sunrise on beach

Plan your weekend in Delaware

Make this weekend memorable by finding the perfect event for you. View top happenings below!

Please remember to plan ahead and maintain social distancing. Please wear a face covering and bring hand sanitizer. Make sure to review guidelines before arriving at your destination. Some locations may be operating under different capacity or require reservations. Please remember to stay home if you are sick.

  • Stroll through a garden – Visit Mt. Cuba Center, recently named “Best Botanical Garden” in North America by USA Today. Follow one of the many trails through the sprawling native gardens, perfect to exploration on a summer day.
  • Catch a show at the Freeman Stage – Sit with your friends and family in a pod – perfectly socially distant from other viewers when you see “Broadway Stars Under the Stars” with the grownups or “Peter Pan” for the kids.
  • Head to the Drive-In – Reserve your tickets for an old-fashioned drive-in experience at Lefty’s Alley and Eats in Lewes. This weekend’s movies include “The Endless Summer,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and a production of “Mamma Mia” by Rehoboth Beach’s Clear Space Theatre.
  • Take a ride at the Delaware State Fair – This year, the focus will be primarily on livestock and animal showing but you can still munch on festival foods and take a spin on your favorite carnival ride.

View more events happening across the state this weekend here!

Still looking for trip inspiration? Try out some of these things to do that are great options for any summer weekend.

Rise and shine
Start your day off right, sipping on a cup of freshly brewed piping hot (or better yet – iced!) local coffee. From a fine serving of French-press java at Drip Café to the charming creations of House of Coffi down to the delightful Dolce Bakery and Coffee Shop, there’s a perfect cup for any coffee connoisseur. Check out the full list of Delaware coffee shops worth a detour here. Craving something more? Try one of these delicious breakfast spots ready to satisfy all your breakfast dreams.

Step back in time
Explore Delaware’s top historical sites this summer. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Historic New Castle and visit some of its 40 stops on the town’s downloadable audio walk or hop on the ferry to a Civil War fortress - Fort Delaware State Park. Explore the capital with a guided walking tour by First State Heritage Park or enjoy a beachside museum like the Zwaanendael Museum or Indian River Lifesaving Station. All tours and indoor locations require reservations, so please call ahead!

Grab a bite
Embrace the summer sunshine by dining al fresco for lunch or dinner. Whether you go with waterfront or patio seating, there’s something special about enjoying a meal outside. With expanded outdoor seating across the state, dining in the fresh air is easy. If you’re in the northern part of the state, try out one of the restaurants participating in Curbside Wilmington.

Savor the fresh air
Hike, bike or sight-see your way through Delaware’s top outdoor locations. Stick with the familiar by revisiting old favorites or discover something new when venture off the beaten path or take the road less traveled. Consider taking the long way and cruising with the windows down on one of these scenic byways or taking a detour to a wildlife refuge. Be sure to pack the camera and a pair of binoculars!

Chill on the water
From swimming to paddling to floating, there are seemingly endless ways to enjoy a day on the water. Try one of Delaware State Parks’ scenic and convenient options like pedal boats at Lums Pond, canoes at Killens Pond or kayaks at Trap Pond. Enjoy a trip downriver with a leisurely float down the Brandywine with Wilderness Canoe Trips or a mellow paddle down the Mispillion with Delaware River Adventures. At the beaches, options for standup paddleboarding, surfing, skimboarding and more are abundant.

Wind down with a cold one
Delaware’s craft beverage locations serve refreshing wines, cold cocktails and blustery brews, perfect for any summer day. Try some of these fresh summer flavors while you relax on a patio, at a picnic table or in a “backyard” at one of these top craft beverage locations. Make deciding on a location easy when you download the Delaware on Tap app where you can see nearby locations, drink specials and more. Check in using the app to get one step closer to a free prize!

Relax with a radiant sunset
Cap off a long summer day admiring the glowing sun setting over the horizon. Consider viewing from a bayside spot like the deck of the Rusty Rudder or the shores of Fenwick Island State Park. Or get a peaceful view from the water when you take a sunset cruise aboard the Cape Water Taxi. Call ahead or reserve your tickets online.