Summer is off and running with the sun shining down on Greater Wilmington. Festivals, ice cream, art fairs, and live music are set to make their appearance throughout the area in a number of ways.
As the signs of summer begin, it’s time to start planning a getaway to Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley – one of Condé Nast Traveler’s 23 best places to go in the U.S. in 2023.
July Events
Delaware Shakespeare Summer Festival: July 21-August 6, 2023
The Delaware Shakespeare Summer Festival is a fan favorite, even for those who need a Shakespearean to modern English translator. This year’s festival features the beloved tragedy of Macbeth, the story of the supernatural Weird Sisters who lead the Macbeths down a bloody path of ambition and lies in a violent pursuit of power. Pull up to Rockwood Park (Wednesdays-Sundays, July 21-August 6) with your favorite snacks in tow, a chair, and a blanket – sit back, relax and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars!
Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair: July 29-30, 2023
The Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair is the Brandywine Valley's largest premier fine craft fair featuring more than 100 independent local and regional artisans. This Guild event, hosted at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, is known for uniting impeccable craftsmen with customers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, clothing, jewelry, sculpture, and fine art.
Explore Summer Fun!
August Events
Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival: August 19, 2023
The Middletown Peach Festival is fun for the whole family! Local artists, historical exhibits, food, music, and of course – PEACHES - line Main Street for a day of excitement. There’s even a can’t miss peach pie contest! Come one, come all.
August Quarterly: August 20-27, 2023
The annual August Quarterly Festival is the oldest African American religious festival in the nation. This weeklong celebration of freedom begins with Sunday Service and continues throughout the week with music, storytelling, family activities, books, and more. Join the festivities at Tubman Garrett Park beginning August 20.
Delaware Burger Battle: August 26, 2023
One of the tastiest annual events throughout Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley is the Delaware Burger Battle where local restaurants compete for charity - winning bragging rights and, of course, the famous Burger Battle Trophy!
September Events
Arden Fair: September 2, 2023
Celebrate the 115th anniversary of the Arden Fair! Come out to this unique and eclectic fair featuring more than 100 vendors of hand-made crafts and jewelry. There’s also an antiques market, food court, games, rides for the littles, and music throughout the day. The Fair is a time-honored event in the art colony town of Arden, DE.
Historic Odessa Brew Fest: September 9, 2023
Sample some of the hottest cold brews in the Mid-Atlantic region during the 10th Odessa Brew Fest! This annual fest comes to the historic town of Odessa each year on the first Saturday after Labor Day. Attendees have access to food and merchandise vendors, live bands, and of course, an unlimited supply of beer samplings (regionally and nationally acclaimed) throughout the duration of the festival! Cheers!
Brandywine Festival of the Arts: September 9-10, 2023
The Brandywine Festival of the Arts is an annual tradition in Wilmington, welcoming the unofficial end to the summer season. Held the weekend after Labor Day, this event brings together artists from across the U.S. with one-of-a-kind-art exhibiting a range of styles and mediums to the streets of Wilmington.
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival: September 9-10, 2023
When you are in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, there are mushrooms available around every corner. For one weekend in September that becomes truer than true. The Kennett Square Mushroom Festival is a celebration of all things ‘shrooms. Not only is there a fried mushroom eating contest and a mushroom cook-off, but there are also cooking demonstrations and a grower’s exhibit to learn more about the mushroom growing process. Outside of mushrooms, there are also 250 craft and food vendors, an antique & classic car show, as well as an old-fashioned carnival and live entertainment. It’s a weekend full of fun!
Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest: September 15-17, 2023
From the opening oompahs of the Friday night parade until the last bratwurst is gone, the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest is a three-day celebration of German food and culture...and beer. With carnival rides and games, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy at the Saengerbund’s annual German Festival!
Hagley Car Show: September 17, 2023
Experience the wonders of automotive innovation at Hagley Museum this summer. Browse through more than 500 antique and restored cars that date from the late 1990s to the early twentieth century displayed in the historic home and garden area of Hagley's property. Hagley's 2023 Car Show theme is: A Drive Down Memory Lane— Celebrating Bygone Brands. This event will be one of the first opportunities to check out Hagley's new, expanded antique car collection.
Art on the Green: September 23, 2023
For over five decades, this annual arts and crafts show - sponsored by the New Castle Hundred Lions Club - has taken over “the Green” in Historic New Castle’s Battery Park. Walk through more than 200 artisan tents featuring unique goods like: pottery, metal work, doggie treats, stained glass, and everything in between! Don’t forget to stop by for a bite from local food vendors.
People’s Festival 4Peace Tribute to Bob Marley: September 23, 2023
The People’s Festival is an annual tradition for the Wilmington area to honor the late, great, Wilmington resident – Bob Marley! The 29th year of this music festival takes place at the end of the summer season. With the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers this world-class event has become one of the most anticipated events of the season in Wilmington, drawing thousands from far and near! Roots, Rock, Reggae, & fun for the whole family!
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 for your chance to be featured on our website, in our travel guide and on our social media channels - use #VisitWilm and tag @visitwilmingtonde.