Margate’s annual Fall Funfest by the Bay will return for its 25th year Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, along Amherst Avenue and the city’s bayfront promenade.
The free festival, presented by the Margate Business Association and Philadelphia Area Lexus Dealers, will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
“Family, friends, food, fabulous entertainment and unique crafts, all in a beautiful bayfront setting,” Margate Business Association President Ed Berger said of the event.
More than 110 booths will feature juried arts and crafts, food vendors, amusement activities, local retailers, nonprofit organizations, municipal departments and festival sponsors.
Family activities will include a children’s stage, costumed-character parades and pumpkin painting. Scheduled appearances and performances include Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright, Victoria Dolceamore, Blake’s Gymnastics and Currier’s Magical Mania.
Wetlands Wonderland will return with terrapins and turtles, along with information about beaches, wetlands and the region’s natural environment. The attraction will also feature Mary Lenahan’s native butterfly display and environmental activities and presentations from Sustainable Downbeach.
Live entertainment will be presented throughout the weekend on the Jefferson Avenue main stage. Teddi Fusco will open the festivities with the national anthem. The musical lineup will include Artese N Toad, Dan Barry, Poor Mouth Henry, No Clue Band, Cole Moore, Swing That Cat, Big Daddy Duo and Jump the Line.
Country artist Nikki Briar will close the festival Sunday afternoon with two sets of Nashville-inspired music.
Food vendors will serve tacos, gyros, seafood, barbecue, pizza, funnel cakes, baked goods, smoothies, coffee and pastries. A beer garden and Tito’s Bloody Mary tent will also return.
Juried artists and craftspeople will offer handmade pottery, photography, fall decorations, candles, culinary specialties, dog treats, woodworking, soaps, sea-inspired crafts and jewelry.
The Dan Gottlieb Memorial Dog Show, presented by Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay, will return Sunday near 9700 Amherst Ave. at Monroe Avenue. Prizes will be awarded in categories that include most talented, best dressed and best looking. Registration closes at noon Sept. 27. Registration information is available through the Margate Business Association website.
A new MBA raffle tent will offer chances to win prizes, including Philadelphia 76ers tickets, iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tickets, Katz JCC gift cards, merchandise and a beach cruiser donated by Margate Bike Shop. Tickets will cost $20. Winners will be drawn at 3 p.m. Sunday and do not need to be present.
Free jitney service will operate along Ventnor and Amherst avenues and from the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School parking lot at 7804 Amherst Ave. Riders should look for vehicles displaying a “Free Funfest Jitney” sign. Shuttle locations can also be tracked through the Jitney Surfer app.
For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.
