There are going to be lots of opportunities for you to create good memories in and around the Small Wonder this year. But let’s first pump the brakes and focus on the second quarter for now.
Clint Black concert, Dover
You know Delawareans in Kent and Sussex counties need their fill of country jams. Clint Black will feed them a buffet of jam sandwiches when he tours here this spring.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame legend is known for tasty hits like “Killin’ Time,” “A Better Man,” “When I Said I Do” and “Like The Rain.”
In 2020, he dropped his 12th studio album, “Out of Sane.”
Bally’s Dover (1131 N Dupont Highway, Dover) at 9 p.m. Friday, April 21. Tickets are $60-$100. For more info, visit casinos.ballys.com or (800) 711-5882.
Festival of Fountains, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
The nation’s most visited paid public garden attracts so many Delawareans that you’d think it was in the state’s backyard.
Longwood Gardens has a habit of making a splash with its annual Festival of Fountains, which runs May through September.
This festival, one of Longwood’s most visited attractions, displays more than 1,700 gushing jets that spout water as high as nearly 200 feet.
Timed admission tickets are required.
These world-famous fountains at Longwood are enough to make Aquaman shed tears of joy.
Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania) from Thursday, May 11 through Sunday, Sept. 24. For tickets and more info, visit longwoodgardens.org or (610) 388-1000.
Dover Days
The Capital City loves to take guests back to the days of yore for a celebration of Delaware’s heritage.
Dover Days is one of the state’s biggest events and offers a parade, balloon ride, Maypole dancing, historic re-enactments, artisans, games and food vendors.
This event is rain or shine. Registration for the parade will be announced soon.
Near Leg Hall (411 Legislative Ave.) on Saturday, May 6. For more info, visit visitdelawarevillages.com.
Ladybug Festival, Wilmington
Firefly Music Festival isn’t happening this year. But that’s not stopping the festival’s insect-related little sister from soaring back to the Small Wonder.
Gable Music Ventures has been empowering women with its female-fronted Ladybug Festival in Wilmington since 2012. This block party draws thousands and has attracted artists from all around the country.
A few years ago, Ladybug expanded to add a second fest in Milford, which is usually held after the Wilmington event.
Stay tuned for the Wilmington lineup for this year’s Ladybug Fest, an event that’s been free since it started.
Downtown Wilmington on Friday, June 2. For more info, visit theladybugfestival.com.
Delaware Pride Festival, Dover
The 26th anniversary of the Delaware Pride Festival will bring more rainbow vibes than a unicorn convention. This longstanding festival is the biggest pride celebration in the state.
The reveal of the entertainment lineup is forthcoming.
Near Leg Hall (411 Legislative Ave., Dover) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 10. Admission is free. For more info, visit Delaware Pride on Facebook, delawarepride.org or (302) 265-3020.
June Jam, Houston
Self-branded as the longest-running music festival in the nation (since the pandemic couldn’t even stop it), Delaware’s own June Jam is back for its 45th annual affair.
Performers include lower case blues, Triple Rail Turn, JJ Rupp, High Noon, Alicia Maxwell Project, The Jim Cochran Band, Every Day People with Kagan Nuss, The Gray Fox Band, Rocking Country Band and more to come.
G&R Recreation Campground (4075 Gun and Rod Club Road, Houston) on Saturday, June 19. Early bird tickets start at $25. For more info, visit June Jam on Facebook or junejam.com.
Dover Comic Con
You’re the hero or villain in someone’s story. But at Dover Comic Con you can embrace this idea with thousands of other like-minded folks in costume.
This free, family-friendly con is the most popular in the state and attracts cosplayers who represent their favorite anime, video game and superhero characters.
Food, art vendors and a costume contest will be on tap at this nerdcore festival. More details about Dover Comic Con’s schedule will be announced.
Near Dover Public Library (35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover) on Saturday, June 17. Admission is free. For more info, visit Dover Comic Con on Facebook, delmarvaevents.net or (302) 741-8200
Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com.
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