Contrary to what some folks might think, Rehoboth Beach and environs do not empty out by 5 p.m. on Labor Day.
In fact, for the past 20 years or so, late summer and early autumn at the beach has meant that while the kids are back in school, grownups gather for an astounding mix of arts, culture, food and drink. And, starting Sept. 18, those parking meters are off-duty.
On the Culinary Coast, as the area has been monikered, visitors can experience everything from extreme fine dining to watermelon-spitting contests and Halloween candy-making.
All this while celebrating human bears and Greyhound canines, sunning on the beach or traversing the Baltimore Avenue Block Party with its hundred vendors, quintessential drag queens and thousands of visitors.
Here’s a wrap-up of the fun to be had in the still-shining sun:
From Sept. 19-23, it’s boardwalk and bars and bears, oh my. The entire town of Rehoboth becomes a big den during the fourth annual Bear Weekend.
There’s a full roster of events and entertainment for the long weekend, famous for its huge attendance and cool activities. Weekend passes ($115) and individual tickets are available now at Rehobothbeachbears.com. Plans include a TAILgate dance party, a beach party at Gordon’s Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park, a show by standup comic ANT and a closing party at the Purple Parrot. Plus, there are pub crawls, bear happy hours and more.
In the midst of Bear Weekend, on Sept. 22, is AIDS Walk Delaware. This is always a huge event, raising lots of money for AIDS Delaware and providing an exhilarating stroll and social experience around town and along the boardwalk.
The event takes place 9 a.m.-noon, starting and ending at Rehoboth’s Grove Park at the entrance to the city. Register by yourself or with friends or join the CAMP Rehoboth team at AIDSdelaware.org.
Animal lovers delight in the Greyhounds Reach the Beach Weekend, Oct. 4-7. Visitors with Greyhound companions, or folks who just love these majestic but affectionate animals, descend on Rehoboth and Dewey beaches to celebrate them with social gatherings, a silent auction, the Beer & Biscuit Mixer and lots of other activities. The best part is that packs of these graceful animals are parading all around town. Find more information at grtb.org.
Besides mingling with the hounds that weekend, residents and visitors can shop at the annual downtown Rehoboth Beach Sidewalk Sale. Merchants will offer bargains as they take to the sidewalks with their signature goods.
But the shore town’s biggest event takes place Oct. 11-14. The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, this year featuring When Motown Meets Jazz and lots of celebrity performers, hosts ticketed concerts all over the area, including at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Rehoboth Elementary School and Dogfish Head Brewery. And most of the Lewes and Rehoboth restaurants will offer jazz with every meal. The Rehoboth Bandstand also will feature jazz performances. See Rehobothjazz.com.
The True Blue Jazz Fest also is in town that week, from Oct. 10-14 at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Clear Space Theatre, and will feature Bobby Sanabria and Ascension, Wycliffe Gordon and the Mid-Atlantic Jazz All-Stars and more. Check out truebluejazz.org.
The giant CAMP Rehoboth Block Party ends the jazzy weekend Oct. 14 on the second block of Baltimore Avenue. The party runs noon-4 p.m. and features food vendors, shopping, nonprofit organizations and a continuous roster of live entertainment. This is not the party to miss. After all that jazz, it’s a chance to spend Sunday with favorite LGBT performers like John Francis Flynn, Matt Kenworthy, Pamala Stanley and the CAMP Chorus. Plus, there’s always an outrageous drag queen or two (or four). See more details at camprehoboth.com.
And then, of course, comes Halloween. From Oct. 26-28, the town is a trick-or-treat haven during the day for youngsters with The Sea Witch Festival. But the nights belong to the LGBT goblins, witches and costume geniuses. Costumes are encouraged at The Blue Moon, The Purple Parrot, Rigbys, Murphs, The Swell and Diego’s Hideaway. These Halloween parties are frightfully fun, from costume contests to the Monster Mash. (And no matter what happens, we won’t say boo to a soul.)
Furry friends also get into the act at the Sea Witch Pet Parade Halloween Weekend. It’s a hoot, with many pets and their humans in ensemble costumes. It’s a gay ol’ time for all ages and species.
It’s all at the Delaware coast this fall — a shorter drive than during the traffic-packed summer months and just as much fun … maybe more. The gourmet restaurants await, the hotels and B&Bs are open, the sand and surf are still gorgeous, parking is free and gay pride is all around. C’mon down!