About this Event
Dover Days 2025
The annual Dover Days Festival is one of Delaware’s largest and longest-running free events. Dover Days is dedicated to promoting our state’s heritage and culture, featuring the biggest parade in Kent County, with Delaware's Governor serving as Grand Marshal.
New this year! All vendors previously on State St. will now be located around Legislative Mall, like the way you may remember Dover Days in the past. The parade will also come down State St., across Loockerman, around the Green, and in front of the stage across State St. Historical re-enactors and children dancing around the Maypole will take place on the Green.
Dover Days activities showcase our state’s history and heritage, as well as highlights from more contemporary times such as the 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.
Select "Reserve a spot" to register for a parade or vendor spot before the deadline. Parade spots are free of charge! Be sure to register ASAP, last year we maxed out before the deadline!
Deadline for registering for parade and all vendor types is
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
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DISCOUNT HOTEL RATE FOR VENDORS FOR FRIDAY NIGHT.
Arrangements have been made for vendors who need overnight lodging for Friday evening, May 2, 2025.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dover at 1703 East Lebanon Road, Dover, Delaware 19901 is providing vendors a discount of $129+tax per room. This room rate is first come first serve.
To book, email Sagar Patel and indicate that you want the Dover Days Festival room rate: [email protected].
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Vendor Information
Dover Days invites crafters, small businesses, resellers, non-profits, commercial businesses, entertainers, and food vendors to register for the event. Registration costs are dependent on vendor type.
Food vendors are invited to attend the Fri., May 2 Kick-Off to Dover Days event, and will receive a discounted rate for registering for both days.
All entertainment and food vendors must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI). All food vendors must also provide a State of Delaware Division of Health & Social Services Temporary (doesn't have to be temporary) Food Establishment Permit as well - call (302) 744-1220 for assistance. All food vendors must have an annual inspection completed by the City of Dover Fire Marshal's office, and vendors producing grease laden vapors MUST have a hood and suppression system as outlined in 2021 NFPA 96, Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations and a 10 lb. ABC fire extinguisher at the food vendor site, per the City of Dover Fire Marshal. Please send COI and/or permit(s) to [email protected].
The Dover Days Event Coordinator Reserves the Right to:
- Reassign/change a space, if necessary, even on show spaces are not transferrable by vendors.
- Deny vendor application for any reason the committee sees fit. Booth fee will be returned if vendor is not selected by the committee.
- Prohibit display of certain products/distribution of materials based on its acceptability to the general public.
- Eject vendors/visitors from the festival grounds where there is cause.
- Dover Days is not responsible for theft or damage of vendor’s display or vendors are responsible loading and operations during the festival.
- Dover Days is not liable for any damage to your equipment, merchandise, yourself or your family, friends or employees working at your space.
Rules & Regulations
Click Here to download the Vendor Rules & Regulations
Documents required for the Vendor Contract can be submitted to [email protected].
Applicants must provide all required follow-up documents to participate.
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Prices
Parade: Free
Nonprofits: $75
Crafters: $150
Resellers: $250
Entertainment: $500
Commercial: $550
Food Vendor (10x20, Fri. Only): $150
Food Vendor (10x20, Sat. Only): $250
Food Vendor (10x20, Both - Fri. & Sat.): $400
Food Vendor (10x30, Fri. Only): $175
Food Vendor (10x30, Sat. Only): $400
Food Vendor (10x30, Both - Fri. & Sat.): $550
The Dover Days Committee reserves the right to review vendor applications for the event, and will issue refunds to applicants that do not meet the Committee's standards.
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Questions
Any Questions? Contact Ron Barisano at [email protected] or (302)535-7926.
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Event Schedule
Dover Days Fireworks Kick-Off Event - Fri., May 2, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Legislative Mall. ft. food vendors, live music by Milford Community Band, and fireworks!
Dover Days Festival - Sat., May 3, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Legislative Mall & the Green.
Dover Days Parade - Sat., May 3, 2023 at 9:15 a.m. down State St., Loockerman St., and the Green.
Milford Community Band performing Fri. May 2!
A 40 member band will provide patriotic and audience favorite music from 7:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m.
Come out with your family and enjoy food, music and fireworks on Legislative Mall!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Green, The Green, Dover, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 550.00
