Spring
Bug & Bud Festival (April)
A celebration of Milford’s two most cherished symbols: the ladybug and nature. Why the ladybug? In 1973, a second-grade class from Milford petitioned the Delaware General Assembly to accept the ladybug as the official State Bug – and succeeded! Watch the town’s residents (both two-legged and four-legged) parade in ladybug-themed outfits! The festival also serves as a celebration of Arbor Day and Milford’s designation as a Tree City USA.
NASCAR at Dover Motor Speedway (April/May)
Experience the thrill of racing at a track where the highly banked concrete surface has made it popular with the sport’s best drivers and earned it the name “Monster Mile”.
Food Truck Competition (April)
Sample over 25 of the area’s food trucks at Harvest Ridge Winery during their two-day Food Truck Competition. In addition to wine, cider, and some of the best food around, you’ll enjoy live music and kids’ activities. Cast your vote!
Dover Days (First Weekend in May)
One of Delaware’s largest and longest-running free events! Dover Days is a celebration of Delaware’s cultural heritage, featuring Maypole dancing, a colonial artisans’ village, and historic re-enactment groups. It also features the biggest parade of the year in Kent County, with the Governor serving as Grand Marshal. Take off on a tethered hot-air balloon ride, compete against your kids at a host of carnival games, or watch as they wear themselves out exploring everything there is to do.
Dover Days Festival
Dover Days is easily the biggest parade in Kent County, with Delaware’s Governor traditionally serving as Grand Marshal. Dover Days is a true celebration of the first state — right in the heart of its capital! Dover Days was placed among the Top 100 USA Events by the American Bus Association. Each year’s Dover Days activities showcase our state’s history and heritage, as well as highlights from more contemporary times such as the parade, traditional Maypole Dancing, games, tethered hot air balloon rides, moon bounce village, over 100 craft and food vendors, music, colonial artisans’ village and historic re-enactment groups. This is a RAIN or SHINE event held on the first Saturday in May. Visit the official Facebook page for updates and check back for vendor and parade registration when they open up in the fall.
Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash (May)
This pirate-themed extravaganza takes over Bowers Beach on Memorial Day Weekend each year. Enjoy pirate reenactors, musical performances, food, drinks, and games – or sign up your little ones for the costume contest! This event kicks off summer in Bowers Beach and marks the seasonal opening of the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum.
