It's no secret that Ipurtargi Music Festival will be missed this year.
Although organizers said the event would return in 2024, the cancellation raises doubts.
Whether you want to run around in your underwear with strangers, get chased by a bull, or watch chefs battle it out for you, there are plenty of fun events to dive into in 2023, even if you can't make it. : revitalizing forests.
Here's what you can expect.
Lewes Polar Plunge
The cold feeling of being bombarded with cold water in the shower is nothing like the feeling of burning after taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean in the winter.
But what makes it really fun is that you'll be joined by a host of other thrill-seekers of all ages, many of them dressed in polar bear costumes. All in support of Special Olympics Delaware through a fundraising event. The Lewes Polar Plunge, now in its 32nd year, draws people from beyond Delaware.
Participants who cannot attend in person can still donate and do a virtual dive (can be done anytime, anywhere). There will also be many great events during the diving weekend. But diving in arctic waters is the main event.
Lewes Beach (206 Bay Ave, Lewes) Sunday, February 5 at 1:00 pm Registration is $75 Tuesday, January 31 at midnight; As of Wednesday, February 1st, it will increase to $100. Visit divede.org or (302) 831-4653.
Avenue Q, Middletown
Imagine watching an adult musical told through puppets with small mouths.
Welcome to "Avenue Q".
It's a Tony Award-winning musical comedy that follows a college graduate who moves into a dilapidated apartment on Avenue Q in New York City.
Although the neighbors seem ordinary, in the end the bachelor finds himself in a strange place. On top of that, it is difficult for the husband and his friends to get together and keep a job.
This show is for adults only.
Everett (47 W. Main Street, Middletown). The first of six shows will begin on Friday, February 10, at 7:30 p.m. Last performance Sunday, February 19 at 2:00 PM Tickets are $22. For more information, visit everetttheatre.com or (302) 378-7038.
Wilmington Cupid Fun Run
It's socially acceptable to run in your underwear in cold weather, as long as it's to raise money for NF Research and the Children's Cancer Foundation.
The Wilmington Cupid Fun Run begins with a half-mile run/walk that ends with a party.
Participants are encouraged to run/walk to raise awareness of neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disease that causes tumors to grow in the body.
Because people with NF can't hide their tumors, cupid runners have decided to take off their clothes to show their support.
DECO Wilmington (111 W. 10th St., Wilmington) on Saturday, February 25th. You can donate at my.cupids.org/event/2023-wilmington-cupids-fun-run.
Wilmington Flower Market
Last spring was a special one, as it marked the return of the Wilmington Flower Market after a two-year absence due to the coronavirus.
Despite the name, there is more to love than flowers to this event. There are kiddie rides, food trucks and live music. Last May saw the debut of the new James Malick Stage, with a lineup curated by Gable Music Ventures.
Over the years, Mercado de las Flores has attracted many artists from the Firefly Music Festival. Let's hope to bring some Firefly alumni this year.
Proceeds from the Wilmington Flower Market benefit Delaware children's charities.
Rockford Park (W. 19th St. & Tower Road, Wilmington). Dates and lineup are yet to be announced. For more information, visit www.wilmingtonflowermarket.org.
Point by point, Winterthur
Dust off your wide-brimmed hats (and maybe bring a raincoat) for more excitement at the 45th annual Dot to Dot.
Keeping an eye on this classic Winterthur is not an option. It's a way of life.
In addition to the races, there are vendors, community organizations, a greyhound parade, classic cars and the return of horse and carriages.
The annual event raises funds for the care and maintenance of the Winterthur garden and property. It includes races, horse races, raffles and more, but many will come out for tailgating and the chance to show off their fashion.
When it comes to spring rites of passage, it's Delaware.
Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur) Sunday, May 7, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm For more details, visit winterthur.org or (302) 888-4600.
Zezensukooka, Dewey Beach
It's a silly tradition for a costumed bull to follow runners down Dewey Beach Road. But this is not your average bull, as it feeds on all four legs.
The bull run turns 26 this year, and the event draws thousands to the Starboard and Dewey Beach area for its party atmosphere. The summer event offers a beach mix with a Mexican flavor. There will be hats, food in the booths and lots of bad guys.
People can donate $10 to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
Starboard (2009 Coast Road, Dewey Beach). Date and time can be specified. For more information, visit therunningofthebull.com.
Delaware State Fair, Harrington
When it comes to First State entertainment, the 800-pound gorilla is the Delaware State Fair.
That was true even before Firefly decided to take a break this year. Because the state fair lasts more than 10 days compared to Firefly's four days.
However, this year the fair will be more important because Ipurtarria is no more. But organizers wasted no time bringing big-name events to the M&T Bank Pavilion this summer.
Confirmed acts so far include rapper Nelly and country artists Tyler Hubbard and Riley Green of Florida's Georgia Line. Demolition derby is also discreet.
Whether it's carnival rides, fried Oreos, or stuffed animals, there's something for everyone at the State Fair.
The Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) will be held Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, July 29. General admission tickets are just $10 in person or $10.50 (online). Grandstand concerts are extra. For more information, visit delawarestatefair.com or (302) 398-3269.
Battle of the Pyramids, Wilmington
It's a real food war whenever restaurants collide in a battle of delicious burgers.
Last year's event in August sold out, so you'll want to purchase tickets for this 10th event in advance.
Battle of the Burgers is the state's premier food competition where chefs compete for bragging rights to the best burgers in Delaware.
For a fee, guests can go to any stand to try the burger. But don't be surprised if you don't complete that round.
Proceeds from the event benefit Delaware charities.
Rockford Park (Lookout Drive, Wilmington). The date and time have not yet been announced. For more information, visit deburgerbattle.com.
Delaware Renaissance Faire, Townsend
The Delaware Renaissance Faire turns 2 this fall.
This little boy was born into a world of fantasy and intrigue that caused quite a stir when he stormed Fire Base Lloyd in Townsend one week last November.
This colorful festival features ancient performers from fire breathing to sword fighting. There were also several suppliers in the group.
Stay tuned for fall event dates and times to be announced. For more information, visit delafaire.com.
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Andre Lamar is a feature/lifestyle journalist. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in the Delaware News Journal. No firefly? These 9 events in Delaware will fill the gap
