The first weekend of fall has arrived and festival season is in full swing. This weekend marks the return of Margate’s Fall Funfest by the Bay and the Smithville Italian Festival, along with headliners like Steve Winwood and Rickey Smiley and amazing after dark parties you won’t want to miss. Grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte and read all about what’s happening with the Top Weekly Entertainment Picks.
Who: Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain’t Right Tour
Where: Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
When: Now-Sunday, Sept. 28
Website: www.theoceanac.com/sebastian-maniscalco-it-aint-right-tour
Hailed as one of the hottest comics in America, Sebastian Maniscalco’s physical comedy and razor-sharp storytelling has shattered attendance and ticket sales, with sold out shows throughout the country. He recently earned the title of No.1 Comedy Tour of the Year by Pollstar, and ranks as one of the highest-grossing comedians of 2025. Maniscalco’s eight-show residency continues this weekend at Ocean Casino Resort.
What: Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay
Where: Amherst Avenue, from Coolidge to Decatur
When: Saturday, Sept. 27; and Sunday, Sept. 28
Time: Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Website: www.margatehasmore.com/event/fall-funfest
The 24th Annual Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay brings live music, over 100 vendors and free, family-friendly fun to one location. Check out the mouthwatering food, craft vendors, nonstop entertainment, along with exhibits, giveaways and beer garden. Funfest is the ultimate celebration of fall.
Who: Steve Winwood
Where: Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
When: Friday, Sept. 26
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: https://casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/steve-winwood
Enjoy an evening of rock and soul as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Winwood takes the stage at Hard Rock this Friday. Enjoy powerful vocals and songs spanning Winwood’s extensive catalog, with hits from Blind Faith, Traffic and the Spencer Davis Group, along with solo classics including “Higher Love” and “Roll With It.”
What: Grateful Dead vs. Yacht Rock Tribute
Where: Anchor Rock Club
When: Friday, Sept. 26
Time: 9 p.m.
Website: www.anchorrockclub.com
Prepare for the ultimate faceoff between smooth yacht rock sounds of Gilligan! and the psychedelic sounds of the Grateful Dead. Dean & Company will keep the spirit of Jerry Garcia and the Dead alive for a tie-dye fueled jam set, while Gilligan! takes audiences to the high seas with some feel-good yacht rock hits.
What: Smithville Italian Festival
Where: Historic Smithville
When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Time: 12-4 p.m.
Website: www.historicsmithville.com
The Italian Festival has become one of Smithville’s biggest events. Enjoy the taste of Italy with amazing food, live entertainment and over 70 craft vendors. Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All-Star Band will transport you to Italy with recording artists such as Sinatra, Bennett and Louie Prima, starting at 11:30. Check out the local wine tastings, kids activities, free bocce ball and 50/50 raffle.
Who: Rickey Smiley
Where: The Music Box at Borgata
When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/the-music-box/rickey-smiley.html
Comedian, actor, author and radio host Rickey Smiley arrives in Atlantic City for an evening of laughs. The two-time Marconi Award winner and star of TV brings unparalleled laugh-out-loud comedy and entertainment to Borgata’s Music Box for one night only.
What: Funfest After Dark: Definitely Not for Kids
Where: Amherst and Washington Avenue
When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Time: 7:30-10 p.m.
Website: www.margatehasmore.com/event/fall-funfest
Leave the kids at home and enjoy a festive evening of dancing and libations in Margate with Funfest After Dark. The Dead Reckoning will have you dancing and grooving in the street. This year’s theme will be a pajama party. Dress in your favorite PJs for the chance to win the Teddy Bear trophy. Admission is free. Advance tickets are available for an adult beverage tasting and light fare, along with access to the Washington Avenue Pier and Tito’s tent.
What: The Ultimate ’90s-2000s Party
Where: Boogie Nights at Tropicana
When: Thursdays
Time: 10 p.m.-late
Website: www.boogienightsusa.com/atlantic-city
Take a nostalgic trip back to the music you grew up with as the late 20th and early 21st centuries come to life. Enjoy a high-energy retro dance atmosphere with a large disco ball, lighted dance floor and the sounds of your favorite artists spun by the area’s hottest DJs. From Britney to Tupac, NSYNC to Destiny’s Child, you’ll be dancing to some of the biggest hits from the ’90s and 2000s.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
