Lewes Maritime Day and Lightship Overfalls Opening Day
The Overfalls Lightship Foundation and the Cape May Lewes Ferry are heading up the planning team once again in partnership with the City of Lewes and Lewes Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Lewes Maritime Day and the seasonal opening of the Lightship Overfalls. This year’s annual event is planned for Saturday, May 16th and will start off with a brief opening ceremony at 11 am in Canalfront Park, Lewes, Delaware that will befollowedwithexhibits,artsandcrafts,demonstrations,shiptoursandboatridesthat will run until 3 pm.
Lewes Maritime Day at Canal Front Park and the Lightship Overfalls
Event Date
May 16, 2026
11:00 am
2026 Annual Event on May 16, 2026 | 11 - 3
Lewes Maritime Day is held as part of a national celebration for National Maritime Day which takes place May 22nd each year. Lewes Maritime Day is celebrated to inform and educate the public about the contribution of maritime resources in the local community and to share the community’s rich maritime history, including that of the U.S. Lighthouse Service and U.S. Lifesaving Service (precursors to the U.S. Coast Guard), the Delaware River and Bay Pilots, and various other maritime entities; and to do this in a celebratory and fun way that guests can enjoy.
This event is free to the public and promotes the Maritime interests of our community.
More details on vendors and events will follow!
NEW! Sail Into History with Cape Water Tours!
On Saturday, May 16, in celebration of Maritime Day, we are proud to offer this special cruise on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
Make reservations today and prepare to be captivated by knowledgeable Cape Water Tours guides during this educational cruise.
- Learn of the Native Americans and early explorers who first put Cape Henlopen on the map.
- Hear about the Delaware Bay River Pilots Association, the United States Life-saving Servicemen, and Overfall lightship among other historically important points on and nearby the canal.
Cape Water Tours will have 2 departures from Canalfront Park: 9:45 am and 1:00 pm.
# IMPORTANT: THESE SAILINGS DEPART FROM CANALFRONT PARK @ 211 Front St, Lewes
