Delaware

Festival frenzy for Delawareans in 2024: Lineup of 14 dope events in new year

Published

2 years ago

January 2, 2024

Festival frenzy for Delawareans in 2024: Lineup of 14 dope events in new year

Who in their right mind in Delaware is already thinking about can’t-miss festivals for 2024? It’s the type of person who messed around and found out that events do sell out.

To avoid that drama, you can get an early start on planning your schedule for 14 sweet festive events located in and around the First State in 2024.

There’s a strong focus on spring and summer events for this preview, stick with us for updates.

Kennett Winterfest, Kennett Square, Pa.

The beer event Kennett Winterfest gives new meaning to the phrase “cold drinks.” The February festival has over 60 breweries on tap serving over 130 beers, joined by live music and food trucks.

The event has a Delaware vibe since it’s just down the road and features local breweries like First State Brewing, Iron Hill, Bellefonte Brewing, Big Oyster Brewery, Wilmington Brew Works, and Dewey Beer. A regular admission ticket gets you an unlimited number of tastings. Designed drivers pay $15 (plus fee) and will receive a mocktail.

Kennett Winterfest (600 S. Broad St., Kennett Square, Pennsylvania) from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. General admission $60 (plus fee); Designated driver $15 (plus fee). Visit kennettwinterfest.com.

Dover NASCAR weekend in Fan Zone

During NASCAR weekend there’s always a festival atmosphere at Dover Motor Speedway’s Fan Zone, a place that often offers free and fun activities for supporters.

The Fan Zone is home to driver autograph sessions, free concerts (which have hosted big names like Jimmie Allen and X Ambassadors), games and attractions for kids and adults.

The Monster Monument at Victory Plaza is a huge attraction and some of fans’ favorite NASCAR drivers and executives are usually spotted doing interviews at the 46-foot-tall Monster.

When NASCAR returns with a tripleheader to the Monster Mile in April, fans can look forward to the Track Treasures Trailer that features mementos, NASCAR collectibles, one-of-a-kind autographed items, clothing and advertising banners for sale near the Monster Monument.

Proceeds will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway Chapter, per Dover Motor Speedway’s website.

Race fans are encouraged by the Speedway to keep checking the website for added attractions, event times and more about Fan Zone festivities for the spring.

Dover Motor Speedway (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28. More details TBA. Visit dovermotorspeedway.com.

WrestleMania 40, Philadelphia

The Super Bowl of professional wrestling is back in the City of Brotherly Love for the first time in 25 years with WrestleMania 40. This two-day event also marks WrestleMania’s first time in the home of the Philadelphia Eagles.

It’s confirmed (via a promo image on their website) that the Mania card includes wrestlers Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Roman Reigns, Asuka, Bianca Belair and Seth Rollins. Other stars that fans want/expect to see on the card are CM Punk, Randy Orton, John Cena and Stone Cold, and plenty others. More clarity about who is participating in WrestleMania will likely be revealed after the Royal Rumble happens Jan. 27.

Lincoln Financial Field at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Tickets combos for both days are $560 to $10,000+. Tickets for each night are $188 to $5,000+. Visit wwe.com.

420 weed party and more, Townsend

You and your best buds can roll up to one of the First State’s biggest 420 celebrations for a one-of-a-kind, 24-hour event that’ll unite marijuana lovers in the same month that Delaware legalized weed in 2023.

Delfire Group and Delaware NORML are teaming up to deliver two marijuana-themed events in one: Delfire’s Spring Fling event and Delaware NORML’s 420 Party.

This fully baked collaboration features art vendors, merch, live music, cannabis advocacy and camping at, and lots of weed. The event is for ages 21 or older.

Fire Base Lloyd (474 Flemings Landing Road, Townsend) on Saturday, April 20. More details TBA. Visit Facebook.com/weedstockde or Facebook.com/DENORML.

Dover Days Festival

One of Delaware’s oldest and largest festivals is in the Capital City, Dover Days takes guests back to the Colonial era for two days.

The first day has fireworks and the second offers a full festival and parade. Dover Days is known for Maypole dancing, balloon rides, historic re-enactments, artisans, games and food vendors, and more. This festival is rain or shine.

Near Leg Hall (411 Legislative Ave.) on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4. More details TBA. Visitdelawarevillages.com.

Point-To-Point, Winterthur

A fashion show, carnival and horse racing — these ingredients make up the 46th annual Winterthur Point-To-Point Steeplechase.

The yearly event raises money for the preservation and maintenance of the garden and estate at Winterthur. It features a parade of pups and carriages, steeple chase racing, vintage vehicles, raffles, community vendors and lots of family activities. But folks love to come out for tailgating to show off their extravagant outfits.

Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur) from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5. More details TBA. Visit winterthur.org or (302) 888-4600.

Wilmington Flower Market

A lavish garden of fun and entertainment will blossom at a festive, three-day event that’s a staple in northern Delaware. The 103rd annual Wilmington Flower Market has live music, rides, food, beer and (of course) flowers, and lots more. The event also has a habit of booking musical acts that’ve played Firefly.

Proceeds from the Flower Market benefit children’s charities in Delaware.

