFTERS
Crafts from over 65 juried artisans offering a wide variety of handmade crafts including: wood designs, pottery, fall décor, culinary artisan products and unique jewelry. Funfest is known for its highly touted crafters and artisans. Dozens of juried artists offering a wide variety of handmade crafts including pottery, photography, fall décor, culinary artisans, handmade candles, wood working, soaps, and unique jewelry will be at Funfest.
FREE ACTIVITIES
Sponsor tents will feature exciting FREE activities and giveaways. New this year!!! A beautiful 2025 Lexus luxury vehicle will be on site to browse and imagine yourself behind the wheel; Tomberlin Golf Carts will also be available Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29. Visit their booth at Amherst and Washington Avenues and test drive their awesome street legal golfcarts and see if one fits your active lifestyle. Must be 21 or older.
Plan the trip of a lifetime with Sundance Vacations or check out the sharpest products at the Cutco Cutlery booth. WAWA will be handing out product coupons; Atlantic County Utilities Authority’s environmental giveaways, waste disposal information, and participants of all ages are invited spin to the environmental trivia question wheel and be on the lookout for Supercan mascot; discover the newest styles in windows from Renewal by Andersen; the Hartman Home Team Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach Realtors will provide interactive activities. Plus the Novelli Team, Compass Real Estate will offer wonderful activities and information. Freedom Boat Club will provide information about their unique services.
STEVE AND COOKIES 28TH ANNUAL DOG SHOW
On Sunday visitors will also enjoy Steve and Cookie’s 28th Annual Dog Show, with featured guests and exciting contest categories starring the most handsome/prettiest large and small dogs and a high energy K-9 demonstration. Benefits NJ Aid for Animals and the Humane Society of Ocean City. Pre-register at www.steveandcookies.com
LIVE MUSIC
Talented musical bands and performers will be featured on the main stage, playing everything from rock, blues, country and Broadway.
The Margate Fall Funfest By The Bay, was started in 1998 by Margate Business Association founder and president Joseph Tozzi. The event held annually on Amherst Avenue, grew and realized crowds of 20,000 people from throughout the tri-state area all coming to enjoy the spectacular flavors, crafts and entertainment in Margate. The event is designed to give a boost to local businesses in the shoulder season and to showcase so many of Margate’s natural attributes.
Free jitney shuttle service is available all along Ventnor and Amherst Avenues and from the parking lot at the Eugene Tighe School on 7804 Amherst Avenue. Just look for the FREE FUNFEST JITNEY sign in the jitney window or download the Jitney Surfer app o track your jitney!
Schedules and events subject to change or cancellation.
