Thursday, July 2

Delaware 250 Community Bike Ride

7:00 AM
Bike Trail, Library Trailhead

Start your holiday weekend with a scenic community bike ride celebrating Delaware's role in America's founding. Sponsored by Delaware 250, the ride will depart from the library trailhead and includes special appearances.

Highlights

• Community bike ride

• Governor Matt Meyer participating

• Ice cream provided by Uncle Davids

Reflections on the Declaration of Independence with ron collins

5:00 PM
Lewes Library

Join historian Ron Collins for an in-depth lecture exploring the origins, meaning, and enduring influence of the Declaration of Independence. On the eve of America’s birthday, Collins reflects on the revolutionary ideas that shaped the nation and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality that continues to define our democracy.

Drone Show & Fireworks

5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal

Presented by the Sussex County Land Trust and Rocking the Docks, this ticketed evening event features food, entertainment, a spectacular drone light show, and fireworks along the waterfront.

Please Note: This is a ticketed event.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Friday, July 3

First Friday Celebration

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Historic Lewes Campus

Enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities featuring:

• Live colonial tavern music

• Food truck

• Historic buildings open to visitors

• Storytelling

• Children's games

• Living history experiences

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

6:00 PM
Historic Lewes Campus

25 community members will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in a special commemorative presentation during First Friday.

Highlights

• Horseback arrival with the Declaration of Independence

• Procession through downtown Lewes

• Community reading by 25 local participants

• Part of Historic Lewes' First Friday celebration

Saturday, July 4

Old-Fashioned Children's Games

9:00 AM
Second Street

One of Lewes' longest-running Independence Day traditions returns with sack races, relays, and classic games that have delighted generations of families.

St. Peter's Art Festival

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
St. Peter's Square

Browse artwork from talented regional artists while enjoying one of downtown Lewes' favorite Independence Day traditions.

Free shuttle available from Cape Henlopen High School.

Historic Lewes Campus Celebration

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Historic Lewes Campus
110 Shipcarpenter Street

Travel back to the Revolutionary era during this immersive living history experience. Meet colonial interpreters, enjoy demonstrations, games, music, and activities throughout the campus.

Featured Activities

Punch & Judy Puppet Show

A classic puppet performance that has entertained audiences for centuries.

• 11:00 AM

• 1:00 PM

• 3:00 PM

Musket Demonstrations

Experience Revolutionary War military demonstrations presented by the Soldiers of the Delaware Battalion.

• 11:30 AM

• 1:30 PM

• 3:30 PM

Ongoing Throughout the Day

• Forbes Road Frolic Colonial Musicians

• Colonial children's games

• Hands-on kids crafts

• Silhouette artist

• Historic building tours

• Blacksmith demonstrations

• Tavern experiences

• Coffee House

• Schoolhouse

• Living history interpreters

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Ringing of the Freedom Bells

12:00 PM

Join communities across America as church bells and hand bells ring in celebration of freedom.

Bring your own bell and step outside wherever you are in Lewes to participate in this nationwide moment of remembrance.

Live Music

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Devon Canfield

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Keenan Williams

Second Street

Enjoy an afternoon of live local music as part of Lewes' Independence Day celebration. Relax, and enjoy performances from two talented local musicians throughout the day.

Whether you're taking a break from the festivities or looking for the perfect soundtrack to your Fourth of July celebration, these live performances offer a great opportunity to enjoy local talent in the heart of historic Lewes.

Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade

2:00 PM
Lewes-Rehoboth Canal

Watch dozens of creatively decorated boats cruise through the canal in one of the area's signature Fourth of July traditions. Sponsored by the Lewes Rehoboth Rotary, The Overfalls Foundation, and the Freedom Boat Club

Boat Parade Awards Ceremony

3:30 PM
Lightship Overfalls

Celebrate the winners and creativity of this year's parade participants.

The Legendary Doo-Dah Parade

Approximately 5:00 PM

A uniquely Lewes tradition full of costumes, creativity, humor, and community spirit.

Everyone is welcome to participate—no registration required. Participants can line up at the corner of Manila Ave and Savannah Road. Decorate your bicycle, lawn mower, wagon in red white and blue! 

Fireworks Over Lewes Beach

At Dusk

End Independence Day with one of Delaware's most anticipated fireworks displays as colorful bursts light up the sky over Lewes Beach.

Sunday, July 5

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

10:15AM

Step back in time and experience a church service as it would have been held on July 4, 1776. This special colonial-era worship service will follow the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and feature music from the period, offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual traditions of early America.

The entire community is invited to attend this meaningful and historic experience as Lewes continues its America 250 commemoration.

• Colonial church service modeled after a July 4, 1776 service

• Readings and prayers from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer

• Period-authentic music and worship traditions

• Open to all members of the community

• A unique opportunity to experience history firsthand during the holiday weekend

TILL Screening & Discussion

Sunday, July 5, 2026
Cinema Art Theater, Lewes

As part of Martyrs' Day, Lewes 250 invites the community to a special screening of the acclaimed 2022 film TILL, which tells the story of Emmett Till and his mother's courageous pursuit of justice following his murder in Mississippi.

Following the film, author Ronald Collins and civil rights attorney Chanta Wilkinson will lead a discussion exploring the Emmett Till murder trial, its lasting impact on the Civil Rights Movement, and its relevance today. Emmett Till is among the national martyrs being honored during the America 250 commemoration.

Please Note: Seating may be limited.

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