Delaware
Festival frenzy: 17 Delaware events this spring & summer 2025
Raw Video: Cooler evening temperatures brings visitors to state fair
Visitors waited until temperatures cooled to visit the Delaware State Fair. 7/25/22
Gary Emeigh/Special to the Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal
Festival season is just getting started in Delaware, and will soon be in full swing.
This whirlwind of events will hit every part of the state, and aims to hit every interest.
Here’s a preview of notable fests that will awake from hibernation this spring and summer.
Wilmington Street Food Festival 2025, Wilmington
A snack attack will be served up at the Wilmington Street Food Festival. Guests will experience over two dozen of the area’s top food trucks and restaurants. Menu items will cost $5 or less so guests can sample from plenty of vendors, per the festival’s Eventbrite page. The event also will feature live entertainment, axe throwing, kids’ fun zone and much more.
Tubman Garret Riverfront Park (Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington) from 2 to 8 p.m. May 17. General admission starts at $7.99 (plus $2.89 fee). Visit facebook.com/WilmingtonStreetFoodFestival or call (888) 827-8340.
A Day In Old New Castle, New Castle
The community will ring in the 100th anniversary of the event “A Day In Old New Castle,” which will include a new feature: a 1920s Swinging Soiree. That means folks will party in Great Gatsby fashion at Zollie’s Shaw Alley from 7 to 10 p.m. Revelers will enjoy cuisine and dance to jazz, plus drink beverages from the 1920s. Tickets are $65. Proceeds will benefit A Day In Old New Castle, New Castle Community Partnership and many nonprofit partners, according to the event’s website.
There will be free events and activities that include children’s activities, crafts, Steam Cars from the Marshall Steam Car Museum, antique cars (1900-1940) from the Brandywine Antique Car Club, and more.
Additionally, A Day In Old New Castle will offer ticketed activities like a dock tour on the Kalmar Nyckel and tours of historic houses, gardens, museums and churches. Guests will receive $1 off for dressing in Colonial or Victorian-era attire.
The event will be held near 400 Delaware St., New Castle, on May 17. Day of tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for children aged 5+; free for kids under age 5. Swinging Soiree is $65 per person. Visit historicnewcastle.com.
Poseidon Festival 2025, Bethany Beach
The 10th anniversary of the Poseidon Festival is a four-day affair with pirates, mermaids, live music, a costume contest and more fun. Some of the highlights include a performance from the Caiso Steeldrum Band (May 23), sword demonstrations from Captain Jack (May 24 and 25), costume parade and contest where you can dressed as a pirate, mermaid or your favorite maritime creature (May 24), a summer luau show (May 24), United States Navy Band concert (May 25) and Memorial Day service (May 26).
The Poseidon Festival is held in downtown Bethany Beach (near Bethany Bandstand) from May 23 to 26. Visit townofbethanybeach.com/497/Poseidon-Festival or call (302) 539-8011.
Buccaneer Bash 2025, Bowers Beach
Fearless swashbucklers will sail to Bowers Beach for a peaceful adventure at the annual Buccaneer Bash. This free two-day festival is known to take seafarers back to the 18th century to experience pirate life through demonstrations, music, petting zoo, food, craft and modern vendors, and activities in downtown Bowers Beach.
Buccaneer Bash is held in downtown Bowers Beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24 and 25. Free event. Visit Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash on Facebook or call (302) 222-6341.
Ladybug Music Festival 2025, Wilmington
Over 30 acts will play the Ladybug Music Festival including headliner Margaret Glaspy. The singer-songwriter has drawn attraction from The New York Times and Rolling Stone, NPR and others.
The Ladybug Festival has been branded as the country’s largest free celebration of women in music. The festival, which started in 2012, has built a unique reputation for featuring 100% female-fronted acts.
Ladybug Festival is held in downtown Wilmington from 5 to 10 p.m. May 30. Free event. Visit theladybugfestival.com.
Black Music Festival 2025, Houston
This festival returns for a second year in honor of Black Music Month. The headliner is We Are One X-Perience Band, paying tribute to the legendary Frankie Beverly featuring Maze. Guests can bring their own beer, food, coolers, chairs and tents (10 feet by 10 feet) to the Black Music Festival for a good time.
