By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Devon Horse Show
Memorial Day means the time has arrived for many of the area’s traditional events to return for another year – including the Devon Horse Show and Kennett Square’s annual Memorial Day Parade
The Devon Horse Show (Lancaster Avenue, Devon, 610-688-2554, www.devonhorseshow.org) is one of the oldest events of any kind in the state.
The Devon Horse Show is and always has been special – always been more than just another annual equestrian event.
The show is a family event that spans generations and traditionally marks the start of summer.
It is a place where attendees go as much to see and be seen as to watch horses compete — a sporting event and a tradition-based social event.
No one on earth right now could have attended the Devon Horse Show in its early days.
The 2026 show, which is running now through May 31, is the 130th Annual Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.
Ethel Caterham, a 116-year-old British woman, now holds the title of the world’s oldest living person, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
When she was born on August 21, 1909, the Devon Horse Show had already been held for 14 years.
The Devon Horse Show began in 1896 as a one-day show with 28 classes. By 1914, it had grown immensely and had become the largest outdoor horse show in the country — a distinction it still holds.
In 1919, it was decided that a “Country Fair” should be held in conjunction with the horse show and that the event should benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital.
In 2010, the Devon Horse Show became just the fourth American horse show to be honored with the designation as a USEF Heritage Competition.
This award is reserved for those competitions that have been in existence for more than a quarter century, promoted and grown the equestrian sport, and made a contribution to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.
More than 3,000 horses are entered in the Devon Horse Show in over 30 divisions and more than 200 classes with prize money totaling over a quarter of a million dollars. The equestrian competition reaches its peak the final few days with the Devon Grand Prix and the Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake.
The Country Fair offers concessions featuring lemon sticks, cotton candy and buckets of fudge. Other main attractions at the fair are the garden café, sales booths featuring antiques, toys, hand-crafted items, Devon Horse Show souvenirs and over 30 other shops with jewelry, art, clothes and equestrian-related items.
Another popular family attraction is the Midway with its huge Ferris wheel, old-time carousel and wide array of amusement rides and games — plus kid-favorite goodies such as popcorn, cotton candy and funnel cake.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children (under 12) and seniors (over 65).
Memorial Day Parade
One of the most popular traditional events is Kennett Square’s annual Memorial Day Parade (West State Street, Kennett Square, kennettcollaborative.org). The parade, which honors the area’s veterans, is scheduled for May 25.
The parade, which is expected to feature more than 1,000 participants and twice as many spectators, will get underway at 10 a.m. The parade honors our veterans, many of whom participate in the parade, riding in antique convertibles.
Participants in the parade will represent a wide array of interests with historic battle re-enactors, antique military vehicles, bagpipers, fife and drum units, color guard groups, high school bands, and local youth sports teams.
Spectators also have the opportunity to enjoy seeing dancers, classic cars, colorful floats created by various community organizations, fire trucks, a Viking ship, and much more.
The parade reflects and celebrates the community’s great cultural diversity with participants such as the popular Aztec dancers, charros on horseback, and Chinese folk dancers.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. at South Street and Union Street. The parade ends at the Union Hill Cemetery with a Veterans Memorial Day Service featuring Kennett and Unionville High School Bands opening with the National Anthem and a wreath laying by the Grand Marshals.
The Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Cornwall’s Great Pennsylvania FlavorFest has evolved into one of the winery’s most popular annual events.
This year’s 15th Annual Great Pennsylvania FlavorFest will be held May 23 and 24 on Mount Hope’s grounds (Route 72, Cornwall, 717- 665-7021, www.parenfaire.com) from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.The annual feast for the taste buds features many of the region’s finest wineries sampling and selling their vintages, cooking demonstrations, specialty foods for sampling and for sale, master artisans, live music and an interactive Crafty Kid’s area.
There will be more than 20 wineries from Pennsylvania offering samples of and selling of their many varieties. Local restaurants and food vendors will also be offering samples from their menus.
