September 2026 Newsletter
- RBMainStreet
- 12 hours ago
- 17 min read
This project has been partially funded by the City of Rehoboth Beach. However, the project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the City of Rehoboth Beach.
This newsletter is a publication of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. President: Suzie Martin. Executive Director: Dan Slagle. Communications Committee Chair: Peter Pizzolongo, Acting Chair Jim Mease. Newsletter Executive Editor: Peter Beck. Reporters/Editors: Dan Slagle, Peter Beck, Jim Mease, Peter Pizzolongo, Colleen Evans, Cindy Lovett, Rich Barnett, Maria Misak, Jeff Balk, and Rebecca Lertora
The Curtain Comes Down on Summer!
As September arrives, the phrase "the curtain comes down on summer" perfectly captures the bittersweet transition from long, sunlit days to the crispness of autumn. Days spent lounging at the beach, strolling through downtown Rehoboth, and attending concerts at the bandstand are coming to an end. Seasonal programs, summer camps, and outdoor productions are wrapping up their final acts, making way for the new autumn routine.
Some of our favorite fall events are just around the corner: the Labor Day Weekend, CAMP Rehoboth Sunfest, The Mrs. Roper Romp and a new event, Cocktail Week, are all scheduled in September! Autumn is an exciting time to visit our city! The dates and times for these and more fall happenings are listed in the events section of this month's newsletter.
Congratulations to the RBMS members who won the annual Best of Delaware contest sponsored by Delaware Today. Delaware Today is a regional lifestyle magazine and digital media brand that covers local dining, arts, entertainment, health, and community events across the First State. You can find all the information about the winners here.
This month’s newsletter features local businesses: Bad Hair Day for styling needs; Atlantic Jewelry/Harry K for beautiful beachfront jewelry; and MG Fashion on Rehoboth Avenue, offering stunning women's fashion and tech repairs. We also spotlight DiFebo’s in Rehoboth, known for fine Italian cuisine
This month's Rehoboth HiSTORIES also highlights the history of laundromats in our town, a tradition continuing today with Bubbles and Suds on Rehoboth Avenue.
As we embrace the new season, let’s celebrate our community and the exciting events that make Rehoboth a great place to live and visit! Enjoy a day of shopping and support our local small businesses, and admire the beautiful floral displays by Rehoboth in Bloom! And remember paid parking in downtown Rehoboth Beach ends September 15th.
New Business and Membership Renewals
RBMS thanks the following businesses for renewing their memberships:
Many thanks to SeaGlass Bistro for joining at the Gold Partner level.
*For information about levels and benefits of RBMS, go to Join | Rehoboth Beach Main Street.
Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses
DiFebo’s
Peter Beck
DiFebo's is a charming Italian restaurant that is popular with both locals and beach visitors, making it a staple for many. Located at 12 N. First Street, DiFebo's features a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for date nights, as well as a lovely patio for enjoying the ocean breeze.
During a warm summer night, I had a wonderful dinner there with friends, indulging in chicken parmigiana, eggplant linguine, and rigatoni alla vodka. The portions were generous, fresh, and flavorful—so satisfying that we had no room for dessert! Next time, I’d like to try some of the other specialties on the menu, including homemade meatballs, Abruzzi ravioli, and fresh seafood.
DiFebo's also offers a family-style menu and is renowned for its house-made pasta and "Bob's Red Sauce", named after family patriarch Bob DiFebo. His daughter Lisa brought the famous sauce to the shore and opened DiFebo's Café & Deli in 1989. After attending the Culinary Institute of America, Lisa opened the popular Rehoboth Beach location in 2015.
A unique aspect of DiFebo's is that they offer community-focused cooking demonstrations, hands-on cooking classes, and wine dinners through the DiFebo's Market & Events program. The DiFebo family also hosts group tours in Italy, exploring diverse regions and enjoying unique experiences together. How cool is that?
