It’s after Labor Day, so put away your white pants and get ready to dive into the colors of Autumn! Here are the best Fall Festivals NorthDelaWHEREHappening has found for you to enjoy. Mark your calendars. *CIRCLE BACK* The 2016 Fall Festivals Guide is here!
109th Arden Fair & Antiques Market
Saturday, September 3
Every year, the Arden Fair and Antiques Market is held the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. The Fair features children’s games and rides, handmade crafts by over 100 vendors (many of whom are local), an Antiques Market, used books (inside Gild Hall), plants, live music in the Shady Grove, delicious food and drink, an art exhibit, and more. Admission and shuttle buses are FREE!
Save the Valley Music Fest
Saturday, September 9
World Cafe Live at The Queen hosts the fourth annual Save the Valley Music Fest to raise money to protect and preserve the remaining open spaces in Beaver Valley that are located along the Brandywine River in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Enjoy the performances of 6 bands (3 local) and support a great environmental cause.
Wilmington Hispanic Festival
September 9-11
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Hispanic Festival and Parade in Wilmington. Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the accomplishments of our Hispanic community, leaders, and organizations. This will be a grand celebration in Wilmington that everyone will want to be a part of and enjoy while promoting unity and the cultural arts.
Mushroom Festival
September 9-11
In Kennett Square — AKA “The Mushroom Capital of the World” — fungi reign supreme! This unique local Festival stretches about a mile along the downtown streets and features culinary events, growing exhibits, music, contests, children’s entertainment, and nearly 200 vendors.
Egyptian Festival
September 9-11
The Egyptian Festival includes great food, entertainment, and a cultural experience for the whole family. There will be Egyptian dance shows, Egyptian food, carnival games, and church tours. Traditional Egyptian goods like papyrus paintings, scarabs, jewelry, and other traditional wares will be for sale in our market. Of course there will be delectable selections of food like kabobs, falafel, tahini, hummus, and more. Finish your meal with a delicious Egyptian dessert like konafa, basboosa, and others!
Wetlands Festival
Saturday, September 10
This unique festival unites and showcases area tradition-bearers sharing local history, stories, craft, and experiences with the general public while demonstrating the use of the historic tools of their trade. You will find many exemplary practitioners of diverse, authentic, living traditions—both old and new. The goal of the festival is to strengthen and preserve these traditions and educate the public by presenting them in context, along the marsh. Tradition-bearers and the public can connect with and learn from one another and in a respectful way, begin to understand cultural differences and similarities.
Historic Odessa Brewfest
Saturday, September 10
The annual Odessa Brewfest features food and merchandise vendors, live bands, sponsor tables, and more! Your ticket to the Odessa Brewfest gets you unlimited sampling of beer as well as locally-produced wine and spirits during the full duration of the festival.
Brandywine Festival of the Arts
September 10-11
The Brandywine Festival of the Arts is an annual arts festival in Brandywine Park. Featuring hundreds of juried artists exhibiting one-of-a-kind art, the festival is a Delaware tradition spanning over half a century. There’s live music, too! Now regionally popular and nationally recognized, the Brandywine Festival of the Arts boasts participants from across the United States and perennially ranks in the top 100 shows in the country. The Brandywine Festival of the Arts will be a rain or shine event!
Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest
September 16-18
Raise your steins at the annual Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest! Taste delicious German specialties like grilled Bratwurst, Weisswuurst, Frankfurters, BBQ chicken, pretzels, and “Rollmops.” Enjoy live music by the “Enzian Volkstanzgruppe,” the Bavarian dance group of the Delaware Saengerbund. Plus there are carnival rides and midway games. Wash it all down with German beer. It’s a great time for the entire family!
Elkton Fall Fest
September 16-17
The Fall Fest weekend will be filled with a variety of food, crafts, games, and entertainment for all ages to enjoy. There will be a car show, a pretty baby contest, and a pushcart derby race. Of course, vendors will line Main Street and the local downtown.
Downtown Elkton Festival of the Arts
Saturday, September 17
Join us for the first Downtown Elkton Festival of the Arts! Enjoy music, art, food, and a Chalk Walk — all activities for families and children!
Analog-A-Go-Go
Saturday, September 17
Dogfish Head Brewery is proud to present Analog-A-Go-Go, a celebration of all-things indie craft. Now in its sixth year, Analog-A-Go-Go will be moving to Bellevue State Park near Wilmington to accommodate a lineup that’s bigger and better than ever before! The 2016 event will feature 6 live bands, a cask beer festival and distillery garden, an artisan marketplace, and tons of great local and food trucks from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region!
