Rehoboth Beach officials are experimenting with concerts on different nights this summer to see how it affects business at stores and restaurants in the area of the Bandstand. The results may lead to changes in the coming years. 

But concerts at the Bandstand are nothing new. For decades, the end of Rehoboth Avenue has been a gathering place for people to enjoy a night out. This photograph from the 1960s shows a concert at the Bandstand when it faced toward the beach and Boardwalk. 

The late William Hayes, a resident of Rehoboth Beach, conceptualized the idea for the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand back in 1963. Driven by his strong passion for music and the community, he convinced the city of Rehoboth to set up a local music venue. Initially, he was given permission to bring local bands to play on the grassy area where the Bandstand sits now. At the time, this was called “performing on the green.” 

A few years later, the city went one step further and constructed the famous Bandstand which stood for more than 40 years. Today’s structure was constructed in 2006 as part of a major streetscape project on Rehoboth Avenue.