Weekend Happenings: From Delmarva Bike Week to the Berlin Fiddler’s Convention

The September weather has hit and it’s as glorious as we remember! Ok, so last Saturday was definitely a washout and the impromptu tornado warning in Worcester County was not a welcome addition to our lineup of weekend happenings, but the past few days have been perfection and the weekend forecast is looking like blue skies and sunshine! We have been looking forward to the Berlin Fiddler’s Convention for weeks, so you can bet you will see us in the crowd Friday and Saturday, but there’s also a trip to Lewes in the works, along with Delmarva Bike Week, OC Bikefest, and the 50^th Anniversary Celebration at Assateague National Park, to name a few. In the meantime, get outdoors and enjoy a bike ride on the boardwalk in Ocean City, a stroll through Downtown Salisbury for lunch, or a kayak adventure at Pocomoke River State Park. So much to do, so little time…

Lewes’ 4^th Oktoberfest Celebration

When: Friday, September 18, 4-6:30pm

Where: Historic Lewes (Market Street, between Front Street and Second Street)

What: The Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s Historic Lewes Business Committee proudly presents their fourth Oktoberfest celebration this month with all the typical Oktoberfest fun – good beer and German food! Dogfish Head Brewery will sponsor the event again this year, so look for their commemorative glass beer steins, available for $7 each starting September 17 at the Chamber’s visitor center and at the festival. Bring your stein to participating restaurants for a discount on Dogfish beer too! And don’t forget to check out the Bavarian-style dancers and 10-piece German Oompah band performing in the streets.

23^rd Annual Berlin Fiddler’s Convention

When: September 18-20

Where: Main Street, Berlin

What: It’s no secret that the annual Berlin Fiddler’s Convention is one of our favorite events of the year, and with two days of free, family-friendly entertainment in Downtown Berlin, who can blame us! Bob Perilla and Big Hillbilly Bluegrass will hit the concert stage Friday night, along with last year’s band competition victors, Such Fools. Saturday, enjoy a full day of entertainment as Main Street shuts down for the annual Fiddler’s Convention and Competition. Of course the competition is our favorite part, particularly when the youth division hits the stage. The level of talent never ceases to amaze us. Sunday, the event rounds out with the Gospel Bluegrass Jam at noon on the lawn of the Taylor House Museum.

Paint Berlin

When: September 17-19

Where: Berlin

What: Artists will gather in and around Berlin for the 6^th Annual Paint Berlin Plein Air event. Artists are tasked with painting outdoors over the three day event, which will culminate with the Wet Paint Sale & Exhibit on Saturday, September 19 from 1-4pm at the Worcester County Arts Council Gallery. It’s a terrific complement to the Berlin Fiddler’s Convention, which means it will be a festive and fun weekend in America’s Coolest Small Town.

Trap Pond Partners 1^st Annual Taste of Beer and Wine Festival

When: Saturday, September 19, 12-5pm

Where: Nature Centure at Trap Pond State Park

What: Local breweries and wineries will present their finest this weekend at the 1^st Annual Taste of Beer & Wine Festival at Trap Pond State Park. Trap Pond Partners is hosting the event, with funds and support going towards insuring the future of Trap Pond State Park. Tickets are $20 for alcohol sampling ($25 at the door) and $5 for designated drivers. Expect to see some of your favorite local breweries, including Tall Tales, 16 Mile, Dogfish Head, and 3^rd Wave, along with local wineries. Should be the perfect day to be outside enjoying a local craft brew!

Delmarva Bike Week/OC Bikefest

When: September 17-20

Where: Various Locations

What: Bike Week is coming up on its 15^th year on Delmarva, with OC Bikefest celebrating its 5^th year. This year, expect plenty of live music, vendors, participating local businesses, and of course, bikes! Thousands of motorcycles will head to Delmarva and Ocean City for the event, which is heralded as one of the biggest events of the ‘shoulder season’ for Ocean City. Friday at 7pm, be sure to stop by Assawoman Bay Brewpub for the Hogs n’ Heroes Fundraiser with Smokin’ Gunnz. Not sure where else to hang out? Take a look at a few of our favorite spots.

Assateauge Island National Seashore’s 50^th Anniversary

When: September 19 & 20

Where: Maryland & Virginia sides of the National Park

What: Can you believe that Assateague National Seashore is turning 50 this weekend?! Of course, a celebration is on order, starting with free access on the Maryland side from September 19-21. Also on the agenda is two full days of events at both the Maryland and Virginia parks, including beach music, games, birthday cake, campfires, kayaking, Aquarium Talk, and Creature Feature. Join the team on Saturday morning as well for the Annual Coastal Clean-up, starting at 8:30am at the North Ocean Beach on the Maryland side of the park.