Sea Witch Festival Returns to Rehoboth Beach Oct. 24–26

Sea Witch Festival returns October 24-26. (Photo courtesy of Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce)

Rehoboth Beach is preparing for one of its largest annual events as the Sea Witch Festival returns the weekend of October 24–26, 2025. Hosted by the Rehoboth Beach–Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, the festival spans three days and includes parades, games, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.

A Longstanding Local Tradition

Now in its 34th year, the event has grown significantly from its early days.

“It started as a one-day event with 5,000 people,” said Carol Everhart, Chamber President and CEO. “Now it’s a three-day event with over 200,000 attendees. It’s a wonderful family-oriented event that makes everyone happy.”

What Makes It Unique

Everhart says the festival continues to resonate with the community because of its simple appeal.

“It’s nothing but fun,” she said. “Our mission is to promote business, tourism, and civic responsibility. This does all three. People simply come to have fun.”

Despite its size, organizers continue to tweak the event annually.

“We always change up everything we can — new entertainment, games for the kids,” Everhart said. “One game this year is Bug Out, where you go around and collect bugs from various locations.”

Fan Favorites and Full Schedule

Longtime festival favorites like the Costume Parade and the Dog Parade will return, along with dozens of other events throughout town. A full list of scheduled activities is available at beach-fun.com.

The Sea Witch Festival has also gained national recognition in recent years. In 2024, Thrillist named it one of the “Weirdest, Wackiest Fall Festivals in the U.S.” USA Today included it among the “10 Best Halloween Parades in the U.S.” in 2023, and U.S. News & World Report ranked it as one of the “26 Best Fall Festivals in the U.S.”

New Parking Restrictions

Due to growing crowds, new parking restrictions are being implemented this year. No overnight parking will be allowed on Rehoboth Avenue from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM on Friday, October 24. In addition, median parking will be prohibited starting 1:00 AM on Saturday, October 25 through the end of the Costume Parade later that day.

“It got so popular that people were parking their cars on Monday before the weekend event,” Everhart said.

Get Involved

For more information on sponsorships, contact the Chamber at 302-227-2233 x11 or events@beach-fun.com. Volunteer opportunities are available at beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival/volunteer-sign-up.html.