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.

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Delaware

Traffic changes and diverters added to Delaware Avenue

Published

9 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Press Room

Traffic changes and diverters added to Delaware Avenue

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — You may have seen these concrete barriers in the middle of NW Delaware Avenue, or noticed some of the cross streets from Colorado Avenue have been changed to one way.

It’s part of the city’s plan to help protect cyclists in the Old Bend neighborhood. Delaware is part of the Bend Bikeway Project.

It’s something the city has been working on for a long time, to encourage the residents of those neighbors to bike or walk. However, the city has struggled with drivers speeding down these streets, making them unsafe for bikers and pedistraints

Now they’re trying out these diverters, which change the traffic flow. Ariel Méndez, Bend city Counciler explained the changes, saying, “These are on the Greenway network, which is, a network of streets that is intended to prioritize people walking and biking and wheeling. And, this is something that other cities have seen that really promote safety. And we’re going to give them a try here. ”

The reactions of the people living on Delaware have been mixed. Tony Roberts, who lives right next to one of the blocked intersections said “I’m not crazy about them, but, I’m willing to sit here and see what they do to the traffic.” Roberts and his wife have had to change how they drive to and from their home due to the new diverters.

Lloyd McMullem, has lived on Delaware for decades. She said she missed the opportunity for public comment, but wasn’t opposed to them entirely. “I think in the end, it might be a good thing.” she said, adding ” because we had felt like maybe we need a roundabout because people were so fast in the street. So if it solves the dilemma, then I’m all for it. ”

Many residents interviewed by KTVZ for this story expressed an interest in the possibility of a mini-round about, instead of diverters, to minimize the change in the flow of traffic.

There’s also been a little initiate confusion that comes with any traffic pattern change. Some drivers are trying to enter the new one-way intersections from the wrong directions, or making three point turns in the middle of the street to change directions.

The city of Bend is collecting data and feedback on this project.

They want people to visit the Bend Bikeway Project website, read their plans and send comments which could influence future projects.

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Delaware

The real differences between Aldi, Lidl and Trader Joe’s in Delaware

Published

21 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Press Room

The real differences between Aldi, Lidl and Trader Joe’s in Delaware

While all three chains focus on private-label products and smaller stores, they have distinct business models.
Aldi and Lidl compete primarily on low prices, while Trader Joe’s focuses on unique and trendy items.

For Delaware shoppers, the question is no longer whether another discount grocer is coming, but which one will arrive next.

Announcements of new Aldi, Lidl or Trader Joe’s locations often generate a wave of anticipation, fueled by social media chatter from residents eager for more grocery options. Although each chain has built a loyal following that far exceeds its store count, they are frequently lumped together as interchangeable discount grocers. That shorthand, however, overlooks what sets them apart.

All three brands target cost-conscious shoppers, but they do so in distinct ways that shape how customers experience each store.

DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR:

At a glance, Aldi, Lidl and Trader Joe’s share a similar operating model. Their stores are smaller than traditional supermarkets, selections are tightly curated and shelves are dominated by private label products. This model keeps overhead low and streamlines the shopping trip, appealing to Delaware shoppers navigating higher food costs.

Beyond that shared format, however, the similarities begin to fade.

The differences in the aisles

Founded in Germany, Aldi runs a tightly controlled model built around efficiency and low price, with a focus squarely on essentials. A typical store carries roughly 1,500 to 1,800 items, most sold under Aldi’s own labels. Fresh produce arrives daily, and weekly “ALDI Finds” rotate in limited time offerings that range from specialty foods to home goods and seasonal surprises such as gardening tools.

Lidl, also based in Germany, takes a broader approach. Stores carry closer to 2,000 items and include more national brands, though private labels still make up roughly 80% of the selection. The retailer emphasizes locally and regionally sourced products while offering a wider international range.

Shelves regularly feature imported specialties from across Europe, giving shoppers more variety while maintaining a strong focus on low prices.

