Events & Happenings
Special Events
The City of New Castle hosts many events throughout the year. Explore the links below for more information
Open Mic Night: Held the 3rd Sunday every month. 6:00p.m.-8:30p.m.
(New start & end times)
Location: NC Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall , 25 E 2nd St
Come out for a night of entertainment performed by acoustic singer-songwriters, musicians, and poets.
- Doors open at 6:00p.m.
- Sign-up begins at 6:00p.m.
- Admission $5.00 per person.(cash only)
- Two songs or poems to showcase your talent.
- Drinks & goodies available for purchase.
- All proceeds benefit the Friendship House in Wilmington, DE.
For more information contact James or Charlottie at secondstreetcoffeehousenc@gmail.com
Mark your calendars! The Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel is scheduled to stop in Historic New Castle. Dates are posted below and new dates will be posted as they become available. Discover the remarkable story behind the Kalmar Nyckel and Delaware’s rich maritime history.
Delaware’s Tall Ship, The Kalmar Nyckel will be offering Day sails from the Delaware Street Pier on the following dates.
May 17-18 for Day In Old New Castle 10am-4pm
2024 sails run on select dates from May 25 – June 1, and July 17 – 25.
New Castle is honored to host Delaware’s Tall Ship, The Kalmar Nyckel several times a year during sailing season. The ship docks at the public pier on Delaware Street. New Castle is a home away from home for the Kalmar Nyckel.
To book a sale, or tour the ship call 302-429-7447 or go online to www.booking.kalmarnyckel.org.
Don’t forget to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday
Shop Small Business Saturday 11/30 and throughout the year. Our local shops have a wide variety of unique gifts, including our museum shops. Our restaurants and services offer gift certificates, which are always a great gift.
Sunday, December 1st- 9:00 a.m. check-in.
CCD’s Holiday Race for Recovery 5k Walk Run
CCD’s Holiday Race for Recovery 5K is a family-friendly walk/run . We hope you will join us and come walk/run through the beautiful streets of Historic New Castle to support a great cause!
Holiday attire is not required but is highly encouraged, so put on your favorite sparkly and jingly attire – ugly Christmas sweater, Santa hat, elf ears, and jingle bells! ‘Tis the season to spread good cheer and be jolly for a reason! Bring a team of friends, family, and coworkers to run, walk, or volunteer…and be an ambassador of hope! 100% of the proceeds from this event will support CCD’s adult recovery and community outreach programs. https://runsignup.com/Race/DE/NewCastle/CCDHoliday5K
Help Decorate Historic New Castle at Arasapha’s 60th Annual Wreath Workshop!
Help decorate over 100 wreaths that will adorn the New Castle Historic District’s public buildings and businesses during the holiday season! No artistic talent needed! Bring garden clippers if you have them, and we’ll show you what to do. Open Thurs. 11/30 12 noon-7 PM and Fri. 12/1 9 AM-12 noon at the Arsenal, 30 Market St. On Thursday evening or Friday, you can decorate a wreath for your home for only $30. You can also help by dropping off evergreen clippings from your yard on Wed. 11/29 behind the Arsenal. More info: www.arasapha.org/holiday-greening
23rd Annual Spirit of Christmas Celebration
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Location: Various Locations Throughout Town
Website: https://www.spiritofchristmasde.com/
Experience the magic of the Spirit of Christmas on Saturday, December 14 in Historic New Castle—a day where history meets holiday wonder. From decorated homes to live music and a bustling marketplace, revel in the season while helping preserve the town’s treasured past. For event information, visit our website: https://www.spiritofchristmasde.com/ find us on Facebook or Instagram or contact us with any questions at info@spiritofchristmasde.com.
LIT for the Holidays Saturday, December 14, 2024 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m.
The Delaware Historical Society presents “LIT for the Holidays: Delaware’s Changing Winter Landscapes” art exhibit opening reception at Read House and Gardens New Castle, Delaware, November 13, 2024 – The Delaware Historical Society continues a new holiday tradition with “LIT for the Holidays: Delaware’s Changing Winter Landscapes,” on display at Read House and Gardens. The exhibit opens December 14 with the festive LIT for the Holidays gathering from 6-8:30 p.m. and runs through December 29. The LIT for the Holidays opening party continues a longstanding Read House tradition of ringing in the holiday season, modeled after the winter parties hosted by the House’s former owners Lydia and Philip Laird, which were an annual fixture of holiday spirit in the town of New Castle. This year’s event features live music by Bruce Anthony, caroling with Vocal Points, complimentary beer and wine, and hors d’oeuvres by Toscana. Artwork will be displayed throughout the Read House alongside dried floral arrangements sourced directly from the gardens and carefully crafted by staff for the holiday season. “Delaware’s Changing Winter Landscapes” features drawings and paintings from the collections of the Delaware Historical Society, the New Castle community, and the Washington Society of Landscape Painters that showcase how winter scenes have changed from the nineteenth century until today and ask us how we can best steward Delaware’s landscapes for future generations. Laura Earls, Director of the Read House and Gardens, said: “As we prepare for the construction phase of the garden project, it’s important to consider how we can best care for these landscapes. I encourage people to reflect on the many generations who lived and worked at the Read House, and to consider the rich history of the gardens and how we’ll care for them into the future through the garden project.” To purchase tickets to LIT for the Holidays, please visit: https://readhouseandgardens.org/lit2024/. Sponsorship opportunities are available here. For more information, contact Director of Institutional Advancement Kathleen Butler at kbutler@dehistory.org.