G & R Campground (4075 Gun and Rod Club Road, Houston) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 7. Tickets for general admission are $50. Visit wilmingtonsgents.com, gandrcampground.com/event-calendar or call (302) 743-3417.
Delaware Pride Festival 2025, Dover
Dover will be dipped in rainbow hues for the return of the Delaware Pride Festival. This longstanding festival is the biggest Pride celebration in the state. The event will include drag performers Maddelyn Hatter, Louisiana Purchase and Scarlet Masters. There will be food vendors, beer garden, performers and more. There also will be community organizations sharing resources and support, reinforcing the message of inclusivity.
Near The Green (Federal Street, Dover) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/DelawarePrideInc delawarepride.org or call (302) 753-2162.
Dover Con 2025, Dover
Don’t be surprised if you see more Dr. Doom and Fantastic 4 cosplayers this time around at Dover Con. Formerly Dover Comic Con, the free event is family-friendly and great for folks who are new to cosplay and/or want to get a taste of what a comic convention is all about. (The con is also perfect for folks who love to people watch.)
Lots of vendors and artisans sell wares and items at the convention. There usually are cool vehicles on display like replicas of the Batmobile, “Jurassic Park” Jeep or the Pikabug from “Pokémon.”
Dover Public Library (35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14. Free event. Visit delmarvaevents.net.
St. Anthony’s Italian Festival 2025, Wilmington
This year the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival celebrates 51 years of bringing Mediterranean cuisine to the First State. The eight-day festival, branded as one of the largest Italian celebrations in the country, dishes up a variety of authentic and tasty food.
The event is the primary fundraiser for St. Anthony of Padua Grade School in Wilmington.
St. Anthony’s Italian Festival (901 N. Dupont St., Wilmington) from 4 to 10:30 p.m. June 8; 6 to 10:30 p.m. from June 9 to 13; 4 to 10:30 p.m. June 14; 2 to 6 p.m. June 15. For tickets or more info, visit sapde.org or call (302) 421-3700.
Clifford Brown Jazz Festival 2025, Wilmington
The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, a hallmark summer event, turns 38. The four-day festival hasn’t announced its full lineup yet, but we do know that ’90s R&B star Chantė Moore and The Wooten Brothers will grace the stage.
This festival has grown into the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast, according to the festival’s website. The main stage of this year’s festival opens on June 18 with a star-studded roster of performances through June 21. Each night after the main stage concerts, Late Night Jam Sessions will be hosted at local establishments throughout downtown Wilmington.
The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is held on Rodney Square (1000 N. Market St., Wilmington) June 18 to 21. For more info, visit cliffordbrownjazzfest.org.
June Jam 2025, Houston
The 47th annual festival is back with a lineup of rocking bands that include Chesapeake Sons, who fans are pumped to see.
June Jam claims to be the longest-running music festival in the nation (since even the pandemic couldn’t stop them). Over the years, proceeds from June Jam have benefited all sorts of causes, from helping people struggling with medical bills to supporting Toys for Tots.
G&R Campground (4075 Gun and Rod Club Road, Houston) and gates open at 10 a.m. June 21. For tickets or more info, visit junejam.com.
Smyrna at Night 2025, Smyrna
Headlining this year’s Smyrna at Night is the mystical band Magic!, a Canadian band living in Los Angeles that delivers pop, reggae and alternative vibes.
Smyrna at Night is branded as Kent County’s largest free outdoor concert. This year’s event will be spread across three stages with 18 bands. Other notable acts include local favorite Jovon Newman, Spokey Speaky, Mike Hines & The Look, and Shwayze. There also will be food trucks, wine and beer vendors, downtown shops and vendors and kid-friendly activities.
Smyrna at Night will be held downtown from noon to 9:30 p.m. June 14. Free event. For more info, visit facebook.com/smyrnaatnight.
Juneteenth Freedom Parade and Festival 2025, Wilmington
The Juneteenth Freedom Parade and Festival in Wilmington is back to honor the emancipation of African Americans.
The event is on June 14 and starts with a parade at 11 a.m. from Rodney Square (1000 N. Market St., Wilmington) down to the festival that offers music, food, fun and more at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park (Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington). Visit Delawarejuneteenth.org or (302) 314-5863.
