Whether you’re in or around Wilmington in New Castle, in the middle of the state in Kent, or enjoying the beach communities in Sussex, summer festivals are creating lots of fun all across our state in July and August. Here are some highlights:
IN NEW CASTLE COUNTY
The Newark Food & Brew Festival begins at 12 noon on July 25th in this lovely and historic college town, with craft beers and all kinds of wonderful foods.
The Brandywine Zoo hosts Zoo Tunes on Wednesdays in July featuring musicians of various genres at 12 noon. The concerts are free with zoo admission.
The beautiful and historic Hagley Museum hosts Summer Nights at Hagley, presented by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, on Wednesdays in July and August from 5 to 8 p.m. There’s lots of shade and scenery, with food trucks and wonderful beer available for purchase. Admission is just $5.
The Delaware Whiskey Festival takes place July 25th from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Venue in Wilmington and features refined tastings of 50 whiskeys.
The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, celebrating the life and music of this Wilmington native, takes place August 2nd through 8th in downtown Wilmington, featuring great performances, lots of food options and wonderful art.
The Delaware Afro-Foodie Festival, celebrating African and African-diaspora food culture, begins at 12 noon on August 22nd in Rodney Square at 1000 N. Market Street in downtown Wilmington.
IN KENT COUNTY
The Delaware Caribbean Carnival takes place primarily around Legislative Mall in Dover between August 13th and 16th and will feature street parades with costumes and dancing, live performances from top Caribbean artists showcasing the sounds of soca, reggae, dancehall and more. There will also be cultural exhibits, family activities and fabulous foods.
The Dover Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight at 5 p.m. on July 10th and 11th at The Woodlands at Dover Motor Speedway with tethered balloon rides, lots of food options, live DJs and a nighttime music-synced balloon and laser show.
The Delaware State Fair – one of the state’s most beloved annual events – takes place in Harrington July 23rd through 28th and features carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, demolition derbies and live music along with all kinds of interesting foods. Check out the fantastic concert line up and all of the fun activities for grandkids!
Throughout July and August Kent County Parks and Recreation hosts family-friendly free outdoor concerts with live bands during the Summer Arts in the Parks series taking place 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kent County Recreation Center in Dover, the Big Oak County Park in Smyrna and the Browns Branch County Park in Harrington. Picnic baskets are encouraged!
IN SUSSEX COUNTY . . . AND A LITTLE FARTHER SOUTH AND WEST
The Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour takes place July 7 and 8th and features a range of architecturally diverse homes distinguished by extraordinary décor and gardens.
The Illuminate the Beach Festival – a health and wellness expo – takes place at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 27th. It features a variety of health practitioners and focuses on holistic and alternative healing.
On August first one of Delaware’s most wonderful crops will be the centerpiece of the Berlin Peach Festival taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum in Berlin and the Wyoming Peach Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These peaches are locally grown and harvested hours before the event, and both events will feature live entertainment and all kinds of peachy fun.
The Rehoboth Art League Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show takes place August 1st and 2nd and August 8th and 9th at Henlopen Acres with more than 100 juried artists, live music, food vendors and a Dogfish Head Beer Garden. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Ocean City will host the Artists Paint OC Plein Air Event from August 12th through 16th, with artists creating works onsite, a Quick Draw competition and a wet-paint sale and exhibit.
No matter which county you call home, July and August are absolutely bursting with ways to experience the very best of Delaware’s culture, food, and music scene. From the community-centered charm of the agricultural fairs upstate to the vibrant art walk traditions along our beaches, Summer in the First State is all about creating great memories. We hope this lineup inspires you to pack a picnic, grab some friends, or plan a fun weekend outing with the grandkids! If you found this summer guide helpful, please pass it along to your neighbors or anyone looking to dive into the local community fun.
From all of us here at Active Adults Realty, stay well, friends.