As Spring heads into summer, the lengthening days promise all kinds of fun in our communities around the beaches. And thanks to the Cape Gazette’s Festivals Guide, there’s no shortage of options for outdoor activity. Here are some highlights for May.
THE LEWES BRITISH MOTORCAR SHOW
On Saturday, May 2nd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal will host a stunning array of classic British cars, followed by a parade into downtown Lewes. This is a beautiful place with stunning views of the Delaware Bay and Grain on the Rocks, a fabulous casual dining restaurant.
ILLUMINATE LEWES MIND-BODY-SPIRIT ARTS FESTIVAL
On Sunday, May 3rd , the University of Delaware’s Virden Center at the end of Pilottown Road in Lewes will host a festival celebrating holistic health, featuring practitioners, vendors and workshops, where you can learn about wonderful ways to be healthy. It happens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, May 9th fresh local strawberries will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rehoboth’s Cambria Hotel, with 70 vendors and all kinds of berry-focused foods and beverages. There will also be a DJ, door prizes and more.
Also on Saturday, May 9th, Dickenson Avenue in Dewey will host a juried art and craft show from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be live music and lots of original artwork, crafts and food vendors.
On Saturday, May 16th the Rehoboth Art League will present its annual arts festival at Grove Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with many regional artists, live music, food vendors and a lovely shady setting.
Strawberries will once again be celebrated on Saturday, May 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lewes Fire Station on Janice Road in Lewes (near Nassau Vineyards). With 40 vendors, you can sample strawberry wine and all kinds of strawberry-focused foods. Call (302)249-7763 to learn more.
NASCAR AT DOVER MOTOR SPEEDWAY
On Sunday, May 17th, the NASCAR All-Star Race will roar into Dover Speedway for a race beginning at 1 p.m. and a winner-take-all showdown.
BETHANY BEACH POSEIDON FESTIVAL
From Friday, May 22nd through Tuesday, May 25th, downtown Bethany Beach will host a major festival with a luau, marine science camp, pirate and mermaid shows, lifeguard meet-and-greets and live music capped by a performance of the U.S. Navy’s Country Current band.
Head up to Bowers Beach in Milford on Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th for this family-friendly pirate festival with 18th Century demonstrations, live entertainment, craft vendors and a scavenger hunt.
ANNUAL HORSESHOE CRAB AND SHOREBIRD FESTIVAL
Also on Saturday, May 23rd, horseshoe crabs will be feted at Milton Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with educational sessions, nature and craft vendors, food trucks and a petting zoo.
On Monday, May 25th, beautiful and historic downtown Berlin Maryland, just over the Delaware line, will host a Memorial Day Parade beginning at 11 a.m., with marching bands, food trucks, music, games, yard sales and vendors at Dr. William Henry Park.
BETHANY BEACH SONGWRITER SHOWCASE
From Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st, Bethany Beach will host music performed by local songwriters on the Bethany Bandstand in a lovely oceanfront setting.
REHOBOTH WEST SIDE CREATIVE MARKET SUMMER-LONG FESTIVAL
Beginning Friday, May 29th and lasting through September 4th, the West Side Creative Market in Rehoboth will host artist booths, live music and food trucks and the Creative Market Bar on Mondays through Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.
LEWES IN BLOOM GARDEN & FLEA MARKET SALE
Saturday, May 30th is a major day for gardeners at this annual event featuring vibrant annuals, perennials, herbs, pollinator plants and garden accessories. It happens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lewes in Bloom warehouse on Schley Avenue, and proceeds will benefit Lewes beautification projects.
On Saturday, May 30th, Hudson Fields in Milton will host this major event with live music, kids activities, a car show, food trucks and first responder demonstrations. It takes place from 12 noon to 5 p.m., with proceeds benefiting local firefighter and EMS charities.
SOUTHERN DELAWARE WINE FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
May 30th is also a great day for foodies at Rehoboth’s Cambria Hotel, with signature tastes from top local restaurants, unlimited wine, craft beer and cocktails, live music, a silent auction and chef competition.