Trader Joe’s, by contrast, aims for a distinctly different experience. Its shelves also rely heavily on private-label products, but the offerings emphasize trend, globally inspired items, frequent seasonal releases and a steady flow of new products. That sense of novelty gives Trader Joe’s the feel of a specialty market and encourages repeat visits, driven more by buzz than by direct price competition.

A price fight led by Aldi and Lidl

Price is the clearest point of separation.

Aldi is the most stripped down of the three, built around rock bottom pricing. Its no frills model extends to store operations, including shopping carts that require a 25-cent deposit, refunded when the cart is returned, helping the chain keep costs low.

Lidl can edge out Aldi on certain categories, but the differences are usually small.

In the broader Philadelphia region – which includes northern Delaware – Aldi’s prices run about 35% below traditional supermarkets, with Lidl close behind at roughly 26% less, according to consumer review website Checkbook. The analysis also found Aldi’s per-unit prices can beat warehouse clubs like BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club.

Trader Joe’s does not compete on the same terms. While often cheaper than conventional grocers, it doesn’t aim to be the lowest-priced option. Instead, it competes on product differentiation and brand identity.

Different bets on loyalty

The chains also diverge in how they build repeat business.

Lidl invests in digital engagement, offering app-based discounts and rewards tied to spending. Aldi skips loyalty programs altogether, sticking to low pricing for all and weekly ads in place of personalized deals.

Trader Joe’s again avoids both strategies, focusing on consistency, brand personality and word of mouth to keep customers coming back.

Delaware’s discount grocery store chains

Aldi has the strongest foothold in Delaware, with multiple locations and continued expansion. Lidl’s presence remains limited but growing, while Trader Joe’s maintains a smaller footprint in the northern part of the state but draws outsized demand.

Here’s are store locations:

Aldi

4130 Concord Pike, Talleyville
2205 Farrand Drive, Stanton
323 W. Main St., Christiana
1002 Bunker Hill Road, Middletown
1382 S. Dupont Blvd., Smyrna
10 N. Dupont Highway, Dover
696 N. Dupont Blvd., Milford
19563 Coastal Highway, Suite 1, Rehoboth Beach
26684 Centerview Drive, Millsboro

Lidl

1616 Pulaski Highway, Bear
359 Auto Park Drive, Middletown

Trader Joe’s

5605 Concord Pike, Brandywine Hundred
2500 Fashion Center Blvd., Christiana

Anitra Johnson covers issues impacting housing, groceries, health care, economics and the environment. A Delaware native, she also reports on local events and initiatives aimed at improving quality of life. She can be reached at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

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Report offers snapshot of infectious disease in Delaware County

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

Press Room

Report offers snapshot of infectious disease in Delaware County

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) — The Delaware Public Health District released its annual infectious disease report and it showed how bad last year’s flu season was.

“It really is to inform the community about what’s happening locally,” Delaware Public Health District Deputy Health Commissioner Adam Howard said. “Using that information, they can then take that and use precautions to protect themselves and their family.”

The 22-page document outlines all the different types of diseases people in the area dealt with in 2025 and how many residents had them. The top five reported diseases were chlamydia, flu-related hospitalizations, gonorrhea, campylobacteriosis, and salmonellosis, according to DPHD.

“As far as the health district goes, our role in all this is to provide the information to try and help people who are sick and try and find where things are spreading and try to help stop the spread,” Howard said.

Howard said the flu numbers and hospitalizations also stand out to him.

“We did have a higher flu hospitalization rate last year and that is really predominantly based on the fact that the 2024 to 2025 flu season was a severe season,” he said. “That’s what it was both here locally and nationally.”

DPHD reported 151 flu hospitalizations in 2025, according to the report. Page six compares case numbers over the last five years. Part of that page looks at vaccine-preventable and invasive bacterial diseases. “Notably, these cases have increased significantly since 2023, rising from 73 reported cases in 2023 to 235 in 2025,” the report said.

“The spike is predominantly based on the flu hospitalizations,” Howard said. “If you look at flu hospitalizations, they tripled last year, and that is really due to the severity of the flu season last year. Those numbers are much lower this year than they were last year so that’s a good thing. But it also shows the importance of getting vaccinated for things like flu.”

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