SUMMER festivalsStep, no STRUT! — into the steamiest 2016 summertime fun!  Celebrate, explore and relish in some of the most happening local summer festivals in and around North Delaware — rain or shine, in chronological order.  Enjoy music, art, food, brews, sweets, cars, rides, balloons, theater, and it just doesn’t S-T-O-P there!  NorthDelaWHEREHappening.com delivers the ultimate summer festival mix.  Mark your calendars.  *CIRCLE BACK*  The 2016 Summer Festivals Guide is here!

~ 2016 Summer Festivals ~

Richard Raw WeekRichard Raw Week Schedule 2016

June 4-11

Partnering with local organizations, Richard Raw Week features nine events including family outings, a symposium, a networking mixer, a documentary screening, concerts, and more! For more details, visit Richard Raw Week.

St. John the Beloved Carnival

June 6-11

One of the longest running church carnivals is back for its 50th year!  The event includes classic carnival rides and games, and it features a different local band each evening.  Food choices include the London broil sandwich, seafood, and classic carnival food, such as funnel cakes and fried Oreos.  The carnival runs 6-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6-11 p.m Friday, and 5-11 p.m Saturday at the church grounds, 907 Milltown Road.  To mark the St. John’s 50th anniversary, Thursday, June 9, is Alumni Night.  #SJB50!

Holy Trinity Greek Festival

June 7-11

For five 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 dining on authentic Greek cuisine, dancing to live Greek music, and soaking in the scene.  Families can enjoy vendors, games, and activities for all ages. For details, visit, Holy Trinity Greek Festival Opa!

Greek-Festival-Wilmington-Delaware

Delaware Chamber Music Festival

June 10, 12, 17, and 19

The Delaware Chamber Music Festival includes four performances and a variety of works, ranging from Sibelius, Schubert, and Grieg, to Gershwin and David Finko.  The concerts will be performed at the Music School of Delaware’s Wilmington location. For details visit, Delaware Chamber Music Festival

Weird and Awful Music FestivalWeird-Awful-Music-Festival-banner_2016

June 10

The Weird and Awful Music Festival is jam packed with a slew of talent from all different genres including Pop, Alternative, Hip Hop, and Rock.  Expect the unexpected at this weird… and awful music festival with a line-up catered to anyone who enjoys good music.

Separation Day in New Castle

June 10-11

Enjoy a Craft Brew Festival with live music and food trucks on Friday evening.  Return on Saturday for a slew of family events including games, arts & crafts, demonstrations, historical reenactments, a Colonial BBQ Competition, live music, and fireworks!  Celebrate 240 years of Delaware independence from Pennsylvania and the British Crown with your fellow First Staters! For details, visit Separation Day in New Castle

Separation Day Separation Day New Castle Delaware 2016

A New Night Downtown

A New Night 2016

June 11

Celebrate the beginning of summer in Newark on our Great American Main Street.  Stroll from curb to curb, as the street is closed to vehicular traffic and our businesses and community organizations show off their best wares, services and foods.  Musical artists will serenade attendees at seating areas scattered throughout the event, and our Parks and Recreation crew will have the best games for kids, as well as some fun activities and moon bounces!

St. Georges Blues FestivalSt. Georges Blues Festival 2016

June 11-12

Enjoy two full days of non-stop live music in St. Georges with Devon Allman headlining Sunday.  There will be harmonica workshops, face painting, arts and crafts, and a session tent.  Beer, wine, and food vendors will be on site, too.

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival

June 12-18

The Italian Festival offers a wide variety of delicious and authentic Italian food specialties.  Experience a virtual tour of Italy during your visit by dining in one of our many outdoor eateries.   This year’s theme will be the beauty and richness of Renaissance art and culture, which continues to inspire us even in today’s contemporary, hi-tech society. Enjoy food, music, rides, games, and fun at the annual Italian Festival! For more info, visit St. Anthony’s Italian Festival

st-anthonys-italian-festival

Corpus Christi Parish CarnivalCorpus Christi Parish Carnival 2016

June 13-18

Enjoy food, rides, and games at the annual church carnival in Elsmere.  Admission to the grounds is FREE!  Enter to win $1200 in the raffle!  Call (302)994-2922 for information.  Come experience the fun!