Reservations are recommended for busy summer nights; look for their off-season specials once the season concludes. Diners may also want to visit DiFebo's Market in Bethany Beach to purchase prepared foods, baked goods, and Bob’s Red Sauce.
You are sure to have a wonderful experience when dining at DiFebo's!
Atlantic Jewelry & Harry K: Delaware’s top spot for beautiful jewelry!
Colleen Evans
Atlantic Jewelry & Harry K is Delaware’s go-to place for custom jewelry and diamond engagement rings, and you can find it right on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk!
Harry Keswani started Atlantic Jewelry over 35 years ago, starting with just one shop on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Over the years, he’s expanded his store twice and become the biggest fine jewelry retailer in the area. Even though he’s been designing custom pieces for customers for years, about 10 years ago he dreamed of creating his own brand—that’s how the Harry K line came to be.
10 years ago the first 40 pieces of the Harry K line debuted, showcasing unique designs, the best quality diamonds and gemstones, and amazing craftsmanship, all with the Harry K logo. Since then, the line has grown to over 1000 pieces, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
At Atlantic Jewelry & Harry K, they focus on handcrafting custom certified diamond jewelry and picking out top-notch timepieces, jewelry, loose gemstones, and other treasures to celebrate life’s most special moments. They’re really proud of their excellent customer service and the personalized shopping experience they offer. Their team is always ready to answer your questions, give you expert advice, and help you find the perfect piece of jewelry.
Want a truly unique piece? Designing custom jewelry at Harry K is super easy! They’ve made it a breeze for their customers, so all you need to do is walk in. One of their designers will listen to your ideas and create design options on the spot that fit your budget.
Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, a special gift, to refresh an heirloom, or something else, their jewelry design process is designed to be fun. Come by the Rehoboth Beach store today and start creating your next custom jewelry design!
MG Fashion
Peter Beck
Two years ago, I accidentally broke my iPad screen. I had no idea how I broke it; I didn't drop it, so the cause of the broken screen is a mystery.
While searching online for repair shops, I came across MG Fashion at 139 Rehoboth Avenue. Surprisingly, this popular, unique women's clothing boutique also offers device repairs and other tech services! It was fun to go to a women’s clothing shop to get my device repaired!
MG Fashion is a go-to destination for stylish, contemporary clothing. The boutique features a curated selection of apparel and accessories, making it ideal for those seeking a chic, fashionable look. Whether you're local or just visiting, MG Fashion is worth a stop for your wardrobe needs. Discover chic dresses, stylish tops, and elegant accessories!
Located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, MG Fashion offers a personalized shopping experience focused on quality pieces and on-trend styles. Women can find a wide variety of clothing options, including tops, bottoms, swimwear, outerwear, dresses, and rompers.
Also unique among Rehoboth clothing stores, shoppers can order online with free shipping on purchases over $75. How convenient is that!
Meanwhile, the boutique's repair shop offers services such as new screen installations, broken-device repairs, and accessories like cases. The repair services include:
- Battery replacement
- Repairs for buttons, cameras, charge ports, microphones, speakers, and screens
- SIM cards and plans
- Bill payment services
- TracFone authorized dealer
My iPad screen was repaired quickly and expertly. I highly recommend MG Fashion for ladies' fashion and tech repair needs!
Bad Hair Day
Jeff Balk
If you’ve spent any amount of time in Rehoboth Beach, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Bad Hair Day? Delaware's first and only, AVEDA Lifestyle Salon, Spa, Barber, and AVEDA Retail Center. Located at 20 Lake Avenue, Downtown Rehoboth, Bad Hair Day? has been part of the downtown community since 1993 and has been the go-to spot for generations of locals and visitors alike.
Despite the playful name, Bad Hair Day? is serious about providing excellent services with a first class Guest experience. Bad Hair Day? offers a full menu of hair, barbering, spa services; coloring, styling, fades, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and massage services.
