Dover 4th of July Celebration

Download a PDF of the schedule here.

The Old State House ▪ 25 The Green Open
10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Self-guided Tours and Quill Pen Writing Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the Old State House and engage with interpreters sharing stories from Delaware’s Revolutionary past. Throughout the day, historic site interpreter Susan Emory will present quill pen writing demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience writing as people did in the 18th century.
Declaration of Independence Readings
2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th Anniversary with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on Dover’s Historic Green—just steps away from where the town’s citizens first heard the historic words in July 1776.

The Biggs Museum ▪ 406 Federal Street
Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day with a fun and creative seashell painting craft the whole family can enjoy. Kids and adults can decorate seashells with red, white, and blue designs, stars, and stripes to create festive keepsakes or decorations. It’s a simple, hands-on activity that sparks creativity while bringing everyone together for the holiday.
Special Exhibition Reflections: 25 Objects for 250 Years of Delaware History
In celebration of America’s 250th, this exhibition invites 25 Delawareans to reflect on the state’s history through the Biggs Museum’s collection. Each selected artwork is paired with personal reflections and curatorial insight, sharing stories that shape Delaware’s identity. Visitors can also add their own reflections in-gallery, making this an evolving conversation throughout 2026.

First State Heritage Park ▪ John Bell House, 43 The Green
Open 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Founding Father Costume Contest: Come in your best or silliest Founding Father costume! Awards at 1:00 p.m.
• Clothing Display: Explore our exhibit of reproduction colonial clothes and objects from the Bicentennial celebrations in 1976.
• Flag Exhibit: See how the American flag evolved and examples of the flags used by militia groups during the American Revolution.
• Tricorn Hat Craft: Create your own simple Tricorn hat!
• Colonial and Yard Games: Play games that were played in colonial times!
• Wishes for America: Write down your wish for Delaware and the United States as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation. Then, hang your wish on our Liberty tree to join the others.

Legislative Mall ▪ Between Legislative Avenue & Federal Street
2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy a meal or treat from the food vendors and peruse the craft booths on the streets surrounding Legislative Mall (some vendors may open earlier than 2 p.m.) with DJ Giz (aka Shawn Fulton) playing your favorite hits.

4:00 p.m. Pie Eating Contest in front of Legislative Hall, sponsored by Fifer’s Farm.

6:00 p.m. Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade
Starting at Hazel Street and North State Street, the parade heads south on State Street, then east on Loockerman Street (best viewing on south side of street), then south onto Legislative Avenue.

5:00 p.m.: Judging for the Wagon-Bicycle-Stroller Decoration Competition at Central Elementary (corner of Delaware and Pennsylvania Avenues)

7:00 p.m. Performance by Delaware country singer, Kenneth Cartwright

8:00 p.m. Opening remarks by Dover’s Mayor Christiansen with Flyover from DAFB (tentative)

9:15 p.m. Fireworks!!
Weather conditions such as passing rain showers could mean fireworks are launched later or earlier. We suggest getting to our viewing spot by 8 p.m. Fireworks cannot be launched in high winds or rain.

For more information, contact [email protected]!