2025 Lewes Maritime Day

Celebrate America's Proud Maritime History!

WHAT: 2025 Lewes Maritime Day

WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Canalfront Park, 219 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE (Get Directions)
(NOTE: This event is now held at Canalfront Park, not at the Lewes Ferry Terminal.)

Experience and celebrate maritime history and its impact on the region at the annual Lewes Maritime Day celebration at the Lightship Overfalls and Canalfront Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Lewes, known as the First Town in the First State, enjoys a heritage that is rich in both its maritime history and its current maritime interests.

Stroll around the exhibits and demonstrations while enjoying live music by Minus2Plus1 or visit the Historic Lewes Shantyfest.  Sail from the Lewes waterfront on a History Happened Here Cruise. Journey back through the centuries with Cape Water Taxi into Lewes' maritime past. See TICKETED EVENTS below for more information. 

Co-organized by the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and the Overfalls Foundation, supported by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Lewes.

Open to the Public - Maritime Day is Free of Charge

Sponsored by Freedom Boat Club, the Lewes Historical Society, Beach Flooring Designs, Groome Church, and Henlopen Bait & Tackle. 

This celebration includes maritime exhibits and demonstrations, boat rides and vessel tours, and other activities. It is free for children and the young at heart.

Schedule of Events:

On Saturday, May 17th, during the 2025 Maritime Day Celebration:

11:00 a.m. - Opening Ceremony - Remarks by local dignitaries.  Wreath Laying Ceremony to remember local mariners and members of the Overfalls Lightship who have passed.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Exhibitions, Demonstrations, Boat Tours, and Boat Rides.

TICKETED EVENT
1:00 p.m. - Guided tour aboard the Cape Water Taxi. Please visit Cape Water Taxi for more information.

Some of the Exhibitors at Maritime Day:

• USCG and auxiliary
• The Lewes Yacht Club
• The Lewes Historical Society
• Freedom Boat Club (SPONSOR)
• Cape Water Taxi
• The Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation 
• The Pirates of Lewes
• The Delaware River and Bay Pilots 
• The Zwaanendael Museum
• The MERR Institute 
• The New Hope Canoe Club
• The Cape May Lewes Ferry
• YMCA of Delaware - Sussex Family | Rehoboth Beach
• Lewes Fire Department Vessel
• Sea Scout Ship 198
• Quest Adventures
• and others.

Grandpa Macs will be onsite to provide replenishment.

INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING AT THE ANNUAL LEWES MARITIME DAY?

Interested businesses and organizations should email the Lewes Maritime Day organizers to sign up to exhibit at this event.