Mark your calendars for the 85th Annual Dover Days Festival presented by WSFS Bank on Saturday, May 5th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s festival weekend is in conjunction with NASCAR Spring Races at Dover International Speedway starting May 4th- May 6th, 2018.
Dover Days Festival is one of Delaware’s largest and longest-running free events and is entirely dedicated to promoting our state’s heritage and culture. Each year’s Dover Days activities showcase our state’s history and heritage as well as highlights from more contemporary times with a parade, traditional Maypole dancing, games, moon bounce village, food & craft vendors, colonial artisans’ village, and so much more. The festival is produced annually by Kent County Tourism Corporation.
This year’s Dover Days Festival will feature a new footprint to bring a bigger emphasis to Downtown Dover businesses and to open more parking for festival goers. The new footprint will move most of the festival’s vendors and entertainers to State Street, The Green, and then continue down to Legislative Mall. With the new footprint, there will be a slight change to this year’s parade route. The parade will remain on State Street and will turn left onto Loockerman Street to disperse onto Federal Street.
In addition to the new footprint and parade route, there will be a new activity for everyone to enjoy. Festival goers can take a ride in a hot-air balloon for $5 per person on Legislative Mall from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The hot-air balloon is a tethered balloon and will go 150 feet (weather permitting) into the air giving riders a birds-eye view of downtown Historic Dover.
The Annual Dover Days Festival kicks off with Dover’s largest parade stepping off 9:30 a.m., continue the day filled with festivities, schedule programs, guided walking tours, children activities, traditional Maypole dancing, craft & food vendors, and so much more. Starting at 3 p.m. festival goers can head for Loockerman Square for the History, Heritage & Hops Brewfest.
Don’t miss NASCAR Spring Races starting Friday, May 4 with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. On Saturday, May 5th, the “OneMain Financial 200” NASCAR XFINITY Series Dash 4 Cash Race and Sunday, May 6th “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with Jimmie Johnson looking for win No. 12 at Dover.
A special thank you to our sponsors for their continued support: City of Dover, WSFS Bank, Comcast, Del-One Federal Credit Union, Shore United Bank, Calpine, Delaware Lottery, Highmark Delaware, Castle Windows, Today Media, Delaware State News, PNC Bank, American Spirit Federal Credit Union, DEXSTA Federal Credit Union, Chesapeake Utilities, The News Journal, and First State Heritage Park.
For a full schedule of Dover Days Festival activities or to buy tickets for NASCAR Spring races, please visit www.DoverDaysFestival.com
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85th Annual Dover Days Festival Schedule
From Horses to Horsepower all in one great weekend! Celebrate the History and Heritage of Dover like never before! The 85th Annual Dover Days Festival and NASCAR at Dover International Speedway!
MONDAY – APRIL 30
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Old State House, 25 The Green
Tour this 1791 building that served as the state capitol from 1791 to 1933
Guided Tours
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave.
Visit the building that has been home to the Delaware General Assembly since 1933
Stories of The Green Walking Tour
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
John Bell House. 43 The Green
The Green reveals many tales from Dover’s history.
TUESDAY – MAY 1
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Old State House, 25 The Green
Tour this 1791 building that served as the state capitol from 1791 to 1933.
Self-Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Permanent collection of American fine and decorative arts and changing exhibitions throughout the year. Currently featuring, “Michael Galmer – Contemporary Silversmith.” General Admission: $10
Guided Tours
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave.
Visit the building that has been home to the Delaware General Assembly since 1933.
Stories of The Green Walking Tour
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
John Bell House. 43 The Green
The Green reveals many tales from Dover’s history.
WEDNESDAY – MAY 2
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Old State House, 25 The Green
Tour this 1791 building that served as the state capitol from 1791 to 1933.
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Early phonographs and recordings chronicle the development of the sound recording industry and the achievements of E. R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company.
Self-Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Permanent collection of American fine and decorative arts and changing exhibitions throughout the year. Currently featuring, “Michael Galmer – Contemporary Silversmith.” General Admission: $10
Guided Tours
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave.
Visit the building that has been home to the Delaware General Assembly since 1933.
Stories of The Green Walking Tour
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
John Bell House. 43 The Green
The Green reveals many tales from Dover’s history.
THURSDAY– MAY 3
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Old State House, 25 The Green
Tour this 1791 building that served as the state capitol from 1791 to 1933.
