Sunfest Ushers In OC’s Fall Season For 44th Year

OCEAN CITY – The 44th Annual Sunfest will once again take over the Inlet parking lot this weekend, featuring nearly 300 vendors including over 180 artists, live music, artistic demonstrations, gourmet food and beverages and family hayrides on the beach.

In addition, Sunfest offers unique elements including a large T-Mobile exhibit, Duke’s Mayonnaise exhibit, a Ocean City Police Department K-9 demonstration and a chance to test ride fat tire bicycles on the beach.

Another creative addition allows guests to participate in their own artwork with the OC Painting Experience, giving visitors the opportunity to create their own masterpiece. Kids can enjoy inflatable bounce houses on the beach, family hayrides and activities. After working up an appetite, guests can delight in shore favorites found in the famous food tent or relax to the sounds of free entertainment at the outside pavilion.

Event hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Sunfest features live music playing throughout the duration of the event. All entertainment is free with the exception of evening headline shows. Headliners include The Cadillac Three on Friday and the sold-out Daughtry on Saturday.

Parking is restricted at the festival grounds so it is advised visitors take advantage of the town’s Park and Ride services. The West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 just west of the bridge provides a convenient location for attendees with free parking and shuttle service to and from the South Transit Center on S. Division Street, just one block from Sunfest. Shuttle service is $3 to ride all day.

Special event express shuttle service is also available at the convention center on 40th Street where you can park for free in the south lot and ride the express shuttle directly to Sunfest. Fare is $3 to ride all day, as is the normal Coastal Highway bus fare service. Additional park and ride locations are also located at the Public Safety Building on 65th Street, the municipal lot at 100th Street and Northside Park at 125th Street.

The $3 ride all day pass is valid for use on Coastal Highway, Park and Ride and Express Shuttle buses from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. Exact fare is required. The Boardwalk tram also will be in service during the event with fare of $3 one way. For additional information regarding bus fares for senior citizens, disabled individuals, Medicare card holders and children, call Ocean City Transportation at 410-723-1606 or visit the Public Works Transportation webpage at www.oceancitymd.gov.