Events
Discover our exciting events happening throughout the year! There's always something going on, so come join the fun and make unforgettable memories with us!
Trails Day
FOCHSP is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of Cape Henlopen State Park. We usually meet on the second Saturday of every month at 8:45 a.m. to maintain trails and collect trash. Locations may include a trail or the beach. Check below or the monthly newsletter for the meet-up location.
For the December Trails Day, we will be working on cleaning up the Bike Loop. We will meet at the Nature Center on December 13th at 8:45 am. •Attendees should dress appropriately with closed-toe shoes, gloves, and a hat. •Please bring a bag for trash. •Please bring pickers or grabbers if you have them.
Annual Meeting
Biden Environmental Center
Februrary 21, 2026,
10 a.m. Coffee and Donuts
10:30 a.m. Meeting Presentations
From the 2025 Meeting:
Jeff Underwood, FOCHSP President, presentation. Celebrating our achievements and looking to our future.
Matthew Ritter, the newly appointed Delaware State Parks Director, shared updates with Friends meeting attendees about upcoming park priorities. He also talked about the challenges related to staffing, maintenance, and capital improvements. Additionally, he responded to several questions from the audience.
Suellen Blackwood, Dark Skies advocate, gave an engaging presentation titled "Saving Our Dark Skies." Attendees discovered why the Dark Sky initiative is crucial for our health and the environment. Suellen shared the results of the light assessment conducted within Cape Henlopen State Park and the early benefits realized. The Friends also learned various ways homeowners can reduce the impact of nighttime lighting. ​
Indoor Flea Market
Cape Henlopen State Park Officers Club
March 14, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Find a bargain! Find the unexpected! Shop a wide-ranging selection of items donated by members and non-members.
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10% discount for Friends Members on Friends logo merchandise
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Credit cards accepted, $10 minimum
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Bike Raffle
Donations accepted March 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Officers Club.
Items Not Accepted for Donation: CRT or Plasma TVs Clothing items, including shoes Text books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and magazines (unless historical) Large furniture Personal healthcare items Artificial Christmas trees
Wine, Cheese & Beer Tasting
Cape Henlopen State Park Officers Club
April 18, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m.
Sample a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and cheeses. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres selected to pair with the wines and beers. Free complimentary wine glass.​
Ticket price: $ in advance; $ at the door
Advance tickets may be purchased at the Park Office or at R&L Liquors.
Co-sponsored by R&L Liquors of Lewes, DE.
Youth Fishing Tournament
Cape Henlopen State Park Fishing Pier
September 5, 2026, 8 to 11 a.m.
Ages 15 & Under
$10 Entrance Fee
Free T-Shirts for first 70 contestants.
Prizes will be awarded!
Chocolate Tasting
Cape Henlopen State Park Officers Club
September 5, 2026, 1 to 4 p.m.
or 'til chocolate is gone!
Satisfy your chocolate craving with homemade confections and baked items. 100% of the proceeds from this event go toward our Thatcher Education Fund, which provides financial assistance for students attending Nature Center programs at the park.
Plus, Bake Sale and Friends Merchandise
Holiday Boutique & Book Sale
Cape Henlopen State Park Officers Club
November 15, 2025, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Discover unique, handcrafted items or gently used Christmas decorations perfect for holiday gifts or decorating your home. Grab a book for cozy winter reading. Show your support for the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park with a purchase of exclusive logo gear.
Donations of clean books and crafts are welcome.
Dropoff November 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
