The Poseidon Festival is back from May 23rd to the 25th, falling right on memorial day weekend, and this year marks a special milestone as its 10th anniversary celebration!
This beachside event is packed with live music, fun activities, and educational exhibits that celebrate the sea and promote coastal preparedness.
FRIDAY, MAY 23
Caiso Steel Band
5:00 – 9:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of vibrant Caribbean rhythms with the CAISO Steeldrum Band, a seven-member group known for blending jazz, rock, calypso, and Latin influences.
Note: The BFACC and town of Bethany will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony 15 minutes before the show starts, so be sure to arrive early.
Community Kite Fly
5:30 – 8:00 pm
Head to the beach and fly a kite while the steel drums play in the background.
The first 100 attendees receive free kites, and Tidepool Toys will have Poseidon-themed kites for sale.
A pre-event kite-building activity will also take place on May 17th, the Saturday before the festival, at the Nature Center for anyone who wants to make their kite ahead of time!
SATURDAY, MAY 24
Pirates on the Plaza
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Captain Jack and his pirate crew return with sword demonstrations and swashbuckling shows at the Bandstand Plaza.
Mermaid Mania
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Meet live mermaids, watch them perform underwater tricks, and snap unforgettable photos.
3 Hour Tour
1:00 & 3:00 pm
Delmarva’s top Yacht Rock band performs smooth hits from the '70s and '80s with high-energy musicianship.
Costume Parade and Contest
2:00 – 2:30 pm
Dress as a pirate, mermaid, or sea creature for a chance to win prizes. Lineup begins at 1:45 PM at the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites and parades down to the Bandstand stage.
Super Jam Bash
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Join Bethany Surf Shop on the beach off Garfield Parkway for skim and bodyboard demos by pro riders.
Aloha Summer Luau Show
7:30 pm
Say hello to summer with a Polynesian revue featuring traditional dances, fire knife performance, and even a hula lesson!
SUNDAY, MAY 25
Pirates on the Plaza
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Captain Jack and crew return for more pirate fun at the Bandstand Plaza.
Mermaid Mania
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
More chances to meet mermaids, watch them in action, and hear their sea stories.
Marine Science
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Explore shark anatomy, fossils, and ocean giants with hands-on activities from New Logic Marine Science Camp. They will be presenting this award-winning program that will explore shark anatomy, fossils, and sea giants through interactive hands-on activities.
M.E.R.R.
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Learn about marine mammal and sea turtle rescue efforts through an interactive exhibit by the local nonprofit, the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute.
Chris Sacks Band
1:00 & 3:00 pm
A lively blend of American music and island sounds. Get into the beach spirit with the upbeat and tropical tunes of Chris Sacks Band.
First Responder Meet & Greet
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Meet local lifeguards, police, and fire personnel, as they provide tips on how to prepare for coastal emergencies. Check out rescue vehicles and the Sussex County Command Post.
U.S. Navy Country Current
7:30 pm
Wrap up the night with the Navy’s premier country-bluegrass band, known for high-energy performances and top-tier musicianship.
MONDAY, MAY 26
Memorial Day Service
11:00 am
Join Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7234 for a meaningful ceremony honoring the spirit of Memorial Day.
All weekend events are free and sponsored by the town.
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