FlavorFest will feature a variety of specialty food vendors. Visitors will be able to sample and purchase gourmet food items such as sauces, dips, pastries, cheeses – along with Pennsylvania Dutch favorites such as whoopie pies and traditional shoo-fly pie.
As an added attraction, chefs from local restaurants will present cooking demonstrations each day highlighting gourmet dishes in their restaurants’ signature styles.
General Admission is $28.95 (Includes Tasting Glass). Tickets for guests Ages 12-20 are $10.95 and children (11 & Under) are admitted free.
Chester County Mustang & Ford Show
The 45th Anniversary Chester County Mustang & Ford Show is scheduled for May 25 at the Kimberton Fairgrounds (61 Firehouse Lane, Phoenixville, www.thevfmc.org).
The show attracts car enthusiasts from across the region to connect with one another and showcase their most prized possessions.
Visitors can see, admire and take pictures of colorful Mustangs from every era in the sports car’s history.
Also featured will be a variety of other Ford vehicles including trucks and electric vehicles.
Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com) has several special activities going on this weekend – including a Memorial Day event.
The “Memorial Day Taco Festival” will be held on May 23 from noon-9 p.m. and May 24 from noon-6 p.m.
It’s the unofficial start of summer and the winery will be rocking all weekend long with taco trucks, live music, and drink specials — two days of festive flavors, live music, and fun in the sun.
Visiting food trucks will be serving up an incredible variety of tacos to pair with your favorite Chaddsford wines and wine cocktails. It’s the perfect way to kick off summer!
This event brings the best of bold bites, chill vibes, and local flavor to our scenic Winery grounds. Grab a glass, gather your crew, and spend the day soaking up live music, vibrant energy, and unbeatable food and drink.
With no admission fee, this family-friendly and dog-friendly weekend is a “can’t-miss” celebration of community, sunshine, and serious taco goodness.
Live Music on Saturday will be performed by Adam Monaco and Band from 2-5 p.m. and on Sunday by Dan Rendine from 2-5 p.m.
Featured drink specials are Sangria Wine Slushies and White Wine Margaritas with Chaddsford Winery’s Vidal Blanc and Bluebird Distilling’s Agave Spirits
The “Food Truck Line-Up’ features Calaveras Taco, Nacho Depot, Taqueria El Amigo and Hangry Bear Ice Cream (Sunday only).
“Noir Noir: A Speakeasy Experience” will be held on Friday evenings in May from 6-9 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy specialty cocktails and light bites in the hidden wine cellar as they step behind the scenes at the Friday-night speakeasy, tucked inside our historic wine cellar.
Inspired by the glamour and intrigue of the 1920s and 1930s, this intimate pop-up experience transforms the West Tank Room into a moody, art deco–inspired lounge complete with themed music, vintage touches, and low-lit ambiance.
Guests are invited to enjoy a rotating menu of specialty cocktails crafted with locally sourced spirits and Chaddsford wines, available exclusively during speakeasy hours.
A limited selection of bar bites will also be available. Themed attire is encouraged but never required.
Penns Woods Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http://www.pennswoodswinery.com) will present “Live Music on the Lawn” every weekend in May.
On May 23, Chris Despo will perform from 2-5 p.m.
The schedule for May 24 features Bill Hake from 1-4 p.m.
The line-up for May 25 features Rick Caldwell from 1-4 p.m.
The West Chester Railroad (610-430-2233, www.wcrailroad.com) will be running its “Memorial Day Special” on May 24 at noon
Join us for our regularly scheduled weekly train ride and relax on a journey from West Chester to Glen Mills. Bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy during our brief stop at the picturesque Glen Mills station.
While you’re there, take time to explore the scenic surroundings, step inside the beautifully preserved 1880s station building, or stroll over to the nearby Red Brick Winery for a taste of local charm. It’s the perfect way to unwind and experience a bit of history and nature all in one trip.
Fares are $30 for adults, $25 for children and $5 for veterans and active military.
