Join us in beautiful downtown Dover as we celebrate Independence Day!

Schedule of Events

9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Johnson Victrola Museum
Visitors to the museum - located at 375 S. New Street - can hear patriotic music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines.

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - First State Heritage Park
Celebrate Independence Day the Colonial way! Join historic interpreters at the John Bell House (43 The Green) for a Living History Day to see multiple historic trades from the 18th century.  Don't forget to stop by Legislative Hall (411 Legislative Avenue) for free tours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Also enjoy our Revolutionary Dover tour at 11 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  This tour is $5 per person, and tickets can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/FSHPD or purchase on site.

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - The Biggs Museum
Join us for a star-spangled celebration of American art this Independence Day at the Biggs Museum of American Art located at 406 Federal Street! Enjoy free admission all day thanks to Dover Federal Credit Union as you explore a dynamic collection of artwork from the Mid-Atlantic region, ranging from the 1700s to today. Discover captivating paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, furniture, silver, and more.  This year, don’t miss two exciting special exhibitions: (1) The Prints of Rockwell Kent: Selections from the Ralf C. Nemec Collection – a striking look at the powerful imagery of this celebrated American artist; and, (2) Award Winners XXV – featuring works by the 2025 Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship recipients.  Families are invited from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for hands-on, patriotic-themed art projects that will spark creativity in kids of all ages.

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - The Old State House
The Old State House (25 The Green) is open for free tours. The building will be closed from 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. for the bell ringing and reading of the Declaration of Independence at 2 p.m.

2:00 p.m. - The Old State House
Reading of the Declaration of Independence. Program commences with the ringing of The Old State House bell in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed immediately by historical interpreters, dressed in period clothing, reciting the Declaration of Independence outside near the spot where the document was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776.

4:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. – Music and Vendors around Legislative Mall; special performance by Six String Soldiers
Enjoy a meal or treat from the food vendors and peruse the craft booths on the streets surrounding Legislative Mall (some vendors may open earlier than 4 p.m. DJ Giz (aka Shawn Fulton) playing your favorite hits from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. when the US Army Field Band, Six String Soldiers, takes the stage for an exciting performance!

4:00 p.m. - Pie Eating Contest Legislative Hall
Head over to Legislative Hall to watch an old-fashioned Peach Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Fifer Orchards.  There will be five dignitaries, and we’ll be looking at the crowd to fill three additional seats! Did you know:  Delaware’s state flower is the Peach Blossom, and at one time Delaware was one of the top peach producing states in the country!

6:00 p.m. – Parade
Enjoy floats, fire trucks, marchers, antique and classic cars in an old-fashioned patriotic parade. The parade begins at Hazel Street, heads south on State Street, and ends at Water Street.

8:00 p.m. - Opening Ceremony
Look to the skies for a C-17 flyover from Dover Air Force Base (tentative), followed by remarks from Dover’s mayor and recognition of our generous sponsors.

9:15 (approximately) - Fireworks!!
Watch the skies light up over Legislative Mall with a grand fireworks display by Brothers Pyro Fireworks.  
Important Notice:  Weather conditions such as passing rain showers could mean the fireworks have to be launched later or earlier, so we suggest arriving at your viewing spot by 8 p.m. just in case. Also keep in mind fireworks cannot be launched in high winds or rain.