Fun at Delaware beaches: 19 can't-miss events downstate this summer
There are heaps of entertainment events you won't want to miss at (and around) the Delaware beaches this summer.
Here's your roadmap to the Slower Lower Delaware fun you'll want to dive into, including events that are kid friendly:
Poseidon Festival, Bethany
The eighth annual Poseidon Festival is a three-day party with live music, pirates, mermaids and more fun for Memorial Day weekend. A chunk of the entertainment takes place at the Bethany Beach Bandstand.
The festival hits the ground running with Jimmy Buffet tribute band Parrot Beach at the Bandstand at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 26.
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On Saturday, May 27, activities will take over the Nature Center, starting at 10:30 a.m. (rain or shine). Dressing up as a mermaid or pirate could win you a prize. Festivalgoers also can enjoy tea and cookies with a mermaid at the reading circle.
Visitors seeking a fun challenge can go on a pirate treasure hunt on the Baldwin Trail. Captain Jack (along with his crew) will educate youngsters on pirate history.
Kids and adults are encouraged to wear their favorite sea-faring outfits for the parade (1:30 to 2 p.m..), followed by the costume contest (2 to 2:30 p.m.).
At 5:30 p.m., the band 3 Hour Tour hits the stage with tropical rock tunes.
Saturday ends with a lūʻau show and fire knife performance at 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m., guests will dive into the world of mermaids and learn the importance of ocean awareness. A live mermaid will perform underwater tricks in a tank for guests.
Other events will make a splash, before the night gets capped off by a performance from the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers at 7:30 p.m.
Bethany Beach Bandstand (Boardwalk, Bethany Beach) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 26; 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 27; 1 p.m. Sunday, May 28. Free event. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or (302) 539-8011.
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Bacon Brothers, Bottle & Cork
Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon ("Footloose") is best known for his work on the big screen. But he also developed a strong following for rocking concerts with his brother Michael in their band The Bacon Brothers. The siblings often tour during the summer, and they've dropped 10 albums. The Bacon Brothers describe their sound as "Forosoco," a mashup of the words "folk, rock, soul, country."
Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 1. Tickets are $40. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.
Frontiers – Journey tribute, Rehoboth Bandstand
Frontiers – The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band takes listeners down memory lane with classics from the '70s and '80s like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Wheel in the Sky." The tribute band is made up of New York City-area musicians that have become tour guides on this wild musical ... Journey.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday, June 10. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or (302) 644-2288.
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Brian Regan, Freeman Arts Pavilion
He cracks people up for a living. But it's not a joke that Brian Regan's show in Delaware is nearly sold out. He's performed to sold-out crowds in back-to-back dates at the Kennedy Center, which accents how prominent he is in the comedy community. Regan is known for his mix of witty writing and physicality.
Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 15. Tickets are $39 to $64. Visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.
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Love Seed Mama Jump, Rehoboth Bandstand
Their name alone is unforgettable. But so are the shows from Love Seed Mama Jump. The veteran rock band from Dewey Beach is royalty in the First State. More than just a beach band, their music has been featured on ESPN, ABC, MTV and Xbox video game "Project Gotham Racing."
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 9:15 p.m. Friday, June 16. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or (302) 644-2288.
Justin Moore, Bottle & Cork
Country star Justin Moore has two shows lined up in Dewey this summer. One is already sold out. The platinum-selling artist has turned a lot of heads over his decade-plus career. Justin Moore has charmed listeners with lots of songs like "Til My Last Day," "Why We Drink" and "Bait a Hook." His concert will feature special guest Kinch.
Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 29. Tickets are $67. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.
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Chris Lane, Bottle & Cork
So many popular country artists gig at the Bottle & Cork that the venue has essentially become the Nashville of the East Coast. Country star Chris Lane is a fan favorite who has played the venue multiple times. The former college baseball player ended up falling in love with music after his dreams of playing in the MLB were dashed due to injuries. Yet he still managed to hit a bunch of homeruns with big songs like "I Don't Know About You," "Take Back Home Girl" and "Big, Big Plans."
Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 6. Tickets are $39. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.
Allen Stone, Bottle & Cork
Although Firefly Music Festival is on hiatus this year, Allen Stone will bring some of those festival vibes to the beach this summer. After all, he played the inaugural festival in 2012. The soulful singer, who is a guest mentor on "American Idol" Season 21, is best known for his song "Consider Me." Allen Stone's concert will feature special guest Brothers Elsey.
Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 9. Tickets are $35. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.
The Rock Orchestra, Bethany Bandstand
This respected tribute band in the Delaware Valley has a variety of artists they love to highlight. This time The Rock Orchestra will soar high with some of your favorite tunes from rock legends the Eagles.
Bethany Beach Bandstand (Boardwalk, Bethany Beach) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13. Free event. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or (302) 539-8011.
