Delaware is hitting some big milestones in 2026!
Coastal Delaware will see key anniversaries this year for various things here in our state. Delaware State Parks, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, and Dolle’s, along with DE250 celebrations statewide and the return of Georgetown’s historic Return Day, are all among the big celebrations alongside America’s 250th birthday this year.
We are covering some of the celebrations below, but you can also check out the updates on the calendar at Visit Southern Delaware for any additional planned celebrations as the year goes on.
Delaware State Parks Turn 75
In 2026, Delaware State Parks celebrated 75 years of providing outdoor recreation while protecting the state’s natural and cultural resources.
Since the first lands were protected, the mission has remained consistent: to offer safe and enjoyable recreation, responsibly steward public lands, and connect people with nature for generations to come.
Delaware State Parks participated in Fire & Ice in Bethany Beach from January 30th to February 1st, 2026.
As part of the popular winter festival in the Quiet Resorts, the Parks team engaged with visitors throughout the event.
With the Delaware State Parks Airstream on site and a commemorative anniversary ice sculpture, the team shared the story of outdoor recreation, stewardship, and community connection that has shaped the park system over the past seven decades.
The 75th anniversary reinforces the long-standing role that public lands play in Coastal Delaware’s identity and tourism economy, particularly as year-round visitation continues to grow.
You can check out more information about all of Delaware’s state parks here.
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Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Marks 100 Years
The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse reaches its centennial in 2026.
Located on the eastern end of the outer breakwater wall of the National Harbor of Refuge, the lighthouse has guided commercial, recreational, and military vessels in and out of the Delaware Bay since November of 1926.
The lighthouse was continuously manned until December of 1973.
The United States Lighthouse Service oversaw operations from 1936 until 1939, after which the United States Coast Guard assumed responsibility.
In 2002, stewardship transitioned to the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation, which now handles caretaking and ownership.
To commemorate 100 years of service, the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation will host the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse 100th Anniversary Cruise on September 19th, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm.
Event details will be posted on April 1st at delawarebaylights.org.
The centennial highlights the lighthouse’s enduring importance to maritime safety and its place in the region’s coastal heritage.
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Dolles Candyland Turns 100 in Rehoboth Beach
Another century milestone belongs to Dolles Candyland.
Established in Rehoboth Beach in 1926, Dolles became a cornerstone of the Boardwalk experience.
In 1927, co-founders Thomas Pachides and Rudolph Dolle purchased the old YMCA building for $30,000 and moved the business to the corner of Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk, where the legendary candy store operated for decades.
Recently, Dolles relocated a couple of doors west on Rehoboth Avenue to owner Thomas Ibach’s Ibach’s Candy by the Sea.
The brand’s iconic orange roof sign has also found a new home. It now welcomes visitors at the canal-side building of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum at the entrance to town.
As Dolles celebrates its 100th anniversary, its history serves as a reminder of the longstanding family businesses that helped shape Rehoboth Beach into the destination it is today.
For those interested in reading more on Dolle’s fascinating and detailed history, you can do so here at their website.
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Return Day Returns in Georgetown
While not tied to an anniversary, Return Day, on November 5th, in Georgetown, remains one of Southern Delaware’s most distinctive traditions.
Held every two years and dating back as early as 1791, Return Day originated after the county seat moved from Lewes to what would become Georgetown.
State law required votes to be cast in the new county seat, and two days later voters would return to hear the results announced, giving the event its name.
Although voting districts were later established in individual hundreds, the Board of Canvassers, presided over by the Sheriff, continued the tradition of announcing final results in Georgetown.
Historical accounts describe Return Day as a lively celebration featuring booths and vendor stalls offering food, including opossum, rabbit meat, fish, and oysters.
Today, that festive atmosphere continues with the following:
- Ox roast sandwiches distributed at no charge
- Food and craft vendors
- A parade
- The reading of election results by the Town Crier
- The traditional burying of the hatchet ceremony
Return Day remains uniquely Delaware and uniquely Sussex County, blending civic tradition with community celebration.
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DE250: Celebrating America’s 250th in the First State
The statewide DE250 initiative marks Delaware’s role in America’s 250th birthday from 1776 to 2026.
Events are planned throughout the state, with many taking place in Southern Delaware and more still to be announced.
Residents and visitors can explore planned activities and monitor updates through this calendar.
The initiative is expected to bring a wide range of programming that reflects Delaware’s historical significance as the First State.
Looking Ahead to a Year of Celebration
From milestone anniversaries rooted in conservation and maritime history to a century-old Boardwalk favorite and one of Delaware’s most unique civic traditions, 2026 is filled with meaningful moments.
Be sure to follow the blog to stay up to date on local news, real estate updates, community events, and everything happening across Coastal Delaware.
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