On May 24, The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running its “Memorial Day Special Glen Rock Express with No. 17 Steam Locomotive.”
Riders can experience the beauty of York County during this one-hour round trip to Glen Rock with the William H. Simpson No. 17, our replica steam locomotive.
The ride follows the route of the original Northern Central Railroad, a former Pennsylvania Railroad mainline that has been in operation since 1838, through the scenic Heritage Rail Trail County Park. Learn about the history of the towns and villages you pass along the way.
The excursion will depart at 10:30 a.m. on May 24. Adult fare is $24.99 and youth fare is $14.99.
The New Hope Railroad (32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “Spring Excursion” on Saturdays and Sundays in May.
Riders will embark on a two-hour round-trip through the vibrant landscapes of Bucks County on the New Hope Railroad Spring Excursion.
They can experience the unique beauty of the “New Hope Branch” route, adorned with wildflowers and fresh spring greenery, from the comfort of our vintage coaches.
This excursion is an ideal retreat for everyone, from photography enthusiasts and nature lovers to those seeking a peaceful getaway. Due to its popularity and limited seats, early booking is recommended to ensure your spot on this journey of rejuvenation and scenic splendor.
Tickets are $60 for adults, $58 for children (ages 3-11) and $12 for children (ages 0-2).
The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running a special train on May 22, 23 and 24 – the “Wine & Cheese Train.”
Passengers can enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled first-class accommodation and a tasting of select wine, cheese, and crackers as they travel in style down the tracks from Strasburg to Paradise and back.
The train departs at 4 and 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. The total trip time is 45 minutes.
“Wine & Cheese Train” boarding is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Riders must be 21 or older and have their photo ID ready when they board.
Featured wines are carefully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and cheeses are paired accordingly. Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request. Riders can purchase a souvenir wine glass on board the train if desired. Glasses are $8 each.
In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol is only served during the train ride. The rail line is not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages while the train is berthed in the station.
This popular train is available on select Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the season. Tickets are $70.
If you enjoy walking around garden displays or if you like to look at model railroad layouts, then you should definitely check out the Garden Railway Display at the Morris Arboretum & Garden (100 Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, www.morrisarboretum.org).
The ultra-popular Garden Railway Display has become a major summer attraction at The Gardens at Morris Arboretum. The 28th annual edition of the display has its official season opening scheduled for May 22 and then will remain open until September 30.
As one of the largest outdoor miniature train displays in the United States, the Garden Railway will delight and amaze visitors of all ages.
The railway has a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under) and bustling model trains.
The buildings and the display are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones – to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with miniature rivers.
Philadelphia-area landmarks are all meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle. There is even a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall are made using pinecone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials and twigs as downspouts.
Admission is $22 for adults; $20 for seniors (65 and older); $12 for youth (ages 13-17 or with ID), active military and retired military; and free for children (under 3).
On May 24, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org) will celebrate the holiday with a “Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade.”
The event will take place at Laurel Hill East at 11:30 a.m. starting with a concert of patriotic music by the Philadelphia Brigade Band. Ceremony begins at noon.
Laurel Hill East is the site of the first Memorial Day in Philadelphia in 1868. Join the General Meade Society for a special ceremony and parade including speeches, pageantry, wreath-laying, music, and honor guards.
All are welcome. Historical groups, veterans, color guards, and military contingents are especially encouraged to participate.
Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. The cost is “pay what you wish.”
On May 23, Laurel Hill will present “Sacred Spaces & Storied Places” at 10 a.m.
“Sacred Spaces & Storied Places” is the perfect introductory tour that provides an overview of Laurel Hill West including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history.
Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective as no two tours are the same. Tour Guide this weekend will be Pamela McMahon.
Tickets are $18/General Admission (Ages 13 and up); $16/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID; and $9/Youth (Ages 6-12).
