Community events in Milford play a big role in helping families connect, make memories and build a sense of belonging. From parades to festivals and music in the park, throughout the year there is something for families downtown.
Festival season kicks off with the Bug and Bud Festival, which combines Arbor Day with the ladybug. The festival recognizes the ladybug as it was named the Delaware state bug thanks to a second-grade class at Lulu Ross Elementary School. There is a small parade, free Kids Corner, vendors, food trucks and more. This year’s festival will take place April 25 from 9 AM to 4 PM.
“This event is one of the favorites in the spring because it celebrates flowers, trees, ladybugs and warm weather,” Sade Truiett Downtown Milford Coordinator for Downtown Milford Inc., who puts on the festival, said. “We bring music, games and fun out for the day!”
The week after the Bug and Bud Festival, the Riverwalk Farmer’s Market opens, also sponsored by Downtown Milford Inc. This is the longest running market in the state and will celebrate its 31st year this year. The Farmer’s Market is every Saturday from 8 AM to Noon on Walnut Street.
“We are excited to bring this to residents and visitors alike,” Truiett said. “This year, we hope to bring some new items to the market, such as yoga, sound baths, more vendors and entertainment.”
First Fridays begin in June and are held the first Friday of every month. Each month has a theme and those are being determined over the next few weeks. Most months, the event is held on Walnut Street, but on July 3, the event will move to Bicentennial Park for an afternoon concert to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
The Riverwalk Freedom Festival is planned for Saturday, September 19 throughout downtown. This is Milford’s largest festival with the entire downtown included.
“We have hundreds of vendors, a car show, Kids Corner, a Red White and Brew Garden, live music and more,” Jo Schmeiser, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford, who puts on the festival, said. “Of course, we have the Duck Dash where one “lucky duck” will win $500.”
Another popular event that brings people to Milford from all over the state is the Milford Community Parade. Managed by the Gray family for decades, the parade is held the third Wednesday in October every year.
The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Comic Books Come to Life,” although there will likely be a tie-in to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States as well. The parade is planned for October 21, 2026.
The year ends with the Holiday Stroll the first Saturday in December. Downtown Milford turns into a winter wonderland with vendors, a s’mores firepit, Santa, music and more.
Festivals do more than just bring families together, however. According to experts, the average festival goer spends between $100 and $150, whether it is in a business, restaurant, at a food truck or a vendor. Estimates are that between 3,000 and 10,000 people come to Milford for Bug and Bud, Riverwalk Freedom, Holiday Stroll and First Fridays, bringing in between $300,000 and $1.5 million to Milford’s economy.
