The 4th of July is a beloved holiday for so many reasons, and it’s especially big this year as Delaware joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here’s a quick summary of parades and related events happening all over our state.
IN NEW CASTLE COUNTY
In Wilmington, the DE250 Independence Day Celebration takes place on July 4th at the Christina Riverfront at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and features the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, the Clifford Brown Festival Orchestra, food trucks and free entry to the Delaware Children’s Museum. It ends with a big fireworks display over the river, and you can also tour the Kalmar Nyckel tall ship at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation shipyard.
In Newark, the University of Delaware will host its community festival and fireworks show on July 4th from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Athletic Complex. There will be lots of family entertainment and food vendors, with fireworks beginning at dusk.
In Historic New Castle, the Let Freedom Ring Celebration starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green. It’s a traditional bell-ringing event in the heart of the historic district, which features wonderful restaurants, shopping and historic sites.
Hockessin will feature a full day of activities on July 4th, with family games beginning at 8 a.m., the Dew Point Brewing Company Craft Beer Festival, featuring food trucks and live music, beginning around 12 noon, a parade beginning at 3 p.m. on Old Lancaster Pike and running from Kenwick to Old Valley Road, and fireworks – best seen from Swift Park, the Piedmont Baseball Fields, Hockessin Library and the Artesian Soccer Fields – beginning at 9 p.m.
In Middletown, fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. at Silver Lake Park, but you can enter the park beginning at 6 p.m.
IN KENT COUNTY
The Smyrna-Clayton 4th of July Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at Clayton Elementary School and runs through town to Reed Street. Late in the afternoon there will be food trucks near the baseball field at Smyrna High School, with fireworks beginning at dusk.
The Dover 4th of July Parade begins at 6 p.m. at North State Street and Hazel Street and runs to Legislative Mall, where fireworks will begin at dusk. This is just one of the many all-day events, with food and festivities and special history exhibitions at the Biggs Museum and at the John Bell House at First State Heritage Park.
IN SUSSEX COUNTY
The Independence Day Lewes Boat Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. and can be viewed nicely around Fisherman’s Wharf and at Canalfront Park. It’s followed by the Doo-Dah Parade that begins near Lloyd’s Market at Savannah Road at 5 p.m. This is a very popular event so get there early to get a good viewing spot and consider parking at the Lewes Little League lot next to the tennis courts at Canalfront Park or at the Otis Smith parking lot just over the drawbridge and to the side and back of the former Daily Market store (Look for the Lewes Rotary Club sign). Fireworks on Lewes Beach begin around dusk.
In downtown Bethany Beach Independence Day will be celebrated on July 3rd with a parade beginning at 12 noon and a concert by The Funsters at 7:30 p.m., followed on July 4th with a 7:30 concert by Uncaged and then fireworks at dusk.
In Laurel, the July 4th festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a parade and family games, also at 3 p.m., at the Laurel Lake Field. There’s also a car show from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bryan’s Bowling Center, and fireworks at dusk.
No matter where you choose to set up your lawn chairs this year, there is no denying that the First State knows how to celebrate Independence Day in style. From old-fashioned small-town parades to spectacular fireworks over the water, these traditions are what make living in Delaware so incredibly special. We hope this guide helps you map out a wonderful holiday filled with family, fun, and great memories. If you found this list helpful, please share it with your friends, family, or new neighbors looking to join in the festivities!
From all of us here at Active Adults Realty, have a safe and wonderful 4th of July, friends.