Some other locations with special Memorial Day Weekend events are: Norristown (Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, elmwoodparkzoo.org); Philadelphia (Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia,www.amrevmuseum.org); Radnor (Radnor Memorial Day Parade | Official site of the Radnor Memorial Day Parade); and Washington Crossing (Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing,www.washingtoncrossingpark.org); and Doylestown (Doylestown Memorial Day Parade, doylestownborough.net).
In 2026, America turns 250, and Philadelphia is throwing the ultimate yearlong celebration.
After all, we’ve been first in freedom, first in innovation and first in fun for 250 years.
52 Weeks of Firsts (www.visitphilly.com/52-weeks-of-firsts) is a yearlong, citywide celebration honoring Philadelphia’s legacy of innovation produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee.
Not only was Philadelphia the birthplace of the country, but it was also the backdrop for many other marvels.
To honor these groundbreaking inventions and firsts, the Philadelphia Historic District is holding a year’s worth of free events to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.
52 Weeks of Firsts shines a light on different Philly-born Firsts each week through a series of free public events called Saturday Firstivals — held every Saturday of 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in more than a dozen neighborhoods.
Firstival: Saturday May 23 will focus on “First World’s Fair on American Soil: 1876.”
Philadelphia welcomed the world and showed off the future at the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the first World’s Fair in the U.S.
Visitors can relive the inventions, innovations and international flair that made history.
The event will be held May 23 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.at the Please Touch Museum, which is located at 4231 Avenue of the Republic in Philadelphia.
Thy Geekdom Con, which is running now through May 24 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks, www.phillyexpocenter.com), is a convention of all things geek in pop culture.
Brought to you by the fine minds behind the YouTube sensation Game Infirmary, the Ninth Annual Thy Geekdom Con is billed as an epic weekend of fun and frivolity.
The festive annual event will include Acts, Anime, Artists, Board Games, Comics, Cosplay, Crafters, Panels, Table Top games, TV/Movies, and Video Game Tournaments.
Visitors are invited to show off their skills in the Cosplay Costume Contest and Masquerade.
Thy Geekdom Con embraces fandoms from all cartoons, comics, video games, anime, TV/Film, so there is truly something for everyone.
Entrance fees are — Weekend Admission, $60; Saturday Admission, $45; and Sunday Admission, $40.
Fort Mifflin (Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, www.fortmifflin.us) will be the site of the “Philly Faire” from May 23-25.
The Philadelphia Renaissance Faire® will set up camp at Fort Mifflin this Memorial Day Weekend. This three-day event promises Renaissance-themed family fun, with entertainment, unique vendors and artisans, and much more.
Historic Fort Mifflin provides a picturesque setting for Philly Faire, which returns this year for a three-day, holiday-weekend run, Saturday through Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. all three days.
Attendees can explore a bustling marketplace filled with artisanal crafts, clothing, and jewelry, while enjoying a hearty meal from a variety of food and drink vendors.
After trying their hand at archery or knife and axe throwing, they’ll be entertained by an array of interactive shows and performances, including captivating magic, fire eating, and lively music.
Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for children.
Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, has a popular ongoing attraction – “Nation of Inventors.”
“Memorial Day Weekend at Hagley” will be celebrated from May 23-25 with a variety of events including “Cannon Firing” all three days at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Demonstrations take place next to the Millwright Shop in the historic powder yard and are included with admission.
There will also be a “Science Saturday” event on May 23 at 11 a.m.
The theme is “Stop Motion Commotion.”
Participants will learn how “moving pictures” are made and create their own stop motion video using a smartphone.
Visitors of all ages are invited to discover solutions to science and engineering challenges. This is a drop-in activity, feel free to join the fun at any time.
A popular annual event is the “Walking Tour.”
With the “Walking Tour,” participants can walk through history during an in-depth, 90-minute guided tour each Monday morning from March through December.
Starting this weekend, there will be a special walking tour – “Hagley History Tour: America250 Edition.”
