From the Delaware State Fair and local music celebrations to fun food and beverage fests, here’s a guide to the Delaware festivals you won’t want to miss.
Music Festivals in Delaware
The Ladybug Music Festival
May 31
This annual festival is the largest free celebration of women in music in the United States. Featuring only female-fronted acts on multiple stages, local food vendors, artisans and more, The Ladybug Festival is the kind of event you just have to see. Headlined by Philly ska band Catbite, the festival returns to the 400 & 500 blocks of Market Street this May. Keep up with all the updates, the lineup and more at theladybugfestival.com.
Downtown Wilmington
Smyrna at Night
June 15
This annual festival is celebrating 10 years in Smyrna. Headlined by Smash Mouth supported by Eric Hutchinson, the lineup also includes local favorites like Spokey Speaky and Sug Daniels. Shop artisan vendors, enjoy great food and explore Downtown Smyrna at this fun family-friendly festival.
Smyrna
The 36th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival
June 19-22
Returning to Rodney Square, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival remains the largest free jazz fest on the East Coast. The weekend will feature performances by local jazz ensembles and internationally renowned musical greats. Over the course of four days, audiences can bask in the amazing live performances and immerse themselves in the culture and magic of jazz in downtown Wilmington.
Rodney Square, Wilmington
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Delaware State Fair/Concert Series
July 18-27
The Delaware State Fair features an all-out extravaganza this year with a nine-day celebration including an incredible multi-genre concert lineup featuring Rick Springfield, Ludacris, Turnpike Troubadours and more. You can purchase both fair tickets and concert tickets in advance. Visit delawarestatefair.com to get the full concert lineup, information on exhibitors and more.
Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington
Weekend at Bertha’s Festival
July 26-28
Hosted by the Diamond State Merry Pranksters, Weekend at Berthas is an annual event featuring musicians, artists and numerous vendors during its three-day campout. This year’s festival is headlined by the Pete Best Band. The Beatles’ drummer from 1960-1962 now tours with his own band which you can catch live this July in Townsend. Also performing are Rainbow Full of Sound, One Eyed Jack, Black Mambas, Flowpoetry and more. Plus, catch the all female-led Sunday headliner, Brown Eyed Women. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit weekendatberthas.com.
Firebase Lloyd, Townsend
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Food, Beverage and Street Festivals
Wilmington Street Food Festival
May 18-19
The Wilmington Street Food Festival returns for another year of incredible bites and great times. Some of the area’s top food trucks, restaurants and bakeries will offer bites for $5 or less. Spend the afternoon sampling food from your favorite eateries and discovering some new ones. Tickets include your first drink for free and access to this fun event featuring live music, axe throwing, yoga in the park, outdoor games like cornhole and eating contests.
Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington
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Holy Trinity Greek Festival
June 3-8
Join the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on a trip to the Old Country. Enjoy Greek food, music, dance and culture at the church. Look forward to ethnic treats like moussaka, dolmades, spanakopita, gyros, souvlaki and more.
808 North Broom Street, Wilmington
St. Anthony’s Italian Festival
June 9-16
Sponsored by St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Wilmington’s Italian Festival is one of the largest Italian-American cultural events in the nation. The Italian Festival is also the primary fundraiser for St. Anthony of Padua Grade School. Enjoy Italian food and culture while supporting the school at this week-long event.
901 N Dupont St, Wilmington
If you know of a festival or fair happening in the First State this summer that’s not listed here, contact our Digital Editor, Sydney Livingston, at slivingston@delawaretoday.com.
Related: The Delaware Art Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss
