Thursday, March 20, marks the first day of spring, and the shoulder season at the beach is off to a rip-roaring start. The Delmarva coast saw thousands of locals and visitors celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and bars and restaurants are ready to keep the good vibes rolling.

Rusty Rudder opens for 46th season in Dewey Beach with Yacht Lobsters

In Dewey Beach, the Rusty Rudder is up and running for its 46th season following a packed weekend opener. The crowds will no doubt be back in force this week as the Rudder hosts a concert by The Yacht Lobsters at 9 p.m. Friday, March 21 ($25). Expect soft-rock hits from the 1970s and early ‘80s by the likes of Hall & Oates, Toto and Michael McDonald.

Hot Bottle & Cork shows already selling out

The Rudder’s nearby sister business, the Bottle & Cork, won’t open for the season until May — but it is already selling out summer concerts in advance. Tickets disappeared quickly for a Thursday, July 31, appearance by the similarly-themed Yacht Rock Revue. New shows on sale right now include the return of the Bacon Brothers at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 29 ($46), as well as country star Sara Evans at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 ($45).

Dogfish Head hosting Weekend of Compelling Ales & Spirits

Elsewhere in coastal Sussex County, the Dogfish Head Brewery will host its annual Weekend of Compelling Ales & Spirits festival Friday through Sunday, March 21-23, at its various businesses in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Milton. Tickets have sold out for some of the various events — including Friday’s beer dinner at the Rehoboth brewpub and all of the happenings at the Dogfish Inn hotel in Lewes.

However, there will be free admission at the Rehoboth brewpub for anyone who wants to check out a pair of music performances; Baltimore jam band The Wharf Rats will pay tribute to the Grateful Dead at 9 p.m. Friday, and Boston roots-rocker Ward Hayden & the Outliers (formerly Girls, Guns & Glory) will play at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Speaking of the Grateful Dead, Dogfish has officially collaborated with the legendary band on a new beer. Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale is being sold in cans, which are of course decorated with colorful artwork incorporating the group’s logo and imagery.

Ocean City's Crawl Street heats up fast with fun shows

In Ocean City, local rock favorite Shredded Cheddar will take the stage of the Crawl Street Tavern for a free show at 7 p.m. sharp (pun fully intended) on Friday, March 21. Crawl Street has also placed tickets on sale for a summertime concert. National country-rock act Rehab will no doubt play its signature hit “Sittin’ At The Bar” when it brings its 25th anniversary tour to town at 7 p.m. Friday, July 25 ($30 in advance, $35 at the door barring an advance sellout.)

Tickets on sale now for Brewgrass at Fager's Island

Looking ahead a week in OC, Fager’s Island has tickets on sale now for its 13th annual Brewgrass event, which will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 29 ($80). Music will be courtesy of both The 19th Street Band and The String Buzzards.