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On Saturday, May 2, one of the state’s largest parades proceeds down State Street and through Dover’s historic Green. This parade is grand marshaled by the governor and includes many other elected officials, several bands, emergency responders from around the state, and other local organizations. New for 2026, there will also be a Parade Float Contest! Immediately following the parade, schoolchildren dance the maypole, and the rest of the day’s activities commence. Legislative Mall will feature local vendors, children’s games, and live music. The Green will feature historical artisans and reenactors. Other sites opening their doors for the day include the Dover Century Club, Christ Episcopal Church, The Biggs Museum of American Art, The Old State House, Wesley United Methodist Church, Legislative Hall, and Woodburn. The day’s festivities will conclude at 3 p.m.
Thanks to the help of generous sponsors, all kids’ activities, including a bounce house and carnival games, will be offered free of charge! There will also be additional historical reenactors and performers to be announced in the coming months.
Interested vendors should sign up by April 22 via DoverDays2026.Eventbrite.com. Contact [email protected] with any questions!
Here is a not-so-pretty version of the schedule. We will have a pretty one published in the Delaware State News soon :D
7:30 – NOON AYCE PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT WESLEY UMC
9 AM PARADE: SOUTH ON STATE STREET BEGINNING AT HAZEL RD AND ENDING AT WATER STREET AFTER PASSING THE REVIEW STAND ON THE GREEN
PRESENTING SPONSOR WSFS
PARADE SPONSOR CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES
FLOAT CONTEST SPONSOR VISIT CENTRAL DELAWARE
Approximately 100 different groups, lead by Dover’s mayor and wife, Delaware’s governor, wife and family and featuring a historic float contest, Delaware National Guard Band, Dover High School ROTC Color Guard and Band as well as other local bands!
HISTORIC ZONE – THE GREEN
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE SPONSOR MEINHALDT MAKERS
COLONIAL ARTISANS FAIR SPONSOR MORRIS JAMES LLP
AUDIO SUPPORT SPONSOR ENERGIZE DELAWARE
9:30 – 11:30 AM PARADE REVIEW STAGE
10 AM – 4 PM THE OLD STATE HOUSE OPEN FOR TOURS
10 AM – 3 PM FRIENDS OF OLD DOVER EXHIBIT OPEN
10 AM – 3 PM DOVER CENTURY CLUB OPEN SELLING HOT DOGS AND ICE CREAM
10 AM – 3 PM LIVING HISTORY AT THE JOHN BELL HOUSE
10 AM - 10:30 AM LIBERTY TREE DEDICATION AT THE JOHN BELL HOUSE
11:30 AM SCHOOL CHILDREN DANCING THE MAYPOLE (WEST SIDE OF THE GREEN)
12:30 AND 2:30 PM DOVER ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCERS IN THE OLD STATE HOUSE
12:30, 1:15, AND 2:15 PM PROFESSOR HORN’S PUNCH & JUDY SHOW (EAST SIDE OF THE GREEN)
OTHER REENACTORS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
AMERICA 250 “OUR AMERICAN STORY”
THE WHEELMEN
DIAMOND STATE LACEMAKERS
1ST DELAWARE REGIMENT
COLONIAL TRAPPER
JOHNSON VICTROLA MUSEUM TABLE
HISTORY ON STAGE: ROAMING RE-ENACTORS
KIDS ZONE – LEGISLATIVE MALL
sponsored by P&G
Bayhealth (Bounce House Sponsor)
Del-One (Street Magic Sponsor)
BOUNCE HOUSES - All Blown Up
CARNIVAL GAMES - Water Gun Fun
BALLOON ANIMALS - Kris & Holly
JUGGLER - Evan Global Productions
FACE PAINTING - Morgan Taylor
PNC MOBILE LEARNING ADVENTURE
TOKEN ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMING 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM
SANDCASTLE BUILDING DEMONSTRATION WITH PENNSY SUPPLY SAND (SPONSORED BY SHORE UNITED BANK)
VENDOR ZONE – LEGISLATIVE MALL
SANITATION SPONSOR FIRST STATE ROLL OFF
Over 165 vendors to learn and shop from, plus the AMC Museum and trackless train rides provided by Water Gun Fun
Mobile ATMS provided by WSFS Bank, presenting sponsor
NANTICOKE & LENAPE TRIBES between the rear of the Old State House and Federal St
FOOD TRUCK ZONE – MLK NORTH
sponsored by PNC Bank
PARTICIPATING FOOD VENDORS:
CLAYMONT STEAK SHOP
TOP FIVE BBQ
FUN STUFF 4 KIDS
ZACH’S STREET GRILL
BOWLICIOUS
HUMPTY DUMPLINGS
DONUT NV
CARL’S GOURMET HOTS & SANDWICHES
LA CASA DE LULU
MARTIN CONCESSIONS
PIRATE PETE SODA
ASIAN TASTE
STRONG TOWERS MINISTRIES
FIFER ORCHARDS
WHITE ASSOCIATES
BULJANG BBQ
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
BIGGS MUSEUM
10 AM- 5 PM
Walk in Crafts all day
11 AM - 3 PM Live Music and Cash Bar (Tables to relax and enjoy the day)
12 – 3 PM Parade Float - Community Canvas- Invitation to create this masterpiece with us at the Museum
Featured Exhibitions:
Reflections: 25 Objects for 250 Years of Delaware History
The Art of Elizabeth Catlett: From the Collection of Samella Lewis
The Joy of Pastel: Maryland Pastel Society Signature Exhibition
AP Art Student Exhibition
CHRIST CHURCH
10 am - 2 pm for guided, inside tours.
LEGISLATIVE HALL
10 am - 3 pm for guided, inside tours
DELAWARE PUBLIC ARCHIVES
10: 15 - 11:45 with a special lecture program. The parking lot is open all day.
WOODBURN & HALL HOUSE
10 am - 1 pm
DOVER ART LEAGUE
10 AM- 4 PM
hosting an Art & Art Supply Swap 11 am - 2 pm
DOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
OPEN 10 AM - 5 PM, 10:30 AM TEEN POKEMON CLUB, 2 PM SUPER SATURDAY CRAFTING PROGRAM IN CHILDREN’S PROGRAM ROOM
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Event Venue
The Green, Dover, DE 19901, United States
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Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
