Indian River Marina 2026 Events Bring Fishing, Movies, Art, and Fall Fun to the Water

Indian River Marina is one of the best places in Coastal Delaware to spend time by the water, whether you are heading out for a fishing trip, grabbing food with a view, staying in one of the waterfront cottages, or looking for a family-friendly event. 

As Delaware’s largest marina, it offers 294 slips, indoor dry boat storage, a public boat ramp during the summer, access to Atlantic Ocean and inland bay fishing, and several places to enjoy the marina setting. 

In the second half of 2026, the marina’s calendar brings a mix of fishing tournaments, outdoor movie nights, seasonal markets, and much more.

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Image generated by AI

11th Annual Kids Catch All Fishing Tournament

The 11th Annual Kids Catch All Fishing Tournament brings kids and their families to Indian River Marina for a weekend of fishing, community, and a good cause. 

The tournament will be held on Saturday and Sunday in one of the best places on the East Coast to fish.

Families can enjoy great fishing, an all-you-can-eat dinner every night, a free event T-shirt, door prizes, custom-made trophies, and the marina's beautiful waterfront setting. 

It costs only $25 to register, and the money goes to the Lyme Disease Association of Delmarva, Inc.

  • Dates: June 26th-28th
  • Time: 7am-4pm

Summer Movie Night: Finding Nemo

Families can enjoy an evening by the water at Indian River Marina's summer outdoor movie night, which will show Finding Nemo. 

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, sit by the marina, and watch the movie outside.

Admission is free, which makes this an easy option for families looking for something low-key during the summer season. 

Snacks will be available for purchase, allowing visitors to recreate a classic movie night with a waterfront view.

  • Date: Saturday, July 25th
  • Time: 8pm-11pm
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Image: Delaware State Parks

Dockside and IRM Classic Tournament

The inaugural Dockside and IRM Classic Tournament will take place at Indian River Marina in August. 

This new fishing tournament is expected to bring anglers together for a competitive weekend at the marina, with the possibility of winning big.

Registration information is expected to be available soon, so those interested in participating should keep an eye out for updates. 

With Indian River Marina's proximity to both ocean and bay fishing grounds, this tournament is an ideal fit for the boating and fishing community.

  • Dates: August 22nd-23rd
  • Time: 7am-4pm

Fisherman’s Flea Market

The Fisherman's Flea Market is a place for local fishermen to buy, sell, and trade used fishing gear in the marina. 

This event brings the local fishing community together in a fun and useful way, whether someone is getting rid of extra rods, reels, and lures or looking for a good deal before their next fishing trip.

For $20, fishermen can set up their own tables to show off their gear. 

For visitors, it's a great chance to look at fishing gear, talk to other fishermen, and get ready to spend more time on the water.

  • Date: Saturday, September 12th
  • Time: 9am-12pm

Autumn Art Festival

The Annual Autumn Art Festival at Indian River Marina has everything you need for a full fall event, including more than 50 vendors, food trucks, live music, pumpkin painting, and activities for families. 

The festival's location by the water makes for a beautiful setting, and it's a great way to celebrate the start of fall along the Delaware coast.

Families, shoppers, art lovers, and anyone who wants to spend some time outside will enjoy this event. 

It has a little bit of everything, like food, music, vendors, and hands-on activities.

  • Date: Saturday, September 19th
  • Time: 10am-5pm
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Image: Delaware State Parks

3rd Annual Classic Car Show

Indian River Marina’s 3rd Annual Classic Car Show returns in October 2026. 

Visitors can spend the morning checking out classic cars, voting for their favorites, and enjoying a day out at the marina.

The top 20 cars will receive trophies, and interested participants can register online or on the day of the show. 

The First State Meet will also return to Indian River Inlet for 2026, with day-of-show registration only, a $20 registration fee per car, 100 dash plaques, and free public admission.

  • Date: Saturday, October 17th
  • Time: 9am-1pm

Fall Movie Night: Casper

Later that same day, Indian River Marina will host a fall movie night featuring Casper. 

The Halloween favorite will be shown outdoors, giving guests a chance to enjoy a seasonal movie along with the sunset views around the marina.

Visitors should bring a lawn chair and settle in for a casual evening by the water. 

Admission is free, and snacks will be available for purchase, making this a simple way to close out a full day of fall activities at Indian River Marina.

  • Date: Saturday, October 17th
  • Time: 6pm-10pm
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Image: Visit Delaware

For more local events, community news, real estate updates, and things to do around Coastal Delaware, follow the blog.

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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