Top Delaware events in June – concerts, festivals, family fun this summer

Delaware promises to serve up a mean June that offers a sizzling lineup of festivals, concerts and other cool events that will entertain you this summer.

Here are 18 can't-miss events in the First State that you can dive into in June.

Delaware Pride Festival, Dover

The state's premiere LGBTQ celebration is coming back to Dover for the Delaware Pride Festival. The festival welcomes people of all sexual orientations.

Near Leg Hall (411 Legislative Ave., Dover) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Admission is free. Visit Delaware Pride on Facebook, delawarepride.org or (302) 265-3020.

Holy Trinity Greek Festival, Wilmington

Have you heard about the bustling scene on Broom Street in Wilmington, where thousands gather to dance, sing, and savor the aroma of fresh gyros passing through the air? It's not a myth — it's a cherished tradition at the Holy Trinity Greek Festival. The event is promoted as the largest Greek Festival in the Mid-Atlantic region, and the only one in Delaware, per the organizers. The festival is back with a menu of Greek cuisine for six delicious days of fun.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (808 N. Broom St., Wilmington) from Monday, June 3 to Saturday, June 8. Festivals times each day are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visit Facebook.com/WilmGreekFest or greekfestde.com.

Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight, Selbyville

The Empress of Soul and the Queen of Soul are both coming to rock your socks off, even if your shoes are tied. Iconic singers Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle are teaming up to deliver a dynamic night of music. Knight's songbook includes the hits "That's What Friends Are For," "Missing You" and "I Don't Want to Know" — while LaBelle is known for favorites like "On My Own," "If You Asked Me To" and "New Attitude." 

Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lake View Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 6. Visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.

Separation Day, New Castle

Delaware is throwing a birthday party in celebration of turning 248 this year. The annual event is called Separation Day and it honors the First State's independence from Pennsylvania and the British Crown. The two-day celebration is held in historic New Castle and begins Friday with live music, food trucks, non-alcoholic beverages, plus beer and wine. Proceeds from alcohol sales will benefit the Good Will Fire Company, according to the Separation Day website.

On Saturday, the Colonial-inspired parade (noon) begins on Delaware Street and ends at the review stand in front of the Court House. There's also the Family Festival (at 1 p.m.) with children's games, rides, food, beer and more. The Artisan & Market Fair (starting at 1 p.m.) offers a range of vendors from crafters to bakers. Live music is also on tap (from 2 to 9:30 p.m.), and the night ends with fireworks at Battery Park (9:30 p.m.).

Separation Day events will be held around Battery Park (New Castle Battery Park, 1 Delaware St., New Castle) from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 7; and noon to around 10 p.m. Saturday, June 8. Free event. Visit separationdayde.com.   

Dover Comic Con  

Since actions speak louder than words, you can tell everyone who your favorite anime is by cosplaying them at Dover Comic Con.  

The free event is family-friendly and particularly good for folks who are new to cosplay and/or want to get a taste of what a comic convention is all about. (The con is also perfect for folks who love to people-watch.)

Lots of vendors and artisans sell wares and items at the convention. There usually are cool vehicles on display like replicas of the Batmobile or "Jurassic Park" Jeep. Last summer, "Pokémon" fans went wild after a replica of the Pikabug car pulled up.  

Near Leg Hall (411 Legislative Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8. Free event. Visit delmarvaevents.net. 

Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd, Wilmington

The lasers, lights and sounds charm fans of Pink Floyd when they experience Floyd Nation. This tribute show dishes up classics from Pink Floyd albums including "The Wall," "Dark Side of the Moon," "The Division Bell" and "Wish You Were Here."

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 8. Tickets are $53-$67. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (302) 652-5577.

St. Anthony's Italian Festival, Wilmington 

This year the St. Anthony's Italian Festival celebrates 50 years of serving folks "la dolce vita," or the sweet life. The eight-day festival, branded as one of the largest Italian celebrations in the country, dishes up a variety of authentic and tasty cuisine. 

The festival, which Joe Biden has attended, is sponsored by St. Anthony of Padua Parish; and the event is the primary fundraiser for St. Anthony of Padua Grade School in Wilmington. 

St. Anthony's Italian Festival (901 N. Dupont St., Wilmington) from 4 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9; from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14; from 4 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15; and from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, June 16. Visit sapde.org or (302) 421-3700.

Bad Fish, Dewey Beach

Tribute shows are the wave right now. But Bad Fish has been reeling in fans for years. The Sublime tribute celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021 and are a fan favorite in Dewey Beach, having played there countless teams over the years.

Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 12. Tickets are $25 advance; $28 day of show. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.

Tom Papa, Wilmington 

For over 20 years, Tom Papa has lived on stage. Papa, who has been featured on fellow comedian Joe Rogan's podcast, is also on the lineup for Netflix is a Joke Festival. His latest Netflix special is "What a Day!," which offers a silly take on post-marriage intimacy, pet problems and how he believes men are to blame for most of life's issues.

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 13. Tickets are $57-$81. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (302) 652-5577.

Juneteenth Freedom Parade and Festival, Wilmington

The Juneteenth Freedom Parade and Festival in Wilmington is back to honor the emancipation of African Americans.

The event is on Saturday, June 15 and starts with a parade at 11 a.m. from Rodney Square (1000 N. Market St., Wilmington) down to the festival that boasts music, food, fun and more at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park (Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington). Visit Delawarejuneteenth.org or (302) 314-5863.

June Jam, Houston 

Emotions will be high at this year's June Jam as organizers are putting this festival on in memory of Bob Hartley, the co-founder and past president who passed away unexpectedly last month at age 68.  

The longtime festival will make lots of noise with its 46th annual musical rodeo featuring headliner Shoot to Thrill, the all-female tribute to AC/DC.

June Jam, which is a nonprofit, is self-promoted as the longest-running music festival in the nation (since even the pandemic couldn't even stop them).

Over the years, proceeds from June Jam have benefited all sorts of causes, from helping people struggling with medical bills to supporting Toys for Tots. G&R Campground (4075 Gun and Rod Club Road, Houston) from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Tickets are $50 at door; discounted tickets sold online. Visit junejam.com.

Paul McCartney tribute, Milton

After playing to a sold-out crowd at the Milton Theatre last year, The McCartney Experience is back to play two shows on the same day.

This group is different from most Beatles tributes because they deliver tunes from Sir Paul's days with Wings, plus the solo songs he popularized. But they also bring in music from the early years of Beatlemania and throughout the Fab Four era.

Milton Theatre at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Tickets are $27-$35. Visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.

Kurt Vile and The Violators, Wilmington 

He may be Vile, but that hasn't stopped a lot of people from falling in love with him. Last fall, Kurt Vile released the EP, "Back to Moon Beach." Over the years, the Philly artist has released popular tunes like "Pretty Pimpin," "Over Everything" and "Loading Zones."

The Queen (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 18. Tickets are $28-$63. Visit thequeenwilmington.com or (302) 400-7020.

The Cadillac Three, Dewey Beach

Don't be fooled, The Cadillac Three isn't just a country band. This trio from Nashville can get heavy with their brand of country rock. TC3 is beloved for their classics like "White Lightning," "The South" and "Tennessee Mojo." In late 2023 the band dropped their sixth studio album, "The Years Go Fast," which includes the single "Young and Hungry."

Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. Tickets are $35. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.

CACC Chinese Festival, Hockessin 

The annual CACC Chinese Festival is back and promises folk dances, authentic cuisine, performances, martial arts, children's activities and more. The festival is free, and parking is $5.

Chinese American Community Center (1313 Little Baltimore Road, Hockessin) from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 21; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 23. Free admission. Visit facebook.com/CACCdelaware or call (302) 239-0432.

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Wilmington

Delaware's rich jazz heritage shines brightly at the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. The full lineup for this year's four-day event hasn't been revealed yet. So far, the confirmed acts are Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), Joshua Redman, Incognito, and Grace Kelly.

The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a staple event named after the late-great Wilmington trumpeter Clifford Brown. Last year's festival featured over a dozen performers. 

Rodney Square (1000 N. Market St., Wilmington) from Wednesday, June 19 to Saturday, June 22.  For more info, visit cliffordbrownjazzfest.org.

Michael Franti, Selbyville

Soulrockers Michael Franti & Spearhead are on their "Togetherness Tour" with their new album "Big Big Love." The band, which played the inaugural Firefly Music Festival, is known for classics like "The Sound of Sunshine," "Hey Hey Hey" and "Life Is Better With You." Michael Franti's concert includes special guests Trevor Hall & Bombargo.

Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lake View Drive, near Selbyville) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26. General admission is $67.98. Visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.

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Chris Lane, Dewey Beach

Over nearly the last decade, country star Chris Lane has dropped bangers like "I Don't Know About You," "Take Back Home Girl" and "Big, Big Plans." Last fall he released his new EP, "From Where I'm Sippin'."

Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 28. Tickets are $40 advance; $43 day of show. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fun Delaware events, festivals and things to do this summer in June