Part of what has kept Bad Hair Day? popular for so long is the experience. Hair services include a signature shampoo with a three minute stress releasing scalp massage, cucumber on the eyes, hand cream with steam towel.
Bad Hair Day? has earned many recognitions and accolades over the years. Delaware Today readers have voted Bad Hair Day? as BEST of Delaware for Downstate Salon for both Men’s Hair Salon and Women’s Hair Salon, Barbering, and Spa.
Bad Hair Day? operates a second hair-services only location on the campus of the Sussex Consortium School in Lewes, where students gain hands-on work experience alongside members of the BHD Team.
Bad Hair Day? is proud to use and recommend AVEDA products exclusively in their services, and offer fully stocked AVEDA Retail Centers in both locations. A portion of all AVEDA Retail Product sales from their Consortium location goes directly to students’ school Arts Projects.
Stop in to meet the team, and have a tour of the facility, purchase AVEDA and support a local small business!
Call and schedule your appointment today, or book on line at:
302.227.HAIR (4247)
Rehoboth HiSTORIES
Washing Away the Sand: Bubbles & Suds
Rich Barnett
Long before every home had a washer and dryer, doing the laundry was a big part of spending the summer in Rehoboth Beach. In 1928, Phillip O. Downs opened Rehoboth Laundry Service, a commercial laundry just east of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. By 1936, it was thriving, employing dozens of local men and women during the busy summer season.
When the laundry closed for the winter, local housewives turned to a small self-service laundry on Baltimore Avenue. A 1947 News Journal article reported that while customers waited for their wash, someone suggested bringing cards. Before long, the women jokingly called it their "Laundry Club," where they played bridge and waited while their clothes washed.
Self-service laundromats were a relatively new idea at the time, gaining popularity during the Great Depression. Initially, they offered only a few electric washing machines, with an on-duty attendant collecting money. Although electric dryers were invented in 1937, they didn't appear in laundromats for several years. Until then, customers dried their damp clothes at home on lines.
Laundromats look quite a bit different these days.
Bubbles & Suds at 423 Rehoboth Avenue is the city’s only remaining public laundromat, and fortunately, the days of feeding quarters into aging machines are gone. The modern facility near the Circle offers high-capacity washers and dryers, credit card payment, spacious folding tables, and TVs for entertainment. It's ideal for washing beach towels, vacation clothes, or oversized comforters, making laundry as easy as possible.
In a town famous for its restaurants and shops, Bubbles & Suds laundromat quietly supports year-round residents, seasonal workers, and visitors alike. While some businesses become popular destinations, others, like this laundromat, earn their place through reliability. Rehoboth has always needed a place to wash away the sand, and it's reassuring to know one is still here.
News from RBMS
RBMS Welcomes fifty nine with Ribbon Cutting
A little bit of everywhere, right here at the shore. fifty nine is a globally inspired restaurant rooted in fresh ingredients, thoughtful cooking, and genuine hospitality. The menu draws inspiration from cultures, ingredients, techniques, and places around the world, with a focus on creativity, thoughtful sourcing, and letting great ingredients shine. The owners love the unexpected, the playful, and the dishes that give you something to talk about long after the last bite. At the heart of fifty nine is a belief that dining should feel exciting, welcoming, and worth gathering for.
From left to right – Sherri Brown (RBMS Secretary), Christian Burke (chef), Musa Clark (chef), Cameron Galloway (kitchen steward), Chris Ferrell (chef de cuisine), Zelie Kneller (owner/spouse), David Kneller (chef/owner), Gustavo Santillan (chef), Suzie Martin (RBMS President), Rick Perry (RBMS Board Member), Sandra Skidmore (RBMS Volunteer), Carolyn Diefenderfer (RBMS Assistant Treasurer), Samantha Weir (Ptlm)
News from Rehoboth in Bloom
If you’ve been walking along the north end of the boardwalk near Olive Avenue, you might have spotted the pavilion, a monument, and a lovely garden maintained by Rehoboth in Bloom, a local organization that enhances the downtown area. Volunteer Carolyn Diefenderfer, along with Johanna Rupp and Lorrie Thier, took on the Verrazzano Garden three years ago, removing invasive plants and nurturing new growth. They often water the garden three to four times a week, even borrowing water from a nearby hotel before a city installation. Recently, they requested new fencing from Public Works and asked to manage fall pruning. A big thank you to these volunteers for their dedication and hard work—next time you pass by, take a moment to enjoy the beauty they’ve cultivated!
