Start your summer off in the best way possible – with a visit to Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley. Take in the sounds and the scenic views while strolling through the acres of gardens, the beautiful Riverfront area and, of course, be sure to stop into a festival or three! The summer season has arrived, and we can’t wait to share all there is to see and do throughout #VisitWilm.
Greek Festival – June 5 -10th
Opa! Wilmington’s annual Holy Trinity Greek Festival is back this month for a week of food, fun and festive dancing.
Separation Day and Vintage Market – June 9 – 10th
The annual Separation Day festivities take place honoring Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and the British Crown. 2023 marks the 247th anniversary of arguably one of the longest running traditions in the state. This community event is held annually in Historic New Castle. Friday night festivities include music, food and drink in the center of town. Saturday 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.
Italian Festival – June 10-18th
Mangia! Mangia! Wilmington’s annual St. Anthony’s Italian Festival is a week of entertaining fun for the whole family. Italian food, Italian music, and carnival games are just the beginning.
Twilight on the Terrace – June 16th
One of the most anticipated events of the summer is Twilight on the Terrace. Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace of the Mt. Cuba Center and evening access to the beautiful gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase.
Opera in the Park – June 18th
Auburn Valley State Park welcomes OperaDelaware to Auburn Heights for a free outdoor experience of live music on the mansion grounds. The one-hour performance by four vocalists includes period pieces popular at the time of Auburn Heights’ construction and other operatic songs. Bring your own chairs or a picnic blanket and enjoy music as the air cools. The first floor of the mansion will open 30 minutes before the performance. Enjoy this rare and free opportunity to start the summer off with beautiful sound!
Juneteenth Events
Fashioning Freedom: An Evening Honoring Juneteenth – June 16th
To commemorate Juneteenth across the region, Voices Underground will present Fashioning Freedom—a celebration of African American fashion and its critical relationship to the work of freedom—in Longwood Gardens’ Open-Air Theatre.
Beyond Juneteenth – June 18th
The 4th Annual Beyond Juneteenth at the Delaware Art Museum has moved beyond symbolism and celebrates the ancestral traditions of the enslaved and the accomplishments of their descendants. This years’ festival is an AfrisymPOEMsium and Expo focused on the education, healing, protection, and adaptation of the human spirit.
Clifford Brown Jazz Festival – June 21-24th
The 36th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival will soon take over Rodney Square once again. The city comes together for this grand event remembering a brilliant trumpet player, unforgettable composer, and dynamic entertainer whose name and legacy are celebrated at the annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. With incredible live performances throughout the event, it’s no wonder the festival has become the biggest FREE Jazz festival on the East Coast.
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival – June 24th
Wilmington’s annual Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival is coming up quickly. This quintessential summer festival includes lots of ice cream, live local music, kids' activities, family entertainment, a maker market, fantastic food, museum tours, fireworks, and more!