Things to Do in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley: August 2023

Summer is quickly drawing to a close, and there is one thing you must do before the hustle and bustle of the fall season takes over... plan a quick summer getaway to experience Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley! Take in the sounds of summer at a local festival, drive with the breeze in your hair down the scenic byways of the Brandywine Valley, and of course, roam through one of the incredibly ornate and historic du Pont estate homes!  

The summer season still has plenty left in it to make more memories that will last a lifetime, we can’t wait to share all there is to see and do throughout #VisitWilm this month.  

Do Portugal Circus – August 4-13th  

Do Portugal Circus is a combination of excellence and magic will take you on a journey of pure amazement. Talented and passionate artists will leave you in awe as they perform death defying acts at the Concord Mall. And no circus is complete without a clown. You will be grinning from ear to ear throughout the whole performance! Enjoy a show that every generation will appreciate, leaving your family with memories of #VisitWilm that will last a lifetime. Grab your tickets today!  

Monday to Friday: 7:30pm 
Saturday: 2:00pm, 5:00pm & 8:00pm 
Sunday: 2:00pm & 5:00pm 

The Traditions Toast + Tour Experience – (Mondays-Thursdays) 

The HOTEL DU PONT is a historic hotel located in the heart of the downtown Wilmington area. For more than 100 years, it has been a tradition for celebratory meals, weddings, and weekend getaways! Now through the end of the year, you have a chance to become a part of the past, present and future of HOTEL DU PONT. Walk in the steps of their 110-year history with a 30-minute personal guided walking tour of the hotel with their Traditions Toast + Tour Experience. Toast to the next 110 years with champagne in a special 110th Anniversary champagne flute and take home a vintage HDP keepsake silver coup with 1/2 dozen of the hotel bakery’s (Spark’d Creative Pastry) renowned almond macaroons. Make it a weekend getaway and book your stay today.  

Stylized: The Road to Elegance - (Thursdays and Fridays) 

The Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights has partnered with local entities to bring fashion to the steam engine world. This new exhibition highlights the role that women played in not only fashion but auto styling trends of the early 20th century. From formal wear to bathing suits, the exhibit features men’s and women’s vintage and reproduction clothing on loan from the museum’s partners. The exhibit is on view from now until the end of November 2023.  

Underground Railroad Superhero Day – August 12th   

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation celebrates real-life heroes from Delaware’s Underground Railroad history with Harriet Tubman, Harry Craige, and Thomas Garrett re-enactors during their annual Underground Railroad Superhero Day. All ages can explore their stories with a walk to “The Rocks” of Fort Christina where freedom seekers landed on their journey north. Learn about history while enjoying new experiences with UGR 3Day; Sole Food, Inc.; and New Castle Court House Museum presenters. Come one, come all to learn more about Wilmington’s connection to the Underground Railroad.  

Art in the Garden Festival – August 13th  

Join Historic New Castle’s Amstel House Museum for an outdoor art exhibition and garden party featuring Delaware's most amazing artists presented by Cabernet Candles! Artist exhibitors will showcase their unique creations in the beautiful Amstel House Garden alongside live music, poetry, a wine garden and some small bites.  

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival – August 19th  

The 1st annual Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival in Delaware will offer up all those pleasures that true Southerners live by - Beer, Bourbon, BBQ, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! It's a great day of beer sippin', bourbon tastin', music listenin', cigar smokin' and BBQ eatin'. Grab your tickets today OR enter to win two VIP tickets here.  

Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival – August 19th  

The 2023 Middletown Peach Festival will begin August 19th at 8:45 a.m. with the annual Peach parade on Broad Street. Throughout the day, enjoy activities for children, local artists’ unique creations, historical exhibits, music, food, games – and of course – PEACHES! Don’t forget to join in on the peach pie contest.  

August Quarterly Festival – August 20-27th  

The August Quarterly is the Nation's Oldest African American Festival celebrating religious freedom, freedom of speech and the right of assembly. The festival is held at the Harriet-Tubman Riverfront Park in downtown Wilmington with activities for all ages to enjoy. Share heritage, storytelling, food, music and more! 

Delaware Burger Battle – August 26th  

The 10th annual Delaware Burger Battle takes place in Rockford Park this month! Many of Delaware's most competitive chefs and burger creators compete for votes to win trophies and bragging rights! Check out just a few of the participating restaurants here:  

See... we told you there was still plenty of time to enjoy the summer season – and these events are only the beginning. Be sure to check our full calendar of events here.