Halloween at the Delaware beaches is not just about the sand and the sun, but also about the spooky and fun festivities that take place during this time of year. With events like Zombie Fest, Sea Witch Festival, Wags, Witches and Warlocks, and Cops & Goblins, locals and tourists alike have plenty of options to get into the Halloween spirit.
Zombie Fest, hosted by the Milton Theatre, has become a popular event over the years. This year’s theme is “Carnival,” so prepare to be scared by creepy clowns. The festival kicks off at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 21st, with vendors and food trucks along Union Street. There will be a kids’ zone behind the Milton Theatre, featuring “freak show performances,” live music, costume contests, a laser light show, and zombie makeup stations. The highlight of the event is the “zombie walk,” which starts at 8 p.m. and takes participants from Union Street to Federal Street. Offsite parking will be available at the Dogfish Head Brewery, with a shuttle to downtown Milton.
The Sea Witch Festival, organized by the Rehoboth Beach – Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, is the signature fall event at the Delaware beaches. It attracts a large number of people and brings a significant economic boost to the area. This year’s event, featuring the “Snapper” Sea Witch, will take place from Friday, October 27th, to Sunday, October 29th. Parking can be a challenge, so it is highly recommended to use the DART Park & Ride. Rehoboth Avenue will be closed to traffic from 2 a.m. on Saturday until Sunday afternoon. The main attraction of the festival is the costume parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The parade showcases creatively designed costumes, motorized floats, balloons, marching bands, and more. In addition to the parade, there are numerous vendors, live music, kids’ activities, hayrides, horse rides, a pet parade, and even live music at the bandstand. Sea Witch Festival offers something for everyone.
For dog lovers, the Wags, Witches and Warlocks festival in Bethany Beach is a must-attend event. Taking place on October 28th, this festival is all about Halloween going to the dogs. The event starts with puppy yoga at 8 a.m. in Bethany Beach Central Park. Later, at 10 a.m., participants can join the Garfield Parkway parade, with donations benefiting the Brandywine Valley SPCA. Trick-or-treating and kids’ activities are also part of the festival. In case of bad weather, the festival will be rescheduled for October 29th.
If one Halloween festival is not enough, then make your way to the nearby town of Ocean View for the Cops & Goblins event. Hosted by the Ocean View Police Department, this festival is in its eighth year and takes place on October 28th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at John West Park. The event features a kids’ costume contest, food and drink, and even a petting zoo. Best of all, the festival is free for everyone, although there is a rain date of October 29th.
So, whether you’re into zombies, witches, warlocks, or just want to celebrate Halloween with your furry friend, the Delaware beaches have something for you. With these exciting events, everyone can get in the Halloween spirit and enjoy the festivities that this time of year brings to the coastal region.