Margate’s marquee event, Margate Fall Funfest by The Bay Saturday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Sept.24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. brings 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, 10 live bands on the WZXL 100.7 Main Stage, 12 acts on the 95.1 WAYV Kid’s Stage, Ray Scott’s Dock Wetlands Wonderland, and two days of parades featuring Miss New Jersey, costumed characters and more!
Additionally, the event features the 26th annual Steve and Cookie’s Dog Show, a beer garden, Saturday Cornhole Tournament and the immensely popular Tito’s Handmade Vodka tent. Saturday evening rolls into Funfest After Dark; Not for Kids featuring wine and spirits tasting, lite bites and the out of this world band NJ British Invasion!
Now in its 22nd year, this free event brings fresh and exciting family friendly venues for 2023. 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!
Food vendors from throughout the region will be offering savory food selections like Tony Boloney’s uniquely themed subs, California Frozen Yogurt’s refreshing acai bowls, Vagabond’s tequila shrimp bangers, South Jersey Smokehouse barbecue, Philly Pretzels, RSK mini donuts, Tacocat Cal-Mex fare, The Muffin Top Asian and Vietnamese food, Sherris’ Crab Cakes, St. Nicholas Greek food, Tin Cup Soda, Tommy D’s funnel cakes, Mad Dog Morgan burgers and chicken, Water Dog barbecue, Betty’s Seafood lobster rolls, shrimp boxes, Aneu Kitchen and Catering, and The Other Lucy doughnuts and much more. A beer garden and Tito’s Bloody Mary tent offer plenty of opportunities to quench anyone’s thirst
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.
Talented musical bands and performers will be featured on the main stage, playing everything from rock, blues, country and Broadway. Saturday’s line-up features Teddi Fusco, the No Clue Trio, Viv Luff, Swing that Cat, Poor Mouth Henry and Bluestreet Band. Sunday will be rocking with The Company, Dan Barry, Mas Tequila Orchestra and Cubicle Shamans.
Saturday features the return of the Funfest Cornhole Tournament presented by Haven Marketing with a cash prize and open to all ages. Register online at Funfest Cornhole or the day of the event on Washington Ave. from 10 a.m. to noon; tournament begins at 1 p.m. The event is hosted by Colmar True Value Home Center and Sunday is free Cornhole recreational play. On Sunday visitors will also enjoy Steve and Cookie’s 26th Annual Dog Show, with featured guests and exciting contest categories starring the most handsome and adorable dogs.
New entertainment this year on the 95.1 WAYV Kid’s Stage will include cool 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 cartoon character parade, starring Buzz Lightyear, Minion, Stormtrooper and Cinderella will join Miss New Jersey Victoria Mozitis, in a procession down Amherst Avenue. The excitement continues with performances by the talented students of Suzie Neustadter and Blake’s Gymnastics. Back this year is a pumpkin decorating contest; purchase a pumpkin at Funfest for $2 and send a picture of your decorated pumpkin to info@margatehasmore.com.
Winners will be posted on the Margate Has More Facebook page. Ray Scott’s Dock ‘Wetland Wonderland’ will be hosting a myriad of activities including the annual Terrapin Turtle Release, call 609-822-6819 to reserve a boat seat. Jacques Cousteau Estuary Research, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and Sustainable Downbeach will have a variety of displays featuring ocean and bay life. Also look for a native butterfly display!
New to Funfest and offering some fun and unique activities is Carefree Boat Club of South Jersey. Sponsor tents will feature exciting free activities and giveaways. WAWA will be randomly handing out product coupons; Atlantic County Utilities Authority’s environmental giveaways, waste disposal information, and participants of all ages are invited to spin to the environmental trivia question wheel and be on the lookout for Supercan mascot.
Funfest After Dark Definitely Not for Kids, on Saturday continues the weekend’s fun into the night of Sept. 23, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Washington Ave. pier with live music by NJ British Invasion and a wine and spirits tasting. Funfest After Dark is a special adults-only event. Admission to the tasting and access to the decorated lounge on the Washington Avenue Pier and the featured 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. To purchase tickets visit margatehasmore.com. The live music performance and dancing in the streets is free for those who just want to groove to the beat of the NJ British Invasion highlighting some of Britain’s greatest exports: The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who and The Clash.
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 to track your jitney!
Schedules and events subject to change or cancellation.
