Sea Witch® Festival 2025: Schedule, Pins, Parking, and How to Join

Sea Witch® Festival 2025: What’s New, How to Join, and Last Year’s Highlights

The Sea Witch® Festival returns in 2025 with beloved traditions, fresh updates, and plenty of ways to get involved. From the fan-favorite costume parades to collectible pins and a brand-new TV commercial, here’s everything bundled into one easy read.

What’s New for 2025

  • New TV commercial: The 2025 Sea Witch® Festival spot debuts this season.

  • Parking changes: In addition to existing rules, new parking restrictions are in effect for 2025. Review the official parking guidance before you go.

  • Programs mailed mid-October: Request a printed 2025 Festival Program (mailing begins mid-October).

  • Schedule status: The 2025 Schedule of Activities is posted; items highlighted in red are confirmed as of 9/2/25.

  • Vendors: All indoor & outdoor vendor spaces are currently sold out. To join the waitlist, email your business name, phone number, and product/setup photos to Kate VanVorst at kate@beach-fun.com.

  • Volunteers: Volunteer opportunities are promoted for 2025—step in and help make the magic happen.

Forms & Registrations

  • Costume Parade Registration: Open for 2025.

  • Vendor Information: Details available for approved vendors; waitlist by email (see above).

  • Festival Parking Info: Read the 2025 updates before traveling.

  • Program & Schedule Requests: Request your mailed program and check the live schedule for confirmations and updates.

Sea Witch® Merchandise & Collectible Pins

Visit the Chamber’s souvenir shop for current and retired pins, socks, and more.

  • Pin history:

    • The inaugural festival was held in 1989.

    • Collectors’ Pins launched in 1993 (with the exception of 1994).

    • Designs reflect each year’s theme/logo; some years feature two pins to mark special anniversaries or events.

  • Retired pins reintroduced: Beginning in 2023, retired pins have been selectively re-released. So far, 2002, 2005, and 2011 pins have returned (available while supplies last).

  • Pin voting—2025 outcome: The reprint chosen for 2025 is 2011’s “Mummy Knows Best.” By popular request, its companion “Mummy Dog” pin will also be reprinted and available in 2025.

  • Vote for 2026: Help Hilda the Sea Witch® Balloon choose which retired pin should be re-printed in limited quantities for 2026—cast your vote.

National Awards & Accolades

  • Named one of the Weirdest, Wackiest Fall Festivals in the U.S. (Thrillist, Sept. 12, 2024).

  • One of the 10 Best Halloween Parades in the U.S. (USA Today, Oct. 12, 2023).

  • Included among “The 26 Best Fall Festivals in the U.S.” (U.S. News & World Report, June 28, 2023).

  • Best of Delaware – BEST Annual Festival (Downstate), Reader’s Pick (Delaware Today, 2023 & 2022).

  • Featured in HGTV.com’s “21 Great Fall Festivals” (July 2021).

  • Coastal Style Magazine “Best Of” Sussex County’s Best Festival or Event (2017); readers also recognized the Sea Witch® Halloween & Fiddlers’ Festival in 2015.

  • Recognized among the 10 Best Fall Beach Festivals for Families (2014) and by Family Vacation Critic (2012).

  • America’s 100 Best Events: 1993, 1996, 2003, 2009 & 2012.

Plan Your Visit

  • Parking: Review the new 2025 restrictions and existing rules before arriving.

  • Program & Schedule: Request your printed program (mailing mid-October) and check the live schedule for red-highlighted confirmations.

  • Merch: Shop early for popular pins—reprints can sell out quickly.

  • Get involved: Register for the Costume Parade, volunteer, or—if you’re a business—join the vendor waitlist by emailing kate@beach-fun.com with your details and photos.

For more information please visit https://www.beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival.html

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