2026 Harvest to Hollydays Vacation Planner Accommodations • Attractions • Sept.-New Year’s Festivals & Events Calendar Enjoy Fall Fun at Area Farm Markets Southern Delaware September through New Year’s Events View this issue online at www.SouthernDelawareVacationPlanner.com Scan with Your Cell Phone to View this Issue Online Holiday E v ents September E v ents Fall EventsHome2 Suites by Hilton Lewes Rehoboth Beach 17388 Ocean One Plaza, Lewes 302-200-7373 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sbydeht Complimentary Breakfast High Speed WiFi Pet Friendly (with a dog park!) 24/7 Spin2 Cycle, Combined Fitness/Laundry Facility Indoor Heated Pool and Business Center Dynamic and Savvy Rooms designed to help you feel at home while away from home. Fall and the Hollydays season are a wonderful time of year to visit Southern Delaware. It’s no secret anymore that fall is a great time of year to visit Southern Delaware. With spectacular golf courses, walking, hiking, and biking trails crisscrossing coastal and riverside landscapes and offering views of sparkling waterways, coastal pine forests, beautiful marshland, golden farm fields, and bald cypress wetlands, you’ll be able to choose a new adventure every day. Fall weekends are filled with festivals featuring everything from scrapple and apples to arts festivals to Sea Witch parades and pump- kins. The holiday season in Southern Delaware is described as the “Hollydays” season to honor the area’s storied history as an abundant holly grower and supplier to the Mid Atlantic markets. Hollydays weekends feature a host of Christmas parades, tree light- ings, house tours, light displays, carol sings and holiday performances each unique to the communities that host them. Plan to attend some of the unique events while you stay and enjoy the hospitality of the fine accommodations throughout Southern Delaware. Tax-Free holiday shopping in boutiques, galleries, and antique stores that line our small-town main streets and in over 130 outlet stores is 2026 Southern Delaware Harvest to Hollydays Vacation PlannerPage 1 2 Olive Ave. & Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971 (800) 33 BEACH ~ boardwalkplaza.com PERFECTLY POSITIONED, ALL YEAR Oceanfront Accommodations & Oceanfront Dining on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk beachbeach MEMORIESMEMORIES made here!made here! Enjoy “Harvest to Holidays” in Southern Delaware SouthernDelaware Harvest to Hollydays Vacation Planner is published by Southern Delaware Publishing Inc. P.O. Box 990, Ocean View, DE19970 302-745-3029 E-Mail: delawareexplorer@gmail.com Jim Klinedinst Michelle Klinedinst Publisher/President Vice President Publisher of www.SouthernDelawareVacationPlanner.com www.SouthernDelawareExplorer.com www.CentralDelawareVisitorsGuide.com Composed by Morning Star Publications 18826 Coastal Hwy. • Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 (302) 645-8003 • (800) HAMPTON www.rehobothbeach.hamptoninn.com REHOBOTH BEACH/LEWES REHOBOTH BEACH • DELAWARE Earn Free Travel with Hilton Honors • Free Breakfast • Indoor Pool • Refrigerators • Microwaves • Fitness Center • Free WiFi • Conference & Meeting Room TM About the Cover: Clockwise from the bottom Parsons Farms in Dagsboro is one of many area farms that offer fall fun. The Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival is one of many popular September events. The Sea Witch Parade is the highlight of the annual Rehoboth Beach Sea Witch Festival held annually at the end of October in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting many locations in Southern Delaware including Schellville’s winter wonderland at the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. a favorite cool season activity. And our Culinary Coast™ restaurants serve up fantastic fare year-round. We hope this Vacation Planner is helpful to you in finding plenty of unique events, accommodations and attractions in planning your fall and hollydays getaway to Southern Delaware. Keep up with everything in Southern Delaware by liking or follow- ing the Southern Delaware Explorer on Facebook or view the current monthly issue of the Southern Delaware Explorer magazine at south- erndelawareexplorer.com. For more information about Southern Delaware and side trip ideas, go to