The Margate Business Association’s marquee event, Fall Funfest by the Bay presented by Philadelphia area Lexus Dealers, is back Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28 on Amherst Avenue. The event will be held 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by Funfest After Dark: Definitely Not for Kids presented by Tomatoe’s, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Also on Sunday, the Dan Gottlieb Memorial Dog Show will be held starting 1 p.m. at Steve & Cookies By The Bay.
Now in its 24th year and always free, Funfest brings fresh and exciting family friendly venues for 2025. Thousands of visitors attend Funfest to enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay and promenade and the warmth of the people of Margate.
“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,” MBA President Ed Berger said. “It all makes for a perfect fall weekend, and we would love to have you enjoy it with us.”
Funfest features 110 booths of spectacular handmade fine arts and crafts, amusements, mouthwatering foods, local retailers, major commercial sponsors such as 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 the Margate City Police, Fire and Public Works departments will have fun activities.
There will be plenty live performances on the Kids Stage, 11 bands on the Main Stage, Scott’s Dock Wetlands Wonderland, costumed characters such as Storm Trooper, Darth Vader, Belle and ACUA Supercan, and a parade featuring Miss New Jersey Belle Nicholas.
The bayfront beer garden will offer ice-cold drinks, along with 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 this year is the Shore Axes Mobile Axe throwing trailer, where participants can get a handle on the latest in lumberjack skill games using regulation axes for adults and a plastic version for under lumberjacks under age 14.
Photo by Tom Briglia PhotoGraphics/The Dan Gottlieb Memorial Dog Show will be held at Steve & Cookies by the Bay, Sunday, Sept. 28.The dog show will be showcasing the best looking, best dressed, most obedient and talented canines in the area. Pre-register your pup online @Eventbrite or in person 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for just $25. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City and NJ Aid for Animals.
The food selections are as plentiful as they are delicious with an eclectic variety from local restaurants and regional eateries to suit everyone’s appetite.
Entertainment this year on the Kid's Stage will include mesmerizing magic and mentalism, juggling with knives, object balancing, fire eating, Irish dance, gymnastics demonstrations and dance performances.
The Wetlands Wonderland at Scott’s Dock staffed by Sustainable Downbeach will examine the marine environment, native butterfly display, and terrapin turtles. On Sunday, Scott’s Dock hosts Eco Tours at 11a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Call Scott’s Dock at 609-822-6819 to reserve a spot.
On the main stage at Jefferson Avenue, local songstress Teddi Fusco kicks off the weekend with her stirring rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” and a set of pop favorites. South Jersey’s hottest bands will be playing everything from pop, rock and country hits.
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. East Coast Fairy Hair and Alissa Dirato’s face painting will brighten every child’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 favorite, 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 show stopping finale. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite pajamas, whether is cozy, silly or sexy, for a chance to win the Teddy Bear Trophy.
Tickets for After Dark are available at www.margatehasmore.com. Must be 21 years of age and older.
Free jitney shuttle service is available along Ventnor and Amherst avenues and from the parking lot at the Eugene Tighe School, 7804 Amherst Ave.
For more information go to www.margatehasmore.com
