Beachstock: The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party returns to Margate on Saturday, June 27, featuring a first-ever appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, a new surf contest hosted by Ben Gravy, live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities along the beachfront.
The free festival, now in its 15th year, will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. between Huntington and Granville avenues. A rain date is scheduled for June 28. Organizers expect more than 8,000 visitors throughout the day.
New this year is the Jetty x Ben Gravy Pineapple Classic, a multi-division surf contest presented by Jetty, the Jetty Rock Foundation and the Margate Business Association. The competition will feature men’s and women’s divisions along with a Foamie Free-for-All session. Surfers ages 12 and older with intermediate-level experience are invited to participate. All registered surfers will receive a commemorative event T-shirt.
Ben Gravy, one of the East Coast’s most recognizable surfing personalities, will headline the event. Known for documenting his travels and wave-chasing adventures around the world, Gravy has built a large following through his energetic approach to surfing and storytelling.
The competition will include team-style heats, open sessions and youth surf experiences throughout the day. Stacey’s Surf Camp will offer free surf lessons for attendees interested in trying the sport.
For the first time, Beachstock also will welcome a special appearance by the Phillie Phanatic. The popular mascot is expected to make appearances throughout the festival, entertaining children and adults alike.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of food and beverage options from local vendors, including Margate Dairy Bar & Burger, Tacocat, Sherri’s Crab Cakes, California Yogurt, Le Onde Pizza and AC Concessions. Desserts and refreshments will be available from For Goodness Cakes and Ma & Squeezie’s Lemonade.
Adults can visit the beer garden and beachfront tiki bar, featuring selections from Stateside Super Lyte, Alibi Gin, Good Boy Vodka and Frank’s Espresso Martinis.
Family-friendly activities will be offered throughout the day, including a Wiffle ball home run derby, sand sculpting, surfing lessons, kite demonstrations by Air Circus, the Margate Cornhole League Tournament and an AC Volleyball Factory competition.
Face painter Alisa Dirato and The Hairy Fairy Lady will provide additional entertainment for children. The Margate City Police Department will host a booth with giveaways, while Jamaican Me Crazy will offer hacky sack demonstrations and merchandise. Attendees also will have the opportunity to take photos with two Lombardi Trophies from the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl championship teams.
Live entertainment will take place on two stages throughout the day. The Cat Country 107.3 main stage will feature performances by The Shoobs, No Clue Band and Right Turn at 40. Beachstock favorites The South Pacific Island Dancers will return with their Polynesian dance performances. Cat Country 107.3 and ESPN 97.3 will broadcast from the event, with ESPN airing live from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional entertainment includes appearances by performers from Atlantic City’s hit variety show, “The Hook,” and longtime emcee Dick Marlin. Featured performer Chanel will showcase her hula hoop artistry during a special beach performance.
The children’s stage will feature an appearance by Miss New Jersey, along with performances by students from Susie Neustadter, Blake’s Gymnastics and Emerald Isle Academy of Irish Dance. Educational activities will include an eco-friendly treasure hunt and “Wonders of the Beach” presentations with Sustainable Downbeach’s Scuba Steve.The Margate City Fire Department will offer its popular “5-Minute Cool Blast” at the top and bottom of each hour.
Following sunset, Beachstock After Dark will feature a performance by South Jersey band i Candee, known for its high-energy mix of classic and contemporary hits. The South Pacific Island Dancers will return with a traditional Polynesian luau and fire dancing performance.The evening also includes a beachside screening of “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” along with a bonfire and continued service at the beachfront tiki bar until 10 p.m.
Visitors can also explore sponsor exhibits from Colmar Home Center, Renewal by Andersen, Freedom Boat Club, LeafGuard and the State of New Jersey Unclaimed Property Program.
To help ease traffic and parking concerns, complimentary jitney shuttle service will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. along Atlantic Avenue between Coolidge and Fredericksburg avenues and the Eugene A. Tighe School.
Beachstock is organized by the Margate Business Association in partnership with the City of Margate.
For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.