visitsoutherndelaware.com.Page 22026 Southern Delaware Harvest to Hollydays Vacation Planner See AUGUSTEVENTS - Page 8 Unique Events, Fall Weather, & Slower Pace Make Harvest to Hollydays a Great Time to Enjoy Southern Delaware We suggest visiting the listed websites or calling to verify the most up-to-date information before visiting. Delaware 250 events- For a running and updated list of Delaware 250 events visit delaware250.org/ and www.lewes250.com Saturday mornings- Bethany Beach Nature Center hosts events throughout the year. Kids activities start at 10:30 a.m. rain or shine on Saturdays at 807 Garfield Parkway. For more info about this year’s events visit www.townofbetha- nybeach.com, and click on the Activities tab. Thurs. & Sat. in Aug., Sat. in Sept.-Bethany Beach Bandstand Concert Series. Not just a summer series anymore. Thursdays in June, Family Night Wednes- days in July, Thursdays & Saturdays in July and August, Fridays and Saturdays in Sept. For more info about this year’s events visit www.townofbethanybeach. com, and click on the Activities tab. Thurs. thru Sat. - Walking Tours of the Dover Green. Unreserved walking tours of Historic Dover led by historical interpreters in period clothing are of- fered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and leave from the John Bell House, 43 on The Green. For more information visit www.destate- parks.com/park/first-state-heritage/ or call 302-739-9194. Now-Sept. 6- Jack Lewis: Visions of Southern Delaware. The Seaford Museum will open the summer season with Jack Lewis: Visions of Southern Delaware, a special exhibition featuring more than twenty original works by the acclaimed Delaware artist. Running now through September 6th, 2026, the showcase high- lights Lewis’s vivid colors, distinctive style, and deep affection for Sussex Coun- ty. For more info visit SeafordHistoricalSociety.com. Now-Oct. -The Freeman Arts Pavilion at Bayside. The Freeman Stage pro- motes arts and music throughout the summer with many nationally known per- formers as well as local performers. For more information and the complete schedule, visit freemanstage.org or call 302-436-3015. Now- Jan. 3, 2027- Reflections: 25 Objects for 250 Years of Delaware History. In celebration of America’s 250th, this exhibition invites 25 Delawareans to re- flect on the state’s history through the Biggs Museum’s collection. Each selected artwork is paired with personal reflections and curatorial insight, sharing stories that shape Delaware’s identity. Visitors can also add their own reflections in- gallery, making this an evolving conversation throughout 2026. Free admission. Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 federal St., Dover. Visit www.thebiggs- museum.org or call 302-674-2111. Now-Aug. 16 – Biggs Museum Award Winners XXVI. Award Winners XXVI brings together the 2026 recipients of the Delaware Division of the Arts Individ- ual Artist Fellowships in a vibrant, multidisciplinary exhibition that highlights the depth and diversity of creative practice across the state. Free admission. Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 federal St., Dover. Visit www.thebiggs- museum.org or call 302-674-2111. Now-Sept. 6- Biggs Museum Member’s Show. The Biggs2026Members’ Showcelebrates the artists who make up our creative community, highlighting the talent, perspectives, and artistic practices of the individuals who help shape The Biggs. Free admission. Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 federal St., Dover. Visit www.thebiggsmuseum.org or call 302-674-2111. Aug. 13, 27 – Town of Ocean View Concerts in the Park, 6:00 p.m-8 p.m. at John West Park, Ocean View. Aug. 13-West of One, Aug. 27-Charlie & the Cool Tones. For info call 302-539-9797 or visit www.oceanviewde.gov/Even- tsinthePark. Aug. 14 & 28, Sept.11, 25, Oct. 9, 23 - Revolutionary Lewes Walking Tour. This 90-minute walking tour explores Lewes’ role in the American Revolution at 6 p.m.