Running of the Bull 2025, Dewey Beach
The epic Running of the Bull even is back on deck in Dewey Beach. The Starboard’s annual event is charged up for a whimsical fiesta where participants are chased up the highway and onto Dewey Beach by a costumed bull. But this bull is special because it is powered by four human legs.
The Starboard (2009 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach) on June 28. Visit thestarboard.com or (302) 227-4600.
Ice Cream Festival 2025, near Wilmington
It’s hard not to have a sweet time during the Ice Cream Festival at Rockwood Park & Museum. The event serves up ice cream, food trucks, entertainment, museum tours, over 40 marketplace vendors, carnival games, beer and wine garden, and more fun. Parking and shuttle are available at Rockwood Office Park (501 Carr Road, near Wilmington).
Rockwood Park & Museum (4651 Washington St. Extension, near Wilmington) from 1 to 9 p.m. June 28. Visit newcastlede.gov or (302) 395-5555.
Delaware State Fair 2025, Harrington
Where else can you eat fried Oreos, watch pigs race and catch a comedy show by the juggernaut Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias? There’s nothing like the Delaware State Fair and its 10 days of entertainment.
If comedy and concerts are your thing, this year’s lineup on the M&T Bank Grandstand features headliners Riley Green (July 19), Fluffy (July 20), Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors (July 21), CeCe Winans (July 22), Gavin Adcock (July 23) Russell Dickerson with Niko Moon (July 24), T.I. (July 25) and Big & Rich (July 26).
Aside from concerts, two other mainstage events are Harness racing Harness Racing (July 17) and the Demolition Derby (July 18).
The fair is also known for oodles of amusement rides, games, animals, vendors and other attractions. Not to mention, it usually has weird food like deep-fried Oreos and fried gator.
Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) July 17 to 26. General admission tickets are up to $10 in person or $10.50 (online). Concerts on the Grandstand are extra, and prices vary. Visit delawarestatefair.com or call (302) 398-3269.
Middletown Old-Tyme Peach Festival 2025, Middletown
Middletown has a fuzzy memory that it can blame on its Old-Tyme Peach Festival. The 32nd annual festival offers more low-hanging fruit in downtown to give folks a juicy time with a parade, food, pie-eating contest, historical exhibits, music, games, lots of peaches and more.
The festival begins with the parade at 8:45 a.m. on Broad Street.
The festival will be held downtown Middletown near Broad Street from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16. Visit middletownpeachfestival.com or call (302) 378-7466.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
MUNCIE, IN — Five individuals and one organization were recognized for their contributions to Delaware County during the annual ViVA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon on April 14, according to a community announcement.
The event, hosted by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, has been a tradition since 1993. The ViVA Awards celebrate those who dedicate their time and resources to uplift the community.
Vickie Armstrong Oliver, Ken Glaub, Dottie Kreps and Beth Kroehler each received individual ViVA Awards for their volunteer efforts and commitment to various causes.
The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association was presented with the 2026 ViVA Organizational Award. Since 1995, the association has supported the high school through philanthropy and historical preservation.
The association has awarded more than $76,000 in scholarships to seniors and nearly $39,000 in teacher grants. It has also financed various campus needs, including the restoration of the school’s Abraham Lincoln statue. The board maintains a public Memorabilia Room to preserve the school’s legacy.
Linda Gregory received the Edmund F. Ball Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong dedication to service in the community.
The ViVA Awards luncheon served as a reminder of the generosity and compassion that define Delaware County’s volunteer heritage, according to the announcement.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
The Delaware Marathon Run Fest on Sunday ended with a photo finish that proved nothing is over until it’s over.
In a video taken by the Instagram user @aktiv8edleem and shared with NBC10, a runner is seen jogging in the lead with his arms raised as if he’s won. But then, another man sprints up the final stretch and passes him for the win.
Scenic drives across New Jersey reach from the coastal marshes of Cape May to the hardwood forests around the Delaware Water Gap. The routes below range from quick Sunday drives to multi-day regional tours. Along the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway, travellers wind through protected forests, wetlands, and historic villages. Old Mine Road traces 17th-century Dutch settlement routes through rugged terrain in one of the continent’s oldest continuously used roadways. Shorter routes like the Palisades Scenic Byway deliver sweeping Hudson River views with hiking access. The nine drives below prove the Garden State reputation holds up once you leave the interstate.
