It’s no secret Firefly Music Festival will be sorely missed this year.
Although organizers said the event will come back in 2024, its cancellation begs the question: What do you have to look forward to in Delaware in the meantime?
Whether you want to run in underwear with strangers, get chased by a bull or watch chefs duke it out against each other for your benefit, there’s a lot of fun events you can dive into in 2023, even if you can’t vibe out at The Woodlands.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect.
Lewes Polar Plunge
The icy sensation of getting blasted by cold water in the shower doesn’t compare to the tingling sensation you’ll feel after you’ve plunged in the Atlantic during the winter.
But what makes it really fun is you’ll be joined by hordes of other thrill seekers of all ages, plenty of whom will be dressed in polar bear attire. All of this in the name of supporting the Special Olympics Delaware through the fundraiser event. The Lewes Polar Plunge, now in its 32nd year, attracts people from far beyond Delaware.
Participants who can’t make it in person can still donate and do a virtual plunge (which can be done anywhere, any time). Additionally, lots of cool events will be held the weekend of the plunge. But diving into the artic water is the main event.
Lewes Beach (206 Bay Ave, Lewes) at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Registration is $75 through midnight on Tuesday, Jan. 31; Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1, it increases to $100. Visit plungede.org or (302) 831-4653
‘Avenue Q,’ Middletown
Imagine watching a musical about adulthood told through puppets with a potty mouths.
Welcome to the rated-R production “Avenue Q.”
It’s a comedic Tony-winning musical that follows a college grad who moves into a rundown New York apartment in Avenue Q.
While his neighbors appear normal, the graduate eventually learns he’s in a strange place. To make matters worse, the man and his buddies find it challenging to land dates and keep jobs.
This show is for adults only.
The Everett (47 W. Main St., Middletown). The first of six shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. Final show is at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19. Tickets are $22. For more info, visit everetttheatre.com or (302) 378-7038.
Wilmington Cupid’s Fun Run
It’s socially acceptable to nonchalantly run in your underwear in the cold, as long you’re doing to it raise funds for NF Research and the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Wilmington Cupid’s Fun Run begins with a half-mile run/walk that ends in a party.
Participants are encouraged to run/walk in their skimmies to raise awareness for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on the body.
Since individuals with NF can’t hide their tumors, Cupid runners have chosen to take off their clothes in support.
DECO Wilmington (111 W. 10th St., Wilmington) at noon Saturday, Feb. 25. You can make a donation at my.cupids.org/event/2023-wilmington-cupids-fun-run.
Wilmington Flower Market
Last spring was special because it marked the return of the Wilmington Flower Market, after it was missing for two years due to COVID cancellations.
Despite its name, there’s much more to love than just flowers at this event. There’s rides for kids, food trucks and live music. Last May, the new James Malick Stage debuted, featuring a lineup curated by Gable Music Ventures.
Over the years, the Flower Market has attracted a few acts from Firefly Music Festival. Hopefully they’ll bring back some Firefly alum this year.
Proceeds from the Wilmington Flower Market benefit children’s charities in Delaware.
Rockford Park (W. 19th St. and Tower Road, Wilmington). Dates and lineup haven’t been announced yet. For more info, visit wilmingtonflowermarket.org.
Point-to-Point, Winterthur
Dust off your wide-brim hats (and maybe bring an umbrella) for more steeple-chasing excitement at the 45th annual Point-to-Point.
Tailgating at this Winterthur classic isn’t an option. It’s a way of life.
In addition to the races, vendors, community organizations, parades of hounds, vintage cars, and horses and carriages returned.
The yearly event raises money for the preservation and maintenance of the garden and estate at Winterthur. It features steeple chase racing, pony races, raffles and more, but many come out for the tailgating and the opportunity to show off their fashions.
In terms of rites of spring, it’s as Delaware as it gets.
Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 7. For more details, visit winterthur.org or (302) 888-4600.
Running of the Bull, Dewey Beach
It’s a silly tradition for participants to get chased up the highway and onto Dewey Beach by a costumed bull. But this isn’t your average bull since it’s powered by four human legs.
The Running of the Bull turns 26 this year and the event attracts thousands to The Starboard and Dewey Beach area with its festival atmosphere. The summer event offers a mix of the beach with a Mexican flavor. There will be sombreros, food on tap and lots of mischief.
Folks can donate $10 for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
The Starboard (2009 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach). Date and times are TBD. For more info, visit therunningofthebull.com.
Delaware State Fair, Harrington
When it comes to entertainment in the First State, the 800-pound gorilla is the Delaware State Fair.
This was true even before Firefly decided to take a break this year. That’s because the State Fair is held over 10 days compared to Firefly’s four days.
Nonetheless, the fair will be extra important this year since Firefly is gone. But organizers already have wasted no time in bringing big-named acts to the M&T Bank Grandstand this summer.
Confirmed acts so far include the rapper Nelly, along with country acts Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, plus Riley Green. The Demolition Derby also was announced.
Whether it’s the amusement rides, fried Oreos or the cuddly animals on display, there’s a little something for everyone at the State Fair.
Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) runs from Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, July 29. General admission tickets are up to $10 in person or $10.50 (online). Concerts on the Grandstand are extra. For more info, visit delawarestatefair.com or (302) 398-3269.
Burger Battle, Wilmington
It’s a real food fight whenever restaurants beef with each other in the tasty Burger Battle.
Last year’s event in August sold out, so you’ll want to get your tickets early for this 10th annual event.
The Burger Battle is the state’s premier food competition where chefs go head to head for bragging rights to the best burger in Delaware.
For one price, guests can go to each booth to sample a burger. But don’t surprised if you fall short of completing that circuit.
Proceeds from the event benefit Delaware charities.
Rockford Park (Lookout Drive, Wilmington). Date and times haven’t been announced yet. For more info, visit deburgerbattle.com.
Delaware Renaissance Faire, Townsend
The Delaware Renaissance Faire is turning 2 this fall.
This toddler was born into a world of fantasy and intrigue that generated a huge buzz when it invaded Fire Base Lloyd in Townsend for a weekend last November.
This colorful festival from the days of yore featured performers who did everything from swallowing fire to sword fighting. There also was a diverse of group vendors.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the event’s fall dates and times. For more info, visit delafaire.com.
For updates on entertainment events throughout the year, sign up for DO Delaware, Andre Lamar’s weekly entertainment newsletter.
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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.