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Early phonographs and recordings chronicle the development of the sound recording industry and the achievements of E. R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company.
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Self-Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Permanent collection of American fine and decorative arts and changing exhibitions throughout the year. Currently featuring, “Michael Galmer – Contemporary Silversmith.” General Admission: $10
Guided Tours
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave.
Visit the building that has been home to the Delaware General Assembly since 1933.
Stories of The Green Walking Tour
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
John Bell House. 43 The Green
The Green reveals many tales from Dover’s history.
Grandstand Gate 3 Open
2 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Practice
2:05 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Final Practice
4:05 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
FRIDAY — MAY 4
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Old State House
Tour this 1791 building that served as the state capitol from 1791 to 1933
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Early phonographs and recordings chronicle the development of the sound recording industry and the achievements of E. R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company.
Self-Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Permanent collection of American fine and decorative arts and changing exhibitions throughout the year. Currently featuring, “Michael Galmer – Contemporary Silversmith.” General Admission: $10
Guided Tours
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Legislative Hall
Visit the building that has been home to the Delaware General Assembly since 1933.
Stories of The Green Walking Tour
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
John Bell House. 43 The Green
The Green reveals many tales from Dover’s history.
Grandstand Gates 3, 4, 11, 19 Open
9 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR XFINITY Series Practice
9:35 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
FanZone
10 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza presented by Smithfield, is free to all fans. Interactive displays will be set up, featuring games, free sampling, live music and more
Visit Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Mobile Visitor Center, The Villager sponsored by Chesapeake Utilities at the FanZone at Dover International Speedway
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Practice
10:35 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
Free Autograph Session: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers at the Delaware Office of Highway Safety display
11 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Qualifying
1:05 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR XFINITY Series Final Practice
2:05 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
3:20 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Introductions
4:30 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Start of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race
5 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
First Fridays in Downtown Dover
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fun for the whole family with entertainment, children activities, food trucks & craft brews
Loockerman Square
Lantern Tour of the Historic Methodist Cemetery
8 p.m.
Travel among ornate grave markers to hear of traditions from the past. Join our guides though historic Dover and its cemeteries by lantern light this spring. Space is limited; call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. Lantern tours cancelled due to inclement weather will not be rescheduled. $10 per person.
SATURDAY– MAY 5
Wesley United Annual Pancake Breakfast
7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Wesley United Methodist Church
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Grandstand Gates 3, 4, 11, 19 Open
9 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
FanZone
9 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza presented by Smithfield, is free to all fans. Interactive displays will be set up, featuring games, free sampling, live music and more
Visit Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Mobile Visitor Center, The Villager sponsored by Chesapeake Utilities at the FanZone at Dover International Speedway
9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
3 For 300 Short Film
9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art
In celebration of Dover’s 300th year anniversary, Big River Film Co. is proud to present the production of “3 For 300”: a short film that chronicles the stories of three Dover residents.
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Monster Mile Youth Nation
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
This area is designed for fans ages 12 and under to explore NASCAR. Attractions (subject to change) will include: a mechanical bull, inflatable bounces, an Ultimate Sports Arena, an obstacle course, an RC2U-Portable Racing and a disc jockey. Free to all fans!
First Saturday – May 5: Favorite Pastimes
Colonial Artisans Faire Opens sponsored by DEXSTA Credit Union
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Green, Old State House, Biggs Museum of American Art’s lawn areas
Come see colonial lace making, wood working, basket weaving, quilting, and more demonstrated in our Colonial Artisans Faire area
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Colonial Trapping
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Outside of the Biggs Museum of American Art
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
1st Delaware Regiment Reenactment Camp
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Green
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Colonial Market Showcase sponsored by Castles Windows
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Outside the Biggs Museum of American Art
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Biggs Kids: Ladybug Mask
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art
Get crafty with the state’s ladylike bug by making your own ladybug mask
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
85th Annual Dover Days Parade sponsored by the Delaware Lottery
9:30 a.m. Kickoff
State St
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
A Traveler’s Life: Getting from Here to There in the 18th Century
9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.
John Bell House on The Green
Discover how Delaware’s Revolutionary hero Caesar Rodney made his historic ride and hear about the different methods of 18th century travel and the challenges and dangers an 18th century traveler faced
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Breakfast with American Association of University Women (Fee)
9 a.m. -11 a.m.
