Bug and Bud Festival
In central Delaware, just a few miles from the coast, Milford is a city known for its vibrant arts community, historic downtown and trees. Those elements all come together for the Bug and Bud Festival, a one-day celebration of springtime.
Milford has been designated Tree City USA, and spring brings scads of ladybugs to town. The festival highlights these elements of local pride with a costume parade, a diverse local entertainment lineup, and exhibitions by more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, many from around the Milford area. There is also a children’s art show and other kid-centered activities.
Visitors to the one-day festival can ride ladybug-themed paddleboats on the Mispillion River, sign up for tree giveaways, take part in a chalk art contest and more. The festival is free and will take place this year on Saturday, April 23.
Dover Days Festival
The capital of Delaware, Dover enjoys a remarkable history. It was founded in 1683, making it one of the oldest Colonial cities on the East Coast. For three days each May, the Dover Days Festival celebrates the area’s heritage with a variety of activities both historic and modern.
Groups that attend the Dover Days Festival can see sights such as maypole dancing on Dover Green, a Civil War-era baseball game and re-creations of wartime encampments. There are also more than 350 vendors, craft merchants and food purveyors on-site, as well as a lineup of concerts, lectures and theatrical productions.
Dover Days attracts more than 50,000 people, many of whom attend wearing Colonial or Victorian costumes. It has been named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association. The 2016 festival takes place May 6-8.
OperaDelaware Festival
Just south of Philadelphia, Wilmington is Delaware’s largest city and the hub of much of its arts and culture. It is also the home of OperaDelaware, a professional opera company that mounts a full-fledged festival for a week each May.
This year’s OperaDelaware Festival takes place May 14-22 and will feature new performances of two beloved stories. It will serve as the site of the East Coast premiere of Franco Faccio’s “Hamlet,” the first full operatic production of this Shakespearean classic in the eastern United States. The opera features actors from the Delaware Shakespeare Festival and soloists from OperaDelaware, who will set the bard’s famous poetry to song.
The festival will also feature the OperaDelaware premiere of Verdi’s classic opera “Falstaff.” Both shows will be performed at the Grand Opera House. Seating is limited, so interested groups should book tickets soon.
