If you will be attending the Firefly Music Festival in Dover (June 19-22), a little advanced planning and some smartphone savvy will make for the best traveling experience.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has a very intuitive and helpful app for Firefly attendees. The app is available at Google Play and the Apple App Store. Search DelDOT. By clicking on the events icon and choosing Firefly, you can get the latest traffic conditions, directions and real-time updates on getting to and from the music festival. The agency offers the same info on its website at www.deldot.gov.
In addition, Firefly attendees can tune in to WTMC 1380AM on their radio or phone for travel updates. There will also be electronic signage along the routes guiding music lovers to the fest.
“We have lots of experience with handling traffic in this area with the NASCAR races, and we have fine-tuned flow even more from what we learned during previous Firefly events,” says Gene Donaldson, operations manager of DelDOT’s Transportation Management Center.
One of those practices in place this year is directing attendees to lots based on their concert-going status—those who will be camping and staying multiple days, and those who are attending for a single day (day-trippers).
“We have directives on the app and website and on-site signage for those people who are camping versus those just there for single day, which should make for better access for all,” Donaldson says. “There will be plenty of parking, with some 50 checkpoints for entry to the festival from the various lots.”
DelDOT recommends the following routes:
From Pennsylvania:
Festivalgoers should use I-95, and because of the emergency closure of I-495, plan their trip to avoid the morning and evening commute peak times of 7 a.m.-9 a.m., and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. respectively.
North and West of Philly:
Consider using I-76 to the Walt Whitman Bridge, continue on I-76 to I-295 or the New Jersey Turnpike south to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and continue on I-295 to I-95 southbound to DE1 south of Dover.
New Jersey and North:
Use I-295 or the New Jersey Turnpike south to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, continue on I-295 to I-95 southbound to DE1 south of Dover.
From the North:
Campers and RVs: DE1 southbound to Exit 104 (Dover) to a left turn at U.S. 13 southbound to a left turn at Leipsic Road (Del. 88) to the Check-in point (Lot 1).
Daily Festival Day-Trippers: DE1 southbound exit to Exit 104 Dover to a left turn on U.S. 13 southbound to a left turn at Dover International Speedway (Dover Downs) main entrance.
From the South:
Campers and RVs: DE1 north to Exit 95 Del. 10, to Bay Road, to U.S. 13 north, to a right turn at Jefferic Boulevard to Check-in-point (Lot 1).
Daily Festival Day-Trippers: Del. 1 north to Exit 95 Dover, to Bay Road, to U.S. 13 north, to a right turn at Dover International Speedway Main Entrance.
From the West:
Campers and RVs: Del. 8 eastbound to left turn to U.S. 13 north, to a right turn at Jefferic Boulevard to Check-in point (Lot 1).
Daily Festival Day-Trippers: Del. 8 eastbound to left turn to U.S. 13 north, to a right turn at Dover International Speedway Main Entrance.
Resources/Links For Getting To Firefly:
- www.deldot.gov
- DelDOT app available on Apple Apps and Google Play
- Radio station WTMC 1380AM
- Firefly Music Festival app on Apple Apps and Google Play
- Main festival website: fireflyfestival.com
- Alternative transportation, ridesharing options to Firefly, click here.
