June
June 4-June 25 Spring Concert on the Academy Lawn
Every Thursday beginning at 7 p.m., Enjoy performances by groups like Chapel Street Junction, The Hook, Penny and the Pineapple People, and the Steve Lewis Big Band. Call 366-7060.
June 6 Newark Nite
5 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Main Street; rain date is June 7, 2:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Newark Nite, in its 25th year, is Kay Snelling’s favorite downtown event. “I get to see all the locals, and it’s fun,” says Snelling, who owns Gecko Fashions on Main Street. “It’s a throwback to when I was a kid; it’s like going to a big block party.” The event features all the old favorites: carnival games, children’s activities, live music on three stages, strolling entertainers, food and craft vendors. Businesses get into the spirit by opening their doors during the event. For more, call 366-7060. In case of inclement weather, call 366-7147.
July
July 4 Liberty Day Celebration
4 p.m.-9 p.m., University of Delaware Athletic Complex; rain date is July 5 (fireworks only).
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy live entertainment, fine art and homemade craft booths, a children’s area, food and carnival games throughout the day. Fireworks begin at dusk (between 9 and 9:30 p.m.) There’s plenty of free parking. For more information, call 366-7060.
July 25 Downtown Newark’s Food & Brew Festival
2 p.m.-10 p.m., In honor of American Beer Month, Newark celebrates craft beer and the food that goes with it. Attendees enjoy brew-tastings—paired with local restaurants’ fare—live music and conversations with brewers. Last year, the event featured 12 restaurants, 17 breweries and more than 40 beer varieties. The city has added the Hops and Shops Sidewalk Sale Extravaganza, which begins at noon. There is free parking, both at metered spots and in the municipal lots. For information, call 366-7030 or 655-6483, or visit www.newarkfoodandbrewfest.com.
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September
Sept. 10-17 Newark Film Festival
Newark Cinema Center 3, If you live in Delaware and love independent films and documentaries, your options are limited. Film buff Barry Schlecker decided to do something about that. After seeing a flick at Cinema Center 3 in Newark, he realized that the privately owned operation would be ideal for a film festival. He was right. The first event in 2005 drew 1,200 people. Last year, 5,000 folks came out to support the festival. This year, the promos are part of the art. The festival paired sponsors with area filmmakers, who created spots that will be shown between films. A contest will determine the winning commercial. For more, see www.newarkfilm.com.
Sept. 20 Newark Community Day
10 a.m.-5 p.m., University of Delaware green near Main Street; rain date Sept. 27, The 39th annual event will feature local artists, children’s activities, entertainment and local organizations, which will provide information on their services and products. For more, call 366-7060.
Sept. 27 Taste of Newark
Noon-3 p.m., University of Delaware’s Old College lawn, Last year more than 38 Newark restaurants participated, along with wine distributors. You must purchase tickets prior to the event. Call 368-2561 or visit the Downtown Newark Partnership Web page, www.eatdowntownnewark.com.
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October
Oct. 10 Harvest Arts Festival
11 a.m.-4 p.m., University of Delaware’s Academy Building lawn; rain date Oct. 17, Celebrate the arts with fine art and craft exhibitors, live music, produce exhibitors, kids art activities and tons of food. Kids ages 4 and up will love the sidewalk chalk drawing competition. For more information, call 266-7266.
Oct. 25 Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treat Main Street
3 p.m., Main Street, Enjoy a traditional, small-town Halloween parade with marching bands, local celebrities and firefighting apparatus. Be sure to wear your favorite costume because the trick-or-treating begins immediately after the parade.
December
Dec. 4 Winterfest
6 p.m., Reindeer Run Academy lawn; rain date Dec. 5, Main Street comes alive with the sights and sounds of the holidays. The evening includes a tree lighting ceremony, caroling, carriage rides, ice carving, chestnut roasting, a window decorating contest and, of course, an appearance by Santa.