$15, 110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes. Visit www.historiclewes.org/tours Aug. 15-16 — Under Enemy Guns: Lewes & Blockade in the War of 1812. Come and enjoy this immersive history weekend highlighting the 1813 Great Bombardment of Lewes. $10 per person. Children 12-and-under are free. Loca- tions: Historic Lewes Town Campus, Cannonball House Maritime Museum, and War of 1812 Park. from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit historiclewes.org. Aug. 15- Taste of History: Moon Pie & RC Cola. This classic pairing has de- lighted for over a decade – stop by to learn its story and enjoy a bite (and sip) while browsing the antiques. Who knew history could taste so good! Black Cat Antiques, 225 Main St., Millsboro. Call 302-934-9841 or visit blackcatantiques. us Aug. 15 – Milford Hippiefest. Come celebrate the music of the 60’s and the 70’s at the Milford Museum’s annual benefit event at the Causey Mansion in Milford from 3-8 p.m. Enjoy some amazing music, great food, and wear your favorite tie dye. Tickets are always in demand so purchase yours early. Call 302- 424-1080, email info@milfordDEmuseum.org or visit www.milforddemuseum. org2026 Southern Delaware Harvest to Hollydays Vacation PlannerPage 3 K-Cup Coffee Pods Pick Your Favorites! 112 Market St., 302 956-6984 Downtown Alley is a 6,000 sq. ft. store with a unique flair. Mix n Match K-Cups, Eagle Wingz Sauces, Local Honey, Dip Mixes, Bridgeville & Delaware Memorabilia, Alley Pets, Antiques, Florist and So Much More 18208 Sussex Hwy. 302 337-3137 Antique Alley of Bridgeville is a 20,000 sq. ft. shopping mall extravaganza on Rt 13. Easy access and plenty of parking. Two Unique Stores in One Small Town BridgevilleDelaware www.antiquealleyde.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Follow us on Facebook Mark your Calendar for our 2026 Fall & Holiday Special Shopping Events. Aug 16-31 - Red Tag Sale, 50% off deals Sat. Sept 12 - Fall Open House at Downtown Alley Sat. Oct 3 - Apple Scrapple - Stay tuned for our Specials Sat. Nov 7 - Christmas Open House - Door Prizes, Discounts, Refreshments Thurs. Nov 26 - Closed for Thanksgiving Fri. Nov 27 - Black Friday Discounts & Pick me up Snacks Sat. Nov 28 - Small Business Saturday Free gift while supplies last Fri. Dec 11 - Ladies Night Out - 6pm to 8pm Door Prizes, Wine & snacks at Antique Alley of Bridgeville Fri. Dec. 18 - Christmas Cookies Day DA Fri. Dec 25 - Closed for the celebration of Christmas DA AA Broad Creek Bike Bash The Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Broad Creek Bash (formerly known as Broad Creek Bike and Brew) sponsored by Dogfish Head beers, on August 22nd in down- town Laurel. On your quiet adventure you will wind through scenic byways and along historic waterways as you explore what makes the area so unique.The tour has tied in some of the best historic attractions such as The Laurel Heritage Museum, The Cook House, Historic Bethel, Bethel Museum, and Old Christ Church to name a few. Along the way enjoy important waterways that make up a portion of the Chesapeake Watershed, the Nanticoke River Trail, Mason Dixon in Delmar,and The Sussex County Historic and Scenic By- way. Of course, the ride would not be complete without a stop at the true gem – Trap Pond State Park. The Broad Creek Bash featuring Dogfish Head beer, live music, food trucks and vendors is sponsored by the Western Sussex Cham- ber of Commerce and begins and ends in historic Laurel, Delaware. Riders can choose a 25-mile route, 50-mile route, or a Metric Century route. This year the Chamber is excited to once again to be in partnership with SeaShore Striders and offer a 5K walk/run as well. There will be designated rest stops with restrooms, beverages, and light snacks. Registration opens at 7 a.m. Upon returning to Laurel, riders can enjoy a finish party located at Janosik Park on the Broad Creek. Each participant (over 21) will be given 2 free beers with the option to purchase more if wanted. Please make sure you bring money for purchase of food at the party. The after party kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with Charlie and the Cool Tones performing from 11:00 until 2:00. Half of all proceeds will go to local non-profits! Contact the Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce at 302-629-9690 or www.westernsussexcoc.com/ broad-creek-bike-brew to register or for more info.Page 42026 Southern Delaware Harvest to Hollydays Vacation Planner Celebrate Bethany Beach’s 125th Anniversary at Bethany’s Founder’s Day Weekend, Sept. 4th-7th The Town of Bethany Beach is inviting residents and visi- tors to celebrate a