Booze, an electric circus and musical birthday candles are highlights of frosty festivals in and near Delaware in early 2023.
It’s true the Delaware area loves its festivals in the spring, summer and fall months. But let’s not give give the cold shoulder to all the festivals holding it down at the top of the year this winter.
The year is still young and there are some early festivals that should be on your radar, before things really start to heat up later this year (although this 49-degree weather lately has been a pleasant surprise).
Here’s a first look at some of the festival fun you can have in the first quarter of 2023:
Wilmo Rock Circus, Wilmington
Gable Music Ventures will once again pitch a rockin’ tent at The Queen in a night full of blissful tunes.
And don’t be surprised if you see jugglers, poi spinners or other circus performers showing off their skills.
At the same time, the main attraction will be the musical acts. This year’s event features 10-plus bands and the lineup will be announced soon, according to the festival’s Facebook page.
Wilmo Rock Circus was born in 2011 and originally held on the Riverfront, before invading The Queen for a few years.
Last year the circus was held at Theatre N. Now the electric circus is back in its old stomping grounds to grace her highness.
The Queen (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) on Saturday, Feb. 18. For more info, visit gablemusicventures.com or Wilmo Rock Circus on Facebook.
Kennett Winterfest, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
How’s that “New Year, new me” fitness journey coming along so far?
If you need a little motivation, you can start burning off some calories in preparation for an early prize: the Kennett Winterfest beer festival.
While this event isn’t in Delaware, it does attract folks from here. The fest features more than 60-plus breweries serving over 130 beers with unlimited tastings for general admission. Nearly a dozen of those breweries are from Delaware. They include First State Brewing, Big Oyster Brewing, Dew Point Brewing, 1937 Brewing Company and more.
For designated drivers, the festival is serving up mocktails and discounted tickets.
Kennett Winterfest (600 S. Broad St., Kennett Square, Pennsylvania) from 12:30 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25. General admission $60 (plus fee); Designated driver $15. For more info, visit kennettwinterfest.com.
Hallelujah Handel Festival, Wilmington
The Serafin Ensemble is going to taste more candles than cake when they pay homage to 17th-century-born legend and composer Georg Frideric Handel in a mini festival next month.
Hallelujah Handel Festival offers three nights of concerts that highlight Baroque and early Classical ensemble, vocal and choral works.
The festival, which launches on Handel’s birthday, includes new Serafin member and oboist John Dee, one of eight featured artists on the program.
Additionally, there’s violinist Luigi Mazzocchi of Pyxis Piano Trio and guest soprano Jill Broadway. University of Delaware flute professor Eileen Grycky, violist Amadi Azikiwe, cellist Jacques-Pierre Malan and countertenor Augustine Mercante harpsichordist Gabriel Benton are all performing.
There also are the choristers of Grace United Methodist Church and Trinity Episcopal Parish, led by Gabriel Benton (also on harpsichord) and David Simmons.
Violinist Kate Ransom is Serafins’ artistic director.
This Handel Festival might give you nostalgic “Looney Tunes” vibes, minus the slapstick comedy.
Grace United Methodist Church (900 Washington St., Wilmington) every day at7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23; Friday, Feb. 24; Saturday, Feb. 25. Tickets are up to $20 per show; $50 for the entire festival. For more info, visit serafinensemble.org or (610) 368-1078.
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Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com.
