Spring is in full force.  Time to get out and enjoy this fabulous weather and some of the North Delaware’s most favorite and famous LOCAL spring festivals – rain or shine – in chronological order. From flowers and cycling to food, rides and music, there’s indeed something here for everyone. Mark your calendars!

#1 – Wilmington Flower Market

Thursday thru Saturday, May 9-11th, 2013

The Wilmington Flower Market returns to Rockford Park for its 93rd year to benefit over 50 children’s charities. This three day family-fun event offers a fantastic variety of plants, market merchants, crafters, rides, games, concerts, entertainment, and an incredible selection of food. Great ideas for Mother’s Day Gifts or take Mom to the Market and make new memories!

A FREE admission rain or shine event. For more info, visit www.wilmingtonflowermarket.org

#2 – Wilmington Grand Prix Weekend | Cycling Event & Street Festival

Friday thru Sunday, May 17-19, 2013

The Wilmington Grand Prix is a three day USA Cycling National Racing calendar event with elite national and international men’s and women’s races and the Gran Prix, a 35-mile course through 11 cultural attractions in beautiful New Castle County. A course made famous during the Tour DuPont. Friday – cheer on 300 riders as they compete against the clock and the cobblestones of Monkey Hill near the Brandywine Zoo. Enjoy an outdoor BBQ with music, beer and family fun in Brandywine Park. Saturday  – gather downtown to watch a figure-eight criterium over a one-mile course. Start/Finish line in front of The Grand Opera House at 800 block of Market Street.

A FREE admission rain or shine event. For more info, visit www.wilmgrandprix.com

#3 – A Day in Old New Castle

Saturday, May 18, 2013 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

An 89-year tradition of home and garden tours in New Castle, Delaware, America’s oldest house and garden tour returns. Step back in time –  Each year, tourists from across the region have enjoyed the chance to step back in time to the historic era when New Castle served as the capital of the fledgling colony of Delaware. This quaint community’s founding dates back 350 years. It was here on the banks of the Delaware River that William Penn first set foot in North America in 1682, and it was from New Castle that two of Delaware’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence rode forth in 1776. A Day in Old New Castle is a charity event; 2012 proceeds go to the Friends of the New Castle Library and Immanuel Church. Stroll through carefully tended gardens, tour exquisite private homes dating from the 18th century that reflect the history of Old New Castle, enjoy guided historical walking tours and period music, dance, and change ringing on the church tower bells.

A rain or shine event. For info, please contact Immanuel Church on the Green at 302-328-2413, or visit the A Day in Old New Castle website.

#4 – Newark Memorial Day Celebration & Parade

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Bring your family to Newark for a special day in May! Our Memorial Day celebration generally takes place the weekend before Memorial Day Weekend so that we are able to have all the great military units in the area join our parade. These same people will be marching in other parades and joining in other celebrations around the region the following weekend.

• The day begins with the Memorial Day Ceremony that includes drills, the presentation of flags and patriotic music as we honor those that have lost their lives in service to our country.on the University of Delaware Green begins at 1 p.m.
• The 78th Annual Memorial Day Parade will follow at 2:00 p.m. with marching units representing all branches of the service, veteran’s organizations, schools and community organizations parading down Main Street displaying the pride of our nation.

#5 – Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

Tuesday thru Saturday, June 4-8, 2013 – 11am-11pm

OPA! Enjoy the local tastes of Greece with authentic homemade delicacies at the annual Wilmington Greek Festival. For 5 days, the parishioners of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church take you on a trip to the Old Country where you can close your eyes and imagine yourself in a Greek village where locals are celebrating an annual event. Experience the aromas of authentic food cooking before your eyes, the sounds of ethnic music and the sights of our own Greek Terpsechorian Youth Folk dance group. There will be plenty of “Kefi”, presence of joy and high spirits for you, your family, friends and co-workers to enjoy while attending our annual Greek Festival.

A FREE admission rain or shine event. For more info, visit www.holytrinitywilmington.org/greekfestival/greekfestde.htm

#6 – St. Anthony’s Italian Festival

Sunday thru Sunday, June 9-16, 2013

In the heart of Wilmington’s Little Italy, this week-long family festival is one of the largest around. Featuring home-made pastas and fabulous desserts in addition to amazing entertainment from mid-way attractions, carnival rides and games to traditional Italian dance bands and more. Families and singles alike delight in this city tradition. Come experience Italy in Wilmington’s ” Little Italy”.  For 2013, the Italian Festival celebrates the sights and sounds of the Emilia Romagna region, whose principal city is Bologna – the home region of our beloved Fr. Roberto Balducelli, OSFS, who celebrates his 100th birthday this year!

A rain or shine event. For more info, visit www.stanthonysfestival.com

#7 – DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

Wednesday thru Saturday, June 19 – 22, 2013

In the heart of downtown Wilmington in Rodney Square, the DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a free, outdoor music festival honoring the memory of jazz legend Clifford Brown “Brownie”, who hailed from Wilmington. Free concerts in Wilmington featuring some of the hottest jazz musicians on scene.

A FREE admission rain or shine event.

#8 – Firefly Music Festival

Friday thru Sunday, June 21 – 23, 2013

Finish out your Spring in the Woodlands at Dover Downs International Speedway at the 2nd Annual Firefly Music Festival is the East Coast’s premier music experience offering three days of unforgettable musical performances. This is genuinely one of the coolest and most tuned-in best-in-class events we have ever attended. With mega stages, food & drink, camping –  every where and every size. Head line features – the Red Hot Chili Peppers & Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. A do not miss recommendation for sure!

A rain or shine event. For more info, visit www.fireflyfestival.com

ENJOY YOUR SPRING FESTIVALS!