Korean Festival & Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 17
Participate in a cultural exchange with activities and performances exploring both traditional and modern Korean culture at the Delaware Art Museum. Come celebrate the Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok. This free festival is fun and educational for all ages!
Hagley Car Show
Sunday, September 18
Celebrate automotive innovation! Browse through more than 500 antique and restored cars that date from the early 1900s to 1980s. The show features vehicle parades, motoring music, video and pedal car racing, and a festival food court.
Newark Community Day
Sunday, September 18
The City of Newark’s Parks and Recreation Department, in cooperation with the University of Delaware, Christina School District, and the Downtown Newark Partnership, present the area’s premier fall festival, Newark Community Day. This exciting event features fun for the entire family.
Faerie Festival
Sunday, September 18
Dust off your faerie wings and grab a pouch of pixie dust…it’s time for the Faerie Festival at Rockwood! Enjoy games, stories, enchanted crafts, faerie and gnome parades, children’s museum tours, and a “Faerie House and Gnome Home” contest. The day will also include food vendors, faerie ware sales, and visits from special guests such as the Fairy Queen, the Tooth Fairy, Philip the Gnome, and other magical surprise guests! Activities include: face painting, bubbles, art on the rocks, storytime, museum tours, a faerie and gnome parade, crafts, ballet performances, and Tinkertown.
St. Hedwig’s Polish Festival
September 19-24
The Polish community invites you to enjoy a fun-filled week of music, dancing, rides, games, food, and drink on the Wilmington Riverfront. 2016 marks the 60th anniversary of St. Hedwig’s annual celebration of all things Polish. It’s fun for the whole family! Zapraszamy!
Townsend Town Parade and Fair
Saturday, September 24
The 11th annual fair begins with a parade from the Townsend Fire Station on Main Street at 10 a.m. The parade proceeds down Main Street to the Municipal Park where the fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with bounce houses, carnival games, contests, face painting, lots of good food and about 100 vendors set up in the park. This will be a fun-filled day from start to finish!
Jam on the Brandywine
Saturday, September 24
Come out to see a bunch of great bands performing live to raise money and awareness of the stewardship of the Brandywine and Red Clay watersheds. Headlining the day is Scott Pemberton (Portland, OR). Betty and the Bullett, The Pat Kane Band, Davey Dickens and the Troubadours, Kooligans, and Cameltones will also be performing. Come out for a great family fun day with music and a shared love for our local waterways!
Taste of Trolley Square
Saturday, September 24
The day-long festival will run from 1-7 p.m. in the heart of the historic Wilmington neighborhood. The event is designed to showcase all aspects of Trolley Square, from dining to retail to cultural to residential to recreational. Enjoy beer and wine tastings; small plates; street entertainers; live music, games and prizes; and a sidewalk sale.
Art on the Green
Saturday, September 24
Come to historic Old New Castle and celebrate the 46th annual Art on the Green arts and crafts show held in Battery Park on the scenic Delaware River. Over 200 artists and crafters will be on hand to display and sell their wares. Refreshments will be available on site. There is free parking and shuttle bus service is provided.
Wine & Dinosaurs Festival
Sunday, September 25
Gather your friends to enjoy premium wine, beer, spirits, delicious hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction, all for a great cause.
Taste of Newark
Sunday, September 25
Come enjoy sampling the wide variety of culinary delights available from Newark’s restaurateurs, as well as tastings from locally represented vineyards and breweries.
Brew at the Zoo
Friday, September 30
Visit the Brandywine Zoo after hours for this fun, outdoor event which includes tastings of beer and wine in a keepsake souvenir cup from local breweries. Light fare will be provided by Wilmington and Newark restaurants including: Bangkok House, Chelsea Tavern, Churrascaria Saudades, Ernest & Scott, Kid Shelleens, Santa Fe, Sweet Josephine’s, Two Stones Pub, Ulysses Gastropub, and more! Plus, a variety of unique items are available under our Silent Auction tent with proceeds benefiting the Zoo.
Film Brothers Festival of Shorts
Saturday, October 1
The ninth annual Film Brothers Festival of Shorts screens some of the most creative films with running times under 20 minutes. From international movies to local Delaware productions, this festival is always a sold-out crowd pleaser. The popular festival of shorts is perfect for people with short attention spans. It features films from across the globe as well as your own back yard! Grab a drink and have a truly unique experience for only $15.
