Plan Ahead for Fabulous Fall Festivals Downstate
I’ve written a couple of blog posts about fun festivals and other events happening in Sussex County during September, with spotlights on the True Blue Jazz and Rehoboth Jazz festivals and the September 27th History Book Festival https://www.activeadultsdelaware.com/blog/posts/2024/09/10/act-now-to-enjoy-the-history-book-festival-and-fall-jazz-fests/, and several other events featured in the Cape Gazette’s 2024 Fall Festival Guide https://www.capegazette.com/article/fall-festivals-2024/279959. If you click on the link you’ll be astonished to see many events are taking place all over southern Delaware.
Here are some highlights for October.
Polkamotion at the Ocean – October 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
Yes, you read that right! There are certified polka lovers in our midst and they’re going to have a lot of fun at this event. The tunes begin on Wednesday, October 2nd at the Conch Island Key West Bar and Grill with John Cieplik of Brew Time Polkas spinning polkas, waltzes and obereks from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by the Burgh Boys from 7 to 11. A three-day extravaganza happens at the Rehoboth Convention Center and Above the Dunes on the 3rd, 4th and 5th with Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic, Polka Family, Dennis Polisky & Maestro’s Men, the Eddie Forman Orchestra, Polka Country Musicians and Michael Costa & The Beat. Get the details at https://polkamotion.com/.
Wings & Wheels – October 4th and 5th
Now celebrating its 15th year, this event, built around the theme of “where the sky meets the road,” will bring new and classic cars, vintage aircraft, WWII re-enactors, parachute jumps, and live music by Flipside to the Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown. The Saturday, October 5th event is free and will feature lots of kids activities as well. There’s also a Friday Night Beach Party to kick off the event at the same location, featuring cocktails, dinner and dancing for $50 a person. Learn more at https://wings-wheels.com/.
Boutique sales, art, nature and crafts in Lewes – October 4th, 5th and 6th
One of the busiest fall weekends happens in Historic Lewes over this three-day period, with sidewalk sales featuring items from the town’s charming boutiques, an outdoor art show, the Boast the Coast Maritime Festival and a craft fair. Get all of the details at https://leweschamber.com/events/list/page/2/.
Daytrip choices – a Beerfest in Easton or Classic Car Show in Berlin – October 12th
Easton, Maryland and Berlin, Maryland are two wonderful day trip destinations. Both have vibrant downtowns brimming with fine restaurants, shops and cultural attractions and special events year-round. Visit Easton on Saturday, December 12th from 12 to 4 p.m. for the Craft Beer Fest, featuring 40 purveyors of beer, wine, spirits and festive alcohol-free beverages along with food and live entertainment https://eastonbeerfest.com/. Or head to Berlin for the Fall Cruisers Classic Car Show that same day, where you can get a look at some very cool vehicles, shop, eat and sight-see all day. Learn more at https://berlinmainstreet.com/fall-cruisers-classic-car-show/.
Bark on the Boards – October 14th
In partnership with the Brandywine Valley SPCA, this annual event is a prime time opportunity for adopting a pup or just getting a day-long doggie fix, with its Dock Dogs diving competition, live entertainment, yoga with puppies, a kids fun zone and lots of vendors. It all happens at the fabulous Rehoboth Boardwalk and Bandstand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Delmarva Folk Festival – October 18th and 19th
Enjoy live folk music in a lovely country setting at the Delmarva Folk Festival in Houston https://www.delfolk.org/delfolkfest. This is always a fun and well-attended event and this year features nearly a dozen ensembles and artists, including Kerry Hallett, the Honey Badgers, Ayreheart, and Bad Juju with Joey Fulkerson.
34th Annual Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth – October 25th to 27th
This is one of the most anticipated and best-loved annual events in our region, with the famous Sea Witch Festival Costume Parade on Saturday and the Costumed Dog Parade on Sunday. It’s very family-friendly and happens over three full days with magic shows, pony rides, live music and a lot more. Get the details at https://www.beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival.html. IMPORTANT NOTE: Parking is impossible in downtown Rehoboth this weekend, so unless you take a cab you should get there via the Jolly Trolley https://www.jollytrolley.com/ or park-and-ride via DART https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/parking-information/park-and-ride.
These are just a few of the exciting events spotlighted in the Cape Gazette Fall Festivals Guide. Get the full schedule with more information at https://www.capegazette.com/article/fall-festivals-2024/279959. And if you’re interested in attending any of the True Blue Jazz https://www.truebluejazz.org/ or Rehoboth Jazz Festival https://www.rehobothjazz.com/ events, get your tickets now before they sell out.