A sure sign of spring at and near the beautiful Delaware and Maryland beaches is the expansion of the weekend events calendar, something that we're experiencing right here and right now.
We have a full slate of local events and happenings to tell you about this week, gatherings that are being held in towns and municipalities throughout the region, including in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Dagsboro, as well as in other locations around the area.
Plan for some quality time in the great outdoors this weekend enjoying all that the coastal region has to offer. Here are our favorite choices for the expanded weekend of April 12-14 at and near the beaches.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Coastal Delaware Running Festival (April 12-14)
This three-day springtime running festival is centered in Rehoboth Beach and is open to runners and running enthusiasts, as well as curious onlookers and people who just want to get outside and enjoy the warmer temperatures.
The highlight of the festival is what is often billed as "Delaware's Coolest Marathon,' which kicks off on Sunday morning at 7 a.m., and both begins and ends on the iconic Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
A qualifying event for the Boston Marathon, the run meanders through the coastal area and is punctuated by post-race entertainment, a complimentary adult beverage, and more.
Over the course of the weekend, there's also a half marathon, 9K runs/walks, a 9K challenge, and plenty of entertainment in the "Nation's Summer Capital."
Learn much more about this year's running festival at codelrun.com.
Lower Slower Delaware Festival (April 14)
Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery is playing host to this inaugural event in Frankford, which is scheduled for 12 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 14.
Free and open to the public, this event features a vendor village, food trucks, live entertainment, and the debut of the vineyard's new wine, aptly named "Lower Slower Delaware."
A portion of the proceeds for this event will benefit the Cancer Support Community of Delaware.
Learn more at saltedvines.com.
Harry K. Foundation Chocolate Festival (April 13)
This scaled-down version of the original Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival is being held for the second time on Saturday, April 13, from 1 until 4 p.m.
Now more of a "chocolate crawl," more than two dozen downtown restaurants and eateries will be participating in this year's event, including favorites like Blue Moon, Cooter Brown's, DiFebo's, Rehoboth Ale House, Sugar Planet, the Ice Cream Store, and Zogg's.
Participants can tour the downtown area while enjoying chocolate samples and then vote for their favorites at the end of the afternoon.
Tickets for this event are $30 and $25 for anyone under the age of 21.
