By Amy Watson Bish
Spring is a time to thaw out and get out. So, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, culinary experiences or live performances, the next few months offer plenty of options. Following is a roundup of spring events worth trying.
March
Shine A Light: A to Z
Saturday, March 1 | The Queen, Wilmington
One of Delaware’s most anticipated nights is back featuring 70 of the tri-state area’s best musicians performing a setlist of songs with titles A to Z and numbers 1 to 10. Proceeds from the annual benefit concert (now in its 13th year) support music education programs for the state’s underserved youth.
— Visit LightUpTheQueen.org
10th Annual LEGO Shipbuilding Day
Saturday, March 1 | Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, Wilmington
LEGO Shipbuilding Day is a fun, free event for all ages — no registration required. Unleash your creativity by building your own imaginary ship — either bring one from home or create it on-site — and enter contests. Plus, learn to build STEM-based LEGO models of historic and naval vessels, including the Tall Ship of Delaware.
— Visit KalmarNyckel.org/LegoDay
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Loop
Saturday, March 8 | King Street, Downtown Wilmington & City Nightspots
Get your green on and celebrate all things Irish. The 48th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at noon and is followed by the Hooley hosted by the Irish Culture Club of Delaware. The party continues with a pub crawl around Wilmington for the 34th Annual St. Paddy’s Loop, presented by Out & About. Sláinte!
— Visit IrishCultureClubDe.com and OutAndAboutNow.com
Beyond Boundaries: Where Imagination Takes Flight
Tuesday, March 11 | Delaware State University, Dover
Delaware River & Bay Authority presents a lecture by Capt. Theresa Claiborne, the first black female pilot in history of the U.S. Air Force. Must register for free admittance.
— Visit DRBA.net
4th Annual Dancing with the Delaware Stars
Saturday, March 29 | The Grand Opera House, Wilmington
This annual fundraiser for the Wilmington Public Library pairs community and business leaders in competition for the coveted Disco Ball trophy and the title of DWTDS Champion. The evening, hosted by Nadj & Jea, also includes an open bar, buffet, and live entertainment by the Brass-A-Holics. The group’s unique blend of go-go funk and New Orleans brass will have guests dancing the night away.
— Visit WPLDancingWithTheStars.org
Delaware Author Fair
Sunday, March 30 | Rockwood Park & Museum, Wilmington
The Delaware Author Fair, presented by Huxley & Hiro Booksellers, debuted last fall to great success. It returns this spring with even more for bibliophiles to enjoy. There will be more than 50 authors to meet as well as a variety of literary merchandise. Not only is it free to attend, but guests can enjoy free entry into the Rockwood Museum during the event.
— Visit DelawareBookFair.com
20th Annual City Restaurant Week
March 31 – April 5 | Downtown Wilmington, Trolley Square, and Wilmington Riverfront
For 20 years, City Restaurant Week has celebrated Wilmington’s vibrant dining scene. For one delicious week, enjoy exclusive two-course lunch specials for $20, or three-course dinners for $35 or $55 (plus gratuity). Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in creative cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences.
— Visit OutAndAboutNow.com/City-Restaurant-Week
April
Party Animal Luau
Saturday, April 5 | Nightspots throughout Wilmington
Leis, Hawaiian shirts . . . get creative and join this colorful bar crawl with cover proceeds benefiting the Brandywine Zoo.
— Visit OutAndAboutNow.com
The Delaware Marathon Running Festival
Sunday, April 6 | Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington
The First State’s first and largest running festival features races for every age and skill — marathon, half Marathon, 10k & 5k. The course proceeds along the riverfront and through downtown, including portions of the scenic Jack Markell Trail. The Celebration Village (Tubman-Garrett Park) is open to the public to enjoy music, interactive games, food and drink, plus a great view to cheer on family, friends and neighbors as they cross the finish line.
— Visit DelawareMarathon.org
Wilmington Blue Rocks Season Opener
Tuesday, April 8 | Frawley Stadium, Wilmington Riverfront
Baseball is back! Cheer on the Wilmington Blue Rocks as they take on the Hub City Spartenburgers in an action-packed season opener. Join fan-favorites Rocky Bluewinkle and Mr. Celery for a night of family-friendly fun as the first pitch is thrown at Frawley Stadium.