Come and visit New Castle and see the houses decorated for the season.
New Castle Historical Society
atTAcK addiction E-Racing the Stigma 5K/Rally*
Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
On 1st Saturday in March atTAcK addiction E-Racing the Stigma 5K/Rally comes to New Castle.
Visit their website for pictures of the 2022 atTAcK addiction E-Racing the Stigma 5K
Please note that there will be significant traffic restrictions and road closures in town during this event, so check back for updated information regarding traffic restrictions on that morning.
Saturday, March 2nd 6:30p.m. to 10:00p.m. The Annual St Patrick’s Senior Center Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 2nd, at the Center located at 400 South Street, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. New Castle residents Mike and Tracey Connolly’s ever-popular SEVEN RINGS band will provide entertainment with an evening of Irish and contemporary tunes. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Reservations can be made for tables of six or eight. Visit the Senior Center during its open hours, contact Senior Center Director Natalie Kaplan at 302.326.4209 or Marianne Caven at 302.588.7410 for tickets and reservations. A raffle of Irish goods and libations will be on offer at $5 a ticket or 3 for $10 and attendees are welcome to bring in food.
Easter Parade
Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. on The Green
The New Castle Hundred Lions will once again hold their annual Easter Parade on the Green.
Don’t miss the candy, fun and prizes!
This New Castle tradition is sponsored by the New Castle Hundred Lions Club.
Arasapha May Market
Friday, May 3rd & Saturday, May 4th 2024
Market Square – Behind New Castle Town Hall
201 Delaware Street, New Castle DE
Looking for the perfect plant for your garden? A special herb for your kitchen or a unique bargain for your home? How about a Mother’s Day gift? You’ll find all this and more at May Market, a New Castle tradition celebrating its 82nd Anniversary in 2024. Come early for the best selection and stay for a lovely day in Historic New Castle! Free gardening advice is available and credit cards are accepted. Proceeds benefit the gardens of New Castle’s historic Amstel and Dutch Houses and support Arasapha programs.
Annual A Day in Old New Castle* Third Saturday in May: May 18th, 2024
Experience Life on the River: Pirates, Colonial Craftsmen, Open Homes & Gardens, and so much more.
- Historical Reenactments
- Plundering Pirates
- Colonial Craftsmen
- Music, Performers
- Open Museums
- Tours of Rarely Open Homes and Gardens
- Deck tours of Tall Ships, as available (included with ticket)
- and much more!
Friday Night Kick Off Party (6-9 p.m.)
Enjoy live music, beer, wine, seltzers and non-alcoholic drinks along with food trucks in a block-party setting. Admission is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase with tips benefiting New Castle’s Minquadale and Goodwill volunteer fire departments. Featured performer: Too Tall Slim & The Guilty Pleasures (Classic Rock Covers & Originals)
Separation Day Parade (Noon Start)
Progresses along Delaware Street and culminates at the review stand in front of the Courthouse. This Colonial-inspired parade features re-enactors, bands, dance teams, classic cars, local sports teams and non-profits.
Family Festival (1 p.m. Start)
Something for everyone in Battery Park featuring live music, games, kid’s rides, exhibitors, food & drink, beer garden featuring craft beer, wine & seltzers. Admission free. Food, drink & ride tickets available for purchase.
Vintage Market (1 p.m. Start)
- Offering festival attendees an array of vendors with different talents and passions. These vendors range from pickers, makers, shop keepers, collectors, small businesses, bakers, chefs, organic product specialists, craftsman, seamstresses, creatives that work hard to bring you a handmade and one-of-a-kind item, musicians, crafters, artists and hustlers who work so hard to offer a great product. Whether it is, handmade, hand-painted, up-cycled or found, vintage market vendors all share the love of mixing old and new to create something completely unique to their brand and shoppers.
- Live Music (2 p.m.-9:30 p.m.):
Bands will be performing on Separation Day’s Main Stage from 2 p.m. until the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. See schedule below.
- Fireworks:
Spectacular display over the Delaware River beginning at 9:30 p.m. Bring your own blanket and chair.
Annual 4th of July Bell-Ringing Ceremony- July 4, 2024 at 1:30p.m. Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green
Wednesday Night Summer Concerts in Battery Park*
Grab your blanket or a chair for music in the park. Information is available at www.historicnewcastle.com.
Wed
nesday nights from late June through mid-August
Free to the Public – 6:30 p.m.
The Concerts take place on Wednesday evenings, from late June through mid-August.
