Hispanic fest, pumpkin everything, live theater, wine & food, weed events top weekend fun

Delaware News Journal
·4 min read

Well, it's certainly feeling a lot like autumn out there now.

There are some leaves underfoot, we can sleep with the windows open without melting, and we're saying ''wildcard'' a lot. Pumpkin spice everything is transitioning from a buzz kill to a ... well, maybe not a must-have, but go for it if that's your thing.

The weather should cooperate at the beginning of the weekend, with a high of 81 and sunny skies expected near Wilmington on Saturday. Sunday is another matter, with a 60% chance of rain and a high of 79.

It's a busy weekend of fun in Delaware of both the autumn and all-year-long-good-time variety. We've got ideas for enthusiasts of live theater, good food, outdoor fun and, yes, weed.

Want to pick apples or find a pumpkin? We've got that. And if you visit Delaware Online on Saturday, you'll find a roundup of corn mazes, a great way to get in the mood for Halloween while getting your steps in.

If these ideas aren't up your alley, there's always lots of football. You'll find plenty of updates on the NFL, college ball and high school games on our website, @DEGameDay and our other social channels.

Motivational drama hits the stage

Women have made significant contributions in every industry. This time audiences will learn about scientist Henrietta Leavitt, who makes a discovery that will forever change astronomy in Lauren Gunderson's inspirational drama production "Silent Sky."

Milburn Stone Theatre (1 Seahawk Drive, North East, Maryland) at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16; 2 p.m., Sept. 17. Tickets are up to $20. Visit milburnstone.com or (410) 287-1037. 

SoDel Wine, Food & Music Festival

Dru Tevis, head pastry chef for SoDel Concepts hospitality group based in Sussex County, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Bluecoast restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tevis competed on the Food Network series Holiday Baking Championship and won the competition.
Dru Tevis, head pastry chef for SoDel Concepts hospitality group based in Sussex County, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Bluecoast restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tevis competed on the Food Network series Holiday Baking Championship and won the competition.

Folks can toast to unlimited drink samples from more than 75 beverages and all the food you can indulge in from over 20 top chefs and restaurants on Saturday, Sept. 16. Other festivities include a chef battle, silent auction and live music.

The eighth annual Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival will host drink distributors like Nassau Valley Vineyards, Plush Vodka, 375 Avenue Spirits and Big Oyster Brewery. 

Featured restaurants/chefs include Paul Cullen, JD Shuckers, DiFebo's Restaurants & Market, Sydney's Restaurant & Lounge, Ballin' On A Budget Barbeque, and more are on tap. 

The wine festival is noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. General admission is $150 (plus $8 fee). Visit sodelfest.com.

Emo Night Brooklyn in Wilmington

The Big Apple is coming to the heart of Delaware for an epic dance party with an evening of emotional rock tunes and pop-rock jams for ages 18 and older.

The Queen Wilmington (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Tickets are $8-$15. Visit thequeenwilmington.com or call (302) 400-7020.

R&B legend Ne-Yo in Philly

Ne-Yo attends Urban One Honors 2022 - Day 2 on Dec. 03, 2021 in Austell, Georgia.
Ne-Yo attends Urban One Honors 2022 - Day 2 on Dec. 03, 2021 in Austell, Georgia.

Singer, dancer and producer Ne-Yo, who is also a Grammy winner, is taking his "Champagne and Roses Tour" to Philly with special guests Mario and Pleasure P.

The Mann (5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia) at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17.  Tickets are $32-$152+. Visit manncenter.org.

Maxima Hispanic Fest

Maxima Hispanic Fest launches in Georgetown on Sunday, Sept. 17.
Maxima Hispanic Fest launches in Georgetown on Sunday, Sept. 17.

There's a lot to appreciate about the diversity of Hispanic heritage in Delmarva, which is why Maxima Hispanic Fest is important.  

About 20,000 people attended the festival in 2022, according to the festival's website. The popular event features traditional food, arts and crafts, dancing and performances by international and local groups.  

Downtown Georgetown (216 North Race St., Georgetown) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17. Visit hispanicfest.festivalhispano.org or (302) 858-5118.

Winging it at Fairy Fest

Kids bring their wands and wear their favorite winged costumes at the annual Fairy Festival at Rockwood Park and Museum in Wilmington.
Kids bring their wands and wear their favorite winged costumes at the annual Fairy Festival at Rockwood Park and Museum in Wilmington.

Where else in Delaware can you learn how to fairy dance and get your face painted in the same afternoon? Survey Says: the Fairy Fest. The whimsical event is full of activities, games, vendors and entertainment. The mobile stage will feature performances by First State Ballet Theatre, Wilmington Drama League, Pieces of a Dream, Delaware Arts Conservatory and Pages Alive.

Rockwood Museum & Park (501 Carr Road, near Wilmington) from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Free event. Visit newcastlede.gov or (302) 395-5652.

'Broadway on the Beach'

It's still warm outside and Bethany Beach is about to dish up a new cool event as part of its Seaside Concert Series.

Guests will get treated to "Broadway on the Beach," featuring an evening of Broadway tunes performed by national and regional talent with local ties. This includes Jennifer Hope Wills, originally from Ocean City, Maryland, whose Broadway resume includes "The Phantom of the Opera," "Wonderful Town" and "Beauty & the Beast."

Bethany Bandstand (Boardwalk, Bethany Beach) at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or (302) 539-8011.

Andre Lamar contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Food, Hispanic culture, fairies & and other festivals top weekend fun