Spring in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley means one thing: the events calendar comes alive. As gardens burst into bloom and warmer days return, the region fills with outdoor festivals, flower shows, live music, food celebrations, and family-friendly experiences. From nationally recognized garden displays to neighborhood street fairs and can’t-miss seasonal traditions, spring is one of the best times to visit Greater Wilmington. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for things to do close to home, here’s your guide to the top spring events in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley.

April Events

City Restaurant Week: April 13-19, 2026

Wilmington’s 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 and 3-course dinners 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.

P.S. Did we mention there is not one chain on the list? Local eats, local chefs and a unique experience with every visit.  

Wildflower Celebration at Mt. Cuba Center: April 24-26, 2026

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Mt. Cuba Center during its annual Wildflower Celebration—a must-see event for nature lovers! For one weekend in April, native spring blooms take center stage in a spectacular display of color and life. Enjoy three days filled with live music, gardening activities, family-friendly outdoor programs, delicious local food trucks, and stunning landscapes. Whether you visit for a day or immerse yourself in the full weekend experience, this is the perfect way to celebrate spring in Wilmington. Don’t miss out—grab your tickets and make it a #VisitWilm weekend to remember!

Celebrity Chefs' Brunch: April 26, 2026

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 the Chase Center on the Riverfront full of exquisite tastings. Get your tickets today.  

Delaware Marathon Running Festival: April 19, 2026

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 race travels across beautiful Brandywine Park on the Brandywine River, along prestigious parkways, through historic 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. 

May Events  

Wilmington Flower Market: May 7-9, 2026 

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 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.  

Festival of Fountains: May 8 – September 27, 2026 

“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.   

Wilmington Grand Prix & Gran Fondo: May 15-17, 2026

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.  

Bellefonte Arts Festival: May 16, 2026

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.  Rain date: May 17th. 

Day in Old New Castle: May 16, 2026

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.  


June Events  

Holy Trinity Greek Festival: June 1-6, 2026

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! 

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival: June 7-13, 2026

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!) 

Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival: June 27, 2026

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. 

Separation Day: June 12-13, 2026

Separation Day is Delaware’s annual celebration of its independence from both Pennsylvania and the British Crown, one of the longest-running traditions in the First State. Held each year on the second Saturday in June in Historic New Castle, the community-wide event features a Colonial-inspired parade, live music, children’s rides, a vintage market, a beer garden, and local food prepared by community groups, all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River.

This year, Separation Day takes on even greater meaning as Delaware marks 250 years since declaring its independence, making this year’s event a cornerstone of both America 250 and Delaware 250 commemorations. Visitors can expect expanded programming, colonial reenactments, heritage walking tours, and special tributes highlighting Delaware’s pivotal role in the founding of the nation. With its blend of history, celebration, and community pride, the 2026 Separation Day promises to be a truly historic can’t-miss experience.

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.  

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