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Check out these foodie-centric festivals this summer throughout the First State with beverage tastings, carnival fun and live performances.
This summer the First State brings locals and visitors an array of food-centric festivals, live performances and craft beverage tastings. Experience performances by local country singer Jimmie Allen, DJ Amaze, Lauren Alaina and Maddie Tae. There are also ample oppurtunities to eat some of the best taco dishes in Delaware and drink the area’s most renowned wines and craft brews.
Delaware State Fair
July 22-31, Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington
The Delaware State Fair features an all-out extravaganza this year with a nine-day celebration including an incredible concert lineup featuring performances by Lauren Alaina, Maddie Tae, Circus Hollywood and the Wade Shows Carnival. Prepare to witness acrobats, animal stunts, clowns, Hollywood racing pigs, a camel show, rides and plenty of food and beverage stations. Starting July 22, guests can purchase gate admission for $9 for 13 and up and $4 for ages 6-12. Plus, on the last day of the fair, patrons can participate in the 27th annual Antique Tractor Pull at the Quillen Arena.
Visit delawarestatefair.com to get the full concert lineup.
17th Annual Downtown Newark Food and Brew Festival
July 31, Downtown Newark
From 12 to 7 p.m., bounce around from restaurant to restaurant sampling delicious dishes paired with more than 50 different beers around the Newark area. More than a dozen restaurants are participating in this year’s Newark Food and Brew Festival, including Home Grown Café, Iron Hill Brewery, Stone Balloon Ale House, Taverna Rustic Italian, Caffé Gelato and many more.
Reggae Roots Music Festival
July 30-Aug. 1, Thousand Acre Farm, Middletown
The Reggae Roots Music Festival begins on Friday, July 30 at 5 p.m. with performances by KJ “Skippa Mak” Marley, Cultivated Mind, DJ Amaze, M2s Quanny, Kenny Vanella & Higher Fire and many more artists. Not only will there be incredible live music, but workshops, art vendors, upscale catering and great food trucks, too.
Visit reggaerootsfest.com to get the full concert lineup.
Water Lantern Festival
July 31, Wilmington
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on July 31 for the Water Lantern Festival in Wilmington. Guests can enjoy incredible food trucks and music and even design their very own lantern during this creative event. Then, from 9-10 p.m., guests can launch their lanterns into the night sky.
Visit waterlanternfestival.com for pricing and more information.
The 34th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival
Aug. 4-8, Rodney Square, Wilmington
Returning to Rodney Square, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival will features performances by Grammy-nominated singer Eric Benet, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Terell Stafford, the Clifford Brown Festival Orchestra, and more. Over the course of five days, the audience can bask in the amazing live performances and even participate in a jazz vocal workshop led by Ms. Dianne Reeves on Aug. 6.
Weekend at Bertha’s Festival
Aug. 6-8, Firebase Lloyd, Townsend
Hosted by the Diamond State Merry Pranksters, Weekend at Bertha’s is the first annual event of its kind featuring musicians, artists and numerous vendors during its two-day campout. Molly Hatchet will be headlining along with Zeke Sky, the original Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten, Grammy winners Tony Trischka and Andy Falco, Mark Diomede and Juggling Suns Project.
For more information visit and to purchase tickets weekendatberthas.com.
Bettie James Fest 2021
Aug. 7, Hudson Fields Concerts, Milton
Jimmie Allen, country music singer and Milton native, hosts the Bettie James Music Festival from 4-11:30 p.m. on August 7. For $55-plus per person, guests can watch live performances by not only Jimmie Allen, but DJ Jazzy Jeff, Neon Union, Hero the Band, Chuck Wicks and Chase Martin.
For more information visit visitdelaware.com.
Historic Lewes Farmers Market Annual Tomato Festival
Aug. 7, George H.P. Smith Park, Lewes
In honor of National Farmers Market Week, the Market is celebrating its favorite fruit with a festival. Guests can participate in the guess the number of tomatoes contest, the biggest tomato contest or just enjoy a fun filled day. Come dressed as a tomato or simply wear red to this years festival.
Fifth Annual Delaware Taco Festival
Aug. 14, Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park
This year’s Delaware Taco Festival highlights over 75 varieties of tacos and other foods from more than 25 restaurants, food trucks and eateries. There will be live bands, an authentic mariachi entertainment group, a frozen and traditional margarita bar, tequila sampling, an eating contest and carnival games.
Delaware Beer Wine and Spirits Festival
Aug. 28, Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village, Dover
From 4-7:30 p.m., guests have the opportunity to celebrate local craft beer, wine and spirits made right here in the First State. Guests not only have the chance to enjoy the taste of Delaware but can also indulge in food trucks, live music, outdoor games, exhibits and guided tours.
For more information visit debeerwinespirits.com.
Firefly Music Festival
Sept. 23-26, The Woodlands, Dover
To round out the season, the Firefly Festival will end the summer with a bang. This four-day festival features artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Wiz Khalifa, Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Thee Stallion and so many more. Guests can camp right on the local campsites as well as enjoy artisan boutiques, drag brunch yoga and more.
For more information on tickets visit fireflyfestival.com.
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 Kerelo at skerelo@delawaretoday.com.