Weekend Things to Do in Delaware, May 5-7, 2023
It’s that time of year: The big-name acts are starting to arrive on Delaware stages, meaning we’re not too far away from a summer jam-packed with live music and unique acts. It’s also a great time for finding plenty of free things to do in Delaware this weekend, ranging from fun “art loops” to sidewalk shopping sprees to celebrations of one very special tall ship.
NORTHERN DELAWARE
May Market
Historic New Castle
May 5-6
Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tickets: None required
Spring is the perfect time to grab some plants, herbs and other botanical bargains while you wander this beautiful riverside town.
Art Loop
Various locations, Wilmington
May 5
5 p.m.
Tickets: None required
Take a self-guided tour of the city’s galleries, museums and “alternative art spaces” as you enjoy refreshments and entertainment.
Comedy: Vic DiBitetto
The Baby Grand, Wilmington
May 5
Shows at 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $53
Vic DiBitetto has a way of going viral with his many video characters: Uncle Vic, Tony Gaga, That Guy, Frankie Pentangelli, Scarface, Rocky, Fool by the Pool and Ticked Off Vic. His Yankee and Giant locker room and press conference satires are now legendary.
Concert: Jay & Molly
The Baby Grand, Wilmington
May 6
8 p.m.
Tickets: $41
You’ve probably already enjoyed the music of Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, who won international acclaim when one of their tunes became the musical hallmark of Ken Burns’ “The Civil War” on PBS, winning an Emmy nomination.
Concert: Day Ones Live
The Queen, Wilmington
May 6
8 p.m.
Tickets: $24-$74
This is a concert in honor of the fans who help make the big names so big – the “Day One” fans. And there’s plenty to shout about: Get ready for performances from Billy B, Stige the Gifted, Kuji Young, Rich Flee, Wavier and Sandman GME.
Tall Ship 25th Anniversary Celebration
Kalmar Nyckel, Wilmington
May 6
2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets: None required
The Kalmar Nyckel, the Tall Ship of Delaware, has a lot to celebrate: Its 25th anniversary, the kick-off of sailing season, and the unveiling of her new stern wood carvings. Wilmington Brew Works will provide the cold brews.
Winterthur Point to Point Horse Racing
Winterthur Museum, Wilmington
May 7
10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets: $30+
Join in the highbrow fun at this day of steeplechase racing action, a parade of antique carriages, lavish tailgate parties and family fun.
CENTRAL DELAWARE
Dover Days Festival
Downtown Dover
May 5-6
Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9-3 p.m.
Tickets: None required
On Friday, you can catch the fireworks at dusk, then on Saturday, head out to enjoy daylong festivities honoring Dover’s heritage and culture. There's a parade, traditional Maypole Dancing, games, tethered hot-air balloon rides, moon bounce village, over 100 craft and food vendors, music, colonial artisans village and historic re-enactment groups.
Lantern Tour: The Dover Green
Dover
May 5
7-8 p.m.
Tickets: None required
Hear long-forgotten stories as your guide leads you into the mists of the past by lantern light in this thrilling excursion through a town with many stories to tell.
SOUTHERN DELAWARE
Weekend of Compelling Ales & Spirits
Rehoboth Beach
May 5-7
Times vary
Tickets: $100
Dogfish Head Brewing’s annual celebration of good food and drink gets under way with a Kickoff Party on Friday at the main Rehoboth “campus.” Saturday’s events are sold out, but on Sunday, you can enjoy a brunch bash you won’t want to miss at the Dogfish restaurant Chesapeake & Maine.
Rehoboth Beach Regional Film Showcase
Cinema Art Theater, Rehoboth Beach
May 5-7
Tickets: $5 per screening
Here’s a chance to experience the talents of the region’s best filmmakers as the Rehoboth Beach Film Society showcases the brightest emerging artists.
Rehoboth-Dewey Beach Spring Sidewalk Sale
Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach
May 5-7
10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tickets: None required
Get your shop on and indulge in some of the bargains offered by the merchants of Rehoboth, Dewey and beyond! (Lewes holds its Spring Sidewalk Sale May 5-7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
British Motorcar Show
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Lewes
May 6
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets: $5
"The British are Coming … Again!" The Lewes British Motorcar Show revs up in time for spring with an amazing array of classic cars, along with a great lineup of events throughout the town.
Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale
James Farm Ecological Preserve, Ocean View
May 6
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tickets: None required
This is a day for "feet-wet, hands-dirty fun" as you learn about coastal ecosystems, enjoy food trucks, and browse the native plants for sale.
12th Annual Margarita Fest
Nalu restaurant, Dewey Beach
May 6
1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Tickets: None required
What else could you possibly ask for? There will be 10 different fresh-squeezed $6 margaritas to sample, along with music from the Hot Sauce Band!
Tour De Friends
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
May 7
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tickets: $35+
This family-friendly and thoroughly fun biking event will deliver stunning views as it winds through scenic Coastal Delaware.