
This year visitors will have 2 chances to be entered to win a 2023 Delaware State Parks Annual Pass! Stop by the survey table on State Street at any point during the weekend and fill out a survey OR pick up a coloring page at several locations throughout Dover in the weeks leading up to Market Fair and submit your page for a separate drawing!
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!
Performances will take place throughout the day, check the printed program for details.
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
During this comical interactive performance Dr. Balthazar offers audiences a “magical miracle medicine that cures everything from a common cold to death of two weeks’ standing.” Ailments and afflictions such as consumption, baldness, the “summer complaint,” dropsy, drunkenness and extreme nervousness were just a few of the maladies that magical potions hawked by travelling medicine men of the 1700s would supposedly cure.
Perfomance Times (Saturday): 10:30, 12:30, 2:30
Perfomance Times (Sunday): 12:00, 1:45, 3:15
Enjoy this talented couple as their fiddle and dulcimer bring you back to the 18th Century!
Perfomance Times (Sunday): 11:45, 1:30, 3:15
Children and adults alike will be entranced by the whimsical and talented performance by Robert Mouland as he plays his violin and manipulates his marionette puppets.
Performance times: Ongoing throughout the weekend
Forbes Road Frolic will help you step back in time and be surrounded by the sounds of the 18th Century as they perform in their hammed dulcimer, mandolin and fiddle music through the day.
Perfomance Times (Saturday): 11:45, 1:45, 3:45
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
Join in with our First State Club and learn the steps to popular 18th Century dances. Participation is encouraged!
Perfomance Times (Saturday): 10:15, 12:15, 2:45
Perfomance Times (Sunday): 11:45, 1:15, 3:15
Check back for more information and our application that will be posted soon.