Spring Events are Blooming throughout Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley

Spring has begun to break through winter’s chill and that means colorful landscapes, outdoor activities and springtime events will soon be populating the region once again. As the signs of spring begin, it’s time to start planning a getaway to Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley.

April Events

City Restaurant Week: April 15-20, 2024 

Wilmington’s 19th 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 for $15 and 3-course dinners for $35 or $50 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.  

Wildflower Celebration at Mt. Cuba Center: April 19-21, 2024  

The beauty of the Mt. Cuba Center reigns supreme for one weekend in April. The Wildflower Celebration magnificently displays native spring blooms at the peak of their glory. Three days of live music, gardening activities, outdoor (family-friendly) programming, food and beautiful blooms – sounds like the perfect #VisitWilm weekend. Be sure to get your tickets for one, two or all three days of this event.  

Celebrity Chefs Brunch: April 21, 2024

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 room upon room of the DuPont Country Club full of exquisite tastings. Get your tickets today.  

Delaware Marathon Running Festival: April 21, 2024

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 2024 version of the race travels across beautiful Brandywine Park on the Brandywine River, along prestigious parkways, through historic the 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  

Point-to-Point Steeplechase: May 5, 2024  

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library joins the Kentucky Derby festivities from afar. The 45th annual Point to Point Steeplechase is a festive day of racing, pageantry, and fun for the whole family. Tailgate with friends or pack a picnic and grab your spot along the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley to watch the races. Don’t forget to pack your “Derby Best.” On race day wear your finest chapeau to match your ensemble, and “fashion experts” will comb the crowd to find who is best dressed from head to toe! 

Wilmington Flower Market: May 9-11, 2024 

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 9 – September 29, 2024 

“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 17-19, 2024

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 18, 2024 

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.  

Day in Old New Castle: May 18, 2024  

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 3-8, 2024

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! 

Separation Day: June 7-8, 2024 

Separation Day is the annual celebration of Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and the British Crown - one of the longest running traditions in the First State. The community event is held in Historic New Castle with music, food, and family friendly entertainment. Saturday traditionally 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. It’s a can’t miss.  

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival: June 9-16, 2024

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!) 

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival: June 19-22, 2024

Each year, Wilmington, Delaware remembers a brilliant trumpet player, unforgettable composer, and dynamic entertainer whose name and legacy are celebrated during the area’s annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. A week of music that fills the soul while celebrating a true legend whose work offers a moment to laugh, dance, sing, eat, love and experience the ultimate joy music brings.