As summer winds down and the first signs of fall appear in the Brandywine Valley, Hagley Museum invites you to make the most of the season with a lineup of engaging events that blend art, science, history, and hands-on fun. From playful experiments to cannon blasts, Hagley offers memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. It’s the perfect place to celebrate the changing seasons—one exciting event at a time.
August Mondays: Explore History on Foot with Special Tours
Dive deeper into Hagley’s history every Monday in August at 11 a.m. with a rotating series of themed walking tours. Each 90-minute experience offers a hands-on, multi-sensory look at life, labor, and the land along the Brandywine. Topics include:
Aug 11: Workers’ World – Stories of early laborers
Aug 18: Sights, Sounds & Smells of black powder production
Aug 25: Rocks & Roll Mills – Geology’s role in industry
Tickets are $25 and include museum admission. Pre-registration encouraged!
Hagley is a large, indoor-outdoor museum experience with hundreds of years of history. Explore the new Nation of Inventors exhibition celebrating diverse stories of American innovation. Join…
August Wednesdays – Summer Nights at Hagley
Cool down midweek at Summer Nights at Hagley, running Wednesdays through August 27 (5–8 p.m.), presented by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Enjoy local music, tasty eats from food trucks like Natalie’s Fine Foods and Claymont Steak Shop, plus brews, cocktails, and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream. Bonus: dogs are welcome, and admission is just $5 (free for members and kids under 5)!
August 23 – Summer Saturday & Science Saturday Double Feature
On Saturday, August 23, it’s double the discovery at Hagley:
Make Your Own Playdough: Little hands get creative in this hands-on toy-making workshop.
Science Saturday: Playing with Polymers: Learn about the science behind stretchy, squishy materials we use every day.
Both events run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included in general admission.
August 30 – September 1 – Labor Day Weekend Cannon Firings
End summer with a bang during Labor Day Weekend Cannon Firings, happening Saturday through Monday at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. It’s an explosive tribute to Hagley’s historic black powder legacy and a memorable way to spend the holiday with family. Included with admission.
September 21 – Hagley Car Show Returns with “Pony Cars”
Rev your engines! The beloved Hagley Car Show returns on Sunday, September 21 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), showcasing 500+ classic cars around Hagley’s historic home and gardens. This year’s spotlight is on Pony Cars—think Mustangs, Camaros, and Firebirds. Passes are sold by the carload (up to 8 passengers). Grab your tickets in advance and don’t miss Delaware’s most scenic auto showcase.
From heritage to hands-on fun, Hagley Museum makes summer meaningful—and memorable. Plan your visit, bring your curiosity, and experience the many ways Hagley connects us to innovation, history, and the great outdoors.
Visit hagley.org for tickets, updates, and more event details.
Author
Jessica Horstmann
Digital Marketing Manager of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
About Jessica:
Hi, I'm Jessica, the Digital Marketing Manager at the Greater Wilmington CVB and a passionate advocate for all things Delaware. When I moved to Delaware at ten, I discovered a state that perfectly balanced the energy of city life with the serenity of the countryside—all just a short drive apart. Delaware may be small, but it’s packed with vibrant attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make every day an adventure. As a traveler and storyteller, I’m passionate about uncovering and sharing the First State’s best-kept secrets. Through my blogs, I invite you to join me in exploring why Delaware is small but mighty—there’s always something new and exciting to discover!
