Dover, DE — Mark your calendars for the 86th Annual Dover Days Festival presented by WSFS Bank on Saturday, May 4th 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s festival is in conjunction with the NASCAR Spring Races at Dover International Speedway starting Friday, May 3rd to Sunday, May 5th. (scroll down for the schedule)
The Dover Days Festival is one of Delaware’s largest and longest-running free events dedicated to celebrating our state’s heritage and culture. Festival activities showcase Delaware traditions while highlighting contemporary times with a parade, moon bounce village, food & craft vendors, and so much more.
The Annual Dover Days Festival kicks off with Dover’s largest parade stepping off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4th, continued with a day filled with festivities, scheduled programs, guided walking tours, children activities, traditional maypole dancing, and much more. Starting at 3 p.m., festival-goers can head to Loockerman Square for the History, Heritage & Hops Brewfest in downtown Dover.
Tethered hot-air balloon rides are back again for another year on Legislative Mall. Festival-goers can take a ride in the balloon for $5 per person from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Riders can enjoy a birds-eye view of downtown Historic Dover, as they climb 150 feet (weather depending) into the air.
New entertainment includes two pirate shows, “Pirates of Approaching Storm Show” and “Pirates of Fortunes Folly Show”. In addition, there will be a new magic show located on The Green, “Magic by Charlie,” and re-enactors including “For Woodness Sake”, 1st Delaware Regiment, Bedlum Bones, and Lady Aimee Sewing to name a few.
The Air Mobility Command Museum is hosting a special Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th. The event includes historical presentations, re-enactors camps, static displays, historical aircraft fly-bys, and much more.
Don’t miss NASCAR Spring Races starting Friday, May 3rd, with “JEGS 200” NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series Race. On Saturday, May 4th, the “Allied Steel Buildings 200” NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash Race and Sunday, May 5th, “Gander RV 400” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race.
A special thank you to our sponsors for their continued support: City of Dover, WSFS Bank, Comcast, Highmark Delaware, Del-One Federal Credit Union, Shore United Bank, First State Heritage Park, Delaware State News, TodayMedia, PNC Bank, American Spirit Credit Union, Delaware Lottery, and Pennsy Supply.
For more information on Dover Days Festival or to buy tickets for NASCAR Spring Races, please visit www.DoverDaysFestival.com. For more information on festivals and events in Delaware’s Quaint Villages, please visit www.visitdelawarevillages.com/events-calendar/
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86th Annual Dover Days Festival Schedule
From Horses to Horsepower in one great weekend! Celebrate the History and Heritage of Dover like never before! The 86th Annual Dover Days Festival and NASCAR at Dover International Speedway!
MONDAY – APRIL 29
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 – 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.
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, “Spirit Revealed: New Works by Aaron Paskins.” 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 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.
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, “Spirit Revealed: New Works by Aaron Paskins.” 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 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, “Spirit Revealed: New Works by Aaron Paskins.” 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 Gander Outdoors Truck Series Practice
2:05 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Final Practice
4:05 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
FRIDAY — MAY 3
Air Mobility Command Museum Opens
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
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, “Spirit Revealed: New Works by Aaron Paskins.” 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.
C-47 “TAB” That’s All Brother open to Public
10 a.m.
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
Grandstand Gates 3, 4, 11, 19 Open
10 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
FanZone
10 a.m.
The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, is free to all fans. Interactive displays will be set up, featuring games, free sampling, live music and more
Dover International Speedway
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
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Free Autograph Session
11 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Practice
11:05 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice
12:05 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Qualifying
1:10 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Xfinity Series Final Practice
2:30 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
3:40 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Driver Introductions
4:30 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Start of the “JEGS 200” NASCAR Gander Outdoors 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 and artists throughout the shops and restaurants in downtown Dover.
In Harmony Concert Series
6:30 p.m.
The Dover Public Library will be hosting the Del Tones, an A Cappella group, for their “In Harmony Concert Series”.
Dover Public Library
LANTERN TOUR: Dover, The Green
8 p.m.
Hear true tales of tragedy and infamy from Dover’s history. Join our guides through 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 4
Wesley United Annual Pancake Breakfast
7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Wesley United Methodist Church
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Air Mobility Command Museum Opens
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
Re-enactors Camp on Display
9 a.m.
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
Grandstand Gates 3, 4, 11, 19 Open
9 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
FanZone
9 a.m.
The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, is free to all fans. Interactive displays will be set up, featuring games, free sampling, live music and more.
Dover International Speedway
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
The 86th Annual Dover Days Festival sponsored by WSFS Bank
9 a.m.
The 86th Annual Dover Days Festival officially begins at 9 a.m. with vendors, food, and activities!
