Fall in Coastal Delaware brings a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and culinary delights.
Nature lovers can join guided bird walks and photography workshops, food enthusiasts can savor unique wine and beer dinners, and festival-goers can enjoy Wing Fest or explore live speaker events with published authors at the History Book Festival.
This season’s lineup has something for everyone to enjoy across the region! Check out more details on all of these events below!
Friends of Prime Hook Events
First Saturday Guided Bird Walk (Meet in parking lot near Dike & Boardwalk Trailheads)
The First Saturday Bird Walk is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and discover the wide variety of birds that call the area home.
The walk takes place from 8 to 10am, the best time to spot active birds, and it is led by members of the Sussex Bird Club.
The tour sets an easy pace so both beginners and seasoned birders can participate.
Guests are welcome to bring binoculars, cameras, or scopes to enhance the experience while exploring the trails in search of feathered highlights.
The event is free to attend.
Bird Photography 101 with Ed Norman (Prime Hook NWR Multipurpose Room)
Bird Photography 101 is an opportunity to learn for 4 hour from renowned bird photographer Ed Norman.
Designed for beginner and intermediate photographers, the workshop covers equipment, camera settings, field techniques, and the ethics of wildlife photography.
Happening from 8am to 12pm, with classroom instruction and the possibility of a short outdoor session, participants will leave with the tools and confidence to capture striking bird and nature images.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required.
Meet the Judges: Judging Nature Photography (Prime Hook NWR Multipurpose Room)
This program offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a winning image in the Friends of Prime Hook Photo Contest.
From 1 to 2:30pm, judges Warren Bouton, Deb Payette, and Ed Norman will share their expertise on composition, technical quality, storytelling, and the elusive “wow” factor in nature photography.
Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and gain tips for improving their own photos.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required.
- Date for all Prime Hook events: Saturday, September 6th
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Blind Winemaker's Dinner
The Blind Winemaker’s Dinner offers a unique culinary experience where guests are blindfolded to heighten their senses.
Hosted by DiFebo’s Bethany and renowned enologist, Sebastiano Capponi, the evening goes from 6 to 8pm, and it features expertly paired wines and elevated cuisine.
Without the distraction of sight, flavors, and aromas take center stage, creating a memorable dining journey unlike any other.
- Date: Saturday, September 20th
- Address: 789 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach
- Cost: $210
Wing Fest 2025 at Bluecoast Rehoboth
The Wing Fest at Bluecoast Rehoboth is back for another year of delicious competition.
From 1 to 3pm guests can sample wings from several local restaurants and vote for their favorite, with the winning recipe going on to represent the group at a regional contest.
Alongside the food, guests can enjoy lively entertainment, satellite bars, and game-day excitement in a fun and festive atmosphere.
Participating Restaurants: Bluecoast Rehoboth, Matt’s Fish Camp Lewes, Crust & Craft, Fish On, Cottage Cafe, Catch 54, and Papa Grande’s, the returning champ!
- Date: Sunday, September 21st
- Address: 30115 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach
- Cost: $20
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History Book Festival
The History Book Festival is the only festival in the country devoted exclusively to history through story.
Each year it brings together authors of historical fiction and nonfiction to share new perspectives, covering a wide range of subjects and eras.
A lot of events are free and open to the public, drawing readers from more than 30 states and abroad to historic Lewes.
The festival also reaches into classrooms and community spaces, inspiring people of all ages to think, read, and talk about history in new ways.
It is a weekend that blends learning, connection, and the joy of discovering stories that help us understand the world.
- Dates: From September 26th to 28th
- Various locations across Lewes
- Check out the Saturday Presentations Schedule
Cline Family Cellars Wine Dinner at Fish On
Fish On is bringing the flavors of Sonoma County to Delaware with a fall wine dinner featuring Cline Family Cellars.
From 6 to 9pm, Glenn Jaggard will guide guests through the winery’s story while presenting five wines expertly paired with Chef Ian’s seasonal menu.
The evening blends fine dining, award-winning wines, and the rich winemaking heritage of California.
- Date: Friday, October 17th
- Address: 17300 North Village Main Boulevard, Lewes
- Cost: $114
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Zombie Fest
Zombie Fest is the ultimate celebration of all things undead, taking place on October 18th from 4 to 9pm in Milton.
This year, the festival has relocated to a larger venue, promising an even more thrilling experience for all ages.
The event features live music from killer bands, a variety of unique vendors, and a Kids Fest area filled with games and treats.
Zombie make-up stations allow attendees to transform into the undead, while costume contests offer a chance to showcase your apocalyptic attire.
Food trucks will be on-site to satisfy your cravings, and the night culminates with "Pyrocalypse," a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the sky with apocalyptic flair.
Zombie Fest 2025 is a rain-or-shine event, and free on-site parking is available at Hudson Fields.
- Date: Saturday, October 18th
- Time: 4-9pm
- Address: Hudson Fields
- Cost: $5 at the gate
Lewes Brewing Co. Beer Dinner at Crust & Craft
Crust & Craft will host a special beer dinner featuring a four-course menu crafted by Chef Bruce and Chef Maurice.
Each dish will be paired with standout brews from Lewes Brewing Co., with Owner and Brewmaster Dave Jones sharing insights about his brewery’s creations.
From 6:30 to 9pm, guests can expect a flavorful evening celebrating local beer and culinary artistry in a welcoming setting.
- Date: Wednesday, October 22nd
- Address: 18701 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
- Cost: $72
Which event are you planning to attend this fall? Share your picks in the comments, and follow our blog for the latest updates on local activities and experiences!