Above: An artist at work at the Brandywine Festival of the Arts. Photo provided.
By Amy Watson Bish
Fall is a festive time of the year in these parts. But don’t take our word for it. Following are a host of festivals and annual traditions well worth trying.
Brandywine Festival of the Arts
September 7 & 8
Brandywine Park, Wilmington
Enjoyed by thousands of attendees every year, the state’s largest arts festival features 250 artisans from across the country exhibiting and selling unique work. The festival also offers live music, children’s activities and local food vendors. The hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10am-4pm. Entry is $5 each day, with children 12 and under free with adult admission. More at BrandywineArts.com.
39th Annual Kennett Mushroom Festival
September 7 & 8
State Street, Kennett Square
Have fun celebrating fungi at this annual festival, which honors the growers and the community of the Mushroom Capital of the World. This year’s festival welcomes celebrity chef Carla Hall, who will host cooking demonstrations and help judge the Amateur Cook-Off Competition. The hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry is $5 each day.
More at MushroomFestival.org.
11th Annual Historic Odessa Brew Fest
September 7 | noon-5:30 p.m.
Main Street, Odessa
Each year on the first Saturday after Labor Day, attendees enjoy some of the best regional and national craft beers, along with locally produced wine and spirits, plus food and live music. General admission tickets for this adults-only event are $60.
More at OdessaBrewfest.com
2024 Battle at Chadds Ford
September 14 & 15
Chadds Ford Historical Society, Chadds Ford
Step back in time with the Chadds Ford Historical Society as it commemorates the Battle of the Brandywine, which took place on September 11, 1777, with reenactments, demonstrations and more. This family-friendly event also includes artisans, youth activities, live music, food, and local beer and wine. The hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry is $10 for adults 18 & older, $5 for children ages 7-17, and free for CFHS Members and children 6 & under.
More at ChaddsFordHistory.org.
Hagley Car Show
September 15 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hagley Museum & Library, Greenville
Called “The Best Car Show in Delaware,” this event includes more than 500 cars from throughout the 20th century. This year’s theme is “British Invasion” and includes a vehicle parade, motoring music, and food trucks. Due to the physical capacity of the historic property, tickets are only available in advance and are $30 per carload ($25 per carload for Hagley Members). More at Hagley.org
Community Day
September 15 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
University of Delaware Green, Newark
This family fun event — co-presented by the City of Newark’s Parks and Recreation Department, the University of Delaware, and the Christina School District — includes a live music, fine art and crafts, a food court, and a Children’s Area featuring scarecrow-making and more. Admission is free.
More at NewarkDe.gov.
Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest
September 20-22
Delaware Saengerbund, Newark
Break out your lederhosen, raise your beer stein, and indulge in the Oktoberfest spirit! This festive three-day celebration includes Bavarian dancers in traditional costumes, German music, German food specialties, and of course, beer. Festival hours are Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday noon-11pm, and Sunday noon-6 p.m. $10 admission includes unlimited amusement rides.
More at DelawareSaengerbund.org.
Auburn Heights Invitational Classic Car Show & Garden Party
September 21 | 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Marshall Steam Museum, Yorklyn
This annual event showcases historic cars from the early 1900s through 1969, and includes food, wine and craft beer, Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream, rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad and tours of the Auburn Heights Mansion, and more.
More at AuburnHeights.org.
Art on the Green
September 28 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Battery Park, Historic New Castle
Sponsored by the New Castle Hundred Lions Club, this annual art and craft show has become one of New Castle’s signature events featuring over 200 artists, crafters, and food vendors.
More at ArtOnTheGreenDe.net.
Vet Fest
September 28 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Town of Whitehall, Middletown
This uplifting and educational day is an opportunity for the military and civilian communities to stand together against military and veteran suicide. The day includes a parade, 5K walk/run, resources for veterans, and live music by The Rock Orchestra, who will perform a tribute to Billy Joel.
More at WhitehallDe.com.
