Whoever said nothing in this world is free told the truth. At the end of the day, you still have to “pay” attention.
But seriously, gas prices are still out of control, and riding a horse and buggy like the Amish is looking really tempting right now.
If you’re riding on fumes and your pockets are on empty, the good news is there are a lot of free, fun Delaware events you can dive into this summer before Labor Day.
We handpicked 15 of them to inspire a summer of fun:
Cascading Carlos, Selbyville, June 25
If you can simultaneously hold a job and maintain your sanity – you’re juggling. But there’s levels to this. Cascading Carlos can juggle bowling pins, flaming sticks while riding a unicycle, and he can balance tall objects on his nose. He also holds two Guinness World Records. He achieved the first by throwing a diablo (or Chinese yoyo) 78.5 feet high and catching it. The second came after he spun a devil stick (juggling stick) 113 times in one minute at the Bethany Beach Suites, according to his website.
Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, Selbyville) at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 25. Guests must bring their own chairs. To register for a ticket, visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.
‘Snow’ in summer, Wilmington, June 27
Newark singer Nic Snow mixes his warmhearted personality with his energetic stage presence. The music artist delivers R&B with electronic vibes and he’s got a habit of rocking the stage while outfitted in pink. Snow draws influence from big names like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Chance The Rapper and Childish Gambino, according to Nicsnowmusic.com.
Rockford Park (Lookout Drive, Wilmington) at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 27. Visit destateparks.com/concerts or (302) 222-7436.
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Brandywine Museum, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, July 3
In July the first Sunday is free at Brandywine River Museum of Art. But you still need to register for a ticket. You and your family will have access to the museum’s galleries. This includes two of its featured exhibitions: “Gatecrashers: The Rise of the Self-Taught Artist in America” and “Dawoud Bey: Night Coming Tenderly, Black,” as per its website.
Brandywine River Museum of Art (1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania) from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, July 3. Visit brandywine.org or (610) 388-2700.
The Funsters, Rehoboth, July 3
When a band is named The Funsters, you already know what their angle is. But this SolDel-based band actually lives up to its name. They’re a local favorite with a deep songbook that includes tunes from Al Green, Kool & The Gang, Etta James, Sinatra and Elvis to The Beatles and The Doors.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 11:30 p.m., Saturday, July 3. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or (302) 644-2288.
Fourth of July, Dover, July 4
There are multiple cities/towns where you can celebrate Independence Day in the First State. But it’s extra special when you can ring in the holiday in the Capital City.
The Dover Fourth of July Celebration will feature an old-fashioned, patriotic parade (6 p.m.) down State Street, starting at Hazel Street and ending on The Green. That’ll be followed by Spinjocs playing tunes at Legislative Mall (6:30 p.m.), opening remarks from Mayor Robin Christiansen (8 p.m.), capped off by fireworks over Legislative Mall (9:15 p.m.). The public is encouraged to show up at 8 p.m., since the fireworks might get launched earlier or later, depending on weather conditions, per dover4thofjuly.com.
The celebration runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m., Monday, July 4. It starts with the parade at 6 p.m. on State Street in Dover. Other activities are at Legislative Mall (411 Legislative Ave., Dover). Visit dover4thofjuly.com
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Elvis tribute, Rehoboth, July 9
Jesse Garron is part of a deep community of Elvis Presley tribute artists. But one thing that makes him different is his stage name. This performer uses Jesse Garron as his alias, which is in honor of Elvis’ twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, who died at birth, according to Jessegaron.com.
Garron has been paying homage to the rock ‘n’ roll legend since 1997.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 9:15 p.m., Saturday, July 9. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or (302) 644-2288.
Hot Breakfast!, Wilmington – July 18
The word on the street is the most important meal of the day is a Hot Breakfast! That’s why there’s a duo from Wilmington that strives to feed their listeners a balanced meal of over-the-top, comedic songs.
Hotbreakfast! is branded as a band that makes “dork rock.”
Rockford Park (Lookout Drive, Wilmington) at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 18. Visit destateparks.com/Concerts/Wilmington or (302) 577-7020
Del Art Museum, Wilmington, Sundays and Thursdays
If you’re looking for some cool new art to make your face happy, the Delaware Art Museum has you covered. The museum offers free admission on Sundays and in the evening on Thursdays all summer long.
Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays; from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursdays through December. Visit delart.org or (302) 571-9590.
Ladybug Fest, Milford, July 30
If you missed the Ladybug Music Festival in Wilmington in May, you’ll have another chance to get a taste of this unique fest when it returns for round two in Milford. The festival colors outside the lines with a full lineup of 100% female-fronted music acts. The festival draws artists from Delaware, the surrounding states and beyond. This year’s Milford lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but it should be soon.
Downtown Milford on July 30. Visit theladybugfestival.com.
Ferdinand’ on big screen, Bethany, Aug. 1
A famous WWE wrestler stars as a bull in this Disney film. And no, it’s not Dwayne Johnson.
John Cena does the voice for Ferdinand, a misunderstood bull with a big heart. Ferdinand is on a journey to reunite with his family after being separated from them in this namesake family film titled “Ferdinand.”
Bethany Beach Bandstand (Boardwalk, Bethany Beach) at 9 p.m., Monday, Aug. 1. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or (302) 539-8011 Ext. 123.
Spokey Speaky, Wilmington, Aug. 7
Reggae band Spokey Speaky are veterans at serving up peaceful vibes. The Wilmington outfit has shared the stage with reggae royalty including The Wailers and Toots & The Maytals. The group also has been a favorite at Delaware’s People’s Festival: A Tribute To Bob Marley, a fest created by two of Bob Marley’s friends.
Bellevue State Park (800 Carr Road, Wilmington) at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7. Visit destateparks.com/Concerts/Bellevue or (302) 761-6965.
’Free Guy,’ Bethany, Aug. 29
A perfect movie to watch for free on the beach is “Free Guy,” because it sounds serendipitous. “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds is the main character in this PG-13 film, about a guy who discovers he’s in a video game.
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Bethany Beach Bandstand (Boardwalk, Bethany Beach) at 9 p.m., Monday, Aug. 29. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or (302) 539-8011 Ext. 123.
Lower Case Blues, Aug. 26
Beach warriors Lower Case Blues will splash their love for rhythm and blues all over you with their heavy tunes. Originally a Newark-area band, the trio has long been adopted by SoDel, where they’ve lived for a long time.
The band made history when they played the inaugural Firefly in 2012.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 9:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or (302) 644-2288.
Drum circle, Newark, Aug. 26
You can groove to the beat of your own drum with some new friends.
This can be achieved on the fourth Friday of each month this summer during Newark Arts Alliance’s drum circle. You can bring or borrow your own drum.
Masks are required and vaccinations are encouraged. Attendance is limited to 10 people, so you’ll want to register in advance. But if more than people show up, you won’t be turned away, according to the Newark Arts Alliance website.
To get added to the drum circle list, email Becky at re_sullivan@yahoo.com.
Newark Arts Alliance (276 E. Main St., Suite 102, Market East Plaza, Newark) from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26. Program is held the fourth Friday of each month through October. Visit newarkartsalliance.org or (302) 266-7266.
First State Ballet, Selbyville, Sept. 1
Delaware’s only professional ballet company will grace the stage in a free performance downstate. The Freeman Arts Pavilion offers a chunk of free events for the community each year, in an effort to expose more people to the arts. This event is one of them.
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Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, Selbyville) at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 1. Guests must bring their own chairs. To register for a ticket, visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.
Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com.
