Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival scheduled for May 22–26 with events and coastal safety focus

The Town of Bethany Beach will host the Poseidon Festival May 22–26 throughout Bethany Beach, featuring live entertainment and educational activities focused on coastal awareness and emergency preparedness. (Photo courtesy of Town of Bethany Beach.)

The Town of Bethany Beach will host the Poseidon Festival from May 22 through May 26, a multi-day event featuring live entertainment, educational programming and community activities centered around coastal awareness and emergency preparedness.

Organized by the Town of Bethany Beach, the festival is designed to celebrate the ocean while also providing information on preparing for coastal emergencies. Events will take place throughout Bethany Beach, including beachfront and bandstand areas.

The festival will feature a mix of music, family-friendly activities and themed programming tied to maritime culture, including pirate and mermaid appearances, live demonstrations and opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with marine science organizations.

Live music will be part of the weekend lineup, including a performance by the CAISO Steel Band on Friday, May 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. The group, known for its Caribbean steel drum sound, has performed across the Mid-Atlantic region for decades.

That evening will also include a community kite fly on the beach beginning at 5:30 p.m., with kites provided to early participants and designated areas set up along the shoreline.

On Saturday and Sunday, festival activities will continue with “Pirates on the Plaza” and “Mermaid Mania,” featuring interactive performances, demonstrations and photo opportunities in the area around the bandstand. A costume parade and contest is also scheduled for Saturday afternoon, inviting participants to dress in maritime-themed attire.

Additional programming includes live music performances such as the 3 Hour Tour and the Chris Sacks Band, as well as a Polynesian-themed show and a Saturday evening luau-style performance.

Educational components are scheduled throughout the weekend as well. Marine science exhibits will offer hands-on learning opportunities, while organizations such as marine mammal and sea turtle rescue groups will share information about conservation efforts.

On Sunday evening, the U.S. Navy Country Current is slated to perform, bringing a blend of country and bluegrass music to the festival lineup.

The weekend will also include opportunities for residents to engage with local first responders. A meet-and-greet event is scheduled Sunday evening, featuring lifeguards, police and fire personnel, along with displays of emergency equipment and information on coastal preparedness.

The festival will conclude Monday, May 26, with a Memorial Day service hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7234, marking a formal recognition of the holiday.

Officials say the event is intended to combine entertainment with education while drawing attention to the importance of coastal safety in a beach community.