Hundreds of golden retrievers and their owners are expected to gather in Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach for the 2026 Dewey’s Golden Jubilee, set for May 8–9 and Sept. 25–26. (Photo courtesy of Dewey’s Golden Jubilee.)

Hundreds of golden retrievers and their owners are expected to return to the Delaware coast this year for the annual Dewey’s Golden Jubilee, a twice-yearly gathering that combines beachside recreation with support for canine health research.

The 2026 event is scheduled for the weekends of May 8–9 and Sept. 25–26, following its tradition of taking place on the second Saturday in May and the last Saturday in September. The informal event draws dog lovers from across the region to Dewey Beach and nearby Rehoboth Beach.

The gathering is centered around a series of loosely organized activities, including a Friday evening walk through Rehoboth Beach, a Saturday beach “romp,” and a nighttime bonfire. Participants also spend time throughout the weekend enjoying the beach and connecting with other dog owners.

In past years, the event has attracted close to 400 golden retrievers, many of them running off-leash along the shoreline, swimming in the surf, and interacting with other dogs.

While largely social in nature, the event also highlights the work of the Morris Animal Foundation and its Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, one of the largest long-term canine health studies in the United States. The study tracks more than 3,000 enrolled golden retrievers, collecting data on health, behavior, environment, and genetics to better understand cancer and other diseases affecting dogs.

Some dogs participating in the study—often referred to by organizers as “Golden Heroes”—are expected to attend the event.

The weekend begins Friday evening with a group walk starting around 6:30 p.m. at Lake Gerar Park in Rehoboth Beach, continuing over the bridge and into downtown. Organizers describe the walk as informal, encouraging participants to join along the route.

On Saturday, attendees typically gather near Van Dyke Street in Dewey Beach for an unofficial beach meetup beginning around 10 a.m., followed by a bonfire on the beach later that evening. Activities continue informally into Sunday, with participants encouraged to return to the beach at their leisure.

Organizers emphasize that the event is open to the public, including families and dogs of all breeds, provided pets are well-behaved and owners follow local regulations. Visitors are also reminded to clean up after their pets to help maintain access to the beach for future events.

Because the gathering takes place during the off-season, parking permits are generally not required, though dog licensing rules remain in effect through the town.

Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted on the beach, according to organizers, who also encourage attendees to help keep the beach clean by picking up trash throughout the weekend.

Additional details and updates are available on the event’s Facebook page.