Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, and here's how it's being celebrated in the First State.

Labor Day weekend in Delaware: Here’s what to know

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, and here's how it's being celebrated in the First State.

Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, and here’s how it’s being celebrated in the First State.

With the Labor Day weekend’s official end to summer comes slightly cooler temperatures, cheaper gas and lots of chances for fun, whether it’s homemade or public. 

AAA Mid-Atlantic expects travel to return to near pre-COVID levels with families getting their last bit of vacation in before school starts.

Weather for Labor Day weekend

On Saturday, the temperature in Delaware beach towns will hover around a comfortable 78 degrees, with no rain expected, according to the National Weather Service

North Delaware will be a little warmer, with highs around 85, clear skies and a calm breeze.

Sunday will be slightly warmer, with a high of 82 degrees along the coastline and a high of 90 degrees around Wilmington. There’s a 30% chance it will rain in Newark and Wilmington, but clear skies are downstate.

There’s a 30% chance of rain on Labor Day Monday, and chances of thunderstorms after 3 p.m. as the three-day weekend comes to an end. 

Those planning to partake in the state’s various festivities Monday can expect a temperature of around 83 degrees with partly sunny skies. 

Gas prices 

Although gas prices in the First State are down from their record high of $4.99 on June 14, 2022, they’re still 71 cents higher than they were during Labor Day Weekend last year. 

AAA Mid-Atlantic said that many summer travelers took less trips this summer than usual because of the high gas prices.

As of Sept. 1, In Sussex County, the average cost of gasoline is $3.60 per gallon. In Kent County, it’s $3.61 and in New Castle County it’s $3.66 per gallon, according to AAA. 

Fewer guarded beaches on Labor Day

With many beach lifeguards headed back to school, the state has cut back on the number of beaches that are guarded.

It may mean some beaches are not open, and it may mean that the guarded area at some beaches is smaller than normal.

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The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control asks those swimming at Delaware State Parks to do so on beaches with lifeguards: the main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park and the South Indian River Inlet side of Delaware Seashore State Park.

Fenwick Island State Park’s Fenwick Lot swimming area also will also have lifeguards during Labor Day weekend.

Labor Day Weekend events

Friday, Sept. 2

  • Magical Mystery will jam out in downtown Smyrna from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be on South Main Street between West Commerce Street and West South Street. 
  • Rehoboth Beach will host The Fabulous Hubcaps from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.

Saturday, Sept. 3

  • The Arden Club is holding their annual Labor Day weekend fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  It features children’s games and rides, handmade crafts by more than 100 vendors, an antiques market, used books, plants, live music in the Shady Grove, food and drink, an art exhibit and more. Park at the YMCA Hanby Outdoor Center. Admission and shuttle buses are free. 
  • CAMP Rehoboth is hosting Sunfestival 2022 with Emmy- winning comic and TV star Judy Gold performing at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, following a live auction that begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per day, or $90 for a two-day pass. They can be bought here
  • At 7:30 p.m. Bethany Beach will host a 70s Flashback Concert at the town’s bandstand, with seven veteran musicians covering classic songs from the decade.

Sunday, Sept. 4

  • Sunfestival’s Sundance Party continues at 7 p.m., with DJ Robbie Leslie and DJ James Anthony spinning hits from every generation. 
  • At 6 p.m. Pamala Stanley will headline Freddies Beach Bar’s Labor Day Weekend Show in Rehoboth Beach. The bar is on First Street in Rehoboth Beach. Tickets are sold at $15 per person in tables of 2 or 4. Buy them here

Labor Day, Sept. 5

  • The Rylie’s Smile Foundation will sponsor a Dog Days of Summer 5k run that starts at 8 a.m. Registration is $15-$30, depending on age. Souvenirs, food and drinks will be given out after the race. The Delaware nonprofit supports sick children through educational and emotional resources.
  • The Newspaper Taxis, a Beatles tribute band, will perform at 3 p.m. Monday at the Carpenter Recreation Area in Newark. 
  • The Well Coffeehouse is having a free community barbecue from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be facepainting, crafts for kids and a group prayer session. The event is run by IN Him Ministries, a Christian nonprofit.
  • From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dimitra Yoga is hosting a free yoga session at Canalfront Park in Lewes.

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