Fall Festival on Main
Saturday, October 1
This year’s Fall Fest will take place from 12-4 p.m. in the heart of Middletown. The event features food, music, games, inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, and so much more!
Brandywine Village Music River Fest
Saturday, October 1
The third annual festival will have activities for young and old to enjoy. Live music will provide the soundtrack for the day. Paddle in a canoe on the river. Eat, drink, and be merry! Learn some DIY tricks from seasoned Habitat For Humanity volunteers. Have the kids enjoy a wide selection of fun and educational activities. There’s tons to do in Brandywine Village so come join the party!
Tilton Park Fall Festival
Saturday, October 1
Come join the fun in Tilton Park for the annual FREE Fall Festival! Bring your neighbors and your friends and enjoy the moon bounce, obstacle course, face painting, hot dogs, music, and more!
Harvest Moon Festival
October 1-2
The Delaware Nature Society’s fall festival, located on the scenic Coverdale Farm Preserve, features fun activities for all ages. Enjoy artisan demonstrations, children’s activities and crafts, raptor programs, pony rides, corn maze, farm animal experiences, hayrides, music, food trucks, and much more.
Delaware Auto Show
October 7-9
Find your next car, or dream a little about the possibilities, at the 2016 Delaware Auto Show. This family-fun event is a great day out, and allows you to see the latest 2017 model automobiles all in one place. Whether you are searching for your next car brand or want to pick your dream car, the Delaware Auto Show is the perfect place to spend your weekend. Check out the latest and greatest model cars from Ford, Chevrolet, Mercedes, BMW, Dodge, Toyota, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Fiat, Tesla, and a whole lot more. Lots of family fun and beautiful machines including Rolls Royce, Bentley, Corvette, Maserati, and Lamborghini.
Harvest Arts Festival
Saturday, October 8
Now in its 8th year, the Harvest Arts Festival is a celebration of the arts scheduled to coincide with the University of Delaware’s “Parents & Family Weekend.” The Harvest Arts Festival will be held on the Academy Building Lawn at the corner of Main Street and Academy Street in downtown Newark, Delaware. Admission is free to this event, where 20 local artists will have fine art and crafts for sale. There will also be live music and face-painting. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See you there!
Apple Butter Festival
Saturday, October 8
Join the Elk Creeks Preservation Society for a celebration of 18th century life along the Big and Little Elk Creeks. See how blacksmiths and tinsmiths plied their crafts. Watch pottery, spinning, and decoy carving demonstrations. Learn about timberframing. There will be traditional Scottish fare available in the tavern, as well as homemade soups and baked goods. Listen to the bagpipes as you take a turn stirring the kettles. Our apple butter is made on site from local apples generously donated by Milburn Orchards. Our rich blend of apples and spices slow cooked over the fire will make your mouth water!
CCArts Fall Music Fest
Saturday, October 8
Come to the Center for the Creative Arts in Yorklyn for its first ever Fall Music Fest. This event will feature two stages of music from local talent, food vendors, and a beer garden. The festival starts at 2 p.m. and runs to 11. Tickets can purchased online for $10 or at the door for $15. Kids under the age of 5 are free. Proceeds from this event benefit CCarts scholarship opportunities for children.
Woodside Creamery Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, October 8
Discover fine crafts and fine art from LOCAL artists. The day features original paintings, prints and crafts by artists who will be on site. Try a free sample of Woodside’s new ice cream flavor, purchase Woodside’s homemade fudge, farm fresh cheeses (from the Keyes Creamery), as well as mums grown here on the farm and plump pumpkins. Activities for the children including pumpkin painting and scarecrow making! Bring the whole family.
Vendemmia da Vinci Wine Festival
Sunday, October 9
This year’s 13th annual Vendemmia da Vinci Wine Festival will be held at stately Bellevue Hall from 2 to 6 p.m. The event will feature regional Italian wines, food from over 20 area restaurants, live entertainment, a silent auction, and more! Enjoy samples of wines from every region of Italy as well as premium Italian imported beer. Be sure to join us in this wonderful local celebration of Italian heritage.
New Castle County Irish Society Fest
Sunday, October 9
The 23rd annual NCCIS Fest will begin at 12 and continue until 6 p.m. Willie Lynch and his Band will perform from 2 to 6 p.m. There will also be an Irish dance program performed by the McAleer School of Irish Dance dancers. NCCIS will be selling chances for (1) A grand prize that will be a 32” TV, and (2) A basket of groceries. There will also be an Irish vendor selling merchandise. Food and snacks will be sold in the kitchen throughout the day and beverages will be available at the Bar. (Food and beverages cannot be brought into the Irish Center.) Admission: $12 for members; $13 for non-members; or free for children under 12.