Rockford Park (2629 W. 19th St., Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 9; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 10; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11. More details TBA. Visit wilmingtonflowermarket.org.

Dover Comic Con

Since actions speak louder than words, you can tell everyone who your favorite anime is by cosplaying them at Dover Comic Con.

The free event is family-friendly and particularly good 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’s usually cool vehicles on display like replicas of the Batmobile or “Jurassic Park” Jeep. Last summer, “Pokémon” fans went wild over a replica of the Pikabug car pulled up.

Near Leg Hall (411 Legislative Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8. More details TBA. Visit delmarvaevents.net.

June Jam, Houston

The longtime festival June Jam will make some noise with its 46th annual musical rodeo featuring headliner Shoot to Thrill, the all-female tribute to AC/DC.

June Jam, which is a nonprofit, is self-branded as the longest-running music festival in the nation (since the pandemic couldn’t even stop it).

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 Recreation Campground (4075 Gun and Rod Club Road, Houston) on Saturday, June 19. More details TBA. Visit junejam.com.

Delaware State Fair, Harrington

From pig races and concerts to crunchy fried Oreos, there’s a little something for everybody to enjoy at Delaware’s hottest event of the summer: the Delaware State Fair.

Last year’s event attracted 308,989 guests over 10 days with headline performances by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, rappers Nelly and Vanilla Ice, country acts Lainey Wilson, Tyler Hubbard, Jackson Dean and Riley Green, plus Christian artist Zach Williams.

Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 27. General admission tickets are up to $10 in person or $10.50 (online). Concerts on the Grandstand are extra. More details TBA. Visit delawarestatefair.com or (302) 398-3269.

Phish festival, The Woodlands Dover

The iconic jam band Phish will debut a new four-day festival in The Woodlands of Dover this summer.

The Woodlands have been starving for a festival since Firefly took a break and skipped 2023. The surprise announcement of the Phish event (which isn’t part of Firefly) is giving the Capital City renewed excitement by attracting a fresh audience of music lovers. Phishheads tend to be little older than the college-aged Firefly crowd, yet they’re still passionate and intense about seeing live shows (something “Phish phans” have a reputation for).

Details about Phish’s event are bare at the moment. But ticket prices and more information is probably coming soon. Check back with us soon.

The Woodlands (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from Thursday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 18. More details TBA. Visit Phish.com.

Firefly Music Festival, The Woodlands Dover

Despite some fan speculation that Firefly Music Festival might not return for a second straight summer, Firefly organizers said in 2022 that they will come back to The Woodlands for 2024.

So far, the festival producers haven’t said otherwise. The last Firefly brought four days of music to The Woodlands with over 100 acts including headliners Halsey, My Chemical Romance, Green Day and Dua Lipa.

With Firefly attendance dropping over the years, the annual festival took the year off in 2023 to “recharge our lights.” Firefly producers have been quiet during their hiatus and haven’t revealed their festival lineup yet.

The Woodlands (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover). More details TBA. Visit fireflyfestival.com.

Delaware Renaissance Faire, Townsend

Vikings, elves and everyone in-between are welcome for a third season at the Delaware Renaissance Festival, organizers announced.

In 2023, Delafaire expanded to three weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and sold out each Saturday. The fall festival also drew new vendors and entertainers to this family-friendly event that offers archery, axe-throwing and much more.

Since launching in 2022, Delafaire has quickly become one of the First State’s most beloved events. The Ren Faire’s website announced it’s coming back for its third annual event in 2024. Ticket prices and dates haven’t been announced yet.

Fire Base Lloyd (474 Flemings Landing Road, Townsend) in fall 2024. More details TBA. Visit delafaire.com.

Oceans Calling — Ocean City, Md.

The debut of Oceans Calling in the fall saw more than 30 artists hit the stage across three days. Acts included John Mayer, Alanis Morissette, Incubus, Jack Johnson and The Lumineers.

Festival organizers recently promised “a triumphant return” back to Ocean City this September. Oceans Calling hasn’t announced its lineup yet.

Ocean City Inlet Beach (809 South Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, Maryland) from Friday, Sept. 27, to Sunday, Sept. 29. More details TBA. Visit oceanscallingfestival.com.

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.

More Delaware News

Delaware, let’s rewind the clock back: Entertainment highlights that told the story of 2023

Want to have some fun on a budget? Here are cheap winter activities in, around Delaware

Huge Michael Jackson fan in Delaware: 11-year-old moonwalks into ‘MJ the Musical’ cast on Broadway

Source link

Click to comment

Delaware

School bus driver killed in accident during evacuation drill outside Newark, Delaware middle school

Published

14 hours ago

October 23, 2025

Press Room

School bus driver killed in accident during evacuation drill outside Newark, Delaware middle school

The Christina School District said in a statement that the accident happened during a routine evacuation drill.

The school spokesperson also said that there were a few minor injuries to students, but no one required hospitalization. Most have returned to class.

Video from Chopper 6 showed two school buses, marked as Academia Antonia Alonso, and several police vehicles stopped at the scene.

The emergency exit door on one of the buses appeared to be damaged.

