Coast Day returns to University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes on Sunday, Oct. 1.

The event, scheduled from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., attracts thousands of attendees from Delaware communities and out of state alike to the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) and Delaware Sea Grant’s premier celebration of the sea.

Now celebrating 40 years, this year’s theme “Discoveries on land, in the air and at sea” highlights the many varied ways scientists explore inland, coastal, open ocean and deep sea environments, and encourages Delawareans to make discoveries of their own. 

The Robotic Discovery Laboratory will be among the many exciting and educational exhibits at Coast Day.

UD students and faculty members are conducting research using advanced robotics and environmental monitoring systems. At Coast Day, exhibits and demonstrations show how this high-tech research can give people a stronger understanding of the everyday discoveries they can make hiking, walking on the beach or just enjoying Delaware’s coastal environments.

Fun for all ages

A feature of this year’s event is a special exhibit in UD’s Robotic Discovery Laboratory (RDL). The RDL is home to advanced robotic technologies such as autonomous underwater gliders and aerial vehicles used for cutting edge environmental research. RDL scientists study Arctic environments, map shark habitats and discover lost World War II planes in the Pacific Ocean, among other research studies.

Another perennial crowd favorite is the touch tank exhibit, where kids and families can get up close to sea creatures like horseshoe crabs and fish. UD students and volunteers will be on hand to provide information about the critters that call the coast home.

Participants can wander through tents featuring educational exhibits, tour research vessels, sample the region’s best seafood and develop a deeper appreciation for the sea. Adults will enjoy presentations by CEOE faculty conducting research on a variety of environmentally relevant topics, as well as informational displays by local partners. 

Coast Day also offers a series of contests for community members to strut their culinary and artistic sea smarts, including a photo contest, the famous Crab Cake Cook-Off and fifth grade essay contest. For submission deadlines and rules to enter, keep an eye on the contests page.

Admission and parking are free. For the safety of all visitors, please leave your pets at home. 

For more information, visit the Coast Day website.