Spring Events are Blooming throughout Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley

Spring has begun to break through winter’s chill and that means colorful landscapes, outdoor activities and springtime events will soon be populating the region once again. As the signs of spring begin, it’s time to start planning a getaway to Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley – one of Condé Nast Traveler’s best places to go in the U.S. in 2023. 

April Events  

Celebrity Chefs Brunch: April 30, 2023  

Meals on Wheels Delaware’s annual Celebrity Chef Brunch features brunch tastings created by local and nationally acclaimed chefs. Enjoy live entertainment, specialty drinks, and a silent auction as you walk through room upon room of the DuPont Country Club full of exquisite tastings. Get your tickets today.  

City Restaurant Week: April 24-29, 2023  

Wilmington’s 18th annual City Restaurant Week will soon be upon us and that means... a week of not having to cook! Throughout the week enjoy 2-course lunch specials for $15 and 3-course dinners for $35 at participating restaurants. The perfect opportunity to test  that new restaurant you’re not sure of or return to one of your favorites . Take a look at the restaurant lineup and start planning your Restaurant Week meals today.  

Delaware Marathon Running Festival: April 22-23, 2023  

Looking to attempt a 5k? Ready to take on a full marathon? Either way, the Delaware Marathon Running Festival is the perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors of Greater Wilmington. The 2023 version of the race travels across beautiful Brandywine Park on the Brandywine River, along prestigious parkways, through historic the neighborhoods of Wilmington, and past downtown’s Rodney Square. Non-runners don’t have to miss out. Join in the fun at the finish line located at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park for a great party with live music, vendors and activities for the whole family. 

Wildflower Celebration at Mt. Cuba Center: April 28-30, 2023  

The beauty of the Mt. Cuba Center reigns supreme for one weekend in April. The Wildflower Celebration magnificently displays native spring blooms at the peak of their glory. Three days of live music, gardening activities, outdoor (family-friendly) programming, food and beautiful blooms – sounds like the perfect #VisitWilm weekend. Be sure to get your tickets for one, two or all three days of this event.  

May Events  

Bellefonte Arts Festival: May 20, 2023 

The Bellefonte neighborhood plays host to a collective of artists who support, educate and create a wide variety of handcrafted artwork for all to enjoy.  On the third Saturday in May, this quaint shopping village comes alive for the annual Bellefonte Arts Festival. This event brings art connoisseurs, theatre geeks, food lovers and more together to celebrate local visual, performance and culinary arts! Grab your tickets now for this can’t miss neighborhood event.  

Day in Old New Castle: May 20, 2023  

A Day in Old New Castle is the country’s oldest continuous house and garden tour. The historic neighborhood invites all to explore private homes and gardens alongside the neighborhood’s public museums. Historic reenactments, pirates, colonial garb and more lie ahead. So, come spend a day (or make it a weekend getaway) in Historic New Castle.  

Festival of Fountains: May 11 – September 24, 2023 

“Move over Bellagio” that’s what the Washington Post had to say... The Longwood Gardens tradition of fountain shows are a fan favorite for lovers of light, color, fire and water! Visit May through September and enjoy the most peaceful, most enthralling and beautiful getaway in Longwood's Festival of Fountains.  Stroll the gardens of brilliant blooms and splash your way to the Main Fountain Garden for a dazzling display.  

Point-to-Point Steeplechase: May 7, 2023  

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library joins the Kentucky Derby festivities from afar. The 45th annual Point to Point Steeplechase is a festive day of racing, pageantry, and fun for the whole family. Tailgate with friends or pack a picnic and grab your spot along the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley to watch the races. Don’t forget to pack your “Derby Best.” On race day wear your finest chapeau to match your ensemble, and “fashion experts” will comb the crowd to find who is best
dressed from head to toe!  

Wilmington Flower Market: May 11-13, 2023 

The Wilmington Flower Market is an annual local's favorite. Held at Rockford Park, this 100+ year old tradition is the talk of the town for three days in May. When visiting the Flower Market, you feel the excitement. Hear laughter in the air as children share their delight at all the carnival rides and games. You’ll find a large selection of plants and flowers for your own gardens, as well as a multitude of crafts and merchant wares for sale. Stroll through the park and listen to live music performed on the WDEL stage, taste test a variety of delicious food
and meet local celebrities such as Miss Delaware. This
tradition is held every Mother’s Day weekend, Thursday
and Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-7pm.  

Wilmington Grand Prix & Gran Fondo: May 19-21, 2023 

Calling all bike enthusiasts! The USA Cycling Association has designated Wilmington’s Grand Prix Weekend as one of the Top 10 criterium bike races in the country. Three days of time trials, pro and amateur races through scenes of Downtown Wilmington and a recreational Gran Fondo ride through the area's world class attractions – with special trails only available to ride for this event.  

June Events  

Holy Trinity Greek Festival: June 5-10, 2023 

Enjoy a week of Greek food, music, dancing, and culture at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church's annual festival in downtown Wilmington. Indulge in ethnic delights like Moussaka, Spanakopita, Gyros, and more, every evening. Opa! 

Separation Day: June 9-10, 2023 

Separation Day is the annual celebration of Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and the British Crown - one of the longest running traditions in the First State. The community event is held in Historic New Castle with music, food, and family friendly entertainment. Saturday traditionally kicks off with a Colonial-inspired parade. The middle of the day is filled with children’s rides, a vintage market, live music, beer garden and foods prepared by community groups. The day culminates with fireworks over the Delaware River. It’s a can’t miss.  

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival: June 11-18, 2023 

Sponsored by St. Anthony of Padua Parish, the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival is one of the largest Italian American cultural events in the nation! Italian food, live music, family friendly rides and games, and much more lie ahead for a week of bellissimo divertimento (beautiful fun!) 

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival: June 21-25, 2023 

Each year, Wilmington, Delaware remembers a brilliant trumpet player, unforgettable composer, and dynamic entertainer whose name and legacy are celebrated during the area’s annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. A week of music that fills the soul while celebrating a true legend whose work offers a moment to laugh, dance, sing, eat, love and experience the ultimate joy music brings. 

Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival: June 24, 2023 

Wilmington’s annual Ice Cream Festival invites everyone to bring chairs and blankets to relax with some summer treats on the lawn of the beautiful Rockwood Park. Browse the shops of the Cottage Maker Market, listen to great live local music, get some great food, and enjoy some local ice cream and other sweet treats in celebration of summer! Come out to support small local businesses and spend some time with your community. Be sure to plan to make a day of it... and enjoy a gorgeous firework display to cap off the night. 

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a few separate getaways to Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley, we can’t wait to welcome you to the area! While you’re having fun, don’t forget to snap a few pictures and share them with us by tagging @visitwilmingtonde or #VisitWilm on social media. It's your chance to share your getaway for a chance to be featured on our website, in our travel guide and on our social media channels.