“We’re working closely with the authorities as they investigate, and doing everything we can to support our staff, students, and families through this challenging time. Keeping everyone safe and cared for is our top priority, and we’re here to provide the help and resources that affected students or staff may need,” the district said, adding, “Our thoughts are with the driver and their family during this difficult time.”

Delaware state police are investigating.

Source link

Delaware

Want to make Delaware schools better? Do it yourself – with First State Educate’s help

Published

1 day ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Want to make Delaware schools better? Do it yourself – with First State Educate’s help

The more Patty Maull thought about running for a seat on her school board, the more she realized it was the right thing to do. It was her chance to stand up and lead the push for better Cape Henlopen schools, much as she’d always advocated for her daughters’ education.

She sensed she could win, but in those early days she wondered: How does a hair stylist from Rehoboth learn what it takes to be a school board member? Where can a passionate parent go for a crash course in endlessly complex school systems?

“There were so many times I was like, ‘Oh, what am I doing?’” Maull said. “I felt like it was crazy to run.”

FOR MORE INFO

Thinking about running for school board? If you’re ready to step up, First State Educate will provide the tools, training, and support needed to run and to serve with confidence from day one.

She found answers to those initial questions she had – and new ones that she didn’t even know she had – with First State Educate, which has been supporting aspiring school board candidates through the process since 2020.

“They were always available to answer my questions, which was such a huge help,” said Maull, who would go on to beat out two rivals in her race for the Cape Henlopen board in May 2025.

First State Educate’s strong conviction underlies their mission: That Delaware’s students deserve the best leaders, and that those leaders achieve the best outcomes when they are prepared, confident and committed.

“We’re empowering the community and building systems and processes where they can stand up and be part of the movement to make Delaware public schools some of the best in the nation,” said Julia Keleher, executive director of First State Educate. “We’re just facilitating success.”

From 2023 to 2025, First State Educate trained or supported nearly a third of Delaware’s school board members, in 16 of the state’s 19 districts.

Children motivated Patty Maull to run for the school board, and First State Educate made sure she arrived prepared.

“In a way, we’re working to bring the public back into public education,” added Yvonne Johnson, a school board consultant for First State Educate.

And the public has a standing invitation to share in First State Educate’s resources, whether they’re running for a seat or not. Online discussion groups that are part of First State Educate’s “Knowledge Hub” let parents and community members stay abreast of such hot button issues as school taxes and safety.

It’s designed to keep Delawareans informed about their schools – but also to inspire deeper engagement and action.

“We encourage anyone who is considering running for their school board to take that chance,” Keleher said. “Just raise your hand, and we will be there to support you.”

Inside the Knowledge Hub, aspiring candidates can take online courses that give them a solid grounding in the complex world of school budgets to financial audits. There’s an entire section devoted to “onboarding” newly elected board members, smoothing their post-election transition, and giving them a boost of confidence and some critical knowledge.

“Working with First State Educate has allowed me to cut the learning curve substantially,” said Brandywine school board member Brian Jordan.

“Working with First State Educate has allowed me to cut the learning curve substantially,” said recently elected Brandywine school board member Brian Jordan. “That’s important, because the community has invested its trust and tax dollars to our care.”

The learning doesn’t stop once election results are in. The Knowledge Hub is open to everyone invested in Delaware’s schools — parents, educators, community advocates, and board candidates alike. Each digital badge or micro-credential recognizes real learning and leadership growth, offering flexible ways to showcase expertise and readiness to make an impact.

Each month, “Board Matters” sessions dive deep into the school system’s inner workings. And every Thursday morning, experts examine topics in depth on the “Leading Together” podcast.

With help from First State Educate, Susan Sander won a seat on the Red Clay Consolidated board, and is now vice president.

“The Knowledge Hub is a great place for learning through fellowship, and sharing new ideas,” said Susan Sander, who earned a seat on the Red Clay Consolidated board in May, and is already its vice president. “There is just so much to learn about the workings of a district, and the roles of a board member.”

Maull can second that notion – and vouch for First State Educate’s reliable support system. “Being able to pick their brains was great,” she said. “‘And it’s nice to have so much available through the Knowledge Hub, so I can go back if I’m confused about something, and find a course that helps.”

Even entire school boards are benefitting from First State Educate’s expertise and commitment. Mini-grants awarded by the organization are focused on giving boards the resources to strengthen governance, test new ideas, and model effective practices. FSE scholarships open the door for board members to get advanced training, and explore opportunities to mentor others.

“It’s all done to ensure that Delaware benefits from strong, informed, and representative leadership,” Keleher said. “When boards govern well, districts perform better. Better district performance leads to higher student achievement. And that’s what it’s all really about, our children and their futures.”

Delaware

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for Oct. 21, 2025

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for Oct. 21, 2025

The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

02-18-27-34-59, Mega Ball: 18

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 1-4-4

Night: 7-2-1

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 0-4-8-7

Night: 0-1-1-4

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

02-04-07-24-25-33

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

08-09-15-31-32, Lucky Ball: 12

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 5-2-8-2-5

Night: 9-2-8-4-7

Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link