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Family Carnival

June 13-18

Enjoy live nightly entertainment, rides, games, a cash raffle ($3500 grand prize), and more!  There is food and a bar at the carnival with a wide variety of selections.  Be sure to attend the carnival on Thursday night for the fireworks display!  Check out the full schedule of events.  Information on tickets can be found here.

Firefly Music Festival

June 16-19Firefly-Music-Festival

The Woodlands in Dover will be transformed into a music-lovers paradise for the Firefly Music Festival.  The 2016 lineup includes Mumford & Sons, Kings of Leon, Florence & the Machine, Ludacris, Of Monsters and Men, and many more!  People from all ages and backgrounds will gather together for this four-day festival, camp out and enjoy sets from some of the best bands in the nation. For more info, visit Firefly Music Festival

RaidfestRaidfest 2016 logo

June 17-19

Raidfest is the premier D.I.Y. Punk, Hardcore, and Metal Festival for Charity. Raidfest will be raising money for charities while melting your face with killer bands from the region and even Canada!  There will be on-site camping (carry in/carry out), events, and raffles to complement the music. For more info, visit Raidfest

Clifford Brown Jazz FestivalClifford Brown Jazz Festival logo 2016

June 21-25

The DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a FREE, outdoor music festival in downtown Wilmington.  This year will feature two side events: Sax in the City and the Clifford Brown Block Party.  Get to Rodney Square in downtown Wilmington to enjoy the music and the family fun! For more info, visit Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival June 2016 Rodney Square Delaware Trumpeter Nicholas Payton

Chester County Balloon Festivalhot-air-balloon-adventures

June 24-26

The Chester County Balloon Festival is a local event providing family fun for all ages.  The Festival will feature hot air balloons, local bands, and 100+ craft and food vendors.

Delaware Taco FestDelaware Taco Fest 2016

Saturday, June 25

Delaware’s first annual Taco Festival is taking place at Frawley Stadium.  You know you love Tacos.  Your friends love Tacos.  You know you want to eat more Tacos.  This is the event for you and all your friends! For more info, visit Delaware Taco Fest

Little Barrel Country Music FestivalLittle Barrel Country Music Festival 2016

Saturday, June 25

The Little Barrel Country Music Festival is an all-day outdoor music festival loaded with bands, food, and drink that will be sure to get your summer rolling!  This event is for charity and families are welcome to join in on the fun! For more info, visit Little Barrel Country Music Festival

New Castle County Ice Cream Festival at RockwoodRockwood Ice Cream Festival logo 2016

June 25-26

Enjoy “Delaware’s Largest Family Picnic” in Rockwood Park.  The Ice Cream Festival features two days of vendors, live music, local restaurants, crafters, a “Robotics Zone,” and local creameries serving the region’s best ice creams.  Meet players from the Philadelphia Union on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  There’s even a free local shuttle service for your convenience.  You won’t want to miss this!

Firefly Fling

Saturday, July 9

This family-oriented festival in Fair Hill features a host of kid-friendly activities including crafts, face painting, live music, learning stations, and more.  Musical performers will be providing fun, family-friendly music that you and your children are both sure to love.  At this event, you’ll get a rare chance to stay in the park after dark to catch fireflies.  Don’t forget to bring a flashlight and your imagination!

Holy Family SummerfestHoly Family Summerfest 2016

July 13-17

It’s time for the 13th annual Holy Family Summerfest in Newark!  Join us for five days of fun and food on the grounds of Holy Family Catholic Church.  All of the food is home made plus there are raffles and carnival rides and Texas Hold ‘Em and live music and more!  Free parking and admission!

Free Reign: A Hip-Hop FestivalFree Reign Hip Hop Festival 2016

July 14-17

Come join Street Xpressions as we bring together some of the best talent from around the east coast to celebrate the impact of the hip hop culture around the world.   The third annual Free Reign arts festival is will be bigger and better than the previous two and is sure to be an exciting weekend for all.

Rock the Mill Music FestivalRock the Mill Music Festival 2016

Saturday, July 16

Join us for a family friendly music festival in the beautiful natural amphitheater at historic Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills.  With a full day of music featuring a wide range of genres and musical styles, Rock The Mill has something for everyone.  For more info, visit Rock the Mill Music Festival.

