Attracting more than 5,000 visitors each year, Coast Day is the annual flagship event of UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes.

Coast Day 2026

Article by Adam Thomas September 30, 2026

University of Delaware’s annual Coast Day set for Sunday, Oct. 4

When he was 6 years old, University of Delaware assistant professor Bradley Pitcher knew exactly what he wanted to dress up as for Halloween: a geologist.

Since the internet wasn’t widely accessible yet, Pitcher jokes that his parents and neighbors just had to “trust what my 6-year-old self said a geologist looked like.”

Now a real-life geologist in UD’s Department of Earth Sciences, Pitcher’s research focuses on volcanoes, and he will once again hold his popular Trashcano demonstration at Coast Day, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes.

There is no magma involved in the demonstration, just liquid nitrogen, water and lots of colorful balls that explode out of a trash can.

“I love coming up with creative ways to explain things, and I love seeing the light bulbs go off in people,” said Pitcher. “I feel lucky I get to combine these two passions: this research with volcanoes that I've wanted to do forever, and then I also get to teach and get to do things like Coast Day where I’m able to talk to a couple thousand people about volcanoes.”

UD assistant professor Bradley Pitcher will once again hold his popular Trashcano demonstration at Coast Day.

Attracting more than 5,000 visitors each year, Coast Day is the annual flagship event of UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. Scientists and students showcase important UD research and efforts to protect our coasts, forests, cities and agricultural lands across the region and around the world.

Now in its 50th year, the event offers attendees an opportunity to try hands-on science activities, tour research vessels, explore campus laboratories, listen to lectures and interact with a wide range of environmentally focused exhibitors, including UD student organizations, community partners and state agencies. Other exciting event activities include a chemical magic show, touch tanks and tours of the UD hatchery and weather station. Food trucks offer a variety of lunch options.

Coast Day is a family-friendly event that provides a fun opportunity to learn more about coastal, marine and environmental science.

While at the event, don’t forget to sign up for Mariners, the University’s community of Southern Delaware locals who get first access to events, volunteer opportunities and news about UD efforts in Lewes and surrounding communities.

The Hugh R. Sharp Campus is located at 1044 College Drive, Lewes, Delaware.

For more information, visit the Coast Day website at udel.edu/coastday or email coast-day@udel.edu.