Delaware River Scenic Byway
Running about 34 miles from Trenton to Frenchtown, the Delaware River Scenic Byway follows the Delaware River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal, offering easy access to hiking trails and water-based recreation. The riverside towns are among New Jersey’s best for art and history. Starting in Trenton, the route follows the Delaware and Raritan Canal toward Lambertville. Trenton’s William Trent House Museum and Trenton City Museum make good starting points.
As the route approaches Lambertville, Washington Crossing State Park marks the site where George Washington’s Continental Army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 to attack Hessian forces at Trenton (a turning point in the Revolutionary War). The park now includes hiking trails and river views. The byway continues through the historic downtowns of Lambertville and Stockton, with Bull’s Island Recreation Area offering a riverfront stop before reaching the final destination in Frenchtown.
Pine Barrens Scenic Byway
Stretching 130 miles through southern New Jersey, the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway crosses pine forests, wetlands, and rivers while connecting unique historic villages through a network of interconnected routes. The New Jersey Pine Barrens (officially the Pinelands National Reserve, established in 1978 as the first U.S. national reserve) covers 1.1 million acres with a rare acidic sandy soil ecosystem that supports pygmy pitch pine forests found almost nowhere else in North America.
Starting near Batsto Village, a preserved 18th- and 19th-century iron-making and glass-working community, the route heads toward Tuckerton through the Pinelands, crossing waterways including the Mullica River. At Tuckerton, the route approaches Little Egg Harbor, a coastal estuary known for salt marshes, boating, and birdlife, before continuing toward the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
From there, the byway loops inland through Mullica and Weymouth, with opportunities for fishing and paddling on the Great Egg Harbor River. Continuing south, the byway extends toward Tuckahoe, a gateway to Cape May County coastal wetlands, with loops running toward Port Elizabeth and around Belleplain State Forest through towns like Dennis and Woodbine before reconnecting with other route segments.
Palisades Scenic Byway
The Palisades Scenic Byway offers sweeping views of the Hudson River as it winds along the Palisade Cliffs, one of New Jersey’s most striking geological formations. The cliffs formed about 200 million years ago when molten diabase magma intruded between sedimentary rock layers, later exposed when erosion stripped away the softer surrounding rock. The route covers 19 miles. Starting at Fort Lee Historic Park and Visitor Center, visitors can take in views of the George Washington Bridge and Revolutionary War exhibits before continuing onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Traveling north through Englewood Cliffs, there are stops at trailheads, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
Within Palisades Interstate Park, visitors can hike wooded trails, take in panoramic viewpoints, and explore the historic Cliffdale Manor ruins. The parkway continues north into New York State, extending the drive along the Hudson, but the New Jersey portion culminates at State Line Lookout, a high vantage point with expansive views of forested cliffs, distant Hudson Valley mountains, and the New York City skyline.
Bayshore Heritage Byway
Stretching nearly 122 miles through Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May counties, the Bayshore Heritage Byway covers the full range of New Jersey’s Delaware Bay coast. Dunes, coastal marshes, forested areas, and historic landmarks combine to make this one of the state’s most ecologically and culturally rich drives.
Start on Hawks Bridge Road in Salem County and head toward Salem City to explore its historic district (Salem has been continuously inhabited since 1675, making it one of New Jersey’s oldest towns). A network of local roads offers views of the Delaware Bay and estuary en route to Elsinboro Township. The Hancock House is the site of a 1778 Revolutionary War massacre where British troops killed over 20 sleeping Patriot militia. Continue to Bridgeton with stops at Bridgeton City Park and the Cohanzick Zoo within the park. Then continue to Mauricetown, with an optional detour to the East Point Lighthouse (built in 1849, New Jersey’s second-oldest lighthouse still in operation). The byway leads south into Cape May County, culminating at Cape May Point State Park.
Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway
The Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway covers 28 miles of farmland, historic homes, and quiet country roads. The drive begins in the historic district of Allentown Borough, following Main Street and then local roads toward the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. From there, the byway winds through rural countryside toward Clayton Park, with optional detours to the Imlaystown Historic District or the Old Yellow Meeting House. The route continues past preserved farmland and open space before reaching the Walnford Historic District and Crosswicks Creek Park. The region is one of New Jersey’s most intact agricultural landscapes, partly due to strong state farmland preservation programs that have protected thousands of acres here since the 1980s.
Warren Heritage Scenic Byway
Running about 19 miles through mountain ranges and scenic valleys, the Warren Heritage Scenic Byway offers mountain views and opportunities to engage with local history along the way. One common route begins near Stewartsville and links local roads toward New Village. Bread Lock Park Museum along the route offers interactive exhibits on the region’s Morris Canal history (the canal operated from 1831 to 1924, carrying coal from Pennsylvania to New York). Heading toward Washington, the drive passes views of Pohatcong Mountain. The route continues through rural landscapes with views of Point Mountain, through Mansfield Township, Beattystown, and ending in Hackettstown.
Old Mine Road
Old Mine Road is often cited as one of the oldest continuously used roads in the United States, with Dutch colonial origins dating to the early 17th century when copper miners reportedly used the route to transport ore from the Pahaquarry mines to Kingston. While some of the exact 17th-century claims are disputed by historians, the road has been continuously used for at least 300 years. It runs through the Delaware Water Gap, where unpaved sections from centuries past can still be walked. Some segments close during winter due to harsh conditions; spring through autumn is the reliable season.
Starting near Columbia, the drive follows Old Mine Road with views of the Delaware River and the forested landscape of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. At a fork, head toward the Millbrook Village Historic Site, a preserved 19th-century rural village recreated and maintained by the National Park Service. Continuing toward Flatbrookville, the road winds through the recreation area past trails, waterfalls, and scenic mountain terrain.
Millstone Valley Scenic Byway
The Millstone Valley Scenic Byway winds through central New Jersey along the Millstone River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal. This picturesque route features Revolutionary War-era landmarks and offers both scenic waterside views and educational stops.
Begin in Millstone, heading toward the historic Bridgetender’s House at Blackwell’s Mill in the East Millstone Historic District. Continue along the Millstone River toward Kingston, passing historic neighbourhoods on River Road and Rocky Hill. Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park offers hiking and water activities. From Kingston, follow the canal to Griggstown for views of the John Clyde Memorial Native Grassland Preserve and surrounding farmland. Cross the Griggstown Causeway back over the Millstone River and return to Millstone.
Western Highlands Scenic Byway
The Western Highlands Scenic Byway runs about 23 miles through Sussex County, following forest-lined roads and farmlands. The drive features hiking trails with scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing opportunities, and historic sites. Begin in Stockholm and head north toward Vernon, with views of the Hamburg Mountain Wildlife Management Area and Highland Lake. In Vernon, the byway connects to local roads looping through the highland terrain before continuing into Wawayanda State Park, where hiking access includes sections of the Appalachian Trail. The byway then extends north toward the New Jersey-New York border.
Nine New Jersey Drives, One Garden State
These nine routes cover the state’s full geographic range: Delaware Bay wetlands on the Bayshore, Pine Barrens pygmy pitch pine forests, Delaware Water Gap forests on Old Mine Road, Palisades cliff-top Hudson River views, Millstone and Warren Heritage farmland. The shared thread is that these drives reward leaving the interstate. New Jersey’s dense population masks how much forest, farmland, and preserved waterway the state actually contains.
-
New York2 minutes agoGotti Grandson Is Sentenced to 15 Months for Covid Relief Fraud
-
Detroit, MI32 minutes agoWhy a Detroit family’s $300 brick repair job turned into a fraud investigation
-
San Francisco, CA44 minutes agoSea lion pup found in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset malnourished but ‘feisty’
-
Dallas, TX50 minutes agoDallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft debate heats up
-
Miami, FL56 minutes agoMan arrested in Miami for alleged sexual battery on 10-year-old girl – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
-
Boston, MA1 hour agoFormer BYU star Clayton Young crushes lifetime best in Boston — on short notice
-
Denver, CO1 hour agoColorado boasts two of the best coffee shops in the Americas, according to new ranking
-
Seattle, WA1 hour agoDelta flight from Seoul to Atlanta diverted to Seattle after report of suspicious package