The 7 Best Music Festivals in Delaware

Delaware is a great place to go to music festivals. There are so many different types of festivals, from country music festivals to rock music festivals, that there is sure to be one that appeals to everyone. Here are the best music festivals in Delaware.

1. The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival

Rehoboth Beach, Sussex County

When: October (four days)

Fall at the beach is the perfect time to experience some smooth jazz music with friends and family. The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is one of Delaware’s premier festivals, featuring live performances from world-renowned jazz musicians.

Music and the beach go hand-in-hand and this festival offers both. With four days of nonstop jazz, the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is an event that cannot be missed.

2. Firefly Music Festival

The Woodlands, Dover

When: September (four days)

Firefly Music Festival is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Delaware, as well as in the United States!

With several stages, numerous bands, excellent food & drink vendors, and great camping – it’s a weekend experience that you will adore and definitely warrants a spot on your bucket list!

With a lineup of some of the biggest stars in the industry like Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and My Chemical Romance, Firefly Music Festival is the perfect way to get your groove on. Make sure to bring your dancing shoes!

3. Clifford Brown Jazz Festival 

Rodney Square,Wilmington

When: June (four days)

The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival isn’t your typical music festival- it’s world renowned for its focus on the jazz genre. This event is perfect for those who love jazz music, but even if you don’t know much about it, you’ll still have a great time!

The festival not only features incredible jazz artists, but provides exciting experiences like eating, drinking, and dancing- all culminate in the best part: listening to great music.

4. KettleJam Festival

Downs Chapel Road. Clayton

When: June (three days)

Kettle Jam, the only annual bluegrass music festival in Delaware, is held every year in Clayton during June. Music lovers rejoice! Jamgrass is a liberating and expansive twist on traditional bluegrass that is sure to please.

The bluegrass music festival is a beloved annual event that sets itself apart from other festivals in Delaware.

5. Ladybug Music Festival

Market Street, Suite 20, Wilmington

When: July (one day)

The Ladybug Festival celebrates women in the music industry with a full-day event showcasing female artists. Experience the top female performers in genres such as folk, pop, R&B, rock and more.

This is the perfect opportunity to check out some of the best female musicians from all over the world. The Ladybug Festival truly celebrates and shines a spotlight on women in music. Also, they only hire women to work the event, making it an empowering and inspiring event.

6. Dover Day Festival

Kent County, Delaware

When: May (one day)

Delaware’s heritage, culture, and history are promoted at this large, annual event that is free to the public. This musical festival is special because it offers live music unlike any other event.

The Dover Day Festival features a wide range of musical acts from folk, classical, and gospel all the way to jazz, rock and bluegrass. It is an incredible opportunity to experience a diverse selection of music in one day!

7. Delaware Spring Festival

Marsh Road, North Wilmington

When: April (one day)

The Spring Fest is a contest for local bands to compete against each other. The bands competing in this contest will be vying for the title of “best band”, a $1000 cash prize, and a trophy.

The Delaware Spring Festival is a great event for music lovers and musicians alike. Fans can come out and support their favorite bands while they compete to see who has the best sound.

Not only will this be an exciting musical experience, but it will also give the audience a chance to support local artists!

Final Thoughts

Delaware is home to some of the best music festivals in the country. Whether you’re looking for a chill weekend experience, an intense battle of local bands, or just a great time with friends and family – Delaware has something to offer everyone!

Firefly Music Festival Featured Image by: Karahabo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons