The Delmarva Peninsula is a popular summer destination for people of all ages. With its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and exciting attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

 

In addition to the beaches, boardwalks, amusement parks, waterparks, museums, and hiking and biking trails, the Delmarva Peninsula is also home to a variety of summer festivals. These festivals offer a great way to experience the local culture and traditions of the region.

 

Here are a few of the most popular summer festivals on or near the Delmarva Peninsula:

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival (June): This festival, which has been held annually for over 50 years, in Wilmington, Delaware, features a variety of Italian food, music, and dancing. The festival is a great place to celebrate Italian culture and heritage.

Party Like It’s 793 (June): This festival, which is held at the Brimming Horn Meadery in Milton, features a variety of Viking-themed activities, including a mead tasting, a Viking feast, and a Viking battle reenactment.

Ocean City, Maryland Tuna Tournament (July): This tournament, which has been held annually for over 35 years, draws anglers from all over the world. The tournament offers a variety of prizes, including cash, trophies, and merchandise.

Christmas in July at 3 Palms Zoo (July): In Townsend, Delaware, a festively fun, Americana-themed extravaganza under the stars. Witness the wonder of Christmas on the Farm, Christmas on the 4^th of July, Seaside Christmas, Ice Cream & Candy Cottage, and other dazzling displays illuminated by a sea of patriotic colored lights.

The Delaware State Fair (July): This fair, which is held annually in Harrington, Delaware, features a variety of agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The fair is a great place to learn about Delaware's agricultural heritage and to enjoy some family fun.

Plein Air Easton Art Festival (July): In Easton, Maryland, watch plein air painters create masterpieces outdoors and paint for two hours yourself with the chance to sell your work. Enjoy  workshops and art galleries.

4^th of July Festivities (July): Various towns throughout Delmarva celebrate Independence Day with parades, fireworks, and other festivities. Check your town's website for more information.

Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction (July): Saltwater cowboys round up horses and foals on Assateague Island for the annual swim to Chincoteague, Virginia where they will be auctioned off the next day to raise money for the fire department. Carnival, food and live entertainment.

Marlin Fest (August): This festival, which has been held annually for over 50 years, celebrates the white marlin, a popular game fish found off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. The festival features a variety of activities, including a fishing tournament, a seafood cook-off, and live music.

The Great Pocomoke Fair (August): The Bullride Mania Rodeo Company brings the rodeo to the fair. Rides, a demolition derby, antique tractor pulls, and harness racing. Held in Pocomoke City, Maryland. 

Ocean City, Maryland Air Show (August):  Experience the pride, power and patriotism of this air show featuring the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team and the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricoloi.

Rock Hall Pirates & Wenches Weekend (August): Set sail for a weekend filled with pirate-themed entertainment, activities and a rum tasting event in Rock Hall, Maryland. 

Eastern Shore Threshermen & Collectors Assoc. Annual Show (August):  A tradition for over 64 years in Federalsburg, Maryland demonstrating and showcasing wheat threshing, steam and gas engines and more.  

Wyoming Peach Festival (August): This festival celebrates the peach harvest in Wyoming, Delaware. The festival features a variety of peach-themed activities, including a peach pie contest, a peach ice cream eating contest, and a peach festival parade.

Caroline Summerfest (August): Annual end of summer celebration in Downtown Denton, Maryland featuring entertainment, high school marching bands, fireworks, performers, artisans and more.

Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Show (August): This show in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, features the work of over 100 artists and crafters from the region. The show is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.

Mondegreen (August): This 4-day music festival features a variety of local and regional bands at The Woodlands in Dover. The festival is a great place to enjoy some live music and support the local music scene.

The National Hard Crab Derby (August): Over 77 years in Crisfield, Maryland in celebration of the Chesapeake Bay Crab includes crab races, crab picking and cooking contests, pageants, a parade and fireworks. 

Nanticoke PowWow (September): This powwow, which is held annually in Millsboro, Delaware features a variety of Native American dancing, drumming, and singing. The powwow is a great way to learn about Native American culture and traditions.

Maryland Folk Festival (September): In Salisbury, Maryland it’s one of the longest-running celebrations of the roots, richness and variety of American culture. Features musicians, dancers, craftspeople and other keepers of culture in performances, workshops and demonstrations.

Riverwalk Freedom Festival (September): This festival in Milford, Delaware features a variety of family-friendly activities, including live music, food vendors, and a children's area. The festival is a great way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

Amish Country Bike Tour (September): Bike through peaceful and beautiful Amish country in Dover, Delaware on this bike tour famous for its pie stops along the course.

Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest (September): This festival in Newark, Delaware celebrates German culture and heritage. The festival features a variety of German food, beer, and music.

The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival (September): This festival, which is held annually in Virginia Beach, Virginia, features a variety of beach-themed activities, including sandcastle building contests, volleyball tournaments, and live music.

Annual Dorchester Center for the Arts Showcase Event (September): The annual art street festival in Cambridge, Maryland spotlights the creativity of Delmarva artists. 

These are just a few of the many summer festivals that are held on the Delmarva Peninsula. With so many festivals to choose from, there's sure to be one that's perfect for you and your family.