First Annual Rehoboth Beach Cocktail Week
Rehoboth Beach Main Street proudly presents Cocktail Week from September 20-25!
During this event, mixologists at participating restaurants will create signature Dogfish spirit cocktails.
On the evening of September 21st, we'll host a cocktail competition. This ticketed event costs $45 and includes appetizers and drink samples from the participating restaurants, including Chesapeake and Maine. Dogfish Head will offer 100 tickets. The competition will feature four judges, including Mia Mastroianni from Bar Rescue. For more information, please check the Dogfish Head website.
Throughout Cocktail Week, participating restaurants will offer their unique cocktails. Drinkers will have one vote per day for their favorite, making it a fun experience for everyone!
Rehoboth Plaque Program
The RBMS Design Committee has established a program to create and install three historic plaques each year at the designated sites where the buildings once stood. For 2025, the selected locations were: Back Porch Café / Marvel Boarding House, Rehoboth City Hall / Rehoboth Beach Public School, and the Boardwalk / Horn’s Pavilion.
For 2026, the featured locations include Clear Space Theater and Epworth Church. JD from Southern Delaware Signs has been instrumental in creating the plaques at a price that fits within our budget. Additionally, two more plaques are in development for 2026, so stay tuned for updates!
Rehoboth Post Office Historic Designation
Rehoboth Beach Main Street has submitted a request to the Federal Preservation Officer to designate the Rehoboth Post Office as a historic site. Mayor Mills is leading a task force to pursue a similar designation for the Rehoboth Boardwalk. The RBMS USPS group was invited to participate in a boardwalk meeting on Tuesday, July 27. The meeting aimed to provide insight into the process of obtaining USPS designation. Catherine Perge, Mary Jane Deets, and Cindy Lovett attended the meeting to answer questions and assist the committee.
A special thanks to Scott Dillon of R Short Roofing for installing the post and plaque at no cost!
Roper Romp
Join us at the annual Mrs. Roper Romp in downtown Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, September 26, from 1- 4 p.m.
The city will be filled with around 1,200 attendees dressed up in Mrs. Roper's iconic 1970s outfit from the TV show Three's Company. This look features a bright, flowing caftan or muumuu adorned with bold psychedelic or tropical prints. Complete your outfit with heavy statement jewelry, large cocktail rings, oversized glasses, and a short, curly red or orange wig.
Sponsors of the fun event will include Tito's, High Noon, and Casamigos.
Roper Romp Swag will be on sale in front of Freddie's.
Be sure to be in the drone photo on the boardwalk in front of Above the Dunes at 12:45 p.m.!
News from RBMS Members
News from CAMP Rehoboth
Saturday, September 5: A Night of Entertainment + Live Auction
CAMP Rehoboth’s annual Labor Day weekend fundraiser, SUNFESTIVAL, will feature singer David Archuleta as the headliner on Saturday, September 5, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
David Archuleta, who first gained fame at 17, has captivated audiences with his powerful voice and genuine presence. This year, he released his memoir, DEVOUT, an instant New York Times bestseller that details his journey from a closeted Mormon teenager to an openly queer pop star. Accompanying his memoir is the DEVOUT EP, exploring themes of healing and self-acceptance.
The evening, set to inspire and uplift, will also feature local talent Ashley Williams as the opening act. A dynamic vocalist and director based in Delaware, Williams is a core artist with Clear Space Theatre Company.
