Margate’s annual marquee event, the Fall Funfest by The Bay, this year presented by Philadelphia area Lexus Dealers and the Margate Business Association, returns 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.
Now in its 25th year, Amherst Avenue and the bayfront promenade includes two days of family entertainment, food, crafts and activities.
“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.
Funfest 2026 features more than 110 booths with juried arts and crafts, food vendors, amusements, Margate retailers, nonprofit organizations, municipal departments, and major sponsors including Lexus, Renewal by Andersen windows, ACUA, Cutco Cutlery and Freedom Boat Club.
Family highlights include the Kid’s Stage, 10 bands on the main stage, costumed character parades, pumpkin painting, Victoria Dolceamore, Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright, Blake’s Gymnastics and Currier’s Magical Mania. Wetlands Wonderland returns with terrapins, turtles, beach and wetlands information, Mary Lenahan’s native butterfly display and Sustainable Downbeach environmental activities and presentations.
The popular Dan Gottlieb Memorial Dog Show, presented by Steve & Cookie’s By The Bay, returns Sunday in the parking lot at 9700 Amherst Ave., with prizes for talented, best dressed and best looking dogs. Registration closes at noon, Sept. 27. Registration and tickets are available at Dog Show.
The new MBA raffle tent will offer chances to win prizes including 76ers tickets, iHeart Jingle Ball tickets, Katz JCC gift cards and swag, and a beach cruiser courtesy of Margate Bike Shop. Tickets are $20; winners will be drawn 3 p.m. on Sunday. Winner need not be present to win.
Live music anchors the Jefferson Avenue main stage throughout the weekend. Teddi Fusco opens with The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by 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 closes Funfest Sunday afternoon with a double set of high-energy Nashville hits.
Food choices range from tacos, gyros, seafood, BBQ and pizza to funnel cakes, baked goods, smoothies, coffee and pastries. The beer garden and Tito’s Bloody Mary tent will also return with seasonal and traditional favorites.
Funfest’s juried crafters and artisans will showcase handmade pottery, photography, fall décor, candles, culinary specialties, dog treats, woodworking, soaps, sea crafts and unique jewelry.
Free jitney shuttle service is available along Ventnor and Amherst Avenues, with free parking at the Eugene Tighe School, 7804 Amherst Ave. Look for the FREE FUNFEST JITNEY sign or use the Jitney Surfer app to track your ride.
For more information go to www.margatehasmore.com
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