By Amy Watson Bish
Spring is just around the corner. It’s time to emerge from hibernation and get out and about to enjoy all this time of year has to offer. From music festivals and art fairs, to steeplechases and bike races, to celebrations of nature and toasts to creative cuisine, there is plenty of fun to be had throughout Greater Wilmington. Read on to see for yourself.
March
Shine A Light on 1984!
Saturday, March 2 | The Queen, Wilmington
Like, omigod! One of the hottest events of the year returns, featuring 70+ of the area’s best musicians performing bodacious hits from 1984. Proceeds from the annual benefit concert (now in its 12th year) go to the Light Up The Queen Foundation, funding education programs for Delaware’s underserved youth. From Bruce Springsteen to Prince and everything in between, this is a totally awesome night you do not want to miss.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Loop
Saturday, March 9 | King Street, Downtown Wilmington & City Nightspots
Celebrate all things Irish, from traditional bagpipers and Irish dancers to marching bands and mascots, at the 47th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, followed immediately by the Hooley Celebration hosted by the Irish Culture Club of Delaware. The party continues with a pub crawl around Wilmington with the 33rd Annual St. Paddy’s Loop, presented by Out & About. Sláinte!
— IrishCultureClubDe.com & OutAndAboutNow.com/events
ART pARTy: Craft
Saturday, March 23 | The Delaware Contemporary, Wilmington Riverfront
Craft an ordinary Saturday into an EXTRAORDINARY evening with the museum’s signature annual fundraising event inspired by their spring exhibition, RECRAFT. The party features craft activities, live music by Best Kept Soul, heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and more.
3rd Annual Dancing with the Delaware Stars
Friday, March 29 | The Waterfall, Claymont
This annual fundraiser for the Wilmington Public Library features 11 couples — all local community trailblazers — competing for the coveted Disco Ball trophy and bragging rights as the DWTDS Champion. Trained by professional choreographers from the Christina Cultural Arts Center, each couple will perform a unique dance routine. The evening is hosted by multi-talented performer, Just Leon.
April
Nemours Estate Opens for Season
Tuesday, April 2 | Nemours Estate, Wilmington
Wilmington’s historic gem reopens for the season, inviting visitors to explore the elegance of the 77-room mansion, a chauffer’s garage with vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of French-inspired formal gardens, grounds and woodlands. Season runs April through December.
Blue Rocks Opening Weekend
Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7 | Frawley Stadium, Wilmington Riverfront
It’s time to root, root, root for the home team. The Wilmington Blue Rocks take on the Brooklyn Cyclones in the first games of their 66-game home slate. Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks and cheer on the team with Rocky Bluewinkle and Mr. Celery.
Daffodil Day
Saturday, April 13 | Winterthur Museum & Gardens, Wilmington
Celebrate the beauty of the daffodil and enjoy Winterthur’s amazing display. With his collector’s eye, Henry Francis du Pont arranged hundreds of heirloom daffodil bulbs in cloudlike drifts throughout the garden. Have “out of this world fun” and explore the connection between H. F.’s heirloom collection and NASA. The day will feature tours, space-themed activities, and crafts for all ages, plus daffodil plant giveaways.
City Restaurant Week
April 15 – April 20 | Downtown Wilmington, Trolley Square, and Wilmington Riverfront
From Asian to French to Italian, sample the creative cuisine of Wilmington’s finest restaurants during this week-long dining celebration. Enjoy two-course lunch specials for $15, or three-course dinners for $35 or $50 (plus gratuity).
Wildflower Weekend
April 19 – April 21 | Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin
Walk the trails at Mt. Cuba and experience a magnificent display of native spring blooms at the peak of their glory, plus enjoy live music, gardening activities, outdoor family programming, and more. A variety of food selections and native plants will be available for purchase, while supplies last.
The Art of the Cocktail: Studio 54
Saturday, April 20 | Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington
Brush off your sequins and channel the style icons of the ‘70s and hustle down to Delaware Art Museum as it transforms into New York City’s most celebrated symbol of extravagant nightlife. Dance the night away to DJ beats, sip delectable cocktails and savor tasty appetizers, and much more.
Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch
Sunday, April 21 | DuPont Country Club, Wilmington
In its 27th year, this annual foodie fundraiser features indulgent bites prepared by nationally renowned chefs, brunch cocktails, live entertainment and more. All proceeds support Meals on Wheels Delaware’s goal to ensure no homebound senior goes hungry.
The Delaware Marathon Running Festival
Sunday, April 21 | Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington
The First State’s first and largest running festival celebrates 20 years and features races for every age and skill — marathon, half Marathon, 10k & 5k. The course proceeds along the riverfront and through downtown, including portions of on 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.
May
46th Annual Winterthur Point-to-Point
Sunday, May 5 | Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington
Delaware’s springtime tradition continues. This much-beloved event has it all — steeplechase racing, antique carriage parade, festive tailgates, fancy hats, and fun for the entire family.
Wilmington Flower Market
May 9 – May 11 | 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 to start your garden, shop for gifts from craft vendors, and delight in carnival rides, games, and live music. Rockford Tower also opens for the season; climb the steps and take in the view of the festival grounds and the Wilmington skyline.
Wilmington Grand Prix
May 17 – May 19 | Downtown Wilmington
In its 16th 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.
Bellefonte Arts Festival
Saturday, May 18 | 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.
ShadFest
Friday, May 19 | 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 including fishing lessons, face painting and much more.
The Ladybug Music Festival
Friday, May 31 | Market Street, Wilmington
Wilmington’s 100% female-fronted, multi-genre music festival is back on Market Street for its 13th 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.
Brew at the Zoo
Friday, May 31 | 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 … and oh, animals, too.