Frequently Asked Questions — Dewey Beach Bonfires
Why do you require a signed liability waiver? ✍🏼
We require a signed liability waiver to ensure that all participants understand and acknowledge the inherent risks involved in attending a beach bonfire, such as fire hazards, changing weather conditions, and interactions with the public. This waiver also confirms compliance with local laws and safety regulations, including restrictions on alcohol consumption and noise levels. By signing, participants accept personal responsibility for their safety and agree to follow all guidelines, allowing us to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR WAIVER
Is there a cap on attendance for Bonfires?
Yes! If your Bonfire will exceed 24 people in attendance, the Town of Dewey Beach requires an Events Permit in addition to your Bonfire Permit. This will add $50 onto your Bonfire cost!
How long is my bonfire?
We can start your bonfire as early as 5:30pm and cleanup is around 10:30pm! This is because the town requires everything to be cleaned up and off the beach by 11pm. If you book your appointment time for 6:30, please show up 10 minutes before appointment time, and you have the reservation the entire evening until 10:30pm.
What if I need to cancel? ❌
- We require being notified at least 36 hours before your bonfire date/time to cancel the request and provide a refund or a reschedule.
- Due to an influx of cancellations, we are implementing a cancellation fee for all cancellations made by the customer starting on July 1, 2025. Should you contact us within the aforementioned time frame, we can provide a refund (minus our transaction fee of 8%) or a reschedule.
- Same day cancellations and/or no-shows do not receive a refund or a reschedule.
What if I need to reschedule?
We can accommodate rescheduling, however we can not always guarantee the street/time you originally booked. We work off the scheduling from the Town of Dewey Beach, so if that requested date/location/time are already scheduled, we will work with you to find the best solution.
What if there is bad weather? ⛈️
In the event of rain or bad weather, we are happy to offer a refund or a reschedule should you contact us within the aforementioned time frame.
If you decide to proceed with your Bonfire despite an "iffy" forecast and it ends up raining, we will not be able to offer you a refund or a reschedule. This is because we would have already provided our services to you!
Can I bring food/party decorations to my Bonfire? 🎉
Absolutely! So long as you are aware that you are responsible for set up and clean up of the items you bring, you are more than welcome to bring additional items to your Bonfire. We also offer many add ons. Take a look at the link below to rent beach chairs, ambient lights, beach games, and more!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR BONFIRE ADD-ONS
Can my dog come to my Bonfire? 🐾
Yes! So long as you clean up after them, dogs are allowed on the beach after 5pm but must have a Dewey Beach town license. 3 day, 8 day and lifetime licenses are available at Dewey Beach Town Hall. Dewey Beach Surf Shop is not responsible for any fines incurred should you disregard this policy.
Can I drink alcohol on the beach? 🍻
Alcohol and glass containers are strictly prohibited on the beach between May 15 and September 15. Dewey Beach Surf Shop is not responsible for any fines incurred should you disregard this policy.
Can I have a band perform at my Bonfire? 🎤
Unfortunately live bands and performances are not permitted on the beach in Dewey Beach, year round.
I’m hosting a Bonfire and I need to buy firewood. Can I purchase firewood from you? 🪵
Wood is included in your Bonfire booking, but we do not sell wood otherwise.
I’m not in Dewey. Do you travel?
No, we only offer our services within the town limits of Dewey Beach.
Why do you need my email and my phone number?
All correspondence leading up to your bonfire is done via email. Because we get a high volume of bonfire requests, email correspondence helps us stay organized. Although we ask you to provide a phone number when you book with us, this is just for the day of your bonfire if we have trouble finding you on the beach.
I submitted a deposit, paid in full, or confirmed a booking online, what do I do next?
You MUST show up at your requested start time (established via email at time of booking) because we cannot leave bonfires unattended on the beach. We often have more than one bonfire per night and need to be sure we get to everyone on time.
Please feel free to bring what you need to make your time on the beach more comfortable without bothering other beach goers. Dewey Beach Surf Shop is responsible for cleaning up the bonfire and the add-ons we provide. We are NOT responsible for cleaning up any mess made on the beach regarding trash, decorations, food, etc. If you leave a mess on the beach, we may reach out about additional fees!
How much does a Dewey Beach bonfire cost?
Bonfire pricing varies by package, add-ons, and specialty dates, but most start at $350. You can view full pricing and packages on our booking page!
Dewey Beach Bonfire Packages
Are Dewey Beach bonfires private or shared?
The bonfires are located on public beaches, but your bonfire is 100% private! There are 20 local beaches in Dewey Beach which we are authorized to have fires on, if you book that location, its all yours for the evening!
Do you offer corporate bonfire events or team-building nights?
Yes! We offer private beach bonfires for corporate outings, remote team meetups, and employee appreciation nights. Our team handles setup, seating, and optional add-ons like s’mores kits. Whether you’re planning a small team gathering or a large group event, we’ll help make it unforgettable.
Learn More About Corporate and Team Bonfires
What locations and beaches can we have our bonfire?
We offer 20 beautiful beaches to have your bonfire on in Dewey Beach. Check out the links and map below for all location and pins:
📍 Dewey Beach Bonfire Locations
Click a beach name below to view the exact location on Google Maps.
