June 7-8: The Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival brings together one of the largest sea glass collections in the area. Presented by the Lewes Historical Society, the weekend festival includes workshops, demonstrations, lectures, live music, and food. Lewes.
June 21: The Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau sponsors the 34th annual Lewes Garden Tour. The gardens are selected by the event committee’s co-chairs, with assistance from other committee members. In addition to a tour of the gardens, the event includes a garden market and food truck. Lewes.
June 28: With a satirical nod to Spain’s Running of the Bulls, Dewey Beach’s own Running of the Bull steps off for the 28th year at The Starboard. It includes music by Kristen and The Noise and the infamous bull run, when thousands run across Route 1, hit the beach, and return with the costumed bull, who then tangles with a guest matador. The event is a fundraiser for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. Dewey Beach.
July 2-August 26: Clear Space Theatre Company stages the Broadway musical megahit “Rent.” With music, lyrics, and book by the late Jonathan Larsen, the show tells the story of a group of young artists trying to survive in Lower Manhattan’s East Village, determined to stay true to their bohemian vision during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Rehoboth Beach.
July 5: Dig into Delaware Seashore State Park’s annual Sandcastle Contest at Towers Beach. Expected to attract approximately 30 teams totaling 100 people, the free event tests sand artists’ skills for the chance to win awards and prizes. Bethany Beach.
July 18: The original Jersey boy, Frankie Valli, joins the Four Seasons on his Last Encores Tour at Freeman Arts Pavilion. With hits such as “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December 1963 (Oh What a Night),” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and “Grease,” his songs defined a generation. Selbyville.
July 24-25: Multiplatinum country music artist Justin Moore plays the Bottle & Cork for a rare two-night stint. His latest single, “This Is My Dirt,” earned him his 13th No. 1. Other No. 1 hits have included “Point at You,” “Lettin’ the Night Roll,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA,” and “Till My Last Day.” Dewey Beach.
August 15: Satisfaction/The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show performs as part of the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand’s summer slate of shows. Performing up to 150 concerts a year, the production showcases the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and company, bringing a colorful performance of over 50 years of classic hits. Rehoboth Beach.
August 17: Wilmington’s Troy Hendrickson pops up at the Milton Theatre as Aunt Mary Pat. What started out as a loving tribute to his mother after the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018 has turned into a comedy phenomenon. Everyone’s favorite aunt with a thick Delaware County accent leaves locals laughing. Milton.
September 1: The Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral puts to rest the summer season. It is celebrated every Labor Day, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the north end of the Bethany Beach Boardwalk. The tradition is family-friendly and free—and you can even dress in costume for the mournful occasion. Three jazz bands provide the entertainment. Bethany Beach.