Wilmington, DE

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Dec

Ceremony

Delaware Day / First State Heritage Day

Old Town Hall and various historic sites, Wilmington, DE

Annual celebration marking December 7, 1787, when Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution — a direct legacy of the Revolutionary era. Events in Wilmington and Dover include historical reenactments, readings of the Constitution, educational programs about Delaware's Revolutionary founders like Caesar Rodney, John Dickinson, and Thomas McKean, and open houses at historic sites.

FreeDecember 7 annually; some Wilmington-area events may shift to the nearest weekday or weekend.More info →

Date

TBD

Lecture

Delaware History Museum – Revolutionary War Lecture Series & Programs

Delaware History Museum / Old Town Hall, 504 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE

The Delaware Historical Society, headquartered in Wilmington, hosts periodic lectures, exhibitions, and educational programs related to Delaware's role in the American Revolution, including topics such as the British occupation of Wilmington, Caesar Rodney's ride, and Delaware's role as the First State to ratify the Constitution. Programs are held at the Delaware History Museum and the Old Town Hall.

Varies; some programs free for membersPrograms offered throughout the year; contact the Delaware Historical Society to confirm specific Revolutionary War program dates.More info →

Earlier This Year

Sep

ReenactmentFeatured

Battle of Brandywine Reenactment

Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chadds Ford, PA

Annual large-scale living history reenactment of the September 11, 1777 Battle of Brandywine, the largest single-day land battle of the American Revolution. Features hundreds of reenactors portraying Continental and British forces, artillery demonstrations, period military encampments, sutler vendors, and educational programs about the battle that opened the road to Philadelphia.

Varies; typically $10–$15 adultsTypically held on a weekend in mid-September near the anniversary of the September 11, 1777 battle; held at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chadds Ford, PA, approximately 10 miles from Wilmington. Check with Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates for exact dates.More info →

May

Guided Tour

Brandywine Battlefield Park Revolutionary Times Living History Events

Brandywine Battlefield Park, 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA

Throughout the spring and fall season, Brandywine Battlefield Park hosts living history weekends featuring costumed interpreters demonstrating 18th-century military drill, camp life, cooking, and medical practices. Visitors can tour the restored headquarters of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette and interact with historical interpreters portraying Continental soldiers.

Varies; typically $8–$12 adultsLiving history events typically held on select weekends in spring (May) and fall (September–October). Contact Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates for exact schedule.More info →

Jul

Festival

Fourth of July Celebration at Fort Christina Park

Fort Christina Park, Wilmington, DE

Independence Day commemoration at historic Fort Christina Park in Wilmington, site of the original 1638 colonial settlement and near where Revolutionary-era events unfolded. Celebrations typically include patriotic ceremonies, historical interpreters, readings of the Declaration of Independence, family activities, and recognition of Wilmington's role during the Revolutionary War period.

FreeJuly 4 annually; contact City of Wilmington Parks & Recreation or the Delaware Historical Society to confirm specific programming at Fort Christina.