Corner of Kings Hwy & State Street
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Legislative Hall
Visit the building that has been home to the Delaware General Assembly since 1933
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Old State House
Tour this 1791 building that served as the state capitol from 1791 to 1933
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Sounds of War: Patriotic Music
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum
Guided tours will examine music’s influence on American wars. Hear wartime music that was recorded by the Victor Talking Machine Company and played on authentic Talking Machines
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Practice
9:30 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
Dover Days Festival Car Show sponsored by Shore United Bank
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Legislative Mall, Federal Street
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Society of Creative Anachronism Group
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Green
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Friends of Old Dover Open House
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Historical Exhibit of Dover Days since 1933
Maps, Brochures, Information on Dover Days, and Memorabilia
323 State Street in downtown Dover
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Dover Century Club Victorian Ice Cream Parlor and Attic Treasures at Dover Days
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
40 The Green in downtown Dover
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Cascading Carlos, The Juggler sponsored by Chesapeake Utilities
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Cascading Carlos show begins at Constitution Park, the corner of State and North St.
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
The Moon Bounce Village sponsored by Highmark
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Moon Bounce Village opens (weather permitting)
The Legislative Mall
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Hot Air Balloon Rides
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Legislative Mall (weather permitting)
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Grinchspeare the Plausible
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
State St.
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Stories of The Green Walking Tour
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
John Bell House
The Green reveals many tales from Dover’s history. Hear a little more about the influence of Mabel Lloyd Ridgely
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Tours of the Governor’s House
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Woodburn – The Governor’s House
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Archaeology at the Bell House – A Time Travelers Archaeology Month Event
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
John Bell House on The Green
Visit the John Bell House and learn about its history and the lives of those who spent time there in the 18th century. Archaeologist will use finds from the property to discuss everyday life in the past and how we know about times gone by. Touch a piece of history and learn about the archaeological research process.
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Dover Jazzercise Demonstrations
10:30 a.m.
The Community Stage sponsored by the News Journal
Legislative Mall
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
NASCAR XFINITY Series Qualifying
10:35 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
Maypole dancing on The Green sponsored by Today Media
11:30 a.m.
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Karate Demo
11:30 a.m.
The Community Stage sponsored by the News Journal
Legislative Mall
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Vintage Base Ball Match
12 p.m.
Diamond State Base Ball Club and the Lewes Base Ball Club square off in a vintage Base Ball Match
The Field behind Woodburn, the Governor’s Mansion
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Wesley Preschool Choir
12:00PM
The Green
Preschool Children’s choir performing Colonial Songs in their colonial outfits
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice
12 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Maypole dancing on The Green sponsored by Today Media
12:30 p.m.
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Pie Eating Contest
12:30 p.m.
The Community Stage sponsored by News Journal
Legislative Mall
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Dover English Country Dancers
1 p.m.
English Country Dancers
Front of the Old State House
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
NASCAR XFINITY Series Driver Introductions
1 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Start of “OneMain Financial 200” NASCAR XFINITY Series Dash 4 Cash Race
1:30 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
“Behind the Scenes” Tour
1:30 p.m.
Delaware Public Archives
See how the Archives preserves and protects important records
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
The Once and Future Courthouse
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Kent County Courthouse, 38 The Green
From the 1690s to the present, learn how this building went from a courthouse to a hotel and back again
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
Dover English Country Dancers
2 p.m.
English Country Dancers
Front of the Old State House
85th Annual Dover Days Festival
History, Heritage & Hops
3 p.m. -9 p.m.
Loockerman Plaza
Fireworks
9 p.m.
Dover International Speedway in R.V. lots
SUNDAY — MAY 6
FanZone
8 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza presented by Smithfield, is free to all fans. Interactive displays will be set up, featuring games, free sampling, live music and more
Monster Mile Youth Nation
8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
The area is designed for fans ages 12 and under to explore NASCAR. Attractions (subject to change) will include: a mechanical bull, inflatable bounces, an Ultimate Sports Arena, an obstacle course, an RC2U-Portable Racing and a disc jockey. Free to all fans!
Visit Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Mobile Visitor Center, The Villager sponsored by Chesapeake Utilities at the FanZone at Dover International Speedway
8 a.m.- 2p.m.
Dover International Speedway
All Grandstand Gates Open
10 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
1:20 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Start of “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race
2 p.m.
Dover International Speedway