Big Springtime Events This Weekend in Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and Milford

This is one of those beautiful springtime weekends when there's so much going on, we simply don't know what to lead with.

And while Milford's Bug & Bud Festival is first on our preview list below, there are actually a number of great events that could be the headliner any weekend of the year at and near the Delaware and Maryland beaches.

In addition to the aforementioned Bug & Bud Festival in Milford, we also have the 2022 Ocean to Bay Bike Tour this weekend, as well as the springtime Doodles in Dewey event, the Maryland International Kite Festival in Ocean City, a big NASCAR race in Dover and much more to tell you about.

There's a lot going on over the next few days so let's get right to it.

We begin in Milford before taking you to several other cities and towns throughout the region. Have a great weekend everyone!

Bug & Bud Festival (April 30)

One of the region's most popular springtime festivals is returning for 2022, although in a bit smaller scale than in years past.

The Milford Bug & Bud Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, and will take place in downtown Milford on Walnut Street and Park Avenue, as well as along the Mispillion Riverwalk.

One of the highlights of the festival will again be the spring costume parade that features adults, children and even pets dressed as ladybugs and trees.

Other featured events and activities include a preview of the Milford Farmer's Market, food vendors, a "kid's zone" with games and activities and a petting zoo.

The 2022 Bug & Bud Festival is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., on Saturday, April 30.

Learn more about this year's Bug & Bud Festival by visiting downtownmilford.org.

Ocean to Bay Bike Tour (April 29-30)

This local favorite is back for 2022 and features bike rides through some of the most beautiful areas of southern Delaware.

There are again five course lengths to choose from during the Saturday event, which include 10 miles, 30 miles and 50 miles, as well as a metric century (62.5 miles) and a century ride (100 miles).

Friday features a 10 mile "coastal cruise" that runs from Bethany Beach to the Indian River Inlet and back.

The Friday ride is $35 or only $15 if you've already signed up for the Saturday event. Saturday's ride is $50 or $45 per person if registering as a team.

Ten percent of the proceeds from this annual event are given back to local non-profit organizations.

Learn more about the 2022 Ocean to Bay Bike Tour, presented by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, by visiting oceantobaybiketour.com.

Doodles in Dewey (April 29-May 1)

The beaches in Dewey are going to the dogs this weekend for the springtime Doodles in Dewey event.

Returning after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event will benefit the PAWS for People organization.

A Doodle Costume Parade kicks things off on Friday night on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, with the Doodle Romp taking place on Dewey Beach from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday.

Learn more about the 2022 Doodles in Dewey event at pawsforpeople.org.

NASCAR Race at Dover Downs (May 1)

The stars of NASCAR are coming to Dover this weekend for the first of two annual races at the Monster Mile.

The DuraMAX Drydene 400 is scheduled for Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m., and is part of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series.

Other featured events are scheduled for both Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30.

Learn more about the weekend's festivities and purchase tickets for Sunday's race by visiting doverspeedway.com.

Maryland International Kite Festival (April 29-May 1)

Hit the beach in Ocean City this weekend for the 2022 Maryland International Kite Festival, featuring three days of kite flying in Maryland's favorite coastal resort.

Scheduled activities include giant kite displays, stunt kite lessons, demonstrations and exhibitions. Some of the world's best kite flyers will also be in Ocean City during this three-day event.

The kite festival will be held on the beach between 3rd Street and 7th Street. The fun starts on Friday, April 29, at 12 p.m., and ends on Sunday, May 1 at 5 p.m.

Learn more about the 2022 Maryland International Kite Festival by clicking here.

True Blue Jazz Day Celebration (April 30)

This sixth annual event is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., and will be held at The Wheelhouse at Fisherman's Wharf in Lewes.

Enjoy performances by the Elijah Jamal Balbed Quartet with Tony Ventura and Friends during this local celebration of International Jazz Day 2022.

The show runs from 7:30 until 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 a person and can be purchased at truebluejazz.org.

Rehoboth Beach Gumbo Crawl (April 30)

Fifteen of Rehoboth Beach's best restaurants will be featuring their best gumbo recipes this Saturday, April 30, as part of the 2022 Rehoboth Beach Gumbo Crawl.

Co-hosted by the Purple Parrot and Rehoboth Beach Main Street, the event is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m., and will feature a Mardi Gras theme.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at Rehoboth Beach Main Street on Rehoboth Avenue, next to the Rehoboth Beach Museum.

Some of the participating restaurants for 2022 are Cafe Azafran, Dos Locos, the Purple Parrot, Rehoboth Ale House, Sunny Bay Cafe and Zogg's.

For the complete list of participating restaurants, or to learn more about the 2022 Rehoboth Beach Gumbo Crawl, visit downtownrb.com.

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (April 29-May 1)

Enjoy the early days of spring with this long-time tradition on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.

Scheduled for the city dock in Annapolis, this three-day event features many of the latest sailboats in the world, as well as accompanying equipment and accessories.

Scheduled hours are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Sunday. Admission is $18, with children 12 and under admitted for free.

Learn more at annapolisboatshows.com.

Invention Convention (April 30-May 1)

Visit the Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington this weekend for a special event that features science shows, robotics demonstrations and lots of other scheduled activities.

The day features two science shows, named "Cool Chemistry" and "Fun with Physics," with special guests and hands-on activities in between.

A local robotics team will be on-site during the Saturday activities with plenty of chances for interacting with the robots.

Other children's and family activities are also planned. Scheduled hours for this event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on both Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Visit hagley.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Rehoboth in Bloom Oldies Dance (April 29)

Break out your poodle skirts and you saddle shoes for this fun event scheduled for this Friday, April 29, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

Sky Brady will be on hand and spinning tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s. So come out to support a great cause and dance the night away.

This event is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 with all proceeds benefitting the work of Rehoboth in Bloom.

Tickets can be purchased either at the door or at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street office on Rehoboth Avenue.

For more details on this fun Friday night event, visit downtownrb.com.

Beebe Brunch (May 1)

This first ever event is being held at "Signatures at Bayside" near Selbyville, with proceeds helping to provide funding for the emergency department and cancer center at Beebe's campus in Millville.

The event begins at 10 a.m., and will feature a brunch, breakfast cocktails, a live auction and live music by Dustin Showers.

Learn more at beebehealthcare.org.

USNA Goatapalooza (May 1)

The visitor's center on the campus of the United States Naval Academy is the site this Sunday, May 1, for an event that honors the beloved mascot of the Academy.

Scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m., this free event is filled with a number of activities and deals in honor of "Bill the Goat."

Visit with Bill and his friends, experience live readings and enjoy a fun day on the Yard with your friends and/or family.

Click here to learn more about this event, or to download the 2022 Goatapalooza Guide.

Milton Theatre Shows (April 28-May 1)

There continue to be great shows every weekend at the Milton Theatre.

Here’s what’s coming up between April 28-May 1:

• Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. – Cello Fury
• Friday, April 29 at 8 p.m. – Better Than Bacon Improv Comedy
• Saturday, April 30 at 3 8 p.m. – The Classic Stones with the Glimmer Twins
• Sunday, May 1 at 8 p.m. – Red Carpet Revue

Keep visiting theoldfathergroup.com every week for the latest events and happenings taking place at the Delaware and Maryland beaches, as well as northern Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania and greater Annapolis.

And whatever you plan on doing this weekend, have a great time here in the coastal region.