If you've ever been to Dewey Beach on a dog weekend, you know that the vibe is different.
Two of the biggest dog events are back in 2026, and they are bringing even more people, dogs, and fun to Coastal Delaware.
From hundreds of doodles gathering for a weekend of events to golden retrievers taking over the beach, here is a full breakdown of what you can expect:
What Is Doodles in Dewey?
PAWS for People hosts one of Coastal Delaware's most well-known dog events, Doodles in Dewey.
What began in 2005 has turned into a full weekend event that brings together hundreds of dogs and their owners.
The numbers alone show how much it has grown. In 2025, the event welcomed over 800 people and 500 doodles, raising more than $35,000 to support pet therapy programs.
The goal behind the event goes beyond just a fun weekend. It supports a nonprofit that provides therapeutic visits to people in hospitals, schools, and care facilities through trained therapy pets.
The event runs rain or shine, and organizers even provide an updated list of dog-friendly restaurants with covered outdoor seating in case of weather.
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Full Schedule for Doodles in Dewey 2026
This year, the event takes place from April 24th through April 26th, with activities spread across Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Lewes.
Friday: Parade and Yappy Hours in Rehoboth Beach
The weekend kicks off with one of the most fun moments, the Doodle Costume Parade along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
Registration opens in the afternoon, and the parade begins in the early evening, so even if you are not participating, it is worth stopping by just to see the cute costumes and the crowd.
After the parade, the night continues with multiple “Yappy Hours” at local spots around Rehoboth Beach.
These are casual gatherings where a portion of sales goes back to PAWS for People.
A few participating locations include:
Saturday: The Main Event in Dewey Beach
Saturday is when everything shifts to Dewey Beach for the main attraction, the Doodle Romp.
From 10am to 2pm, McKinley Street becomes the center of the action, where you will find:
- Dogs running and playing freely on the beach
- Vendor setups and shopping opportunities
- A PAW Draw ticket auction
- The PAWS shop
It's lively, a little chaotic in a good way, and one of those things that are hard to put into words until you see it for yourself.
Later in the day, the Yappy Hours continue, this time in Dewey Beach.
Local spots like Dewey Beer Company and Mama Maria’s participate, along with The Lighthouse offering all-day specials tied to the event.
Sunday: A Slower, Relaxed Finish
Sunday slows down with a beach yoga class at the end of McKinley Street.
You can join with or without your dog, making it a nice way to wind down after a busy weekend.
The last meeting is another Yappy Hour, this time at The Wheelhouse at Fisherman's Wharf in Lewes.
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Registration and What You Need to Know
Registration for Doodles in Dewey is straightforward, but there are a few details worth planning ahead for.
Early registration offers a lower price, while onsite registration is slightly higher (kids under 12 and dogs are free).
One key requirement to keep in mind is the Dewey Beach dog license.
Even though the event is open to all, dogs need to have a valid license, which can be purchased online for a small fee.
If you are planning to attend, registering early is the easiest way to streamline your arrival and avoid waiting in line.
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Options
Because this event draws a large crowd, accommodations can fill up quickly.
The good news is that many hotels in the area offer pet-friendly options, and several even provide special rates for the event weekend, including:
- Atlantic Oceanside
- Breakers Hotel & Suites
- Gold Leaf Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Rehoboth Beach
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Lewes
- Hotel Wave
- Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
There are also many other pet-friendly stays across Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, and Lewes.
Booking early is strongly recommended, especially if you want to stay close to the main event areas.
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What Is Dewey’s Golden Jubilee?
If doodles are not your dog’s crowd, do not worry, because Dewey Beach hosts another major dog gathering focused on golden retrievers.
Dewey’s Golden Jubilee takes place twice in 2026, once in May (8th-9th) and again in September (25th-26th).
The event supports the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, one of the largest canine health studies in the United States.
This initiative aids in identifying factors that influence long-term canine health through continuous research.
In previous years, around 400 golden retrievers have participated, creating a truly unique sight on the beach.
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Golden Jubilee Schedule Highlights
The Golden Jubilee follows a more flexible structure compared to Doodles in Dewey, allowing attendees to participate at their own pace.
Friday: A Casual Kickoff in Rehoboth
A group walk from Lake Gerar Park to Rehoboth Beach starts the weekend.
It's meant to be casual, like a spontaneous gathering rather than a planned event.
Some people join for the full walk, while others meet along the way once the group reaches town.
Saturday: Beach Time and Bonfire
Saturday is centered around the beach near Van Dyke Street in Dewey.
The morning and early afternoon are all about letting dogs run, swim, and play together.
It is an open, off-leash space that gives off a lot of energy, but owners need to be aware of their dogs.
At night, the mood changes with a bonfire on the beach, making it a more relaxed time when people bring chairs, blankets, and snacks and enjoy the setting as the sun goes down.
Sunday: A Flexible Farewell
Sunday is intentionally unstructured. People come and go, spend time on the beach, or explore nearby areas like Rehoboth shops, local trails, or even wineries.
It's not so much about the planned activities as it is about having fun with your four-legged best friend in the area.
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Tips for Attending With Your Dog
The event is incredibly fun, but it also requires a bit of preparation, especially with large numbers of dogs in one place.
A few practical tips can make a big difference:
- Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog
- Arrive early if you want a good spot on the beach
- Use a bright bandana or collar for easy visibility
- Watch for signs of fatigue, especially with sand and saltwater
- Keep an eye on digging behavior to avoid sore paws
For evening events like bonfires, light-up collars or tags can help you keep track of your dog in lower light conditions.
You can also check their FAQ page to have more information and tips.
Planning Your Visit
If you are thinking about attending, the best approach is to plan early!
Pick your event, book your stay, and map out which activities you want to prioritize.
Both weekends can be as relaxed or as active as you want them to be, which is part of what makes them so popular.
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Have any questions about our blog(s), the Coastal Delaware real estate market, or local life in our beautiful beach towns? Do you think there is something we should write about? Did you see an event coming up that we should know about? Shoot us an email at [email protected] or give us a call at (302) 212-0074. We would love to hear from you!
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