The tour will be held on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays –Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Participants can enjoy a guided outdoor walking tour exploring Hagley’s role in shaping American and Delaware history. This tour, held twice daily, lasts approximately one hour, involves walking on uneven ground, and costs $5 in addition to regular daily admission.
“Nation of Inventors” celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the “golden age” of American invention, in the late 1800s.
The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley’s unique collection highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.
Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years. “Nation of Inventors” showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.
In the exhibition, visitors will enjoy engaging experiences around every corner, testing their knowledge of innovation and hearing personal accounts from inventors.
“Nation of Inventors” is located on the first two floors of Hagley’s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.
Admission to Hagley is $20 for adults, $16 for students and seniors (62+) and $10 for children (6-14).
The 2026 season is underway at Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org).
The entrance is located on the campus of Nemours Children’s Health, follow signs for Nemours Estate.
One of the site’s popular spring events will be held this weekend.
On May 23, Nemours will present a “Guided Mansion Tour.”
Enjoy an hour-long guide-led tour of Nemours Estate’s Mansion. The tours starts at 9:30 a.m. Tour group will be shuttled from the entrance to the Mansion.
Nemours was the estate of Alfred I. duPont.
Originally constructed in 1910, Nemours Estate is one of Delaware’s grandest buildings and includes the largest formal French garden in North America.
Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite, 77-room mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur’s Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
The Gardens are one of the estate’s prime attractions.
Admission to Nemours is $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and $10 for children.
Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) will be presenting “Elmo’s Springtacular” every weekend now through June 16.
“Elmo’s Springtacular” at Sesame Place is filled with furry fun and exciting events – including an exciting line up of meet & greets, music, magic, pirate adventures, and fireworks.
This weekend will feature “Memorial Day Weekend Celebration” on May 23 and 24.
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at Sesame Place! Take in our spectacular “C is for Celebrate” fireworks display! Rock out with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Count von Count, as their music fills the air and the sky is covered with colorful bursts of brilliance.
Be sure to watch us paint the sky red (and green and blue) from inside the park. This impressive display will certainly give you something to celebrate this Memorial Day!
Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks — “C… is for Celebrate!” – will take place on May 24 at 9 p.m.
A sure sign that summer is just around the corner is the opening of the “Festival of Fountains” at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org).
The “Festival of Fountains” opened for the season on May 9 and will run until September 28.
Longwood Gardens’ Open Air Theatre and Italian Water Garden fountains will spring to life, as will the Square Fountain, Round Fountain (Flower Garden Walk), Sylvan Fountain (Peirce’s Park), and Children’s Corner fountains.
The season of renewal and growth has started. Millions of tiny geophytes begin the season, blanketing Longwood’s vistas with sweeps of spring-has-sprung color.
Dancing fountains, performances under the stars, and beautiful gardens make the Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens magical. The spectacular celebration of music, light, water, and nature includes distinctive garden experiences indoors and out.
Before the fountain performances, guests can sit under the stars and enjoy live music and refreshing brews and pub fare in Longwood’s Beer Garden. Other dining options at Longwood are 1906 Fine Dining and The Café.
As the season unfolds, flowering trees delightfully punctuate the landscape, radiant tulips stretch toward the sun, and the delicious fragrance of wisteria floats along the breeze.
Visitors can also enjoy special exhibits at the Orchid House.
Admission to Longwood Gardens is $35 for adults, $31 for seniors and college students, $26 for active military and $20 for youth.
A
nother venue where you can enjoy flowers up close is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org).
This weekend, Tyler is presenting a “Blue Nesting Box Tour” on May 24 at 11 a.m.
Visitors can discover the hidden world of Tyler’s bluebird families.
They can tag along with knowledgeable guides as they check the bluebird boxes in Tyler’s succession field for signs of activity and peek into nesting boxes to observe nature in action — from carefully tended eggs to fuzzy nestlings waiting for their next meal.
Along the way, participants can learn about cavity-nesting birds, the important role volunteers play in their protection, and simple ways you can help these feathered friends thrive at home.
