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Dover Days Festival & Parade 2025: A Celebration of Delaware’s History and Community

One of Delaware’s most cherished traditions is returning! Dover Days Festival & Parade will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 2–3, 2025, in the heart of Delaware’s capital. This free, family-friendly event brings together history, entertainment, and community pride with a packed schedule of activities for all ages.

Friday Night: Music & Fireworks

The festival kicks off on Friday night with an exciting live performance by the Milford Community Band, filling the evening with music and energy. As the night falls, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over Legislative Mall, lighting up the Dover sky in a dazzling show of color.

Saturday: Parade & Festival Fun

Get ready for a full day of entertainment, history, and family fun on Saturday, May 3!

Dover Days Parade – A Community Tradition

The Dover Days Parade starts at 9:15 a.m., making its way down State Street with marching bands, community groups, historical reenactors, and more. Many participants dress in historical costumes, bringing Delaware’s rich heritage to life. Past participants have included Kent County firefighters, local schools, and various businesses, all adding to the festive atmosphere.

Parade registration is FREE and still open! If you or your organization want to join in the fun, now’s the time to sign up.

Register for the Parade

More Saturday Activities on The Green

After the parade, explore the festival grounds, where you’ll find:
Maypole dancing – A beloved Dover Days tradition!
Historical reenactments – Step back in time and experience living history.
Family-friendly fun – Activities, games, and interactive exhibits for all ages.

Attractions at Legislative Mall

The Legislative Mall will be packed with exciting attractions, including:

  • Food trucks serving up delicious local favorites.
  • Vendors offering crafts, art, and unique finds.
  • Car show featuring classic and modern vehicles.
  • Tethered hot air balloon rides for a breathtaking view of the festival.
  • Live music by Ampersand, keeping the energy high all day long!

Explore Dover’s Historic Landmarks

Dover Days is a perfect time to explore the city’s history with tours of famous sites, including:

  • The Old State House
  • The Biggs Museum of American Art
  • Other historic landmarks open for public viewing

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

A huge thank you to WSFS Bank and all the incredible sponsors who make this free community event possible!

Get Involved – Parade, Vendors & Sponsorships

Want to be part of the festival? Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, or local artist, there are many ways to participate:
Register for the parade or a vendor site: DoverDays2025.Eventbrite.com
Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact DoverDaysFestivalDE@gmail.com

Stay updated by following Dover Days Festival on social media and visiting DoverDaysFestival.com for all the latest news!

Don’t miss this iconic celebration of Delaware’s history and community—mark your calendars for May 2-3, 2025, and we’ll see you in Dover!