Dover through the Decades
9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
John Bell House on The Green
Follow along as we travel through Dover’s history and highlight some of the historic events that happened here over the years.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
First Saturday – May 4: Favorite Pastimes
Colonial Artisans Faire Opens sponsored by American Spirit 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.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
A Capitol Experience
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Legislative Hall
Tour Delaware’s State Capitol building, and experience Delaware history.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Colonial Trapping sponsored by PNC Bank
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Outside of the Biggs Museum of American Art
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
The Sounds of War: Patriotic Music
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum
Guided tours will examine music’s influence on America’s wars. Hear patriotic music that was recorded by Victor Talking Machine Company on authentic Victor Talking Machines.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
1st Delaware Regiment Reenactment Camp sponsored by PNC Bank
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Green
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Colonial Market Showcase
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Outside the Biggs Museum of American Art
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Community Tent sponsored by Del-One
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Green
Come see local organizations making a difference in the community.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Biggs Kids: Paper Dolls
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art
Love the colonial clothes in the paintings at the Biggs? Make your own colonial paper doll inspired by the collection. Biggs Museum of American Art.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Guided Tours
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Old State House
Come tour the historic Capitol building and celebrate Old Dover Days.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Breakfast with American Association of University Women (Fee)
9 a.m. -11 a.m.
Corner of Kings Hwy & State Street
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Dover Days Festival Car Show
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Legislative Mall, M.L.K. North Blvd
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Sand Castle Exhibit sponsored by Shored United Bank
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Legislative Mall, Martin Luther King Jr Blvd North
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Practice
9:05 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
86th Annual Dover Days Parade sponsored by the Delaware Lottery
9:30 a.m. Kickoff
State Street & Loockerman Street
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
World War II Paratroopers Drop Zone Normandy Mission Briefs
10 a.m.
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
Hangar 1301, Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
Early 20th Century Exhibit of Vintage Clothing sponsored by the Friends of Old Dover and the Dover Century Club
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
40 The Green in downtown Dover
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Cascading Carlos, The Juggler sponsored by Comcast
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Cascading Carlos show begins at Constitution Park, the corner of State and North St.
86th 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
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Hot Air Balloon Rides (Fee)
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Legislative Mall (weather permitting)
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Grinchspeare the Plausible sponsored by Comcast
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
State St.
86th 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.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Tours of the Governor’s House
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Woodburn – The Governor’s House
Enjoy guided tours of the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Pirates of Fortunes Folly Show
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Green
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Aircraft Fly-by’s including C-47 “TAB”, C-130, C17, C-5
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
Magic by Charlie sponsored by Comcast
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Green
Engaging street magic for the whole family!
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
First Annual Rising Scholars in American Art Lecture: 2019
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Biggs Museum of American Art
University of Delaware Senior, Annabelle Fichtner, will guide participants in a traditional Lenape net-type process.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Maypole dancing on The Green sponsored by Today Media
11:30 a.m.
The Green
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Pirates of Approaching Storm Show
11:45 a.m.– 3 p.m.
The Green
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying
10:10 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
C-47 “TAB” That’s All Brother open to Public
12:00 p.m.
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
Wesley Preschool Choir
12:00 p.m.
The Green
Preschool Children’s choir performing Colonial Songs in their colonial outfits.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice
12:00 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Dover English Country Dancers sponsored by PNC Bank
1 p.m.
Front of the Old State House
English Country Dancers
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Vintage Base Ball Match
1 p.m.
The Field behind Woodburn, the Governor’s Mansion
Diamond State Base Ball Club and the Lewes Base Ball Club square off in a vintage Base Ball Match
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Introductions
1 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Start of “Allied Steel Buildings 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.
86th 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.
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
Dover English Country Dancers sponsored by PNC Bank
2 p.m.
Front of the Old State House
English Country Dancers
86th Annual Dover Days Festival
History, Heritage & Hops
3 p.m. -9 p.m.
Loockerman Plaza
50th Anniversary Bash at the Xfinity Stage in Victory Plaza featuring by John Rich and Sam Grow with appearances by NASCAR Champions Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and longtime executive Mike Helton
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
D-Day Celebration Swing Dance
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
Fireworks sponsored by Delaware’s Quaint Villages
9 p.m.
Dover International Speedway in R.V. lots
SUNDAY — MAY 5
FanZone
8 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, 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
8 a.m.- 2p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Plein Air Painting, sponsored by Parke Green Galleries and the Delaware Store
9 a.m. Registration opens, and painting starts.
The subject matter can be anything in historic Dover from Woodburn to Christ Episcopal Church and from the St. Jones River to Governors Avenue. 2 p.m., Painting ends.
All pieces should be brought to Parke Green Galleries.
2 to 3 p.m.
Public voting to select the winner.
Cash prize for first place winner
All Grandstand Gates Open
10 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
Charlie Daniels Band concert with appearance by John Rich
11 a.m.
Dover International Speedway
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
1:20 p.m.
Dover International Speedway
Start of “Gander RV 400” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race
2 p.m.
Dover International Speedway