If you want to skip the crowds next year and celebrate America’s 250th in a storybook town full of history and hidden gems, than Separation Day in New Castle, Del. is for you.
Imagine cobblestone streets, a hometown parade, live music by the river, and fireworks lighting up the sky—that’s Separation Day. It’s a beloved local tradition that honors Delaware’s declaration of independence from both Great Britain and Pennsylvania, all the way back on June 15, 1776.
Ready to plan ahead? I’ll walk you through everything you need to know for attending the 250th celebration in 2026—from where to park to what to eat.
Trust me, you’ll want this on your bucket list for celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.
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Don’t want to read the whole post? Separation Day is an annual celebration in Delaware commemorating the state’s independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain in June of 1776. In 2026, the festival will mark its 250th anniversary and will precede the country’s 250th Birthday Celebrations.
Before we dive into this post, I invite you to grab a copy of my TRAVEL PLANNER. This 16-page PDF guide helps you organize your trip, from what to pack, to preparing a budget and keeping a schedule.
A Look At Historic New Castle, Del.
I can’t imagine a more perfect place to represent small town USA than New Castle, Del. I remember my first trip there… seeing the old-fashioned lamp posts and street signs, and then the colonial-style cobblestone streets.
It was love at first sight.
In addition to its overall charm, historic New Castle is filled with history, offering visitors the opportunity to step back in time and tour numerous structures that preceded our country’s founding.
Located along the Delaware River, it was also the landing spot for William Penn on Oct. 27, 1682, and was Delaware’s first capital.
More than 600 historic structures spanning four centuries give visitors a rich tapestry of architectural styles and historical landmarks to tour and enjoy.
(Hello, history lovers! This one’s for you)!
Key historic sites include the New Castle Court House Museum, the Amstel House, and the Green, all contributing to the town’s designation as a National Historic Landmark District.
The New Castle Court House, a Georgian-style building constructed in 1730, played a central role in Separation Day, serving as the meeting place for Delaware’s colonial assembly.
The Court House’s cupola also serves as the center of the Twelve-Mile Circle, a unique boundary defining much of Delaware’s border with Pennsylvania.
What Is Separation Day?
Separation Day honors the day that legislators in Delaware voted to “separate” from both the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Great Britain. It happened a few weeks before the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, making Delaware “the first state” to declare independence.
How would I describe Separation Day in New Castle? Part historical reverence and part community spirit, combined with a touch of pure Americana that will fill you with patriotism and nostalgia.
Historical Background Of Separation Day
During the colonial era, “Delaware” was simply referred to as the “three lower counties on the Delaware” and was under the proprietorship of William Penn, aligning it with Pennsylvania.
However, growing political and cultural differences led Delaware’s assembly, convening at the New Castle Court House, to declare independence from both British rule and Pennsylvania on June 15, 1776.
This decisive action established Delaware as “The Delaware State,” making it the first of the thirteen colonies to formally separate from another colony and from British governance.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Revolutionary War, I highly recommend a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, where you can see George Washington’s original tent.
Evolution of the Celebration
Separation Day has evolved into one of Delaware’s longest-standing traditions that features a colonial-inspired parade, historical reenactments, live music, artisan markets, and a fireworks display over the Delaware River.
Visit the nearby Hale-Byrnes House used by George Washington for a council of war in 1777 or Valley Forge, where he and the army spent a long winter.
The event not only honors Delaware’s unique path to statehood but also showcases the charm and historical significance of New Castle, which served as the state’s first capital.
The city’s well-preserved architecture and historical sites provide a fitting backdrop for the celebration, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the state’s rich past.
What Can You See During Separation Day?
The 249th anniversary of Delaware’s independence was celebrated on June 6–7, 2025, with a weekend of events that started with a kickoff party on Friday evening with live music and food trucks.
Saturday included a colonial-inspired parade along Delaware Street, featuring reenactors, marching bands, dance teams, classic cars, local sports teams, and community organizations.
After the parade everyone headed to Battery Park for a Festival and Artisan & Vintage Market that offered unique handmade and vintage items from various vendors.
There was a wide variety of dining options available through the food trucks, from Asian dishes and sandwiches to funnel cakes and ice cream. A tented dining hall provided a place to eat and get out of the sun.
Live music played from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and the event culminated with some amazing fireworks at 9:30. (The bands and fireworks were amazing)!
Throughout the day, there were lots of family-friendly activities, including children’s rides and games. Tickets for the children’s rides must be purchased.
A Sample Schedule Of What to Expect
The 2026 Separation Day event is still in the planning stages, but here is an example of past Separation Day activities.
- Friday Evening Kickoff: 6–9 PM—live music, food trucks, beer/wine/seltzers, and block‑party vibes in the historic district.
- Saturday Festival:
- 1 p.m.: Colonial-themed parade down Delaware Street
- 2 p.m.: Artisan & Vintage market in Battery Park
- 2–9:30 p.m.: Live music acts throughout the day
- 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks extravaganza over the river in Battery Park
Expect vintage rides (tickets required until 5 PM), local vendors, family activities, and fireworks lighting up the waterfront skyline.
Local Tips & Travel Hacks
- Reserve lodging early—the closest rooms will fill fast around Separation Day weekend.
- Arrive before noon on Saturday to enjoy walking the streets and exploring the small town to avoid the parking rush.
- Dress in layers—riverfront evenings can feel cooler than inland.
- Pack snacks, chairs, and blankets—and maybe an umbrella for an afternoon storm.
- Bug spray may come in handy!
- Bring cash for artisans, but most vendors accept cards.
Travel Times To Historic New Castle
Approximate Travel Times:
- 45 minutes from Philadelphia
- 2 hours from New York City
- 3 hours from Baltimore, Md.
- 3.5 hours from Washington, D.C.
How to Get There & Parking Made Easy
During the Separation Day festivities in New Castle, there are parking lots with shuttles, as well as street parking (with no meters!) You may have to search a little if you arrive late, but even if you park blocks away, the town is so small that everything is in within walking distance.
- By Car: Easily reached via I‑295 or US 13/40; well‑signposted to event lots.
- Free Parking + Shuttle:
- Park at Carrie Downie Elementary or William Penn High
- Also available: municipal lot at Second & Chestnut and grass lot at Fourth & Chestnut
- Shuttle Details: Saturday service runs 12:30 p.m. until 30 minutes after fireworks; drop-off near parade start at 7th & Delaware, return at 2nd & Delaware. Walkability: The compact Historic District is pedestrian-friendly, but comfy walking shoes help.
Where to Eat in New Castle
Where To Stay In New Castle, Del.
Looking for a place to stay for the Separation Day celebration for America 250?
Want to stay in a Bed and Breakfast where you can walk to everything? Book a room at The Terry House, a historic building in the heart of New Castle.
Separation Day Kicks Off America 250
If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday—without the crowds, traffic or overhyped chaos—New Castle, Delaware, offers something rare: a chance to walk the cobblestone streets of a real colonial town, enjoy fireworks by the river, and be part of a tradition that started before the Declaration of Independence was even signed.
Separation Day is more than just a festival—it’s a reminder of where America’s fight for identity truly began. So skip the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in 2026 and choose a celebration that the whole family will enjoy.
Many thanks to the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting me. The opinions expressed are my own.
