Top 8 Must-Visit Fall Festivals in Delaware
Delaware is a state with a diverse landscape and population. Marked by harvest land and sea, Delaware is also home to one of the most important Atlantic seaboard rivers. Although it is the nation's sixth most densely populated state, its moderate year-round climate supports agricultural products such as poultry, corn, and soybeans. Thus, the state has much to be thankful for during harvest time. So read on to find out more about Delaware's top fall festivals!
Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest, Newark, DE
Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest kicks off with a parade and marches on through the weekend in this multi-day event. Enjoy more beer, wine, and assorted meats than you can shake a stick at, as well as copious amount of German dancing and folk music. Also, don't miss the carnival rides, which are included with the entrance fee.
Fifer Orchards Fall Festival, Camden, DE
If you want a county fair experience wrapped up in a farm and orchard bow, then come to Fifer Orchard. On the list of things to do here are farm tours, a six-acre themed corn maze, tractor & train rides, local food, and you-pick apples and pumpkins. Plus don't miss the petting zoo, the bouncy house, face painting, and the country store, which is stocked full of fall fruits and veggies, fresh apple cider, apple butter, pies, and more.
Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, Rehoboth Beach, DE
This festival has become a destination for film enthusiasts over the last few decades. Each year, it showcases a variety of incredible independent films, with awards such as the Best Short Award, Best Debut Feature Award, Best Feature Award, and Best Documentary Award.
Hagley Craft Fair, Wilmington, DE
Head to Wilmington for the annual Hagley Craft Fair in October, where artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area come together to display their works. Find everything from one-of-a-kind pottery to handmade jewelry. Don't leave without grabbing a bite from the outdoor specialty food market.
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Deemed the, “Greatest jazz festival in the world,” this Rehoboth Beach event is truly a can’t-miss. Exceptional artists in the world of jazz, both new and from decades past, perform their very best at this annual event.
Bridgeville Apple-Scrapple Festival, Bridgeville, DE
The annual Apple-Scrapple Festival celebrates the state's agricultural community by offering live entertainment, carnival rides, and rocking trade and craft shows. Plus, visitors can sample the Delaware's famous foodstuff, “scrapple.” The festivities begin with a street dance and culminate with carnival rides, games, scrapple carving, live entertainment, a car show, and incredible craft shows.
Blackbird Creek Fall Festival, Townsend, DE
Blackbird Creek Fall Festival promotes the stewardship of the Delaware ecosystem by celebrating the richness of the estuaries and the cultural traditions that grow out of them. Enjoy the natural beauty of Blackbird Creek through hayrides, hikes, canoe and kayak rides, artisans, demonstrations, food, and exhibitions. Also, don't miss the tractor pull or the bird watch.
Sea Witch Festival, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Come one, come all to the annual Sea Witch Festival! The fun includes a boardwalk "Tyke Bike" race, choo choo express train, and old-fashioned beach games. Thousands of costumed participants have live bands and decorated cars for the costume parade, giving the affair a Mardi Gras-meets-beach feel during this two-day event.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest in Newark features German dancing, folk music, and carnival rides.
- Fifer Orchards Fall Festival in Camden offers farm tours, corn maze, tractor rides, and more.
- Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival showcases independent films and awards.
- Hagley Craft Fair in Wilmington features artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area.
- Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is a must-visit event for jazz enthusiasts.
- Bridgeville Apple-Scrapple Festival celebrates Delaware's agricultural community with live entertainment and scrapple sampling.
- Blackbird Creek Fall Festival in Townsend promotes stewardship of the Delaware ecosystem.
- Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach features a costume parade and beach games.
