TrekUnity
When
October
Attendance
~150,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Held each October in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the Sea Witch Festival kicks off the Halloween season on the coast with a costume parade down the boardwalk, a dog costume contest, trick-or-treating, sandcastle-style fun, live music, and hayrides, drawing families and revelers to the off-season shore.
A cheerful, family-friendly seaside Halloween tradition since 1989, it pairs the boardwalk's classic charm with the crisp beauty of the beach in fall.
Want to go? Turn Sea Witch Festival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
The last full weekend of October
Admission
Free
Parking
Metered beach lots and street parking; the boardwalk and downtown are walkable.
Nearest airport
Salisbury (SBY) ~45 min; Baltimore (BWI) ~2 hr
Typical weather
Cool coastal-Delaware October — 50s–60s °F; a breezy beach-town fall, so bring layers.
Official website
Location
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Where to stay
The Bellmoor Inn & Spa
Relaxed inn near the beach.
Boardwalk Plaza Hotel
Victorian-style hotel right on the boardwalk.
Rehoboth guesthouses
Charming beach-town stays.
Where to eat & drink
Thrasher's French Fries
The iconic boardwalk fries.
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
The famous brewery's original brewpub.
Grotto Pizza
A Delaware beach boardwalk staple.
Nearby attractions
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Classic mile-long boardwalk and beach.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dunes, trails, and a historic point nearby.
Tanger Outlets
Tax-free Delaware outlet shopping.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + boardwalk
- •Drive to Rehoboth
- •Afternoon: boardwalk + Thrasher's fries
- •Dinner: Dogfish Head
2Festival day
- •Morning: costume + dog parades
- •Afternoon: trick-or-treating + music
- •Evening: hayride
3Cape Henlopen + depart
- •Morning: Cape Henlopen State Park
- •Head home
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Bring the dog for the costume contest and parade.
- Grab Thrasher's fries on the boardwalk.
- Add a Cape Henlopen State Park morning.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Sea Witch Festival?
The last full weekend of October in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Is it dog-friendly?
Yes — the dog costume contest and parade are a highlight, and the off-season beach welcomes leashed pups.
Is it free?
Yes — the festival is free and family-friendly.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Sea Witch Festival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.