6/17/2024-Jimmy Pritchard & The New Turks
7/10/2024-The Witchdoctors
7/17/2024-Olivia Reynolds Band Cancelled
7/24/2024-FINN
7/31/2024-Magical Mystery
8/07/2024-Conley & Watson-Rescheduled for 8-21
8/14/2024-NYC Burn 2.0
8/21/2024-Conley & Watson
Nao Trinidad
Step aboard history on the tall ship Nao Trinidad! The ship will be at our wharf in New Castle September 19-22 and will be open to the public for tours and to learn more about the historic voyage of Ferdinand Magellan!
Deck tours are open to the public and can be purchased in advance at https://tickets.naotrinidad.org/content or as you arrive at the ship.
The ship also is open to all school groups by reservation. To reserve contact: ecampos@fundacionnaovictoria.org
A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors who made this visit possible. The Trustees of the New Castle Common, Ameriprise Financial Services, New Castle Community Partnership, Terry House Bed and Breakfast, Texas Roadhouse Grill, Delaware River Bay Authority, Wilmington Tug, and M and T Bank.
Annual Fall Car & Motorcycle Show
Saturday, September 14, 2024 9a.m. to 2p.m.
The Friends of Bellanca Airfield Route 273& Centerpoint Blvd.
Free admission to the Public
$25.00 Pre-Registered by Sept 13th, 2024
$30.00 Day of event
Visit BCCDelaware.org
BLOCK PARTY!
Date: September 22nd, 2024 from 4:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
The Annual Block Party is an outdoor event held on the Green in Downtown Historic New Castle City. The event will be held on September 22, 2024 from 4 to 8 P.M. (rain date September 28, 2024). It is a BYOF (Bring your on food) event with a cash bar open to the public. The annual event features the music of “Somethin’ Like That”, local bands and a live art auction. This event benefits the New Castle Senior Center.
Art on the Green* Saturday, September 28, 2024
Annual Arts & Crafts Show in Historic New Castle Delaware
Art on the Green is an annual Art & Craft Show in Historic New Castle Delaware. Started in 1970, it is the 4th
Saturday in September, in Battery Park, on the scenic Delaware River. Sponsored by the New Castle Hundred Lions Club. For more information visit www.artonthegreende.net
Annual Belgian Beer Fest!
Saturday, September 28, 2024 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This is the 2nd year for this event. VIP and general admission tickets, 30+ varieties to taste. Music by Finn, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are available at www.historicnewcastle.com
National Night Out Tuesday, October 1st 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. This event has been cancelled
National Ni
ght Out is an annual community building campaign celebrated across the Unites States that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
New Castle Police/Child ID Kits The NCCP will be offering child fingerprint ID kits. The kits are completed at home, so the information is completely confidential. The fingerprints are kept by the parents or guardians in the event this important information is ever needed.
Good Will Fire Apparatus – Games – Food – Fun Hot dogs provided by New Castle Hundred Lions Club
River Towns Ride & Festival rescheduled for Saturday, October 12th 2024 beginning at 9 a.m.
The 11th annual River Towns Ride & Festival provides riders the opportunity to visit the historic riverfronts of New Castle, Delaware City, Wilmington and Chesapeake City, Md. (NEW THIS YEAR!) while earning medals based on distance completed. Post-ride will be held in Delaware City’s Battery Park featuring live music, beer, food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Fridays & Saturdays in October Hauntings in History: Ghostly Walking Tours of Old New Castle*
Hauntings in History Walking Tours
If you are brave enough to explore the darker side of New Castle’s history, then join the New Castle Historical Society this October for a journey into New Castle’s supernatural side. You will be guided through New Castle’s darkened streets and alleyways where you will hear macabre tales of hauntings, Victorian death & funeral customs, and crime & punishment that span the almost 370-year history of this Delaware River town.
Visit the New Castle Historical Society’s website for more information on this and their other events and exhibits
William Penn Day, Celebrating the 291st landing of William Penn in New Castle
Saturday, October 26th, the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware Street in New Castle, Delaware, will present “William Penn Day,” a day-long series of activities commemorating the 290th anniversary of William Penn’s Oct. 27, 1682 disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World.
Admission for all programs is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4453.
William Penn Day, celebrating the 1682 landing of William Penn in New Castle. juliette.wurm@delaware.gov
Oak Knoll Fest
Oak Knoll sponsors a festival devoted to the book arts and fine printing held in New Castle. Started in 1994, it brings together letterpress printers and book artists, and encourages the artists themselves to represent their work to the public. Held the first weekend in October in even numbered years the festival has typically included: two days of the fine press bookfair, an Oak Knoll bookshop sale, and lectures on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Saturday New Castle Farmers Market on the Green, 9 AM-2 PM, rain or shine. Produce, Meat, Eggs, Baked Goods and other Artisan Creations.
Wednesday October 30, 2024 6:30 p.m. (Tentative Date)
New Castle Hundred Lions Club Annual Halloween Parade
Parade lineup starts at 6:00 p.m. at St. Peters School parking lot. Cash Prizes.
A New Castle Tradition Sponsored by the New Castle Lions Club.
*Annual Event
