The official start to the beach season begins this weekend—so grab your towel, some sunscreen and this must-do list so you don’t miss any of the action.

Milton

Milton/Prime Hook Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival

What: The area’s eco-friendly salute to the coast’s favorite crustacean and the shorebirds that love them is a much-loved tradition. Take a ride on the Horseshoe Crab Express train ride, rent a canoe or boat and go on a nature walk.
When: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m–4 p.m.
Where: Milton Memorial Park and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (a shuttle bus moves between the two venues)

Serafin String Quartet

What: Those who prefer a violinist’s strings to a DJ’s spins can sit back and savor Beethoven String Quartet in C Major along with other compositions.
When: Friday, May 26, 8 p.m.
Where: Milton Theatre

Boats! Buttons! Beans! Beer! Walking Tour

What: The industries that have fueled Milton’s economy are revealed during a tour that lasts about an hour. The cost is $5 if you’re not a member of the Milton Historical Society and free if you are.
When: Saturday, May 27, 9:30 a.m., weather permitting
Where: Starts at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Lewes

Beach Escape Weekend

What: Celebrate the debut of The Crooked Hammock Brewery’s 12-ounce beer cans featuring Wai Ola and Actively Fishing as a kickoff to a music-filled weekend at the “Hammock.” The cans feature the artwork by Paul Carpenter.
When: Steal the Pint Night is Thursday, May 25. Music follows all weekend
Where: The Crooked Hammock

Zwaanendael Museum’s Sixth Annual Maritime Festival: A Sailor’s Life for Me

What: Ahoy, matey! Find out what life was like at sea and in the harbor town that supported maritime like during a series of free events held throughout Lewes, including Life at Sea demonstrations, a living history encampment, tours of the Overfalls, a lightship, and tours of the hull of the DeBraak, which sank off the Cape Henlopen coast on May25, 1798.
When: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, May, 28, 9 a.m–.4 p.m.
Where: Various locations in Lewes, including the Zwaanedael Museum, Canal Front Park and the Lightship Overfalls

Lewes Memorial Day Parade

What: Wear your red, white and blue or your military attire to the American Legion Post 17’s parade through downtown Lewes.
When: Monday, May 29, at 11 a.m.
Where: Starts at the Lewes Presbyterian Church parking lot and crosses the canal bridge.

Delaware By Hand Members Annual Outdoor Show

What: Peruse the wares of more than 50 artists in such mediums as glass, sculpture, leather, jewelry and photography
When: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Zwaanedael Park

Fort Miles Museum Open House

What: Tour Battery 519, part of America’s defense system during World War II and learn about the Boeing B-17, dubbed the “Flying Fortress.”
When: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Cape Henlopen State Park

Fifth Annual Summer Kickoff

What: Blue Earl Brewing and Painted Stave Distilling will join forces with Teller Wines to offer tastings, while Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli will park its food truck at the scene.
When: Saturday, May 27, noon–4 p.m. for the food truck; 1–4 p.m. for beer and spirits tastings; 3–6 p.m. for wine tastings
Where: Teller Wines on Savannah Road

Rehoboth Beach

Angry Water

What: Explore the impact of storms on the beach area with a new exhibit that focuses on lighthouses, shipwrecks, lifesaving stations and rebuilding.
When: Opens Saturday, May 27
Where: Rehoboth Beach Museum

Mason’s Famous Lobster

What: Just one block from the beach, this casual eatery with counter service boasts the real deal: chunks of lobster packed into a split-top hot dog bun. Get it with chips or a cup of clam chowder. Don’t forget the root beer from Maine.
When: Anytime the craving hits you. Grab some to go for your friends on the beach.
Where: Ocean block of Rehoboth Avenue

Dewey Beach

Kristen & the Noise

What: If you’re making it a four-day weekend, kick off the holiday with one of the area’s favorite bands. Bring your dance shoes—the five-piece group is guaranteed to get you on your feet.
When: Thursday, May 25, 10 p.m.
Where: The Starboard

Rick Arzt Trio/Savannah Band/The Rockets

What: Memorial Day weekend starts with hot tunes and cool views of the Rehoboth Bay.
When: Friday, May 26, beginning at 2 p.m. The Rockets come on at 9 p.m.
Where: The Rusty Rudder

Bethany Beach

Poseidon Festival

What: Stretching for six days, the event kicks off with a Caribbean Carnival with steel drum duo Island Fusion at the bandstand at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Other events include limbo contests, the U.S. Navy Cruisers Band, a Pirate Night, a Jimmy Buffet tribute ban and a mermaid parade.
When: May 27–June 1
Where: Downtown Bethany Beach

Fenwick Island

Bindlestiff Family Circus

What: A little bit vaudeville, a little bit burlesque, this circus bucks the norm—and it’s free. Bring you own chair and enjoy.
When: Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m.
Where: The Freeman Stage at Bayside