Margate’s annual marquee event, the Margate Fall Funfest by The Bay — presented by Philadelphia area Lexus Dealers and the Margate Business Association (MBA) — is back Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Now in its 24th year, and always free admission, Funfest brings fresh and exciting family friendly venues for 2025. Thousands of visitors attend Funfest to enjoy the breathtaking family friendly venue along the beautiful bayfront and promenade, and bask in the warm spirit of the people of Margate.
Ed Berger, president of the MBA said, “There simply isn’t a better way to celebrate the change of seasons; family, friends, food, fabulous entertainment and unique crafts, all in a beautiful bayfront setting. It all makes for a perfect fall weekend and we would love to have you enjoy it with us.”
Funfest 2025 brings over 110 booths of spectacular handmade fine arts and crafts, amusements, mouthwatering foods, Margate retailers and major commercial sponsors like Lexus, Renewal by Anderson, ACUA, Cutco cutlery and Freedom Boat Club. Lexus will have a beautiful luxury vehicle on site to browse and see how you fit behind the wheel. Nonprofit organizations and Margate City municipal departments are also represented with fun activities.
There will be plenty of happenings and live performers on the Kids Stage, eleven bands on the main stage, Scott’s Dock Wetlands Wonderland, parades featuring Miss New Jersey Belle Nicholas, and costumed characters with Storm Trooper, Darth Vader, Belle and Supercan from the ACUA. A refreshing, bayfront beer garden with plenty of ice-cold selections, and the immensely popular Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bloody Mary Tent. Let’s Be Frank will be on hand selling their delicious Bloody Mary Mix and seasonings. NEW at Funfest 2025 is Shore Axes Mobile Axe throwing trailer. Check out their safe, enclosed trailer on Washington Avenue and try to get a handle on the latest in lumberjack skill games. There are regulation axes for adults and a plastic version for kids under age 14.
On Sunday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m., Steve & Cookies hosts the Dan Gottlieb Memorial Dog Show showcasing the best looking, best dressed, most obedient and talented canines in the area. Pre-register online at Eventbrite or in person 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for just $25. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City and NJ Aid for Animals. Sponsored by Steve & Cookies and American Harvest Organic Vodka.
The food selections at Funfest are as plentiful as they are delicious with an eclectic variety to suit everyone’s appetite. 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 barbecue favorites like pulled pork, brisket and ribs.
Tommy T’s brings sweet treats with funnel cakes, lemonade and strawberry smoothies. For a nostalgic sip, head to Tin Cup Soda Company, where 32 oz. sodas are served in old-fashioned mountain brew tin cups. 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 fruity, smooth treats from California Frozen Yogurt and Shakes. Vagabond will be there with delicious burgers and more. Don’t forget about the beer garden with their ice-cold autumn inspired brews and traditional favorites and Tito’s Bloody Mary tent that will offer plenty of opportunities to quench anyone’s thirst with handmade Tito’s specialties.
Entertainment this year on the Kid’s Stage will include mesmerizing 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. Also performing are the Emerald Isle Academy of Irish Dance, and pianist Victoria Dolceamore. An annual favorite, Wetlands Wonderland, examines salt marsh and shore education, a native butterfly display with Mary Lanahan, terrapin turtles, “what’s on the beach?” and Sustainable Downbeach information with a variety of presentations featuring ocean and bay life.
On Sunday, Scott’s Dock hosts Eco Tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Purchase tickets through Scott’s Dock; call 609-822-6819 to reserve. The fearless dynamos from Blake’s Gymnastics will also wow the crowd with their annual high-flying Funfest performance. Leslie’s Dance Studio’s talented dancers are back at Funfest with precision and high-energy performances.
On the main stage at Jefferson Ave., Teddi Fusco kicks off the weekend with her stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner and a set of pop favorites. Then, enjoy two days worth of South Jersey’s hottest bands covering everything from pop, rock and country hits. Local favorites like Artese N Toad, Dan Barry, Poor Mouth Henry, The Chris Yoder Band and The Ashcats entertain all afternoon Saturday. On Sunday there’s another full day of music featuring Cole Moore, Sunrise Cries, No Clue Band, The Shore Thing Band and Big Daddy Duo thrill the crowd with all the hits to keep the festival rocking all day long.
Funfest is known for its highly touted and immensely talented crafters and artisans. Dozens of juried artists will offer a wide variety of handmade crafts including pottery, photography, fall décor, culinary artisans, handmade candles, dog treats, wood working, soaps, sea crafts and unique jewelry. Traditional visits by East Coast Fairy Hair and Alissa Dirato’s face painting will brighten every little-one’s day with their talented creativity.
Then as Saturday rolls into night, Funfest After Dark: Definitely Not for Kids presented by Tomatoe’s kicks off featuring wine and spirits tasting and lite bites. After Dark favorites Dead Reckoning brings the Washington Avenue stage to life with the timeless jams of the Grateful Dead. Then, the iconic, infamous, and taboo-bursting balloon act, from The HOOK, now playing at Caesars Atlantic City, will descend onto the After Dark stage this year. Watch as “Tuna Turner” contorts, dances and shimmies her entire body into a large balloon, all leading up to a showstopping finale. You have to see it to believe it. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite pajamas for a chance to win the Teddy Bear Trophy. Whether they’re cozy, silly, sexy or funky — show off your best pajamas and strut your stuff! Tickets for After Dark are available at www.margatehasmore.com. Must be 21 years of age and older.
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 Ave. Just look for the FREE FUNFEST JITNEY sign in the jitney window or download the Jitney Surfer app to track your jitney!
Fall Funfest sponsors who also provide a variety of activities at their booths include
107.3 Cat Country 96.9 Lite, Atlantic County Utilities Authority, Cutco Cutlery
Freedom Boat Club, Garden State Properties, OCF Realty, Pat McKenna Realtors, Philadelphia area Lexus Dealers, Renewal by Andersen, The Hook and WAWA
For more information and to purchase tickets for Funfest After Dark go to www.margatehasmore.com
