The warm weather is finally here, inspiring many of us to make plans to get out and enjoy our favorite fresh air activities. With perfect timing, the Cape Gazette’s guide to Spring and Summer Festivals lists well over 100 fun things to do on your own or with family and friends https://www.capegazette.com/center/spring-summer-festivals-2024-here/273993. Some are familiar to folks who live near the beaches in Sussex County, and all are worth the trip if you’re traveling here from New Castle or Kent. Here are a few notable events in May.
Boutique Shopping Rain or Shine
Delaware has lots of charming downtowns, and Lewes and Rehoboth are among the most popular. During the weekend of May 3rd through the 5th you can enjoy sidewalk shopping at both. The Lewes Merchants’ Spring Sidewalk Sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and is just a mile or so from the Annual British Motorcar Show at the Lewes Ferry Terminal. Learn more at www.leweschamber.com.
Rehoboth’s Annual Spring Sidewalk Sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and happens in both Rehoboth and Dewey. If you’re there in the late afternoon, make plans for dinner and one of the many wonderful restaurants in both towns. More details are at www.beach-fun.com.
If you’re into flowers, shrubs and gorgeous gardens, plan now for the Lewes in Bloom Garden and Flea Market Sale. It takes place Saturday, May 25th at the organization’s Schley Avenue warehouse and features annuals, perennials, herbs and pollinator plants along with all kinds of planters and garden tools. Details are at www.lewesinbloom.org.
FILM, MUSIC, VISUAL ARTS . . . and MERMAIDS
After a winter of Net-flixing in front of the fire, you can stretch your legs and your imagination at several notable arts and entertainment events.
The Berlin Jazz & Blues, Wine & Brews fest happens on May 4th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Berlin, Maryland. Berlin is located just over the Delaware line and features wonderful restaurants, boutique shopping and quaint historic architecture. Get the details at www.berlinemainstreet.com/jazz-blues-wine-brews.
The Rehoboth Film Society’s Regional Film Showcase takes place May 3rd through 5th and features environmentally-themed films created by local middle and high school students. Learn more at www.RehobothFilm.com.
The Dewey Beach Arts and Fun Fest takes place on Saturday, May 11th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It takes place on the bay side of Dickinson Street. Learn more at www.deweybusinesspartnership.com.
The Rehoboth Arts Festival takes place the following Saturday, May 18th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Grove Park, where you find all kinds of visual arts, sculptures and crafts. Learn more at www.rehobothartleague.org.
All kinds of fun will be mixed up at the Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival, taking place May 24th through 26th downtown. This weekend event will feature a luau show, a marine science camp, pirate shows, live bands with a performance by the U.S. Navy County Current, a chance to meet Bethany’s lifeguards and, rumor has it, a landside appearance by local mermaids. Learn more at www.townofbethanybeach.com.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Two events in May will be a lot of fun if you’re looking for new ways to feel your best or showcase the fitness you maintained during the winter months.
On Sunday, May 5th, the Illuminate Lewes Mind-Body-Spirit Arts Festival will take place at the University of Delaware Virden Retreat Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a holistic health and wellness expo featuring all kinds of natural products and services. Get the details at www.illuminatefestivals.com.
The Cape Gazette’s 2nd Annual Run & Fun Fest happens the following Saturday, May 11th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a BIG event to benefit the Harry K Foundation, with a Seashore Striders run/walk through Nassau Valley Vineyards and the Lewes-Georgetown Trail, a mixed doubles pickleball tournament hosted by Dave Marshall’s Tennis & Pickleball Center, food trucks, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo and more fun activities for your whole family. Learn more at www.runandfunfest.com.
HISTORY ON THE CANAL
Delaware’s seafaring history will be on grand display at the Lewes Maritime Day Festival and Lightship Overfalls Opening Day event, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18th at Canalfront Park in Lewes. This is another fun event for the whole family, with tours, boat rides and demonstrations in a beautiful waterside setting.
GLORIOUS FOOD AND ADULT BEVERAGES
On Saturday, May 11th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can sample and purchase homemade strawberry shortcake, fresh strawberries, strawberry wine and more berry delicious things at the Strawberry Sip & Shop festival featuring more than 40 vendors at the Lewes Fire Station 2, located just off Route 1 at 32198 Janice Road. To learn more, call 302 249 7763.
On Wednesday, May 15th you can support Meals On Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth and enjoy a night of wonderful food and creative cocktails at the Top Chef of the Culinary Coast event from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Ivy restaurant at 136 Dagsworthy Street in Dewey Beach. The cost is $80 per person. For more details visit www.mealsonwheels-lr.org.