Delaware Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Though compact in size, Delaware stands tall in the realm of gastronomic pleasures. For those with an appreciation for the finer things in food, wine, and beer, this Mid-Atlantic jewel offers a variety of festivals to attend and enjoy.

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Downtown Newark Food and Brew Fest: July

 

This annual celebration pairs locally crafted beers with delectable dishes from Delaware's finest restaurants. The Downtown Newark Food and Brew Festival, held on Main Street, welcomes over 2,000 attendees to sample offerings from 40+ participating restaurants and breweries, including Iron Hill Brewery, Klondike Kate's, and Stone Balloon Ale House. Local musicians perform throughout the day on two stages, with past performances featuring Newark-based bands like Montana Wildaxe and Special Delivery.

 

Festival highlights include guided beer tastings, cooking demonstrations from regional chefs, and a people's choice competition for best food and beer pairing. Visitors can explore unique beer styles while enjoying everything from gourmet sliders to artisanal pizzas, with many restaurants creating special menu items exclusively for the event. The family-friendly atmosphere includes dedicated activities for children, featuring face painting and street performers, while adults appreciate the intimate setting that allows direct interaction with brewers and chefs.

 

Middleton Olde-Tyme Peach Festival: August

 

A charming Delaware tradition continues to delight families and peach enthusiasts who gather each summer in historic downtown Middleton. The Middleton Olde Tyme Peach Festival, hosted on Main Street and the grounds of Forest Presbyterian Church, draws over 25,000 attendees to celebrate the region's rich peach-growing heritage. Local vendors like Crow Farm, Fifer Orchards, and T.S. Smith & Sons offer fresh peaches alongside artisanal treats including homemade peach ice cream, peach pies, and peach-infused craft beverages from Painted Stave Distilling.

 

More than 200 craft vendors line the streets with handmade goods while live entertainment features regional bluegrass bands and folk musicians performing on multiple stages throughout the grounds. The festival showcases unique activities including peach pie eating contests, a peach dessert competition judged by local celebrities, and the crowning of the Peach Festival Queen, plus free trolley rides that transport visitors between various festival zones.

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Delaware Beer Wine & Spirits Festival: November

 

Thousands gather at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village in Dover for this annual celebration of regional brewers, vintners and distillers. Festival attendees, typically numbering around 3,000, can sample from more than 100 different beverages including local favorites from Dogfish Head Brewery, Blue Earl Brewing, and Painted Stave Distilling. Live music fills the air throughout the day with performances by Delaware-based bands like Lower Case Blues and Gas House Gorillas on the main stage.

 

Food trucks and local vendors offer a variety of cuisine options ranging from classic festival fare to gourmet dishes, with popular choices including Delaware's famous crab cakes and locally made sausages. The festival features interactive experiences like beer brewing demonstrations, wine appreciation seminars, and spirit tasting workshops led by industry experts. VIP ticket holders gain early admission and access to exclusive limited-release beverages, a commemorative tasting glass, and a dedicated lounge area with special food pairings.

 

Odessa Brewfest: September

 

The beloved Delaware beer festival has become a cherished autumn tradition, drawing over 2,000 attendees to the historic Warner-Wilson House grounds in Odessa. The Historic Odessa Brewfest showcases more than 50 craft breweries, including local favorites like Dogfish Head, Twin Lakes Brewing Company, and Blue Earl Brewing alongside regional and national craft beer makers. Festival-goers can sample a diverse selection of food from local restaurants and food trucks, featuring everything from authentic German pretzels to gourmet sliders and artisanal pizzas.

 

Live entertainment fills the colonial gardens with music throughout the day, featuring performances from local bands like Special Delivery and The Susquehanna Floods. A highlight of the event is the scenic colonial setting, with tastings held throughout the preserved 18th-century garden featuring brick pathways and period-accurate plantings. The festival supports the Historic Odessa Foundation's mission of preserving and maintaining the region's unique colonial architecture and history through educational programs and historic preservation efforts.

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Whether you're an experienced enthusiast or a newcomer with a sense of curiosity, Delaware's festivals dedicated to food, wine, and beer cater to every taste.