Delaware’s arts community is as vast as it is diverse. The Small Wonder is home to many talented artists in all artistic fields and mediums. From pottery and paintings to crochet and photography to performance and culinary arts, Delaware has it all. With a community so large and supportive, it’s no surprise that the First State is also home to many incredible art festivals, shows and markets. Delaware’s art festivals celebrate independent art locally, regionally and often even nationally.
Check out these art shows to purchase gifts and collectibles, meet local artists and become immersed in the incredible arts community that thrives within the First State.
ArtFest at Whitehall
Saturday, April 27
The town of Whitehall partners with New Castle County to bring you this outdoor spring art fair. Many local artists and vendors display and sell artwork and handmade goods. Shop local arts and enjoy live music and fare from area food trucks.
801 Mapleton Avenue, Middletown
Center for the Creative Arts Makers Market
Sunday, May 5, June 2 & October 6
These outdoor events take place on select Sundays in May through October and act as a precursor to the Center for Creative Arts Annual Artisans Show in November. The markets serve as a combined farmers market and art show in support of local food growers as well as artists. This mix makes it easy to shop for items like handmade soaps, candles, skincare and food along with fine art. Some dates will also include musical performances and food trucks.
410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Yorklyn
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Wilmington Flower Market
Thursday, May 9 to Saturday, May 11
This Delaware charity organization is responsible for improving the lives of millions of Delaware youths since 1921. Its annual three-day event is filled with all sorts of fun and plenty of artists selling their crafts and merchant wares.
Rockford Park, West 19th Street, Wilmington
Paint Historic Old New Castle
Saturday, May 18
Paint Historic Old New Castle invites artists and art lovers to the historic colonial town of Old New Castle. More than 25 artists will participate in an plein air painting competition and exhibition. The event is hosted by Mo’Zart gallery in Old New Castle. Art lovers are invited to come witness the artists as they paint outdoors in real time, and purchase work fresh off the easel.
Historic Old New Castle
Bellefonte Arts Festival
Saturday, May 18
Always on the third Saturday in May, the Bellefonte Arts Festival is a celebration of local art. Bellefonte Arts is a unique gift shop which features handcrafted work by local artists. Its annual festival takes this vision a step further by setting aside a day to celebrate visual, performance and culinary arts around Delaware.
803-C Brandywine Boulevard, Bellefonte
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Rehoboth Arts Festival
Saturday, May 18
Presented by the Rehoboth Art League and the City of Rehoboth Beach, this art festival takes place in Rehoboth’s picturesque Grove Park. Rehoboth Art League artists present and sell their work to local art enthusiasts as well as collectors from Baltimore, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and New York.
Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach
Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass Festival
Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 2
The Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival is a celebration of all things sea glass. Shop wares from artisans who represent the best of the Atlantic Seaboard. Along with shopping artistic coastal creations, the $10 admission to the festival also grants admission to all of the Lewes Historical Society’s museums, like the Cannonball House, the Lewes History Museum and more.
110 Shipcarpenter Street and US Life Savings Station, Lewes
@delawaretodaymagazine Would you believe that Delaware has some of the best art festivals in the US? The Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass Festival is a great place to find beachy jewelry, paintigs, pottery and more! #seaglass #lewesdelaware #traveltiktok #fyp ♬ Warm Nights – LAKEY INSPIRED
Winterthur Museum Artisan Market
Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21
Winterthur’s Artisan Market offers a look at fine craftsmanship from many of the region’s most talented artists. Spend a beautiful summer afternoon exploring Winterthur’s landscape and museum collection while shopping for unique, handcrafted objects as well as antiques and collectibles.
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur
The Arden Fair
Saturday, August 31
The Arden Fair and Antiques Market is held the Saturday of Labor Day weekend each year. More than 100 vendors will sell handmade goods. Plus, enjoy an antiques market, used book sale, live music, food and beverages, children’s games, rides and more. Admission is free, so this is a great festival to check out local, regional and national artisans.
1226 The Highway, Arden
Brandywine Festival of the Arts
Saturday, September 7 to Sunday, September 8
The Brandywine Festival of the Arts is a Delaware tradition spanning over half a century. Featuring hundreds of juried artists exhibiting and selling one-of-a-kind art, the festival is an event artists and art enthusiasts look forward to year after year. Each year, 15,000 visitors attend the show for an end-of-summer celebration. With a diverse set of artists, live performances, children’s activities, food vendors and beer and wine, this festival is fun for everyone.
1080 North Park Drive, Wilmington
Center for the Creative Arts Annual Artisan Show
Saturday, November 19 to Sunday, November 20
This annual show features over 40 regional artisans from the Delaware Valley. With plenty of unique goods to shop for, you’re sure to find something you love and maybe even discover a few new artists to follow.
410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Yorklyn
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