Delaware City Day

Saturday, July 16

The goal of Delaware City Day is to honor and celebrate the riverfront town’s historic architecture and its “small town America” culture.  This will ultimately foster the continued preservation of Delaware City’s place in history, now and in the future.  The festivities — which include live music, crafters, vendors, a parade, and more — are held in historic Delaware City along the waterfront in Battery Park at the foot of Clinton Street overlooking Fort Delaware.  Fireworks top off the celebration.

Cecil County Food & Wine FestivalCecil County Food and Wine Festival

Saturday, July 16

Enjoy wine tastings, wine by the glass or bottle, great food, live music, shopping the craft vendors, and beautiful views of the Northeast River.  Bring a chair or blanket to sit under a tree, at the water’s edge, or in front of the bands.  The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tickets are available here.

Shady Grove Music FestivalShady Grove Music Festival 2016

Saturday, July 16

The Arden Shady Grove gets full and gets groovin’ during its annual summer music festival.  Bring your happy family and settle in for an afternoon of great local music.  Food and beverages are available for purchase on site.  Proceeds benefit the Gild Hall Restoration Fund.

Delaware Shakespeare Festival — The Comedy of Errors

July 15-31

Delaware Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare under the stars on the lush grounds of Rockwood Park.  Bring your own blankets or chairs, pack a picnic, come for the pre-show entertainment, and enjoy Shakespeare outdoors. For more info, visit Delaware Shakespeare Festival — The Comedy of Errors

Comedy of Errors Delaware Shakespeare Festival

The Ladybug Music Festival

Thursday, July 21

Join the fun in LOMA for The Ladybug Music Festival!  It’s an all female live music festival and block party!  (Of course, all are welcome.)  The event is FREE to the public and runs from 5-10 p.m.

Delaware State Fair

July 21-30

Enjoy the best people watching Delaware has to offer!  The Delaware State Fair is rich in history, with over 90 years of fair memories.  Summertime in Central Delaware can mean only one thing: A glorious mash-up of deep-fried treats, live music, rodeos and demolition derbies.  The Midway Slots and Simulcast, Harrington Raceway and The Centre Ice Rink are nearby.

Delaware_State_Fair

Cecil County FairCecil County Fair 2016

July 22-30

There is something for everyone at the Cecil County Fair.  Highlights include the carnival midway, demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, a professionally-sanctioned rodeo, and shows.  There are also many competitions for 4-H youth and the public.  Try the pie eating contest, cow chip toss, hay bale toss, big wheel race, 5-K run/walk, and more!

Newark Food & Brew FestivalNewark Food & Brew 2016

Saturday, July 23

The 13th annual Newark Food & Brew Festival features craft and imported beers, creative cuisine, live music, and sidewalk performers.  This event showcases more than 40 craft and imported beers paired with food from many of downtown Newark’s finest restaurants.  Walk from restaurant to restaurant as musicians and balloon decorations line the street, making this one of Delaware’s most beloved summer traditions.

The R&B Soul Funk FestivalR*B Soul Funk Festival 2016

Saturday, July 23

Come to Rodney Square in downtown Wilmington for a music festival that will funk you up!  The R&B Soul Funk Festival is being organized to honor Wilmington’s R&B, Soul, and Funk entertainers of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and today.  Expect entertainment for all ages and an evening full of fun, funk, and soul.

St. Catherine’s FestivalSt. Catherine's Festival 2016

July 25-30

Celebrate summer at this yearly festival that has been going on for over 25 years.  All proceeds directly benefit St. Catherine’s parish.  There will be great food, rides, live music, and entertainment nightly.  Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday are Family Nights where you can ride all night for only $20.  Joanne O’Neil leads line dancing on Friday night.  There’s free parking on the grounds.  See you there!

Dancing in the Park & Food Truck Festival

Saturday, July 30

Dancing in the Park is a FREE family-friendly event presented in conjunction with National Dance Day 2016. Individuals and dance groups will learn the National Dance Day routine and then perform as a large group flash mob style.  The performance will be filmed. Dance along demonstrations will feature a wide range of dance styles.  After the dance instruction stay to dance into the night with our DJ! For more info, visit Dancing in the Park & Food Truck Festival

