Celebrate summer one last time with OC's 43rd Annual Sunfest

After 43 years as a signature event in Ocean City, Sunfest continues to draw crowds as one of the nation’s finest fall festivals.

With beautiful weather, live music, fantastic food and unique arts and crafts, Ocean City’s Sunfest will once again take over the Inlet Lot from Sept. 21-24.

The annual event offers something for everyone, with four days of just plain fun by the beach and Boardwalk.Boasting nearly 300 vendors including over 180 artists, Sunfest distinctively combines live music, artistic demonstrations, gourmet food and beverages, along with family hayrides on the beach.

Another creative addition allows guests to participate in their own artwork with the OC Painting Experience, giving visitors the opportunity to craft their own masterpiece. Kids can enjoy inflatable bounce houses on the beach, family hayrides and other activities.

After working up an appetite, guests can delight in Eastern Shore favorites found in the famous food tent or relax to the sounds of lively music at the outside pavilion.

Opening day on Thursday, Sept. 21, begins with a parade down the Boardwalk at 9:45 a.m. starting at the 12th St. Beach Plaza Hotel and arriving at the festival grounds with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:15 a.m. Event hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.

Live music plays throughout the event. Headliners start on Thursday night with an evening of retro 1990s swing music with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. On Friday, fans will swoon with popular hits by country music legend Clint Black. Saturday brings Grammy Award Winning Artist Christopher Cross, who will perform his classic hits “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind.”

While the Clint Black concert is sold out, tickets for the other shows are on sale at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center box office on 40th Street. Box office hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets will also be available on site during Sunfest, or at www.ticketmaster.com, 800-551-7328.

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 (walk to bus stop on Coastal Highway).

The $3 ride all day pass is valid for use on Coastal Highway, Park n Ride and Express Shuttle buses from 6 a.m.-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 persons, Medicare card holders and children, call Ocean City Transportation at 410-723-1606 or visit the Public Works Transportation webpage at www.oceancitymd.gov.

IF YOU GO

OC Sunfest

When: Sept. 21-24

Where: Inlet Lot at the south end of the Ocean City Boardwalk

661672001 Free; concert tickets vary 

Info: http://ococean.com/sunfest