Signature Events

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Signature Events

Any Time Of Year Is A Great Time To Visit Central Delaware!

No matter the season, you are sure to find a unique event to make your experience unforgettable. Here is a highlight of the annual events in Kent County, Delaware. Want to look for a specific date range? Head to our Events Calendar for a full list of upcoming events.

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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. 

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.

Learn More About Dover Days

 

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

Summer

 

Dover Comic Con (June)

Fans of pop culture will love this free, family-friendly celebration. Droves of vendors, artists, and artisans exhibit here. Plus, take in panel discussions, pop-culture cars and fan groups, or slip into your favorite character for the cosplay competition!

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Goodguys Mid-Atlantic Nationals (June)

America’s Favorite Car Show makes a pit stop at the Monster Mile for a weekend of cool cars and even cooler people. See the east coast’s finest hot rods, trucks, customs, muscle cars and classics!

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June Jam (June)

Head to G&R Campground in Houston overnight to get the full experience of this Kent County concert tradition, held annually since 1978! This event brings great bands, food, and people together for a live music weekend like no other.

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Smyrna at Night (June)

Kent County’s largest FREE outdoor concert event is a jam-packed day of live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, beverage tents, and a kids’ zone.

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Dover 4th of July (July)

Dover does the 4th right! Before the big fireworks finish, enjoy historical exhibits and tours, an American Legion parade, hours of musical performances, free children’s activities, and local food and craft vendors.

 

Delaware State Fair (July)

Don’t miss this quintessential Delaware summer experience at the state fairgrounds in Harrington, featuring carnival rides and games, The ROOST Beer Garden, livestock exhibits, and more. Every year, the Fair also features national headline acts like Gabriel Iglesias, Darius Rucker, Nelly, Trace Adkins, Toby Mac, and Reba McEntire!

 

NASCAR at Dover Motor Speedway (July) 

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”. 

 

Peach Festival (August)

Stop by the town of Wyoming to celebrate the flavor of summer with artisans, crafts, children’s games, and more. Enter your favorite peach dessert concoction in the festival’s contest! Can’t get enough peaches? Head down the road to Fifer Orchards to keep savoring the summer.

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Learn More About Our Summer Events

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Fall

 

Amish Country Bike Tour (September)

If you love exploring on two wheels, this is for you! All routes at this one-day event begin at Dover’s Legislative Mall, but based on your comfort level, you can choose from five different options that range between 15 and 100 miles. Up to five rest stops are included, including Harvest Ridge Winery and Painted Stave Distilling!

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Riverwalk Freedom Festival (September)

Head to Milford for a classic fall festival featuring food trucks, live music, a kids’ corner, a car show and a beer garden. Don’t miss the duck dash!

 

First State Heritage Park’s Colonial Market Fair (October)

This colonial-era market in Dover features trade demonstrators, wares and food produced for regional vendors, plus talented performers who bring history to life. Experience life in the 18th century!

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OktDoverFest (October)

This family-friendly craft beer and music festival brings Munich to Dover for one weekend each October.

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Delaware Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival (November)

The Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village in Dover hosts this delicious showcase of the state’s best craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Enjoy tastings, regional foodie favorites, and live music while you celebrate the art of brewing, distilling, and winemaking found throughout Delaware.

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Learn More About Our Fall Events

Holidays and Winter

 

Gift of Lights (November/December)

This stunning light display is open every evening from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, winding an almost two-mile pathway through the Woodlands of Dover Motor Speedway.

 

A Farmer’s Christmas (November/December)

This traditional Christmas celebration at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village in Dover features a “Holiday Hall” filled with Christmas trees and festively decorated vintage farm equipment. Take part in holiday crafts, watch artisans at work, listen to musical performances and even meet Santa himself!

 

Capital Holiday Celebration (December)

Visit Historic Downtown Dover for family-friendly activities, extended shopping hours, and holiday traditions such as the annual tree lighting and Dashing through Downtown Dover illuminated parade!

 

Holiday Stroll & Christmas Market (December)

Milford lights up on the first Saturday in December. Visit beautifully decorated shops, restaurants and galleries, enjoy free treats and wagon rides, listen to carols and have fun with kids’ activities! 

 

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Connect With Us

If you have questions or comments about visiting Kent County, contact us at 302-734-4888. We look forward to hearing from you!

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