— Visit Milb.com/Wilmington
The Art of the Cocktail: Miami Vice
Saturday, April 26 | Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington
The rhythm is gonna get you as the Museum transports you to the neon-soaked playground of 1980s Miami. Pop your collar and channel your inner Don Johnson and enjoy electrifying DJ beats, signature cocktails, and more. It’s a night of style and fun, all to support the Museum’s youth and educational programs.
— Visit DelArt.org
7th Annual Hagley 5K Along the Brandywine
Saturday, April 26 | Hagley Museum, Wilmington
Lace up for a scenic run (or walk) through history. Runners and walkers of all levels will enjoy a unique course that winds through the du Pont grounds and along the Brandywine River. The theme of this year’s event is “Chasing the Sun,” inspiring the young and young-at-heart to chase their goals. Participants are encouraged to dress in shades of red, yellow, and orange…or your favorite sun costume.
— Visit Hagley.org
Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch
Sunday, April 27 | DuPont Country Club, Wilmington
Meals on Wheels Delaware’s annual fundraiser, now in its 28th year, features delicious bites prepared by top chefs from across the country, brunch cocktails and fine wine, live entertainment and more. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission to ensure no homebound senior goes hungry.
— Visit MealsOnWheelsDE.org
MAY
47th Annual Winterthur Point-to-Point
Sunday, May 4 | Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington
Delaware’s springtime tradition has it all — steeplechase racing, antique carriage parade, festive tailgates, fancy hats, and fun for the entire family.
— Visit Winterthur.org
Train Day at Auburn Heights
Sunday, May 4 | Marshall Steam Museum, Yorklyn
All aboard! Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or just looking for a family-friendly day out, Train Day has something for everyone, from rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad and Museum tours to model train displays and hands-on activities.
— Visit AuburnHeights.org/Train-Day
Wilmington Flower Market
May 8 – May 10 | Rockford Park, Wilmington
This time-honored, three-day event has been a rite of spring for more than 100 years. Explore a wide selection of plants and flowers for your garden, shop for gifts from craft vendors, and delight in carnival rides, games, and live entertainment.
— Visit WilmingtonFlowerMarket.org
Wilmington Grand Prix
May 16 – May 18 | Downtown Wilmington
In its 17th year, the Grand Prix is an early stop on the USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar. The weekend kicks off Friday evening with the Monkey Hill Time Trial through Brandywine Park. On Saturday, the Major Taylor Community Ride is followed by pro-am races through the streets of Downtown Wilmington. Sunday sees the return of the Governor’s Ride and Delaware Gran Fondo and offers cyclists from near and far a scenic tour through the Brandywine Valley and some of Delaware’s most prized cultural attractions.
— Visit WilmGrandPrix.com
Bellefonte Arts Festival
Saturday, May 17 | Brandywine Blvd, Wilmington
Discover the tiny, bohemian town of Bellefonte, just off Philadelphia Pike, at this fun-filled annual outdoor festival highlighting more than 50 local artisans, live music, food trucks, kid activities and more. Rain date Sunday.
— Visit BellefonteArts.com
A Day in Old New Castle
Saturday, May 17 | Historic New Castle
Celebrate heritage and history at the 100th anniversary of A Day in Old New Castle, the country’s oldest open house and garden tour event. This festive day includes tours of museums and historic homes, family-friendly activities, demonstrations, costumed reenactors, and more.
— Visit HistoricNewCastle.com
SHADFEST
Sunday, May 18 | Brandywine Park, Wilmington
Celebrate the Brandywine River and the return of the American Shad. This free, family-friendly event raises awareness of environmental issues and features a 5K race through Brandywine Park, live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
— Visit BRRT.org
Ladybug Music Festival
Friday, May 30 | Market Street, Wilmington
Wilmington’s 100% female-fronted, multi-genre music festival returns to Market Street for its 15th year. The country’s largest celebration of women in music is open to all ages and is free to attend. Stay tuned for a lineup of artists.
— Visit TheLadybugFestival.com
Brew at the Zoo
Friday, May 30 | Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington
Visit the zoo after hours for this lively adults-only FUNdraiser featuring beer, wine and spirit tastings, bites from local restaurants, ice cream from Hy-Point, live music by Green Eggs and Jam.
— Visit BrandywineZoo.org
Above: Steeplechase racing returns to Winterthur May 4. Photo by Tisa Della-Volpe.