100 Things to Do in Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley

Celebrate Delaware 250 with a Year of Unforgettable Experiences  

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, there’s no better place to experience history, culture, community, and seasonal charm than Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley. From Revolutionary War landmarks and world-renowned gardens to lively festivals, cozy cafés, scenic trails, and hidden gems, every season brings something new to discover across the region. 

To celebrate this historic milestone, we’re highlighting 100 must-do experiences — 25 for each season — that showcase the very best of Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley all year long. Whether you’re planning a spring garden getaway, a summer packed with festivals, a colorful fall road trip, or a magical holiday escape, this seasonal bucket list is designed to inspire your next adventure.  

Explore blooming gardens in the spring, sip craft beverages along the Riverfront in summer, wander through vibrant autumn landscapes, and experience twinkling holiday traditions in winter. Along the way, you’ll discover the people, places, flavors, and stories that make this corner of the First State truly unforgettable.  

Ready to experience all four seasons in Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley? Let’s dive into 100 ways to celebrate the region during America’s 250th year. 

25 Summer Things to Do in Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley 

1. Attend Ladybug Music Festival 
2. Experience Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens 
3. Spend an evening at The Queen 
4. Visit St. Anthony's Italian Festival 
5. Attend the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival 
6. Watch fireworks on July 4th along Wilmington’s Riverfront 
7. Explore the Riverwalk’s shops and restaurants 
8. Grab ice cream at Woodside Farm Creamery 
9. Attend the annual Ice Cream Festival 
10. Kayak along the Christina River 
11. Visit the annual Middletown Peach Festival 
12. Pick berries and flowers at Ramsey's Farm 
13. Explore outdoor concerts throughout the region 
14. Visit local beer gardens and breweries
15. Tube down the Brandywine beginning at the Brandywine Museum of Art
16. Explore First State National Historical Park 
17. Visit Kennett Square Mushroom Festival 
18. Enjoy rooftop cocktails downtown at The Quoin Hotel 
19. Sail on the Tall Ship of Delaware – Kalmar Nyckel  
20. Explore Fort Delaware State Park 
21. Attend summer theater performances 
22. Visit the Brandywine Zoo 
23. Take a sunset stroll through Historic Odessa 
24. Experience outdoor dining in Trolley Square 
25. Sip local mead at Liquid Alchemy Beverages 
     

25 Fall Things to Do in Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley 

1. Experience fall colors throughout the Brandywine Scenic Byway 
2. Take part in Delaware’s annual Oktoberfest event 
3. Ride the Autumn Leaf trains with Wilmington & Western Railroad 
4. Explore scenic foliage drives through the Brandywine Valley 
5. Visit local pumpkin patches and farms
6. Attend the Hagley Craft Fair
7. Explore hiking trails at White Clay Creek State Park 
8. Visit Odessa Brewfest 
9. Experience harvest season at local wineries 
10. Explore the grounds at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library 
11. Attend fall performances at local theaters 
12. Visit Mt. Cuba Center during autumn color 
13. Explore spooky history tours in Historic New Castle 
14. Sip seasonal beers at Wilmington Brew Works
15. Take on a ghost tour at Rockwood Museum
16. Grab some friends for a fall flavor brunch
17. Explore fall markets and craft fairs 
18. Enjoy strolling Main Street in Newark 
19. Attend football games at University of Delaware 
20. Sit back and relax at the Wilmington Film Festival
21. Visit Hagley Museum and Library
22. Enjoy apple cider donuts and seasonal treats 
23. Experience local Halloween events and haunted attractions 
24. Attend gallery nights during Wilmington Art Loop 
25. Take a weekend getaway through Delaware’s small towns 
     

25 Winter Things to Do in Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley 

1. Experience A Longwood Christmas 
2. Visit Yuletide at Winterthur 
3. Explore Spirit of Christmas in Historic New Castle 
4. Ride the Holiday Light Express 
5. Visit Noel at Nemours 
6. Craft your own Gingerbread House at HOTEL DU PONT
7. Enjoy cocktails at Bardea on Market Street 
8. Attend performances at The Grand Opera House 
9. Explore indoor exhibits at Delaware Art Museum 
10. Shop unique finds at museum gift shops
11. Visit Christmas in Odessa 
12. Sip winter cocktails at Blitzen
13. Curl up with a good book from Finist & Owl Bookstore
14. Explore museum exhibits during cozy winter weekends 
15. Catch a Broadway-style show at The Playhouse on Rodney Square
16. Visit a fan-favorite local coffee shop  
17. Take holiday photos along the Riverfront’s light display 
18. Grab afternoon tea at Mercury Cafe and Teahouse
19. Stay the night at the Inn at Whitewing Farm
20. Experience local brewery events during stout season 
21. Catch a basketball game in support of Wilmington’s own, Delaware Blue Coats 
22. Explore indoor food halls like DE.CO Food Hall and Chancery Market 
23. Attend New Year’s Eve celebrations downtown 
24. Explore the Delaware History Museum during quieter winter months 
25. Plan a romantic winter getaway in the Brandywine Valley
     

25 Spring Things to Do in Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley 

1. Experience Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens 
2. Visit the tulips and flowering trees at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library 
3. Explore wildflowers at Mt. Cuba Center 
4. Attend Wilmington Flower Market 
5. Catch opening season baseball with the Wilmington Blue Rocks 
6. Enjoy brunch at Maker's Alley 
7. Walk the trails at Brandywine Creek State Park 
8. Attend A Day in Old New Castle
9. Experience the Powwow of Arts and Culture 
10. Visit local farmers markets throughout the region 
11. Pick strawberries at Ramsey's Farm
12. Take a garden tram ride at Nemours Estate
13. Visit baby animals and spring blooms at Coverdale Farms 
14. Explore the Wilmington Riverfront by bike – JAM Trail
15. Attend spring performances at Candlelight Theatre
16. Take a scenic drive through Chateau Country
17. Sip spring cocktails at Bar Reverie
18. Visit Gibraltar Gardens in bloom 
19. Attend opening weekends at area garden attractions 
20. Explore historic New Castle on foot 
21. Picnic at Bellevue State Park 
22. Browse spring exhibitions at the Delaware Contemporary 
23. Ride the rails of Marshall Steam Museum
24. Take on a food tour in Kennett Square 
25. Swing from the trees at Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
     

No matter the season, Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley offers countless ways to experience history, creativity, culture, and community. From iconic gardens and historic landmarks to festivals, dining destinations, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems, every visit brings something new to discover.  

As Delaware and the nation commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, there’s never been a better time to explore the places and experiences that help tell the story of the First State. Whether you check off all 100 experiences or simply start with a few seasonal favorites, this is your invitation to celebrate the moments, memories, and traditions that make Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley special year-round.  

Start planning your next getaway, gather your friends and family, and see how every season brings new reasons to visit Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley.