The Poseidon Festival is returning to Bethany Beach from May 22nd to 24th, with a Memorial Day service following on May 25th, bringing a full weekend celebration of the sea to the coast, and it is completely free to attend.

It combines live music, pirates, mermaids, family-friendly activities, and ocean awareness initiatives that encourage people to learn more about the ocean while having fun on one of Coastal Delaware's favorite holiday weekends.

Check out the planned activities below to see everything happening throughout the festival:

FRIDAY, MAY 22

Jah Works

7:30 – 9:00 pm

Jah Works is bringing its reggae sound to the festival, giving visitors a chance to experience a band that has been part of the scene since the early 90s. 

Originally from Baltimore, the group blends rock steady, roots reggae, dancehall, and dub into a style that stays true to Jamaican influences while still feeling accessible to a wide audience. 

With founding frontman Scotty P. back in the lineup, the band continues to deliver the kind of energy and musicianship that makes their set one to add to your weekend plans.

Image: Town of Bethany Beach

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Pirates on the Plaza

1:00 – 5:00 pm

Captain Jack and his crew are bringing a full Age of Piracy experience to the Bandstand Plaza, complete with sword demonstrations, swashbuckling shows, and plenty of high seas energy. 

You can learn more about pirate life and enjoy the action.

Mermaid Mania

1:00 – 5:00 pm

Live mermaids are making a splash at the festival with underwater tricks, photo opportunities, and fun stories for visitors of all ages. 

It is a fun chance for visitors to meet the mermaids up close.

Image: Town of Bethany Beach

Caiso Steel Band

1:00 pm & 3:00 pm

Caiso Steel Band is bringing classic island energy to Bethany Beach with a mix of popular music, jazz, rock, calypso, Latin American sounds, and original songs. 

The seven-member band has been performing together since 1979, with roots connected to the Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band of Washington, DC.

Costume Parade and Contest

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Kids and adults can dress up as a pirate or mermaid and join the Costume Parade and Contest for a chance to win prizes. 

The lineup starts at 1:45 pm on the boardwalk in front of Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, and then the parade makes its way down to the Bandstand stage.

Super Jam Bash

5:30 – 7:00 pm

Bethany Surf Shop is hosting the Super Jam Bash on the beach off Garfield, where visitors can watch skimboard and bodyboard demonstrations and pick up tips from pro riders. 

It is a great stop for anyone who wants to see some beach action up close during the festival.

3 Hour Tour

7:30 pm

3 Hour Tour will close out the evening with smooth yacht rock hits from the mid-70s through the mid-80s. 

Known as one of Delmarva’s top yacht rock bands, the group brings together experienced regional musicians for a feel-good set by the beach.

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Pirates on the Plaza

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Captain Jack and his crew are back at the Bandstand Plaza with their Age of Piracy experience, bringing sword demonstrations, swashbuckling shows, and a fun look at pirate life. 

Image: Town of Bethany Beach

Mermaid Mania

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

The live mermaids are back with underwater tricks, photo opportunities, and stories that bring a little ocean magic to the festival. 

Marine Science

1:00 – 5:00 pm

The Marine Science program is a fun way to learn about marine life and the coastal environment right by the sea. 

The award-winning program from New Logic will include hands-on activities that teach about shark anatomy, fossils, sea giants, and other ocean-related topics.

M.E.R.R.

1:00 – 5:00 pm

MERR will be at the festival with an interactive exhibit about its marine mammal and sea turtle rescue work. 

People can find out more about how the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute helps marine animals along the coast and deals with strandings.

Chris Sacks Band

1:00 & 3:00 pm

The Chris Sacks Band is bringing upbeat beach music to Bethany Beach with a sound that mixes American music and Caribbean influence. 

Chris has opened for big-name acts and played with members of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, so this set is sure to get you moving if you're in the mood for some island music.

First Responder Meet & Greet

5:30 – 7:00 pm

The First Responder Meet and Greet is a chance for people to meet and talk to lifeguards, police, and firefighters from Bethany Beach. 

Guests can also get helpful information about how to be ready for emergencies on the coast and see the Sussex County Command Post and water rescue vehicles up close.

Chad Frick Band

7:30 pm

The Chad Frick Band will wrap up the festival with an easygoing acoustic mix of rock, classic sing-alongs, and coastal-inspired music. 

The group has strong ties to the Delaware beaches, and three of its members serve on the North Bethany Beach Patrol, making this a fitting finale for the weekend.

MONDAY, MAY 25

Memorial Day Service

11:00 am

Although the Poseidon Festival wraps up on Sunday, visitors can still take part in a meaningful Memorial Day tradition on Monday. 

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7234 will host a tribute honoring the true meaning of Memorial Day, offering a moment to remember and recognize those who gave their lives in service.

Image: Town of Bethany Beach

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