Bethany Beach is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone, and the town is bringing plenty of familiar traditions along for the occasion. 

As Bethany Beach marks 125 years, residents and visitors will have several opportunities to celebrate the community’s history, patriotism, and seaside traditions.

Founders Day Weekend Brings Four Days of Celebrations

The first major anniversary celebration will take place over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4th through 7th, as part of a joint 125/250 celebration recognizing Bethany Beach’s 125th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The weekend will feature a mix of music, community traditions, and special entertainment, including the return of the Independence Day Parade. 

The parade was postponed in July because of extreme heat but will return with its original theme, “Stars, Stripes & Shorelines.”

The traditional parade will travel through downtown Bethany Beach on Sunday, Sept. 6th, beginning at noon. 

Image: Town of Bethany Beach

Free Concerts at the Bethany Beach Bandstand

Music will be a major part of the weekend, with three free performances at the Bethany Beach Bandstand. 

Each show will highlight a different era or style of American music, with all performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 4: Love Seed Mama Jump will kick things off with a mix of classic and modern rock.
• Saturday, Sept. 5: The Jimmies will bring their 1980s Flashback show to the Bandstand.
• Sunday, Sept. 6: Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis will close out the concert series with music spanning the 1950s through the 1970s.

Sunday night will also feature a drone and fireworks display following the performance. 

The show is co-sponsored by the Bethany Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce and Southern Delaware Tourism.

The Jazz Funeral Returns for Its 41st Year

The anniversary weekend will wrap up on Monday, Sept. 7th, with the 41st Annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral at 5:30 p.m.

The New Orleans-style procession, accompanied by Dixieland jazz musicians, has become one of Bethany Beach’s longtime traditions. 

The event traditionally marks the end of summer while welcoming the town’s anticipated “second season.”

Image: Town of Bethany Beach

A Passport to the Past Celebrates Bethany Beach History

The town’s anniversary celebrations will continue later in September with A Passport to the Past on Saturday, Sept. 19th, at the Dinker Irvin Cottage.

Running from noon to 5 p.m., the event will give guests an interactive way to explore Bethany Beach’s past through seven themed Experience Zones. 

Visitors will receive a commemorative passport and collect stamps as they make their way through the different areas.

The afternoon will include:

• Live jazz from The Red Hot Ramblers
• Family friendly activities
• Historical exhibits
• Storytelling
• Refreshments
• Opportunities to learn about the people and events that shaped Bethany Beach

The event is being co-hosted by the Bethany Beach Cultural & Historical Affairs Committee and is designed as a flexible, come-and-go experience for visitors of all ages.

Volunteers Are Needed

With two major anniversary celebrations planned, the town is also looking for volunteers to help make the milestone events possible.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the Cultural & Historical Affairs Committee at [email protected] for more information.

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