clifford brown jazz festival

Wilmington’s Pulse: The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival Returns to Downtown!

Downtown Wilmington Delaware is gearing up for its annual celebration of jazz excellence as Rodney Square transforms into the vibrant stage of the 38th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, scheduled June 18–21, 2025. This free, family-friendly event—proudly hosted in the heart of the city—offers an electrifying blend of live performances, community displays, late-night jam sessions, and irresistible food fare.

🔹 Why It Matters:
Named after Wilmington’s legendary son, trumpet virtuoso Clifford Benjamin Brown, the festival pays homage to his soaring artistry and enduring legacy. Over four dynamic days, Rodney Square becomes a crossroads of tradition and innovation, heard in every note—from hard bop to Afro‑Latin fusion.

🎤 Who’s Performing:
Lineup highlights include soulful grooves from Chante Moore and Eric Benét, Lili Añel, Carmen Lundy, Maya Belardo, funk‑jazz fusion with Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, “Celebration of Black Joy & Friends”, Ingrid Jensen and more — plus lively after‑hours jam sessions nightly in downtown venues including The Queen, the Wilmington Public Library, The Nomad & more!

🍽 Food, Community & Vibes:
Expect a full sensory experience—a variety of food trucks will be on site selling your favorites foods. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and explore nearby restaurants, bars, and the Riverfront.

🔗 Connect & Follow the Fest

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

City of Wilmington

🎯 Downtown Visions Invites You!
Follow these pages for real-time announcements, performer info, venue maps, weather updates, and community highlights. Whether you're a longtime jazz lover or brand new to the scene, this is Wilmington at its most infectious—and sophisticated. Bring your family, friends, and your dancing shoes. Let’s make some jazz magic!

5 Music Festivals in Wilmington, DE This Summer

music festivals in wilmington de

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 wilmington de

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 festival wilmington de

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 wilmington de

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 wilmington de

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 festival wilmington de

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.