Don't miss the LIVE AUCTION! More details on this year’s items will be shared soon. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, September 6: SunFestival Night of Dance to light up Rehoboth!
Doors open at 7 p.m., and the event concludes at 1 a.m. The Night of Dance will take place in the transformed Rehoboth Beach Convention Center as part of the two-day SunFestival Love Out Loud event over Labor Day weekend. This year's dance will feature DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony.
The Night of Dance comes to life through a team of designers and event planners who collaborate to create an immersive experience featuring lighting, sound, décor, fabrication, and special effects. The goal is to evoke a jaw-dropping reaction, even from those who have attended SunFestival every year since its inception in 1988. The team aims to make the crowd feel as though they have been transported to a vibrant New York nightclub.
To learn more, go to camprehoboth.com/sunfestival
Community Update from Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth
Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth are committed to expanding healthcare services through the new Beebe Health Suite at CAMP Rehoboth, located at 39 Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The opening and start of patient services have been delayed from late July to late August due to unforeseen circumstances.
They appreciate the community's patience as they ensure the space is ready to provide high-quality care. For more information, individuals can call 302-260-7558, and they will return calls within two to three business days.
The Health Suite will enhance access to HIV and STI screenings, PrEP services, vaccinations, and health education. They look forward to sharing a confirmed opening date soon. Thank you for the community's support of Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth.
Parker Garrett’s Adverse Events Book Launch and Drag Me to Bingo with Mrs. Kasha Davis
Join CAMP Rehoboth on September 18 from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. for the launch of Parker Garrett’s book, "Adverse Events." The event will begin with a free entry to the book launch, featuring book sales, signings, and an author reading at 6:15 p.m. Following the book launch, enjoy "Drag Me to Bingo," a ticketed event hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Mrs. Kasha Davis.
Get information and tickets here.
CAMP Rehoboth Chorus: "100 Years of Broadway"
The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus presents "100 Years of Broadway," a celebration of Broadway's centenary from September 25 to 27, 2026. As the final concert of the 2026 season, the Chorus will perform beloved classics from shows such as South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, The Lion King, Rent, and many more. The concert will be under the direction of Artistic Director Doug Yetter, accompanied by David Zipse and the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus band.
The event will take place at Epworth United Methodist Church, located at 19285 Holland Glade Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Sponsorships are available. If you are interested, please call 302-227-5620.
News from the Rehoboth Beach Bears
Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend 2026
The Rehoboth Beach Bears, Inc. invites you to the Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend 2026, taking place from September 16-20, 2026. As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, the Bears promote camaraderie and inclusion. This flagship event funds their Scholarship Fund for LGBTQIA+ youth in Sussex and Kent Counties, Delaware, and supports other philanthropic efforts. Tickets are on sale now: Get tickets here.
Furst Friday at Aqua
The next Furst Friday sponsored by the Bears is scheduled for Friday, September 4 at Aqua from 5-7 p.m. Stop on by and start your weekend in a grand way!
Photo Gallery
Maria Misak
This month, volunteer staff photographer Maria Misak says goodbye to summer by sharing some of her beautiful sunset photographs!
AIDS Walk 2026
On Saturday, September 19, AIDS Walk Delaware celebrates 40 years as one of the nation’s longest-running HIV walks. AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium co-host the event, bringing communities together in Wilmington’s Brandywine Park and downtown Rehoboth Beach to honor lives affected by HIV, raise awareness, and support essential HIV services across Delaware. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the walk starts at 10 a.m.
AIDS Walk Delaware provides critical financial support across the state for vital services for Delawareans living with or impacted by HIV, including free HIV testing, medical case management, housing, mental health counseling, discount pharmacy, and food assistance, as well as education and prevention programs. This year, the event aims to raise $100,000 while bringing together more than 600 participants and volunteers to increase awareness of HIV and PrEP, strengthen prevention efforts, and foster community support and solidarity in the fight against HIV.
For more information, visit https://www.delawarehiv.org/events.
