5 Music Festivals in Wilmington, DE This Summer

From jazz and reggae to pop and blues, there is a music festival for everyone this summer in Wilmington, DE! We’ve rounded up all the details so that you won’t miss a beat this summer!

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival - June 19 - 22 | Rodney Square

Each year, Wilmington, Delaware remembers a brilliant trumpet player, unforgettable composer, and dynamic entertainer whose name and legacy are celebrated at the annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. A legend - our legend - whose work offers a moment to laugh, dance, sing, eat, love and experience the ultimate joy music brings. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, a block party, and more all for FREE!

Ladybug Music Festival - July 18 - 19 | Market Street

Celebrating women in music, the Ladybug Festival welcomes over 100 female artists to Market Street. Featuring the 8th annual block party between 2nd and 4th streets on Thursday as well as the first ever "Bug Crawl" with over 60 artists performing at 15 venues along Market Street on Friday. You won’t want to miss this Market Street festival that is completely FREE and open to the public!

People’s Festival - July 20 | The Queen

The 25th Annual People's Festival kicks off with a street festival at 12pm! Enjoy live music all day indoors and out! It is the mission of People's Festival to bring a world-class Reggae celebration to the community of Wilmington as it was Marley's adopted hometown outside of Jamaica. Click here to purchase tickets.

Riverfront Blues Festival - August 3-4 | Tubman-Garrett Park

The Riverfront Blues Festival features outstanding live music from across the United States. Blues heads the list but other great musical art forms include Jazz, Americana, Folk, Rockabilly, Rock n Roll, Bluegrass, Funk, and Soul and so much more. This festival is truly a music lover's paradise. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Pawpaw Folk Festival - August 19 | Blue Ball Barn

The Pawpaw Folk Festival is a family-friendly day that celebrates the natural and cultural resources of Alapocas Run State Park. The star of the festival is a Delaware native tree, the Pawpaw. Visitors can learn more about this little known plant through hikes, informative displays and tastings. The festival will also have folk craft demonstrations, storytelling and musical performances. The festival is free with paid park admission.

New Pop-Up Market Coming to Nemours Plaza

Fans of our Wednesday Downtown Farmer’s Market rejoice! We’ve partnered with The Buccini/Pollin Group to offer an additional pop-up style mini-market in Nemours Plaza this summer! Nemours Plaza is the outdoor space between the Brandywine Building and the Nemours Building, located at the intersection of Tatnall St. and Delaware Ave.

The summer pop-up market begins this Thursday, June 13th, from 11 AM – 1 PM with a “Dog Day” Meet and Greet featuring the Delaware Humane Association. Stop by and say hello to a few four legged friends and discover more about the DHA’s adoptable animals and programs.

Refreshments will be available for purchase from Market Street's favorite ice cream sweet spot, UDairy Creamery Market, as well healthy lunch options from Viva Bowls food truck.

There will also be live music in the Plaza too!

Other upcoming events this summer in Nemours Plaza include:

• Lunchtime Yoga Express Classes from 12-12:30 PM

  • Tuesdays - June 18, 25, & July 2, 9

• Fresh Produce Stand Featuring Twin Lakes Produce

  • Wednesdays from 4-6 PM - Starting June 19

  • Thursdays from 11 AM - 2 PM - Starting June 20

• Live Music from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

  • Thursdays - Starting June 13

• Dog Day Meet & Greet with DHA from 11 AM - 1 PM

  • Thursday, June 27

• Outdoor Movies & Happy Hour with Theatre N

  • Happy hour promotions begin a 4 PM & movies will start at sunset.

  • Thursday, June 27

  • Fridays through August 23 - Starting July 5

• Fitness Demonstrations from BlkOps Fitness

  • Details to Follow

• Cornhole Tournament & Outdoor Spin Fundraiser with CoreTen Fitness

  • Details to Follow

Check out our Facebook event for the most up to date event information!

Shop Locally Made Specials for One Week Only!

For one week only, you can save at your favorite Downtown businesses with exclusive Made on Market offers and promotions! Shop & dine on Market Street the week of June 22nd through 30th to take advantage of these locally made specials!

Some of these awesome deals include:

• WilminGO - BOGO Deal: Buy one ride & get your return trip for FREE. Call 302.513.5135 to book your ride.

• UDairy Creamery - Special Flavor: Port of Wilmington - Fresh banana ice cream loaded with fruits right off the boat.

• Spaceboy Clothing - Buy any graphic t-shirt, get a DE themed t-shirt half price.

• The Residences at Mid-town Park Apartments - $1000 off rent for the 1st person applies, $900 off for the 2nd person, $800 off for the 3rd, … etc.

• Loma Coffee - $5 Cranberry Chicken Salad & $2 German Chocolate Latte

• Delaware History Museum - Buy One Get One Free Admission Tickets

• Collars ’n Cuffs - 20% off discount

• Chelsea Tavern - $7 Delaware Destroyer Burger, Winner of the 2018 Delaware Burger Battle

For the full list of all participating venues & promotions, visit NewMarketWilm.com

Stay in the Know in Your City and Join us for an Evening of Conversation!

Downtown Vision’s Executive Director Marty Hageman and City of Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki invite you to an evening of fun and conversation with IN Wilmington Campaign Manager Brianna Hansen and other special guests as we kick off another summer of fun in Downtown Wilmington! Learn more about all of the events happening in your neighborhood this season. There’s so much to look forward to!

All are welcome to join us for our quarterly Meet & Greet on Wednesday, May 22nd, from 5-7 PM at Willingtown Square (weather permitting) at 505 N Market St. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Click Here to register. Registration is requested but not required.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Downtown Visions, NKS Distributors, and Shoprite, and our host Delaware Historical Society.

7 Things To Do at The Downtown Farmer's Market This Summer

The Downtown Farmer’s Market kicks off its 2019 season this week on Wednesday, May 1st! Every Wednesday now through October 30th a variety of vendors will set up shop on Market Street between 10th and 11th Streets from 10 AM to 2 PM to take part in this time-honored Downtown tradition! You won’t want to miss it!

To help you make the most of the Downtown' Farmer’s Market this season, we’ve put together a list of seven of our favorite things to do at the Market!

1. Grab a bite to eat during your lunch break from your favorite local food truck, including Deerhead Hotdogs, Delaware Provision, I Don’t Give A Fork, Julian’s Flavored Mac & Cheese, KaPow Truck, Koi On The Go, Mama Mia, Mojo Loco, Nude Food, Outlandish Food Truck, The Plum Pit, Sunset BBQ, Viva Bowls, WiLDWiCH, Yummy Tummy, Zoagies, and more!

2. Support local farmers and pick up fresh produce for your family from Bright Spot Farms, Bushel & Berry Farm, Locust Point Farms, and Sorbello Girls Farm Market.

3. Treat yourself (and maybe your coworker) to a refreshing water ice from Dino’s Ice Cream Truck or a delicious baked good from Tat’s Yummies.

4. Purchase one-of-a-kind handmade items from local artisans like Doc’s Dunham’s Lotions, Made to Meander Jewelry & Accessories, May I Hemp U, Nokukai Tribe Art, Paparazzi Jewelry, Pieces of Distinction, Princess House, and Unique Thangs.

5. Surprise a someone special in your life with a beautiful bouquet of fresh-cut flowers from Bright Spots Farm or Locust Point Farms.

6. Enjoy live music from rotating local musicians.

7. Simply take in the fresh air on sunny summer days and relax at any of the shaded cafe tables.

So bring your lunch money and join us at the Downtown Farmer’s Market this summer!