Fall Fest
Saturday, October 15
Come for a celebration of fall-inspired beer, food, and fun at Argilla Brewing Company in Newark! There will be bocce ball, a moon bounce, a dunk booth, facepainting, and other activities outside. In addition to kids’ activities, there will be fall foods and more than eight varieties of beers freshly brewed on site. Plus get ready to groove to some great live music! Fall Fest at Argilla is fun for the entire family!
Blue Soul Fest
Saturday, October 15
Blue Soul Fest is a celebration of all things craft beer and music — featuring local, regional, and national live musical acts plus great local food trucks! There will be an outdoor biergarten plus Blue Earl’s taproom “The Juke” will be open for those that just want to soak up some suds. A special event beer brewed specifically for Blue Soul Fest will be released at this awesome event.
River Towns Ride & Festival
Saturday, October 15
The annual River Towns Ride & Festival is a one-day joint festival held between the two historic Delaware waterfront towns of New Castle and Delaware City. A highlight of the event will be a craft beer festival held in each town from noon until 5 p.m.
Grainfest
Saturday, October 15
Come to Main Street Newark for fall celebration of craft beer! From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be live music on a outdoor stage in our backlot, providing the perfect backdrop for our beer garden — which will feature twenty breweries and two food trucks. Grain’s Chef Bill will be cooking up something special for the day as well! All ages are welcome…there will be kids activities, too!
Hagley Craft Fair
Saturday, October 15
This artisans’ marketplace brings talented artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area to display and sell fine arts, crafts, and gourmet items. This premier show will feature works in wood, pottery, jewelry, fibers, metal, and other media. The fair will include a specialty food market. Admission is $5 and free for Hagley members and children five and under.
Kidstock
Saturday, October 22
Enjoy a great family day spent relaxing at Fair Weather Farm at Fairhill. There will be live music, food, tractor rides, face painting, games, crafts, farm animals, raffles, and a silent auctions. Proceeds benefit educational programs at the farm which teach sustainable growth, land stewardship, farm animal care, and more. So bring a chair or blanket and enjoy yourself!
Korean Food Festival
Saturday, October 22
You are warmly invited to the fifth annual Korean Food Festival! The organizers are excited to host this fantastic community event in Hockessin. It’s a tasty and family-friendly event for everyone. 100% of the proceeds are donated for mission work and helping communities worldwide. The festival fruns from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Delaware Korean United Methodist Church.
Holistic Wellness Festival
Saturday, October 22
In honor of Global Oneness day, the Fall Harvest Holistic Wellness Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a drum circle ceremony kicking off the event at 9 a.m. The festival will be a merging of local artists, musicians, holistic practitioners, wellness professionals, organic growers, sustainability, and vegan organizations. It will be a beautiful, free, family-friendly celebration with live music, children’s activities, workshops & demonstrations, and healthy food plus soaps, tinctures, oils and essences.
Beers & Gears
Saturday, October 22
The Grove Tent will host a craft beer festival where breweries will be pouring samples for guests. The Gears portion of the event will take place in the Track Valet area of the parking lot. Rolling Revolution food trucks will be on site to feed you. Live music and fun await you at Beers & Gears!
Punkin Chunkin
November 4-6
“The Chunk” returns in 2016 for what will surely be a gourd-fest of epic proportions! Join the masses as thousands converge on a piece of land with their trebuchets, catapults, torsions, and air cannons with one thing on their mind, “Who wants to see a pumpkin fly?” It’s been a while since it happened, so don’t miss the triumphant return of Punkin Chunkin!
Wilmington Beer Week
November 5-12
Wilmington Beer Week features the premier craft beer venues of New Castle County. In addition to focusing on Delaware’s respected homegrown breweries — Dogfish Head, 16 Mile, 3rd Wave, and Mispillion River — Wilmington Beer Week also highlights some of the most prominent craft breweries in the region, including Yards, Victory, Tröegs, Brooklyn, and Flying Fish. Special Beer Lover and Beer Geek passes will give craft beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy discounts throughout the week and gain access to special tastings.
Delaware Antiques Show
November 11-13
The Delaware Antiques Show has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed antiques shows, highlighting the best of American antiques and decorative arts. This November, the show promises a spectacular showcase of art, antiques, and design.
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