Dover Days Festival & Parade

On Saturday, May 2, one of the state’s largest parades proceeds down State Street and through Dover’s historic Green. This parade is grand marshaled by the governor and includes many other elected officials, several bands, emergency responders from around the state, and other local organizations. New for 2026, there will also be a Parade Float Contest! Immediately following the parade, schoolchildren dance the maypole, and the rest of the day’s activities commence.

Legislative Mall will feature local vendors, children’s games, and live music. The Green will feature historical artisans and reenactors. Other sites opening their doors for the day include the Dover Century Club, Christ Episcopal Church, The Biggs Museum of American Art, The Old State House, Wesley United Methodist Church, Legislative Hall, and Woodburn. The day’s festivities will conclude at 3 p.m.

Thanks to the help of generous sponsors, all kids’ activities, including a bounce house and carnival games, will be offered free of charge!

Interested vendors should sign up by April 22 via DoverDays2026.Eventbrite.com. Contact DoverDaysFestivalDE@gmail.com with any questions!

There is also a smaller, kick-off event on Friday evening featuring food trucks, live music, historic tours - and a trackless train! Those festivities are from 5 to 9 on Friday, May 1.