This family-friendly outing invites curious kids and nature-loving adults alike. Arrive curious, leave inspired.
The event will get underway at 11 a.m.
Admission fee is $18 per adult, $15 per senior and $10 per child (ages 12-17).
$18 per adult (18-64), $15 per senior (ages 65+), $10 per child ages 3-17; children ages two and under are free and do not need to register.
This Saturday, the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarnyckel.org) is beginning its 2026 season of live sails.
Sailing season returns with river cruises in Wilmington and tall ship sails in Historic New Castle. Tickets for day sails plus private ship rentals are now available.
On May 23 and 25 at 10 a.m., visitors can take a 1.5-hour Christina River cruise on Kalmar Nyckel, The Tall Ship of Delaware.
Adventure awaits when they come aboard the majestic Swedish flagship that founded the colony of New Sweden in 1638. They can haul lines, set sails, hear tales from the crew or simply relax.
The ship is a beautiful recreation of the original Kalmar Nyckel, which was built in Holland in the 1620s. Her main mast is taller than a 10-story building, and she carries 7,600 square feet of sail area and six miles of rigging.
The original Kalmar Nyckel was a Swedish-owned, three-masted armed pinnace that sailed from Goteborg, Sweden in November of 1637 and brought the first permanent European settlers to the Delaware Valley.
The new Kalmar Nyckel was constructed there and was launched on September 28, 1997. She was commissioned on May 9, 1998, and now serves as Delaware’s sea-going Ambassador of Good Will. She is a fully functional sail training vessel and has represented Delaware all over the country.
River Cruise tickets are $45/Adult and $25/Youth (12 and under).
There will also be the “Captain Kidd’s Pirate Day” on May 23 from noon-4 p.m.
There will be loads of fun at the sixth annual day with Tall Ship of Delaware ship tours, sword school, black smith demonstrations, pirate stories, songs, crafts, face painting and food trucks.
The event features free admission and free parking.
This weekend, Rockwood Park & Museum (4671 Washington Street Ext, Wilmington, Delaware, 4671 Washington Street Ext, Wilmington, www.newcastlede.gov/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum) is hosting “Rockwood Guided House Tours.”
Visitors can explore the grandeur, history and beauty of the Rockwood Museum, home of the Shipley, Bringhurst and Hargraves families for 120 years, at their own pace.
Visitors will be able to access most of the museum’s major rooms on this self-guided tour. Also, staff will be nearby to answer any questions.
Tours are scheduled for 12:30 and 2 p.m. on May 23 and 24.
Self-guided tours will also be available both days from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday.
Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, newlingristmill.org) will present its “1704 Mill Tour” on May23 and 24.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the site’s 1704 water powered mill.
While the Mill is not currently operational, visitors on guided tours will get a rare opportunity to see the process of building a new waterwheel and waterbox.
Visitors must be on a guided tour to go inside the Grist Mill.
Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and children 12 and under.
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz) will host one of its popular “Bird Walks” this weekend.
On May 24, visitors can take an educational walk with one of the site’s knowledgeable volunteers.
They will be able to discover the 300+ species of birds that use the Refuge during their migration routes – each week guarantee different species.
The walk will meet by visitor center and be at a relaxed paced on flat surfaces. There are restrooms near the trailhead. No registration required.
The “Bird Walk” will be led by Cliff and Nancy Hence.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, www.ansp.org) has just opened a new exhibit – “Botany of Nations.”
Visitors can experience a groundbreaking exhibition that provides a new perspective on the legendary Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery.
Co-curated with Enrique Salmón, PhD, an ethnobotanist and author of IWÍGARA: The Kinship of Plants and People, and developed with contributions from Indigenous cultural historians, “Botany of Nations” offers a culturally layered view of the plants of North America.
Collected on the famous expedition, some of the oldest plant specimens in the country today are housed in the Academy’s own Lewis and Clark Herbarium.