News from the City of Rehoboth Beach
Join the City of Rehoboth Beach, Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Camp Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association, and the Rehoboth Beach–Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce for Stan Mills Appreciation Day.
Enjoy a reception with light refreshments honoring Stan’s years of dedicated service to ensuring a vibrant, welcoming City of Rehoboth.
Wednesday, September 23 | 4–6 p.m.Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
229 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Please RSVP online. Donations are also welcome to support the event. Any funds raised in excess of event costs will be donated to a nonprofit of Stan’s choosing.
Swimmer Safety!
As students return to school, lifeguard staffing is decreasing. For your safety, please swim near open lifeguard stands and follow posted signs. Beaches are dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly. Lifeguards may not always be on duty, so remain aware of your surroundings and prioritize your safety.
Learn more about the lifeguard staffing by clicking here.
Grove Park Temporarily Closed!
Pruning of affected trees at Grove Park began on August 20, with removal scheduled for next week. City Arborist Mike Lilly and Taryn Davidson inspected 48 trees and identified five Red Oaks for immediate removal due to Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS), a fatal disease spread by insects. They also recommended removing 14 additional smaller trees later to make room for larger trees. Next steps include removing the five affected trees and applying insecticides to prevent BLS from spreading. Grove Park will reopen to foot traffic after these actions are completed.
Farmers’ Market Moved!
Due to the closure of Grove Park, this week’s Farmers' Market was held in the Convention Center Parking Lot. Thank you, customers, for your flexibility during this change! For more updates on the future of Grove Park and the Farmers' Market, please click here.
Rehoboth Reflections Photo Competition
Rehoboth Reflections is the city’s annual photo competition. Each year, the city considers submitted photos for inclusion in its published calendar. The deadline to submit photos for the city’s 2027 calendar is September 4, 2026.
Get more information about the contest here.
News from the Delaware Division of Small Business
The EDGE Grant Competition is Back!
The Delaware EDGE Grant is a competition for grant funding available to both STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) companies and businesses in the Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM). The funding is provided as a match, with $3 from the state for every $1 contributed by the business.
EDGE Grant winners will be selected from two tracks: the Entrepreneur Track, which offers up to $400,000, and the STEM Track, which has a total of $750,000 available to be divided among category winners. Up to 18 potential awardees may be chosen.
The application period for the fall 2026 EDGE Grant Competition is open through 4 p.m. on Sept. 11.
New this year: The Division of Small Business is turning its two-day pitch competition into a one-day pitch and awards event! There will also be education, resource connections, and a Venture Capital match element added in.
Visit their website for all the materials and information you need to apply, including a recording of their August 11 webinar: https://business.delaware.gov/edge/
Delaware Division of Small Business–Business Spotlight
The Small Business Spotlight is in need of submissions! What an exciting way to get the word out to others in the state about your exciting business!
To submit an application, go to: Submit Small Business Spotlight - Division of Small Business - State of Delaware
WHAT’S GOING ON?
If you're looking for fun entertainment in town, check the following links to see if any local establishments have scheduled events. These links to RBMS members will lead you to live music, dancing, game nights, and exciting shows. Whether you want to dance or catch an exhilarating performance, you'll find plenty of options for a memorable night out!
Events
9/1-9/30
9/1 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
9/1-9/5
9/4 5-6 p.m.
9/1-9/20
9/5-9/6
9/5 7-9 a.m.
9/9 and 9/23 1:00 p.m.
9/10 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
9/10, 9/24 9-10 a.m.
9/14 9-10:00 a.m.
9/16-9/20
9/18 5-10 p.m.
9/19 5-8:30 p.m.
9/19 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
9/19-9/20
9/20-9/26
9/21 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
9/24 8:30-10:30 a.m.
9/25-9/27
9/26 1-4:00 p.m.
Save the Date!
10/2-10/4
10/3 12-4:00 p.m.
10/14-10/18
10/15-10/18
10/18/2026 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
10/9-10/31
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