Make June Shine at These Food-Forward Festivals in Greater Wilmington, Delaware

When you think about it, outdoor festivals may be the world’s perfect low-cost travel experience. For families, they’re affordable and fun. For vacationers, they deliver an authentic sampling of local culture, and a chance to romp (with fingers firmly crossed) under clear blue skies. Pick any festival, and chances are good that the admission prices are minimal, the atmosphere’s laid-back, and the open-air vibe is perfectly suited to our springtime urges.

Sadly, for recovering restaurant critics such as myself, none of these alluring attributes really matter. Despite their many charms, the iconic spring festivals and fair-weather events of Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley mean just one thing to gluttons like me: A chance to eat.

Shallow as that may sound, there’s reason behind my madness: Very often, these festivals are the only places (and the only opportunity) to get certain beloved treats. At other times, they serve as a great one-stop-shop for some of the state’s best food trucks.

In any case, these are ideal opportunities to sample, snack and sip your way through June. Just save some for me.

Holy Trinity Greek Festival
June 3-8, Wilmington

Plan to get there before the dinner rush starts and indulge in some of the best Greek food you’ll ever try, from the spinach-and-feta stuffed spanakopita to the indulgent, honey-drenched baklava. (Pro tip: Go easy on the ouzo.)

Downtown Farmer’s Market in Rodney Square
10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 5-Oct. 2, Wilmington

No rush on this one – you have all summer to check out Downtown Wilmington’s popular Farmer’s Market, set up in picturesque Rodney Square and filled with fresh veggies, fruit, flowers and potted plants. Open every Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (NOTE: There’s validated free parking available just a short walk away in the City Center Garage (Tatnall Parking) at 253 W. 11th St. Just park, register your vehicle with the AirGarage app, and go to a Downtown Visions employee at the Market to scan the QR code for 3 hours of free parking.)

Summer Nights at Hagley Presented by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
5 p.m.-8 p.m., June 5-Aug. 28, Wilmington

Here’s another recurring midweek treat: Every Wednesday through August, you are cordially invited to relax along the banks of the historic Brandywine River, which winds its way soothingly past Hagley Museum and Library. There will be food and ice cream trucks, live music, and perhaps most compelling, a selection of Dogfish Head craft beer and cocktails. Tip: Come prepared to picnic (or ride bikes), and feel free to bring your pups, who are welcome to attend in designated areas.

Separation Day Celebration in Historic New Castle
June 7-8, Historic New Castle

This one is soooo Delaware: Each year people gather in riverside Battery Park to celebrate the state’s independence from Colonial England and its “separation” from the state of Pennsylvania (they still regret losing us). Get ready for live music, lots of food and drink, children’s rides and fireworks over the Delaware River.

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival
June 9-16, Wilmington’s Little Italy

Did someone say fried smelts? Well, actually, no one did, but it’s the first thing that comes to my mind when this mega-festival reappears each spring. The little crisp-fried fishies are just one of the handcrafted Italian delights you’ll find at this music-filled get-together.

Delaware Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration in the Park
Noon, June 15, Tubman-Garrett Park, Wilmington

This one is another fun riverside celebration, with vendors, food trucks, live music and plenty to do for the kids.

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival
June 19-22, Downtown Wilmington

Held in honor of Delaware’s own jazz great Clifford Brown, this is a day for mostly music, but its downtown location makes it a great opportunity to check out some of the buzz-worthy restaurants nearby, from Bardea to Chelsea Tavern to the Chancery Market.

Sip & Stroll @ Brandywine Zoo
5-7:30 p.m., June 20, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Wilmington

The city’s cozy, shady Brandywine Zoo is a great setting for raising a toast to the fading sun as you chat and nibble. Local craft brewer Bellefonte Brewing provides the suds, but there’s also wine and cider/seltzer, along with food truck goodies and cool vendors.

Summer Kickoff Party on the Wilmington Riverfront
Noon-3 p.m., June 22

Riverside vibes will add to the charm as the party gets started along the Wilmington Riverwalk, in the area of Taco Grande, Iron Hill Brewery and Riverwalk Mini Golf. Highlights include the Taco Grande Margarita Garden (!), music and magicians, and endless fun for the kids.

Midsummer Festival @ Winterthur
7 p.m., June 22, Winterthur

The stunning gardens around this DuPont family estate serve as the inspiration for the food you’ll enjoy at this celebration of the summer solstice. There may be no better setting for an evening of bonfires, dancing and hay rides.

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival
1-9:30 p.m., June 29, Wilmington

The mansion at Rockwood Park & Museum lends a sophisticated air to the day as families gather for fun in the sun (along with plenty of drippy ice cream, food trucks and vendors).