historic milestone as the community com- memorates its 125th anniversary with two special events highlighting the Town’s rich history, enduring traditions, and community spirit. Since its founding in 1901, Bethany Beach has welcomed generations of families seeking relaxation, connection, and the simple pleasures of a seaside retreat. While the Town has grown and evolved over the years, its commitment to family- friendly recreation and a strong sense of community remains as vibrant as ever. “We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the founding of Bethany Beach and the sense of community that continues to define our town,” said Mayor Ron Calef. The centerpiece of the anniversary celebration will be Founders Day Weekend, taking place over Labor Day Weekend, September 4th–7th. The event will mark Bethany Beach’s 125th birthday while also recognizing America’s 250th anniversary, creating a unique joint 125/250 celebra- tion honoring both milestones. The weekend will showcase the pride, patriotism, and tradi- tions that define Bethany Beach, including the return of the beloved Independence Day Parade, which was postponed in July due to extreme heat. The parade will retain its original theme, “Stars, Stripes, and Shorelines”. Attendees can also enjoy three evenings of free entertain- ment at the Bandstand, each celebrating a different era of iconic American music. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. •Friday, September 4th: Local favorite Love Seed Mama Jump opens the festivities with an energetic mix of classic and modern rock. •Saturday, September 5th: The Jimmies take au- diences back to the 1980’s with their crowd-pleasing 80’s Flashback show. •Sunday, September 6th: Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis brings the weekend’s concert series to a close with hits spanning the 1950’s through the 1970’s. Following Sunday evening’s performance, spectators will enjoy a spectacular drone and fireworks display, co-spon- sored by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce and Southern Delaware Tourism. The rescheduled Independence Day Parade will step off at noon on Sunday, September 6th, following its traditional route through downtown Bethany Beach. Information re- garding float registration will be announced soon. The celebration concludes on Monday, September 7th (La- bor Day) with the 41st Annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This cherished New Orleans-style See BETHANY’S 125TH ANNIV. WKD. - Page 52026 Southern Delaware Harvest to Hollydays Vacation PlannerPage 5 1501 Coastal Highway Fenwick Island, DE 19944 302.539.8200 www.fenwickshores.com A boutique hotel located in the heart of Fenwick Island, Delaware Shopping & Dining within walking distance Heated Outdoor Pool Year ‘Round Event Space for up to 100 Mooncussers Restaurant & Bar One block from the beaches of Fenwick Island Minutes to Bethany Beach DE and Ocean City MD Bethany’s 125th Anniv. Wkd. - from page 4 procession, accompanied by Dixieland jazz musicians, tradi- tionally marks the close of summer and welcomes Bethany Beach’s anticipated “second season.” The Town’s second anniversary event, A Passport to the Past, will take place on Saturday, September 19th, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Dinker-Irvin Cottage. Co-hosted by the Bethany Beach Cultural and Historical Affairs Com- mittee, the event is designed as an interactive and flexible, come-and-go experience that invites participants to explore the town’s history through seven themed Experience Zones. Guests will receive a commemorative passport and collect stamps as they visit each area: •Welcome Plaza •Activity Village •Jazz Porch •Walk Through 125 Years •Garden Party •Storytelling Tent •History Scavenger Hunt Visitors may participate in activities in any order while en- joying continuous music, entertainment, historical exhibits, and family-friendly programming throughout the afternoon. “These celebrations offer a unique opportunity to honor Bethany Beach’s charming history, celebrate its place in America’s story, and envision what’s to come,” said Events Director Julie Malewski. For additional event details and updates, visit www.townof- bethanybeach.com.Page 62026 Southern Delaware Harvest to Hollydays Vacation Planner 48th Nanticoke