While it is true that the Delaware Beaches have a cozy, small town charm, the region also knows how to throw a fun celebration. A number of the annual festivals here are widely recognized beyond the shore and attract visitors from all over the nation. From live music and unique artwork to local heritage and holiday festivities, join the fun activities happening year-round in the Delaware Beaches.
Of particular note, in 2026, Delaware State Parks marks its 75th Anniversary and will hold events and programs throughout the year. Learn more by visiting DEStateParks.com/75-years.
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the incredible events happening in the region.
Photo above: Movies on the Beach / Photo Courtesy of Beach-Fun.com
2026 Events
Seaside Concert Series at the Bethany Bandstand
May 22–Oct. 24, Select Nights
Concerts showcasing an array of music genres in Bethany Beach. Check website
for times.
TownOfBethanyBeach.com/261/Bandstand
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand Summer Concert Series
May 23–Sept. 5, Select Nights
A variety of concerts, sponsored by the City of Rehoboth Beach, happening Friday through Sunday during summer. Performances start at 8 p.m.
RehobothBandstand.com/Events
Bethany Beach Farmers Market
May 31–Sept. 6
Shop for local produce on Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon, on the corner of Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Bethany Beach.
Facebook.com/BethanyBeachFarmersMarket
Photo Courtesy of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce
Bethany Beach Seaside Craft Show
June 6
Don’t miss the 20th annual juried fine crafts show on the Boardwalk in Bethany Beach.
TownofBethanyBeach.com
Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
June 6–7
The Lewes Historical Society’s 19th annual event will feature the sea glass and coastal artwork of more than 75 local and regional artists.
HistoricLewes.org
Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week
June 7–12
During Restaurant Week, enjoy pre-fixe menus and menu discounts at various restaurants in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes and Coastal Delaware.
Beach-Fun.com/Restaurant-Week.html
Monday Night Movies on Dewey Beach
June 15–Aug. 24, Select Nights
Watch movies on Monday nights beginning at 8:30 p.m. in Bethany Beach at Dagsworthy Avenue on the beach.
Beach-Fun.com
Wednesday Night Bonfires on Dewey Beach
June 17–Aug. 20, Select Nights
Meet up at Dagsworthy Avenue for a bonfire on the beach from 7 to 9 p.m.
Beach-Fun.com/Events
Old Timers’ Day Classic Car Show & Family Festival
June 20
The 69th annual event will showcase more than 100 vehicles from 2006 and earlier.
OldTimersDayDE.com
Bethany Beach Independence Day Celebration
July 3–4
Bethany Beach is celebrating major milestones—America’s 250th and Bethany Beach’s 125th anniversary—with events on July 3 and July 4. A parade, concert and fireworks! TownOfBethanyBeach.com/273/Fourth-of-July
Photo Courtesy of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce
Independence Day Fireworks
July 5
Celebrate the holiday with the City of Rehoboth Beach with a fireworks display on the evening of July 5. RehobothBeachDE.gov
*Please see this guide’s section on celebrating America’s 250th for more patriotic events around Independence Day and throughout the year.
Beach and Bay Cottage Tour
July 12–Aug. 2, Virtual Tours
July 22–23, In-Person Tours
Tickets purchased for this community event help support the South Coastal Library.
BeachAndBayCottageTour.com
48th Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival
Sept. 12
This popular annual event features more than 100 juried artists and their impressive artwork. BethanyBeachArtsFestival.com
49th Annual Fall Sidewalk Sale
Oct. 2–4
Uncover extraordinary treasures and deals at the beloved annual Fall Sidewalk Sale in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach.
Beach-fun.com/Events
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
Oct. 15–18
The 36th Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is a premier four-day music event happening at various venues throughout Sussex County.
RehobothJazz.com
Sea Witch® Festival
Oct. 23–25
Exciting thrills return for this 36th annual festival, full of spooky family fun in Rehoboth Beach.
Beach-Fun.com
Holiday Happenings in Bethany
December 5
Get into the holiday spirit at this annual event in Bethany Beach.
TownofBethanyBeach.com
Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration
Event Date TBD
Experience a festive village with artisans, shops, music, snack shacks and Santa!
Facebook.com/Schellville
2027 Events
Fire & Ice Festival
Jan. 29–31, 2027
A winter festival weekend filled with ice sculptures, firepits, live entertainment, food trucks and fun activities for the whole family.
FireandIceDE.com
Ocean to Bay Bike Tour
April 23–24, 2027
A popular annual bike ride through Sussex County that connects cyclists of all skill levels. Registration for the 2027 event opens Dec. 1, 2026.
OceanToBayBiketour.com
All dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead or check online before attending.
Want more Events?
CALENDAR: Check out our Delaware Beaches calendar of events to help plan your activities!
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up for our Delaware Beaches Destination Newsletter to receive exclusive content for planning your vacation getaway to the Delaware Beaches!
