May is a wonderful month in Delaware, with spring foliage in full bloom, warm sunny days, and a vibrant social scene in the communities around the beach. While it’s often fun to do things when the right vibe hits you, here are some highlights if you’d like to plan ahead.
SHOPPING
Annual Spring Sidewalk Sale in Rehoboth and Dewey
On May 2nd, 3rd and 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the charming boutiques of Rehoboth and Dewey will display their wares on sidewalks throughout downtown for special promotions and sales. Learn more at www.beach-fun.com
Merchants’ Spring Sidewalk Sale in Lewes
Historic Lewes’ lovely downtown will also brim with merchandise from its quaint shops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mary 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Get the details at www.leweschamber.com
Beautify Your Garden with Help from Epworth UMC’s Pop-Up Plant Sale
Epworth United Methodist Church will once again be a gathering place for folks looking for fresh plant cuttings and plants for patios and yards along with gardening tools and books. There will also be live music and food trucks. It happens all day on May 3rd and proceeds will benefit the church’s Food Ministry, which provides food to more than 12,000 families every year. Learn more at www.epworth.faith
Learn About – and Buy – Interesting Plants at an Ecological Preserve
On May 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the James Farm Ecological Preserve in Ocean View will host an educational event and plant sale to spotlight efforts to improve Delaware’s wetlands and shorelines. Learn more at www.dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov
Take Tips from Lewes In Bloom for Making Your Own Garden Grow
The volunteers of Lewes in Bloom are becoming famous for the floral magic they bring to downtown, and on May 24th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the organization’s warehouse on Schley Avenue they’ll showcase a vast collection of annuals, perennials, herbs and pollinator plants for sale alongside tools and outdoor décor. Get the details at www.lewesinbloom.org
HISTORY
In Dover, Celebrate Delaware History with Your Family
This year’s Dover Day Festival begins with food trucks and historical tours beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 2nd , followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. On Saturday the 4th at 9 a.m. the annual parade with costumes and floats will meander through downtown and will be followed by tethered hot air balloon rides, Maypole dancing, a moon bounce for your grandkids, live music, historic reenactments and craft and food vendors. Learn more at https://visitcentraldelaware.com/dover-days/
In Millsboro, A Celebration of Delaware’s Native American Culture
On Saturday, May 3rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Nanticoke Indian Museum will host dancing, music, storytelling and traditional Native American foods on its grounds in Millsboro. Learn all about it at https://www.nanticokeindians.org/event/heritage-day-at-the-nanticoke-indian-museum-2/
CLASSIC CARS
The Lewes British Motorcar Show
On May 3rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal will host the Lewes Chamber of Commerce’ British Car Club of Delaware, with a Best in Show award for each of the 11 vehicle classes and first, second and third place plaques. While you’re there, enjoy lunch at Grain on the Rocks https://grainontherocks.com/ overlooking the Delaware Bay. Details about the show are at www.leweschamber.com
Cruise Over to Berlin for More Classic Cars
On May 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. quaint and historic Berlin will once again host its Cruisers Classic Car show. Restored and preserved vehicles from the 50s, 60s, 70s will roar through town as you enjoy galleries, boutiques and wonderful restaurants. Details are at www.berlinmainstreet.com
MUSIC
Berlin Jazz & Blues, Wine & Brews
On May 3rd downtown Berlin will again host the Berlin Jazz & Blues, Wine & Brews Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with local beers, wine, mead and spirits, a variety of food vendors, and wonderful music. Get more information at www.berlinmainstreet.org.
The Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival
Also on May 3rd, Rehoboth will host the Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival from noon to 3:30 p.m. This will be a foodie paradise! Learn more at www.sodelfest.com
ARTS
Dewey Beach Arts and Fun Fest
Fine arts and crafts will take center stage at the Dewey Beach Arts and Fun Fest on May 10th on the bay side of Dickinson Street, with a juried show. Learn more at www.deweybusinesspartnership.org.
Rehoboth Arts Festival
On May 17th the Rehoboth Art League and the City of Rehoboth will present the Rehoboth Arts Festival at Grove Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a great event for lovers of fine art. Learn more at www.rehobothartleague.org
A TRADITIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
On Monday, May 26th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Berlin Memorial Day Parade will celebrate veterans with music, food vendors, a yard sale and games in its historic downtown. Get the details at www.berlinmainstreet.org
These are just a few of the many festival events happening near the beaches this May. Learn about all of them with the Cape Gazette’s Spring/Summer Festivals Guide at https://www.capegazette.com/center/festival-season-here/289349
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