Indian Powwow, Sept 12th & 13th Hudson Fields of Milton is proud to once again host The Nanticoke Indian Tribe’s 48th Annual Powwow on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th. The Powwow grounds are located at Hudson Fields, 30045 Eagle Crest Road in Milton. Powwow grounds open at 10:00 a.m., and Grand Entry with a parade of dancers on Saturday will be at 12:00 noon. Sunday morning begins with a Worship Service at 9:00 a.m.; Grand Entry on Sunday is at noon. This event closes each day at 6:00 p.m. Vendors for food, jewelry, souvenirs, arts and crafts, beadwork, leather, and regalia supplies are expected. A kids’ corner will have face painting and make and take crafts. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 11 to 17, and free for children under 10. Shuttles will be available in the parking lot to bring people to the entrance both days. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the weekend. Sponsors who are helping to make this year’s Powwow a success are: Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs, Chuck Hall Insurance and Financial Services, Inc., Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Short’s Marine, Beebe Healthcare, Community Bank, Complete Tree Care, Inc., County Bank, Sussex County Council, Mountaire Cares, Allen Harim, Inc., Parker Block Co., as well as many other sponsors of advertisements within our 2026 Powwow Book. The Nanticoke Indian Association is gratefully accepting further contributions to the event. Please call 302-945-3400 or email info@nanticokeindians.org if you might be interested. The Nanticoke Indians are the native people of lower Delaware. Today there are approximately 700 members of the Nanticoke Indian Association and more than 2,000 people who can trace their heritage back to the Tribe. For more information about the Nanticoke, go to www.nanticokeIndians.org or the Facebook page “Nanticoke Indian Tribe.” Joe Del Tufo, Moonloop PhotographyEvent Sponsors include Southern Delaware Tourism; Sup- porting Sponsor – Heather’s Home Works; Media Sponsors - Coastal Point, Delaware Today, Forever Media; Signature Sponsors – Beach Liquors, Comcast Business, Common Ground Hospitality, Creative Concepts, Delaware Division of the Arts; Festival Sponsor – Custom Mechanical; Premi- um Sponsors – Artisans’ Bank, Bethany Beach Books, L&W Insurance, Lord’s Landscaping & Garden Center, Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery. For more information, visit BethanyBeachArtsFestival. com or follow @bethanybeachartsfestival on Instagram and Facebook. 2026 Southern Delaware Harvest to Hollydays Vacation PlannerPage 7 2026 Bethany Boardwalk Arts Festival, Sept. 12th The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce pres- ents the 2026 Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival, to be held on Saturday, September 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For nearly fifty years, this event has hosted over 100 juried artists annually to showcase and sell their work along the boardwalk and streets of Bethany Beach. Artists show- case an array of mediums including paintings, photography, woodwork, metalwork, clay, and jewelry, all against the beautiful backdrop of the beach. The festival kicks off on Friday, September 11th at the Meet the Artists of Gallery One Reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Gallery One and sponsored by Delaware Divi- sion of the Arts, guests are invited enjoy an evening with the studio’s 16 talented partners, wine tastings by Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery, and lite fare by Taste Events. This event is RSVP-only and free to attend. The main event on Saturday, September 12th features live music, live art demonstrations, and more, including a silent art auction sponsored by Custom Mechanical. Items for auc- tion are generously donated by the festival’s artists, with proceeds to benefit the arts programs of local elementary schools. Back by popular demand, Beach Liquors is sponsoring a ticketed Wine Tasting event hosted by Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, located in the heart of the festival. Tickets for two timeslots are available and feature tastings from a variety of different wines, lite fare by Ocean 99, and a complimentary tasting glass.Next >