Poseidon Festival activities set May 24-27 in Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival events will take place at the town bandstand and nature center from Friday to Monday, May 24 to 27. The annual event marks the unofficial start of summer with a celebration of the sea and helpful information to prepare the community for potential coastal emergencies.

All weekend events are free and sponsored by the town.

Festivities begin at 7 p.m., Friday with the Aloha Summer Luau show, an exciting revue of island dances with a fire knife finale.

The fun continues at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the nature center, rain or shine. Science heroes will lead participants on an interactive treasure-hunting adventure. The event is for everyone but is especially geared to families with children ages 2-10.

Pirates and mermaids will take over the Bandstand Plaza from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. There will be pirate shows, a live mermaid tank and multiple photo opportunities throughout the day. Adults and kids alike can come dressed in seafaring costumes to participate in a parade and contest.

Popular beach band 3 Hour Tour will take the stage at 1 and 3 p.m. with trop rock favorites. The day will end with a performance by Entrain, formed and led by drummer Tom Major in 1993 while on hiatus from touring with rock legend Bo Diddley. Entrain has been praised for its ability to shift effortlessly among musical styles, from rock, blues, calypso and ska to zydeco, jazz and funk, often within the same song.

Sunday includes activities at the bandstand exploring the world of mermaids and the need for ocean awareness. Festival attendees can see a live mermaid in a tank perform underwater tricks, gather around a “glam shell” for photos and educational story times, and discover Bethany Beach with local Mermaid Tasha, who will discuss the resort’s marine life and the namesake fish of Tasha’s tail, the marlin.

Local experts will share tips from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Sunday, on what to do if a coastal emergency threatens the area. Lifeguards, police officers and emergency personnel will be on hand to discuss ocean safety and distribute helpful handouts.

The U.S. Navy Band Country Current will finish out the weekend with a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass.

VFW Post 7234 will honor the true meaning of Memorial Day at 11 a.m., Monday, May 27, with a service on the bandstand.

For more information, go to townofbethanybeach.com.