Fall is in full swing across the First State. Here's what's happening from Saturday, October 10 through Sunday, October 18, county by county, plus the restaurants worth knowing about right now.
New Castle County
Wilmington · Newark · New Castle · Bear
- Through Sun, Oct 11Wilmington International Film Festival
The festival's final weekend brings independent films, local artists, live music and food from around the world.
- Sat, Oct 10Bear Pond Fest at Lums Pond State Park
A fall day out at one of New Castle County's largest state parks.
- Fridays & Saturdays in OctoberHauntings in History, Old New Castle
The New Castle Historical Society leads evening ghost walks through the town's historic streets, a good pick for October 16 and 17.
- Sat, Oct 17Treats & Trophies Trunk-or-Treat Car Show
A Halloween car show and swap meet at Locust Grove Farm, with trunk-or-treating for the kids.
- Sat & Sun, Oct 17–18Hagley Craft Fair, Wilmington
Artists and makers sell jewelry, pottery, textiles and woodwork on the Hagley Museum grounds along the Brandywine.
Kent County
Dover · Smyrna · Milford · Clayton
- Fri & Sat, Oct 16–17Clayton Folk Festival
Two days of folk music and small-town fun in Clayton.
- Fri, Oct 16 & Sat, Oct 17Delaware Amish Parochial School Sale, Dover
The annual benefit sale at the Kent County Recreation Center, with a Friday evening sale and the main event Saturday. Expect quilts, furniture, baked goods and more.
Sussex County
Rehoboth · Lewes · Milton · Bridgeville
- Sat, Oct 10Bridgeville Apple-Scrapple Festival
The final day of Delaware's most delightfully specific food festival: vendors, crafts, live entertainment and plenty of scrapple.
- Sat, Oct 10Punkin Ale Fest at Dogfish Head, Milton
A free, family- and dog-friendly fall festival at the Milton brewery with live music and local vendors. Proceeds benefit the Brandywine Valley SPCA, which brings adoptable dogs.
- Thu–Sun, Oct 15–18Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
The 37th annual festival fills venues around town, with headline shows at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
- Sat, Oct 17Bark on the Boards, Rehoboth Beach
Dogs take over the boardwalk for an afternoon.
- Sat & Sun, Oct 17–18Harvest Fair 1775: Revolution Rising, Lewes
A colonial-era harvest fair with living history, crafts and demonstrations.
- Sat & Sun, Oct 17–18Schellville Fall Harvest Fest
A family-friendly fall festival near Rehoboth.
- Sun, Oct 18CAMP Rehoboth Block Party
A downtown street party to close out the weekend.
New & Coming Soon: Places to Eat
Recent openings and ones to watch
- Sussex · MiltonBirdhouse Rotisserie Chicken and Market
From the creator of the Backyard in Milton, this dinner spot and small market on Route 16 centers on rotisserie chicken, with produce and take-home meals.
- Sussex · Rehoboth BeachRehoboth Diner
Back open after a months-long renovation.
- Sussex · Lewes · Coming this fallHelen's Sausage House
The Smyrna institution is opening a third location in Lewes.
- Sussex · Lewes · Coming soonVino Del Mar
A wine bar planned for the former Lewes Diner space on Savannah Road.
- New Castle · Newark · Coming soonQamaria Yemeni Coffee
Yemeni coffee and pastries headed to East Main Street near the University of Delaware.
- New Castle · Newark · Coming in 2026Lefty's Alley & Eats
The Lewes favorite for food, drinks, bowling and axe throwing is bringing a second location to The Grove.
- Kent · SmyrnaDixie's Down Home Cooking
Southern comfort food in downtown Smyrna. If you haven't been yet, it's worth the stop.
Save the date: Sea Witch Festival, Oct 23–25
Rehoboth Beach's biggest fall weekend returns, with the costume parade on Saturday, October 24 and the Sea Witch Fall Classic 5K on Sunday, October 25.
Thinking about a move to any of these towns? Check out my Delaware beach towns guide or reach out to me. I'd love to help you find your place here.
Event details come from organizers and community calendars and can change. Please confirm times, tickets and opening hours before you go.