Rehoboth keeps three Bandstand nights

Despite continued pressure from a handful of Bandstand-area businesses, it doesn’t appear there will be a change to Rehoboth Beach’s summer concert series schedule in 2026.

However, there could be operational changes implemented to keep sidewalks clear during shows as well as changes to the types of events that can use the Bandstand.

For years now, the horseshoe-shaped section of Rehoboth Avenue that wraps around the Bandstand has been closed at 6 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday during summer concerts to accommodate the growing popularity of the free shows. During an end-of-the-season review in October, city officials recommended the closures become permanent so staff can change signage and meters around the Bandstand. A vote was expected in November, but commissioners decided to wait until after the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce held a downtown task force meeting to garner information from businesses.

The chamber meeting happened just before Thanksgiving. Commissioners resumed discussions during a workshop Dec. 8. 

Mayor Stan Mills said he still wants to hear from more business owners, as well as residents and property owners, before making any changes to the schedule.

Commissioner Susan Stewart said she recognizes the concerts might affect some businesses negatively, but it’s hard to make a decision in advance of the 2026 season without more tangible evidence like receipts or specific data.

Maybe the concerts have plateaued and some changes should be made, said Corey Groll, who has been the city’s Bandstand director for two decades. The goal of the concerts is to bring people into town to help the businesses, but if that’s not happening, then it’s an issue that needs to be addressed, he said.

The city can hold off hiring performers a little longer, but not much longer, said Groll. The city must set a deadline, he said.

If commissioners still want to move forward with changes, he recommends Friday or Sunday. The thinking is that having shows on a Saturday gives day-trippers a reason to be in Rehoboth all day, he said.

During the chamber meeting, businesses suggested a number of options that could help – moving the Saturday show to midweek; being more selective about what events shut down the Bandstand area; city staff removing no-parking signs faster after events are over; pushing concerts back an hour to give businesses an extra hour at dinner; requiring people to stay off the sidewalk; turning the concerts around to face the beach; the creation of a special license allowing businesses to sell among the crowd; and a coupon voucher for Bandstand businesses that must be used the night of the concert.

City Manager Taylour Tedder confirmed there are things that can be implemented in advance of next season to help with traffic flow on the sidewalks and to better promote the businesses in the area.

Commissioner Mark Saunders said another issue facing Bandstand businesses is the construction of new hotels planned on either side of Rehoboth Avenue at the Boardwalk. Business owners should have a long conversation with them about the potential impacts, he said.

A couple of residents spoke in favor of working with the businesses, but also keeping things the way they are.

Frank Gaynor, city resident and rental property owner, said half the city’s revenue is related to tourism, and he’d hate to see that take a hit because of complaints from a small number of businesses.

Carolyn Diefenderfer, city resident, encouraged commissioners to work with the businesses, but to not change the concert series schedule. Many of the businesses haven’t tried anything different, she said.

Commissioners are expected to resume discussions on the low-hanging-fruit changes that can be implemented in advance of the 2026 season at their meeting Friday, Dec. 19.