The Lewes Historical Society’s 19th Annual Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026. This popular event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, rain or shine, and will take place on the Society’s Shipcarpenter Street campus in Lewes, DE. The festival will feature an array of activities designed to engage visitors in the exploration of the world of sea glass.

Visitors will have the opportunity to visit with over 70 sea glass and coastal artisans as well as learn about the history and significance of sea glass. The festival brings together talented artists who will showcase their creations and share their expertise and passion for these unique coastal treasures in the areas of jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, photography, wood, textiles, and metal arts.

Glass history will be at the forefront of the festival, with one of the largest sea glass collections in the region on display. Visitors will learn how our nation’s 250-year history has shaped historic glass in America thus influencing what sea glass collectors find on the beaches today. Additionally, attendees of all ages are encouraged to visit the Educational Area to learn more about how sea glass is formed and view historic pieces from the past three centuries, including many local finds that are centuries old. Live glass-blowing demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the weekend, further showing attendees how glass is made.

Lectures will be conducted over the two-day event, beginning on Saturday at 11 a.m. with local Lewes resident, David Leimer, who will be speaking both days on “It’s the Real Thing: A Purist’s Guide to Sea Glass,” and “The Story of Coca-Cola Sea Glass”. Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., sea glass aficionado, Stuart Jacob will focus on “Unique Finds and Oddities”.

Attendees are invited to bring their favorite shards of sea glass to the festival. Experts from the Delmarva Antique Bottle Club will be on hand to help identify the age and origins of these treasures. This is a wonderful chance to gain insights from knowledgeable professionals and uncover the history behind your cherished pieces.

Festival goers will enjoy the lineup of talented music throughout the weekend, starting on Saturday with the duo of Rick & Regina, followed by The Jazzmen. Sunday’s entertainment begins with The Pros from Dover, followed by the energetic group Little Hustle to close the festival.

Local chef Bryant Thomas with Uncle B’s Kitchen will be at the festival offering his famous pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, mac & cheese, and burgers and hotdogs on Saturday and Sunday!

Tickets are $10 per person per day. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at the gate and in advance at: https://www.historiclewes.org/event/2026-mid-atlantic-sea-glass-coastal-arts-festival/

This event is sponsored by the Delaware Division of the Arts and Leaf Homes and benefits the continued efforts of the Lewes Historical Society to preserve history. Email questions to: seaglassfestival@historiclewes.org.