The Sea Witch Festival has become one of coastal Delaware’s most anticipated events, drawing thousands of visitors for three days of costumes, contests, music, and all of the fun that the parade provides.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned attendee of the beloved Seawitch Festival, the 2025 edition promises plenty of memorable moments for everyone.
A Fall Tradition in Coastal Delaware
As the summer crowds fade, Rehoboth Beach comes alive once again with the annual Sea Witch Festival.
Now in its 35th year, this beloved Halloween celebration transforms the town into a hub of costumes, music, and community spirit.
From October 24th to 26th, visitors can enjoy an exciting mix of parade, contests, and entertainment that attracts families, friends, and even four-legged participants.
The Sea Witch Festival offers something for everyone, with free events and activities spread throughout downtown Rehoboth Beach. This year’s festivities promise to be bigger than ever, with expanded vendor areas, new attractions, and returning favorites.
Although not all events are confirmed, you can check out the ones that are (in red) in their Program of Activities.
Key events include:
- Main Costume Parade and Dog Costume Parade
- Marathon, Triathlon and 5k Run
- Kids activities and artisan & vendor show at the Convention Center
- Live music and other performances at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Over the years, the Sea Witch Festival has earned national recognition, including being named one of the "Weirdest, Wackiest Fall Festivals in the U.S." by Thrillist and one of the "10 Best Halloween Parades in the US" by USA Today.
It has also been repeatedly honored as the Best Annual Festival in Delaware by local publications.
Want to know how you should plan your weekend to attend the Seawitch Festival? Keep reading for the inside scoop.
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The Costume Parade
One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend is the Sea Witch Costume Parade, set for Saturday morning at 11am.
The spectacle begins with the Sea Witch Balloon and Clipper Ship float, followed by hundreds of participants dressed in creative and spooky attire.
Motorized floats add to the excitement as the parade travels along Rehoboth Avenue, starting at Coho’s Market & Loves Liquors at the intersection of 4th Street and Rehoboth Avenue.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive before the 9 a.m. start time to secure a good viewing spot. And anyone interested in entering their own organization’s float in the parade should check out more details through their registration packet.
Pooches on Parade
Another anticipated event is the Costumed Dog Parade.
Starting at 1pm from the north end of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, this cute event invites pet owners to show off their canine companions in their most imaginative outfits.
Winners will be announced at the Bandstand at 2:30pm.
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Sea Witch 5K, Half-Marathon Halloween Classic, and Webfooters Triathlon
If you like your fall fun with a side of exercise, this weekend has you covered.
On Saturday, the Half-Marathon Halloween Classic kicks off at Cape Henlopen State Park’s main parking lot, offering scenic coastal views along the route.
Also on Saturday, the First State Webfooters Triathlon invites participants to take on a combination of swimming, biking, and walking or running, choose from a 300-meter swim, 10.6 or 46-kilometer bike rides, and 5K or 10K walks.
Then on Sunday, the Sea Witch 5K Classic Run brings runners down Rehoboth Avenue from Grove Park.
Kid’s Corner & Local Vendors
The Kid’s Corner inside the Convention Center provides non-stop entertainment for children.
Activities include face painting, magic shows, balloon twisting, arts and crafts, story time, and more.
It’s a safe and engaging space for the youngest festival-goers.
This year’s festival will feature an expanded artisan and vendor area inside the Convention Center, open from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Visitors can browse over 30 booths offering handmade goods, unique souvenirs, and seasonal treats.
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Live Music All Weekend
The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand will host free concerts throughout the weekend.
Local and regional bands like The Jimmies, Brackish Water Boys, and Charlie & The Cool Tones will perform a variety of genres, creating the perfect soundtrack for the festivities.
Besides live music, the Bandstand will also host other events like the Petting Zoo by the Little Farm or the Coastal Wilds Animal Experience.
Festival Merchandise and Collectibles
The Sea Witch Festival is known for its collectible pins, first introduced in 1993, and visitors can purchase current and retired pins, including special anniversary editions.
The 2025 selection will feature reprints of the popular 2011 Mummy Pin and its companion Mummy Dog, the classic Since 1989 Sea Witch Festival Pin, and more.
They also sell T-shirts, socks, lanyards, and even a witch balloon piece.
Parking and Transportation
Visitors should be aware of new parking restrictions for 2025:
- No overnight parking Thursday night into Friday morning on Rehoboth Avenue
- This applies to all Rehoboth Ave parking spots from 1 a.m. Friday, October 24th until 6 a.m. Friday morning.
- No median parking on Rehoboth Avenue starting at 1 a.m. Saturday, October 25th through the end of the Costume Parade.
Violations, or not abiding by signage, may result in parking tickets or towing, with vehicles relocated to Coastal Towing in Lewes.
Please plan ahead & don’t forget to plan your travel early to ensure everything is smooth sailing for your group to enjoy the festival weekend festivities.
Plan Your Visit
For more information, including the full schedule of activities and vendor lists, visitors can request a festival program from the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Whether you’re a local or planning a trip to coastal Delaware, the Sea Witch Festival offers a memorable way to celebrate Halloween by the sea. Our team is looking forward to having a “fangtastic” time with all of the festivities & we hope you come out to make some memories of your own!
Are you planning to attend the Sea Witch Festival this year? Share your favorite memories or costume ideas from past years in the comments, and follow our blog for more news and event updates from Coastal Delaware.