Guests can learn how the Native Nations Meriwether Lewis met on the trail shaped America’s plant knowledge long before Western scientists claimed these “discoveries.”
Centering the voices of Native Nations who have protected and cared for the lands for thousands of years, “Botany of Nations” presents plants as portals to Indigenous storytelling and knowledge.
Visitors will:
See 18th and early 19th century scientific instruments, original journals, maps and herbarium sheets that illuminate the role of natural science on the Corps of Discovery.
View Native American peace pipes as well as Corps of Discovery peace medals.
Navigate prairie, plains, plateau and Pacific coast landscapes within a model of the trail as you learn about the importance of plants such as tobacco and chokecherry through film, interactive media, cultural artifacts, sensory experiences and contemporary voices.
Watch a newly produced film about how Indigenous traditional land practices and cultural systems surrounding food provide contemporary solutions to today’s biodiversity and climate challenges.
Experience a native plant garden on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to learn how you can grow heritage plants that foster biodiversity.
Museum admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and $18 for children (ages 2-12).
The Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware, www.delart.org) is currently featuring several new exhibitions.
“Living Indigenous,” which runs through August 23, celebrates the creative contributions of Indigenous artists living in and connected to Delaware, developed in partnership with the Nanticoke Indian Museum.
“Citizen Artist,” which is on display through July 19, coincides with the Semiquincentennial in 2026.
The “Citizen Artist” will meet a moment of national reflection with a celebration of artist workers in America.
“The People’s Gallery,” which runs August 7 through September 6, amplifies Delaware 250 by inviting up to 600 Delaware residents or DelArt Members to submit one work of art for exhibition in the Museum.
The Museum is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $6 for youth.
Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.
Historic Odessa just reopened for spring tours and celebrated the beginning of its 2026 season.
Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell’s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.
Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.
Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The site is also open Monday by reservation.
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (1237 State Road, Andalusia, www.andalusiapa.org) has opened for its 2026 season.
Located on a wooded promontory overlooking the Delaware River, Andalusia has been a stately presence on this stretch of water, just north of Philadelphia, for more than 200 years. The ancestral home of the Biddle family, Andalusia is also a natural paradise of native woodlands and spectacular gardens that have evolved over time.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1966, the Big House — one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States — provides an unparalleled look into our nation’s past, while also offering a glimpse into the life of a family that helped to shape its future.
Its surrounding gardens delight the senses all through the year, from the tumbling, brightly colored leaves of fall to the floral extravaganza of spring and the abundance and scent of summer.
Self-Guided Garden Tours will be available Mondays through Wednesdays through November 4 (excluding holidays) at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Visitors can stroll the spectacular formal gardens and native woodlands during a self-guided garden tour at their leisure and enjoy sweeping views from the banks of the Delaware River. Picnics are allowed on the grounds (with a “carry-in, carry-out” policy).
Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com) will present “The Best of the Nest: Birdhouse Competition & Display” throughout its site.
“The Best of the Nest: Birdhouse Competition & Display” runs now through May 25 and showcases unique birdhouses designed and built by members of the public.
Guests are invited to vote for their favorite birdhouses in multiple categories: traditional, whimsical, Bucks County landmark, and natural habitat.
For this event, Peddler’s Village is proud to partner with the Bucks County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Honey Hollow Nature Center.
By participating in this event as either a birdhouse creator or a visitor, you can support two local nonprofits. Creators can donate their birdhouses to a fundraising auction, and visitors can donate either directly or by “buying” additional votes for their People’s Choice favorites. Donations can be made and ballots can be obtained at the Visitor and Event Center on Street Road.
The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”
Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $20.
The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.
You can capture the same vibe closer to home with tours in Philadelphia.
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.
Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.
The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the spring and summer and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.
Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the spring.
Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers.
The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way.
This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.
Ticket prices start at $38.
On a final note, many of this weekend’s events which are outdoor activities have been cancelled and/or postponed because of the forecasts for cool and rainy weather. Check websites prior to heading out to an event.
