When you think of visiting Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, the first thing that may come to mind is “What is there to do?”
WELL, WE HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU!
There’s so much coming down the pike this month there are almost too many events to share! From local brews popping up at Beer Festivals and Delaware’s Oktoberfest to car shows on the lawn of a famed du Pont estate and the grounds of Auburn Heights, one of New Castle Delaware’s State Parks! Oh, and we can’t forget the start of fall-themed adventures at an award-winning botanical garden. September is a great time to grab some of your closest family members and friends and head to #VisitWilm for a grand adventure.
Here’s what's in store when you visit Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley this September!
The Weekend of September 9-11
Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest
From the Friday night parade at 7 p.m. until the last bratwurst is gone, the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest is a three-day celebration of German food and culture...and beer.
Brandywine Festival of the Arts
The Brandywine Festival of the Arts is an annual Wilmington arts festival held the weekend after Labor Day. The festival is a Delaware tradition spanning over half a century and it is the largest arts festival in the state. Now regionally popular and nationally recognized, the Brandywine Festival of the Arts boasts participants from across the United States and perennially ranks in the top 100 shows in the country.
Flower Show at Longwood Gardens
Everyone who knows Longwood Gardens knows how breathtaking a garden it is on its own. Now imagine the famed Gardens with even more! Seven local garden clubs and members of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania will be presenting a National Garden Club Standard Flower Show entitled, “From Sea to Shing Sea” September 10 and 11, 2022. It will be open to the public on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the Ballroom. The show is included in admission and is a can’t miss.
*The Garden Clubs sponsoring the show are Elverson Garden Club, Four Seasons Garden Club of Kennett Square, Garden Club of Bala Cynwyd, Garden Club of Springfield, Spade and Trowel Club, The Country Gardeners, and Uwchlan Garden Club.
Historic Odessa Brewfest
The annual Odessa Brewfest is coming up, Saturday, September 10th. Grab your tickets soon for your chance at access to food, merchandise, live bands, sponsor tables, and of course an unlimited sampling of beer during the full duration of the festival.
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
September is National Mushroom Month... who knew? Kennett Square sure does! The Annual Mushroom Festival is a celebration of the area’s #1 Crop—the mushroom. The Street Fair extends about a mile through town and is host to almost 250 craft and food vendors. Special events include the National Fried Mushroom Eating Championship, the Antique & Classic Car Show, and the Amateur Mushroom Cook-Off on Saturday and the Mushroom Run/Walk and the Soup & Wine Event on Sunday. Celebrity, regional, and local chefs give cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Tent and there is entertainment for the kiddos, an old-fashioned carnival, live entertainment on the Community Stage, and a Growers’ exhibit where attendees can learn about the mushroom growing process. Wow... it’s almost like this event should be more than just two days!
Mt. Cuba Center Fall Events
Everyone knows when September rolls around, fall will soon be peaking in to show off its gorgeous colors. When you #VisitWilm this month be sure to make a stop at the Mt. Cuba Center. They sure know how to celebrate such a popular season. Learn more about their fall events...
First Annual Diamond State Black Film Festival
September 15th -17th
The Diamond State Black Film Festival (DSBFF) will be raising the curtain and shining a light on films created by and featuring People of Color. This event's creators hope to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and will showcase career opportunities in the film industry through a series of workshops, panel discussions and master classes. Click on the event below to learn more.
September 18th
Another big day in #VisitWilm is coming. Be sure to head to Wilmington, Delaware on September 18th for these three entertaining and unique events!
Hagley Car Show
Take a trip to Hagley Museum and experience the wonders of automotive innovation. At the Hagley Car Show, browse through more than 500 antique and restored cars that date from the early 1990s all the way back to the early twentieth century. The show features vehicle parades, motoring music, pedal car racing, and a food court!
Faerie Festival at Rockwood Park
Come one, come all, to a magical day at Rockwood Park and Museum filled with beautiful faeries and other fairy tale creatures. Let your imagination run wild with live performances, outdoor games, crafts, story times and so much more. What color wings will you pick out for this uniquely entertaining event?
Hispanic Heritage Festival
September is also known for being National Hispanic Heritage Month. Come out to #VisitWilm and learn something new about a different culture or take in the art, music, and food of your ancestors. Whatever the reason it’s a chance to celebrate loud and proud at Wilmington’s 5th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival.
The Weekend of September 23rd - 25th
And of course, if those events weren’t enough to handle during your Wilmington getaway be sure to check out these events coming to the area All. Month. Long...
Corn Maze & Fall Fun at Ramsey’s Farm
Beginning September 18th enjoy the fun of Ramsey’s Farm, where there are mazes of corn, tons of hayrides and of course all the pumpkin picking you can handle!
Here You Come Again World Premiere
Beginning September 14th Dolly Parton will be gracing the stage of the Delaware Theatre Company. Okay... well not the real Dolly, she’s busy workin’ 9 to 5 these days. (That is, when she’s not visiting the Wilmington Public Library!) But if you love Dolly, you’re going to LOVE the Here You Come Again World Premiere musical about a has-been-who-never-was and his unusual relationship with Dolly Parton. Celebrate the blonde bombshell’s music and the profound and humorous things she has to say about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps in the toughest of times.
Memphis at The Candlelight Theatre
Beginning September 17th, MEMPHIS comes to The Candlelight Theatre. Inspired by actual events, it is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves– filled with laughter, soaring emotion, and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical and two 2015 Olivier Awards, Memphis features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.
Well, would you look at that... a whole month’s worth of events listed here, and there’s still more to explore on our events calendar! Seems to us that this little ol’ city has enough to fill an entire weekend (or more!) And that’s just in the month of September. Be sure to check back next month for Fall Fun in October!
Plan your next #VisitWilm getaway today, and don’t forget to share your pictures with us by tagging @visitwilmingtonde on Instagram or by sharing your #VisitWilm photos here.