9 June events in Delaware: Ladybug Fest, Clifford Brown Jazz, Tina Turner tribute & Pride

Andre Lamar, Delaware News Journal

Updated May 31, 2023 at 5:45 PM·6 min read

CORRECTION: The Milton Theatre is located in Milton. An earlier version of this story included an incorrect address.

There's a lot to do this summer in Delaware? Seriously, there is.

Here's a preview of some can't-miss events in June that should be on your radar, starting with this weekend's women-led music fest.

Ladybug Festival, Wilmington

Over 30 female-fronted musical acts will take over downtown Wilmington for the return of the Ladybug Festival.

This block party, presented by Gable Music Ventures, features a melting pot of musical sounds across seven stages, from 400 and 500 N. Market streets. This includes stages at The Quoin Rooftop and The Crown at The Queen.

Headlining the Main Stage is singer-songwriter Adia Victoria, mastermind behind the moody album "A Southern Gothic." Second to last on the main stage is Middletown soul rocker Nitro Nitra, who competed last year on the NBC reality show "American Song Contest."

The pre-party is with DJ Shadylady is at Willington Square from 4 to 5 p.m. The after-party is at Stitch House from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Ladybug is purposed to empower women, offering a unique festival that features 100% female-fronted acts. This block party draws thousands and has attracted artists from all around the country.

Downtown Wilmington (400 and 500 N. Market streets, Wilmington) from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 2. Visit theladybugfestival.com.

Victorian picnic, Dover

Folks will don their finest Victorian-era threads for the Victorian picnic at First State Heritage Park in Dover on Saturday, June 3.

You take your picnic game to the next level by dining outside while rocking clothes from the Victorian era.

After all, you'll be joined by folks in swanky attire for the Victorian Picnic on The Green event. Bring a blanket and some tasty nibbles while hanging out with interpreters dressed in fashion from a lifetime ago. This blast to the past includes Victorian games, crafts and more.

Your ticket includes a meal ticket, offering four different meal options, including a vegetarian alternative.

First State Heritage Park (The Green, Dover) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 3. Ticket $25. Visit Facebook.com/FirstStateHeritagePark or (302) 739-9194.

Morris Day concert, Wilmington

Morris Day (center) will headline The Grand in Wilmington on Friday, June 9.

Minneapolis funk legend Morris Day has big bragging rights for being in one of the most iconic films of the 1980s: "Purple Rain."

He starred in the film as a rival to the late superstar Prince. In real life, the pair met in school and Day performed in Prince's first band named Grand Central. Over the years, both artists evolved, and Morris Day delivered fan favorites like "Don't Wait for Me," "Jungle Love" and "Color of Success."

Morris Day dropped his final album last year titled "Last Call," featuring appearances from Snoop Dogg, Flo Rida and Big Daddy Kane.

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Friday, June 9. Tickets are $75-$90. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (800) 37-GRAND.

Tina Turner tribute, Milton

It has only been a few days since Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tina Turner passed away, which means this tribute show by Forever Tina is going to be emotional for fans.

The tribute show is energetic and features 12 cast members.

Forever Tina was conceived and launched in Philadelphia and South Jersey. But this ambitious crew has evolved to take the program all over the world, including Japan, the Middle East and Europe, according to their bio.

Fans will hear Tina's greatest hits while rolling all over the dance floor with this powerful tribute show.

Milton Theatre (110 Union St., Milton) at 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, June 10. Tickets are up to $40. Visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.

Delaware Pride Festival, Dover

Delaware Pride Festival turns 26 in downtown Dover on Saturday, June 10. Pictured is a reveler at Firefly's inaugural Pride Parade in 2021.

The 26th anniversary of the Delaware Pride Festival will bring more rainbow vibes than a unicorn convention. This longstanding festival is the biggest pride celebration in the state.

The reveal of the entertainment lineup is forthcoming.

Near Leg Hall (411 Legislative Ave., Dover) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 10. Admission is free. Visit Delaware Pride on Facebook, delawarepride.org or (302) 265-3020.

June Jam, Houston

June Jam turns 45 at G&R Recreation Campground in Houston on Saturday, June 10.

Self-branded as the longest-running music festival in the nation (since the pandemic couldn't even stop it), Delaware's own June Jam is back for its 45th annual affair.

Performers include lower case blues, Triple Rail Turn, JJ Rupp, High Noon, Alicia Maxwell Project, The Jim Cochran Band, Every Day People with Kagan Nuss, Rocking Country Band and more to come.

G&R Recreation Campground (4075 Gun and Rod Club Road, Houston) at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10. Visit June Jam on Facebook or junejam.com.

Dover Comic Con

You can embrace your inner-villain or hero at the family-friendly Dover Comic Con. The con is the most popular in the state and attracts cosplayers who represent their fandom in anime, video games and superhero characters.

Gamers can sign up for a "Super Smash Bros." tournament. There also will be a cosplay contest, along with food and art vendors, plus more. Activities will take place across downtown Dover on Loockerman and Federal streets, and on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Near Dover Public Library (35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover) on Saturday, June 17. Admission is free. Visit Dover Comic Con on Facebook, delmarvaevents.net or (302) 741-8200

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival, Wilmington

Good times will be on tap at the Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival at Rockwood Park & Museum in Wilmington on Saturday, June 24.

A staple food item for the summer is ice cream. So, it only makes sense that Delaware created a festival that pays tribute to this tasty treat, while also surrounding it with other goodies like live music, food trucks and a beer garden.

Additionally, festivalgoers will enjoy carnival games, museum tours, fireworks, a family train, over 35 vendors and more.

The music lineup features Ty Mathis (1:30 to 2:20 p.m.), Nic Snow (2:40 to 3:30 p.m.), Aziza Nailah (3:50 to 4:40 p.m.), Fuzaholics (5 to 5:50 p.m.), Howl Train (6:10 to 7 p.m.) and What the Funk (7:30 to 9 p.m.).

Rockwood Park & Museum (501 Carr Road, Wilmington) from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 24. Tickets $5. Free for kids age 12 or younger with paying adult. Visit newcastlede.gov or (302) 395-5555.

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Wilmington

Kamasi Washington attends the 2023 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 15, 2023 in Indio, California.

Delaware's strong ties to jazz music take center stage in the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. The four-day festival, named after the late-great Wilmington trumpeter Clifford Brown, features well over a dozen electric performers.

Some of the notable acts include R&B singer-songwriter Melanie Fiona (performing Friday), who won two Grammy Awards. There's also the platinum-selling music artist Kem (on Friday), along with Firefly Music Festival alum Kamasi Washington (on Saturday), a supreme saxophonist nominated for two Grammys.

Each night after the main show, there are Late Night Jams performances held at Wilmington Public Library from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Jazz Festival is going down at Rodney Square (1000 N. Market St., Wilmington), starting each day at 4:45 p.m., Wednesday, June 21 through Friday, June 23; Then the start time is 1 p.m., Saturday, June 24. Visit cliffordbrownjazzfest.org.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.