market fair

Colonial Market Fair


First State Heritage Park’s Colonial Market Fair

Friday October 4th - Colonial Tavern Night at Rail Haus - 3:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Saturday October 5th - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rain or Shine — On The Green in Dover — Free fun for the whole family!

NEW! For the first time ever, join us at Rail Haus on October 4th from 3 PM – 8 PM!

  • A new addition to the Colonial Market Fair will be the first ever Tavern Night, featuring authentic colonial music from the Enslows, 18th century brewing demonstrations from the Colonial Brewmeister, historic interpreters, and a Tavern Talk from the Delaware Public Archives.
  • This event is FREE to the public, but we encourage everyone to purchase food and drink from Rail Haus to support the local business.

Colonial Market Fair brings the colonial past to life in this annual, highly-anticipated special event! Walk the ground where 18th century Doverites went to market, browsing among historic trade demonstrators, local and regional vendors selling their food and wares, and talented performers sweeping you back through the centuries. This event is FREE to attend, so we hope you'll consider spending the day with us on a true historical adventure! With dozens of market stalls, demonstrations and performers, we recommend setting aside several hours for your visit. Please also wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

  • Living History
  • Trades & Craft Demonstrations
  • Entertainers
  • Food & Drink
  • All with an 18th-century twist!

Colonial Market Fair Performers

Performances will take place throughout the day, check the printed program for details.

Peter Gardiner – 18th Century Conjuror

The doctor is in

Just arrived from Europe, the celebrated Peter Gardiner presents Artistic Deception, Dexterity of Hand, and Curious Entertainments surpassing anything of the kind that has hitherto been seen or attempted on this side of the Atlantic. Mr. Gardiner exhibits astonishing performances in the Art of Legerdemain that promise to deceive the eye of the nicest observer, and appear in a manner supernatural. This is conjuring and magic of the 18th century impeccably performed and wonderfully amusing.

Perfomance Times (Saturday): 11:30, 1:30, 3:30

Perfomance Times (Sunday): 11:30, 1:00, 2:45


Professor Horn's Punch and Judy Show

Professor Horn's Punch and Judy Puppet Show

Perfect for kids and adults alike, sit down and enjoy the whimsical fun of a traditional Punch and Judy show! Professor Horn is even bringing new puppets too.

Perfomance Times (Saturday): 11:00, 1:00, 3:00

Perfomance Times (Sunday): 11:00, 12:45, 2:15


Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson from the American Historical Theater


The Enslows (Sponsored by Del-One Federal Credit Union)


Token Entertainment



Colonial Market Fair Vendors and Living History

  • Lady Aimee’s Fine Sewing and Sutlery
  • Historic Basket Weaving
  • Bobins Harbor Art Studio
  • Colonial Brewmeister
  • Living History Co.
  • Lewes Historical Society
  • The Colonial Brewmeister
  • Zwaanendael Museum
  • For Woodness Sake
  • The Old State House
  • Museum of the American Revolution
  • John Dickinson Plantation
  • Historic Cold Spring Village
  • DE250

Modern Vendors

  • Lemnuel USA
  • Patricia Field

Other Things at The Fair:

  • 18th century games
  • 18th Century clothing
  • A heated debate between Hamilton and Jefferson
  • Incredible performers
  • Blacksmithing
  • Good things to eat
  • Astounding Musicians
  • Quill pen writing
  • 18th Century Art
  • Weaving
  • Woodworking
  • And more!

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Delaware Association of Realtors

Map and Directions