With September comes crisp morning air and the start of changing leaves. Fall is in the air, and there are so many ways to enjoy the season in the First State. From must-see autumn views to festivals and essential activities, our fall bucket list is your guide to savoring every moment.
1. Kick Things off at Brandywine Festival of the Arts
Marking the unofficial beginning of the fall season, this can’t-miss Wilmington art festival takes place every year the weekend after Labor Day. Brandywine Festival of the Arts features over 100 artisan vendors, local food trucks, live entertainment and more. Add this festival to your fall bucket list to stock up on unique artisan goods from home decor to kitchenware to one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Brandywine Park, Wilmington | September 7-8
2. Go Apple Picking at a Local Orchard
Whether it’s a Delaware orchard like Fifer Orchards or a farm just across state lines like Maryland’s Milburn Orchards or Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA, there are plenty of spots to go apple picking. Picking your own apples is an essential fall bucket list activity. Plus, you can bring home fresh ingredients to try baking a fun fall recipe.
Various locations around Delaware
3. Enjoy Beer and Bratwurst at the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest
One of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the region, Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest is a must-add for your Delaware fall bucket list. Enjoy amusement rides, traditional German music and dancing, live entertainment, mouthwatering German fare and, of course, plenty of beer! This weekend-long event is fun for the whole family.
49 Salem Church Road, Newark | September 20-22
4. Book a Beach Bonfire With Dewey Beach Surf Shop
Dewey Beach Surf Shop provides bonfires through fall. Don’t worry about the setup or clean-up; just show up and enjoy a cozy bonfire amid the chilly ocean breeze. The shop provides add-ons like chairs, coolers, outdoor games, umbrellas, tables and more. Book a bonfire online.
2103 Unit B Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach
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5. Sip a Fall Flight in Scout Cafe‘s Garden
One of the best things about the fall season is the on-theme coffee that rolls out right around the start of September. Wilmington’s Scout Cafe offers seasonal coffee flights with four flavors. Sip a fall flight in the garden for the ultimate autumn ambiance. Last year’s fall flavors included a lavender hot cocoa and the classic pumpkin spice latte.
2316 Baynard Boulevard, Wilmington
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6. Go to Rockwood’s Goth Ball
This annual fundraiser is perfect for spooky season enthusiasts. Celebrate the preservation of the Rockwood Mansion, an 1800s Gothic Revival house in the heart of Rockwood Park. Dance to ’80s goth music and enjoy entertainment like drag performances, palm readers, magicians and spooky spoken word. Tickets are $125 and include an open bar, light fare and a night of gothic-themed fun. Funds support preservation and educational programming at Rockwood Park & Museum.
4671 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington | September 20
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7. Embrace the Spooky Season at Frightland in Middletown
Looking to get scared this Halloween season? Make sure to add Frightland to your fall bucket list. Open from late September through early November, Frightland is home to eight heart-stopping attractions with unique themes and scares.
309 Port Penn Road, Middletown | September 27 – November 2
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8. Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch
Enjoy fall fun like corn mazes, bonfires, hayrides and more at a local pumpkin patch. Add a farm like Ramsey’s Farm, Fifer Orchards or Mr. Peppers Pumpkin Patch to your fall bucket list to find the perfect pumpkin.
Various locations around Delaware
9. See the Fall Foliage on a Wilmington & Western Train Ride
Wilmington & Western’s fall leaf special is the perfect way to take in the beauty of autumn. With two different excursions, there are plenty of stunning views in store. Find more information and tickets online.
2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington | October 5 – November 3
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10. Head to Rehoboth Beach for the Annual Sea Witch Festival
This can’t-miss October event is a great way to make the most of the fall season at the Delaware beaches. Enjoy entertainment, a parade, costumes and plenty of fall-centric fun.
Rehoboth Beach | October 25-27
11. Sip Your Way Through Spirits at the Zoo
Get ready for animal encounters, a costume contest, Halloween vibes and plenty of local brews at Spirits at the Zoo. This 21-plus event is a great opportunity to dress up, enjoy live music, check out the cool species on-site and support the Brandywine Zoo. Enjoy samples from Dogfish Head, Painted Stave Distilling, Liquid Alchemy Beverages, Bellefonte Brewing and more.
1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington | October 25
12. Enjoy Boo at the Zoo With the Family
For a more family-friendly zoo experience, add Boo at the Zoo to your fall bucket list. Put on your Halloween costumes and take the kids to enjoy plenty of treats and fall activities while visiting the animals.
1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington | October 18-20
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13. Enjoy Fun and Fantasy at the Delaware Renaissance Faire
For the third year, the Delaware Renaissance Faire returns to Townsend, bringing fun costumes, artisan vendors, entertainment and fantastical fun along with it. Sip mead from The Brimming Horn Meadery, try your hand at archery, shop fantastical wares and chow down on Renaissance-themed food for three weekends in October and November.
474 Fleming Landing Road, Townsend | October 26-27, November 2, 3, 9 & 11
14. Take a Hike
Enjoy autumn views and get some exercise on a fall hike. It’s a great time of year to explore Delaware’s trails in state parks like Alapocas Run, White Clay Creek and Cape Henlopen. Check out our fall hiking guide for trail ideas.
Various locations around Delaware
Related: Enjoy Beer and Brats at Oktoberfest Celebrations in Delaware