New Castle County ‎Dancing in the Park & Food Truck Festival

People’s Festival 4Peace & Tribute to Bob Marley

Saturday, July 30

Since 1994, The People’s Festival 4Peace & Tribute to Bob Marley has welcomed close to 100,000 families from around the country in Peace, Unity and “One Love” to the first place, outside of Jamaica, Bob Marley called home: Wilmington, Delaware.  This is a perfectly accessible venue for this family-friendly event.  People of all ages can enjoy arts, literature, drum and dance, spoken word, face painting and other activities at our famed Children’s Village. For more info, visit People’s Festival 4Peace & Tribute to Bob Marley.

peoples music festival delaware 2016 raggae

Stewart’s Brewing Company’s 21st Anniversary Outdoor Beer Festival

Saturday, July 30Stewart's Brewing Company 21st Anniversary

Celebrate 21 years of Stewart’s Brewing Company with an outdoor beer festival featuring 20 local and regional breweries, festival food, and live music.  Tickets are $35 (in advance) or $40 after July 1.  Designated drivers pay only $10.

National Night Out

Tuesday, August 2

Newark’s public safety agencies band together to host a community event in observance of National Night Out.  The free festival is set to run from 6-9 p.m. on Academy Street between Main Street and Delaware Avenue.  Police will demonstrate motorcycle policing, K-9 searches, and field evidence collection while Aetna will offer fire extinguisher training and demonstrate how firefighters extract injured passengers from cars.  Free hot dogs and live music will also be on hand.  Attendees are encouraged to bring new school supplies, which will be donated to local children in need.

Riverfront Blues & BBQ Festival

August 5-7

The blues are back in Wilmington as the 2016 Riverfront Blues &BBQ Festival is gearing up to take place at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park.  The Festival is a 3-day, outdoor music and food festival held on the Wilmington waterfront.  The longstanding blues festival has featured memorable performances from notable blues artists like Koko Taylor, Pinetop Perkins and Elvin Bishop.

Delaware Chinese Festival

August 12-14

Enjoy the exciting three days of celebration, family fun, and delicious Chinese Food at the 2016 Delaware Chinese Festival, sponsored by the Chinese American Community Center (CACC) in Hockessin.  Come for the authentic cuisine, Chinese performances, folk dances, martial arts, and children’s programs.

Delaware Vegan FestivalDelaware Vegan Festival 2016

Saturday, August 13

Come celebrate the vegan lifestyle with food tastings, cooking demos, speakers, natural products, live entertainment, and more!  Whether you are a long-time vegan or just want to see what it’s all about, this festival is for you!  There will be a Children’s Fun Zone for wee folk to enjoy.  This is event is FREE and open to the public.

Middletown Old-Tyme Peach Festival

Saturday, August 20

The Middletown Old-Tyme Peach Festival is host to activities for children, a local artist exhibits, historical exhibits, a peach pie contest, crafts, music, food, games, and, of course, peaches!  The Middletown Old-Tyme Peach Festival is a rain-or-shine event! For more info, visit Middletown Old-Tyme Peach Festival

Middletown Peach Festival

Pawpaw Folk Festival

Saturday, August 20

Come to the Blue Ball Barn for a unique experience at the Pawpaw Folk Festival!  We will make a day of music, story-teller fun, “down home” food, folk artist and Pawpaw fruit tasting.

Delaware Burger Battledelaware burger battle

Saturday, August 27

We’re firing up the grills for the Annual Delaware Burger Battle.  The Delaware Burger Battle brings together the best burgermeisters from all corners of Delaware to challenge each other for burger supremacy inside our Burger Battle Arena.  More than 30 restaurants have competed for six trophies and statewide glory. For more info, visit Delaware Burger Battle.

IndiaFestIndiaFest 2016

Sunday, August 28

IndiaFest is a grand interactive multimedia festival showcasing Indian food, music, dance, fashion, and art.  Vendors will also be selling wares in a traditional bazaar setting.  Come to watch the amazing Bhangra and Garba Night perform traditional Indian dances.

The August Quarterly Festival Celebration

August 27-28

Celebrate the nation’s oldest African-American festival celebrating religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly.  The festival is held at Harriet-Tubman Riverfront Park and includes activities for children and adults.  Come share the heritage, music, crafts, singing, stage performances, children events, storytelling, vendors, food, arts, African clothing, books, and more!

109th Arden Fair & Antiques MarketArden-Fair-Antiques

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!

 

~ ENJOY YOUR 2016 Summer Festivals ~