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Tom Papa, Freeman Arts Pavilion
For two-plus decades, Tom Papa has been splitting sides and taking names. He featured on comedian Joe Rogan's podcast multiple times. Last year his latest Netflix comedy special, "What a Day!," offered a silly take on post-marriage intimacy, pet problems and how Papa believes men are to blame for most of life's issues.
Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 16. Tickets are $39-$54. Visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.
Rehoboth – Fourth of July celebration
Delaware's premier beach will draw most of the attention on the Fourth July when the sparks start flying at night.
As a heads up, weather conditions may force the fireworks to start as early as 8 p.m. or later than 9:30 p.m., according to the City of Rehoboth's website.
The fireworks, launching from south of Rehoboth Avenue, can be seen from the boardwalk and beach.
Live entertainment will groove the bandstand at 8 p.m.
Festivities are held in downtown Rehoboth (Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit cityofrehoboth.com or (302) 227-6181.
Lewes – Fourth of July celebration
Lewes returns with its tradition of old-school kids' games on Second Street, from 9 a.m. to noon.
After the games, next on deck is the Lewes Independence Boat Parade, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Shenanigans will be on full display for the colorful Doo-Dah Parade. The quirky event begins at 5 p.m., starting at Lloyd’s Market on Savannah Road and winding its way down Kings Highway to Second Street and ending on Savannah Road, looping back toward Lloyds.
The day will end on a high note with fireworks launched at dusk.
Festivities are held in downtown Lewes, near Second Street from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit leweschamber.com or (302) 645-8073.
Bethany Beach – Fourth of July celebration
This year's holiday theme for Bethany Beach is "Sand & Sea in '23." The holiday marks Bethany's most popular party of the year.
It features a parade (at noon) that goes down Garfield Parkway. Afterward there are awards (7:15 p.m.), a live concert with Mike Hines and The Look (7:30 p.m.) and finally fireworks (dusk).
Festivities are held in downtown near Bethany Beach Bandstand from noon until around 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or (302) 227-6181.
Jesse Garron, Rehoboth Bandstand
Jesse Garron is part of a large fraternity of Elvis Presley tribute artists. But one thing that makes him unique is his stage name. The performer uses Jesse Garron as his alias, in honor of Elvis’ twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, who died at birth, according to the tribute artist's bio. He's been paying homage to the rock ‘n’ roll legend since 1997.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 8. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or (302) 644-2288.
Running of the Bull, Dewey Beach
It’s a silly tradition for participants to get chased up the highway and onto Dewey Beach by a costumed bull. But this isn’t your average bull, since this one is powered by four human legs.
The Running of the Bull turns 26 this year and the event attracts thousands to The Starboard and Dewey Beach area with its festival atmosphere. The summer event offers a mashup of the beach with a Mexican twist. Guests can donate $10 for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
The Starboard (2009 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach). Date and times are TBD. Visit therunningofthebull.com.
Lower Case Blues, Bethany Bandstand
A fresh fusion of funk, rock and blues, Lower Case Blues is a Delaware fan favorite that has rocked events from Firefly to the Delaware State Fair, and a bunch in between. The trio has opened for big names like Buddy Guy, Grand Funk Railroad and Robert Randolph. LCB is also enshrined in the Delaware Blues Hall of Fame.
Bethany Beach Bandstand (Boardwalk, Bethany Beach) at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 3. Free event. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or (302) 539-8011.
Dionne Warwick, Freeman Arts Pavilion
Her star shines brightly on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Singer Dionne Warwick is still charming audiences, even in her golden years. Her hit song "Walk On By" is enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame. For context, only about 1,000 songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall, according to Grammy.com. Over her career, Warwick won six Grammys.
Please be aware that patrons must bring their own chairs for Dionne Warwick's concert.
Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9. Tickets are $15. Free for ages 12 and younger. Visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.
Gary Clark Jr., Freeman Arts Pavilion
Guitar hero Gary Clark Jr. turned heads with his album "This Land," which won three Grammy Awards. A few years ago, the legendary Rolling Stones tapped him to be an opener. Additionally, the Firefly alum played for the Obamas at the White House with Mick Jagger, Buddy Guy, B.B. King and Jeff Beck. This won't be Gary Clark's first time bringing the noise to the Freeman Arts. Hopefully, it won't be his last.
Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. Tickets are $55 to $84. Visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.
Larger than Life, Bethany Bandstand
Larger Than Life aims to do it King Kong big with their tribute to boy bands. The outfit has over 40 tunes in their rolodex, including songs from *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, O-Town, New Kids on the Block, One Direction, Boyz II Men. Their show is a sugary blast to the past that seeks to please music lovers that have a sweet tooth.
Bethany Beach Bandstand (Boardwalk, Bethany Beach) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. Free event. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or (302) 539-8011.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware summer beach events: 19 to see in Rehoboth, Dewey & beyond
