Kick off summer festival season early with the 17th Annual Bug & Bud Festival in historic downtown Milford, Delaware!
Held along the beautiful Mispillion Riverwalk, the Bug & Bud Festival is a celebration of two of Milford’s iconic symbols, the ladybug and the tree. Milford played a pivotal (and adorable) role in the ladybug’s selection as the State Bug of Delaware: in 1974, a local second grade class petitioned the Delaware State Legislature to accept the ladybug as the official state bug, and won!
You’ll see ladybugs on display throughout the festival, from the traditional Ladybug and Tree costumed parade for kids (and pets!) to the artwork on display at the children’s art show and in the Chalk Art contest. The fun doesn’t stop there: don’t miss ladybug-decorated paddle boat rides down the river, discover more than 100 arts and crafts booths from local vendors, enjoy live music and devour delicious food!
And don’t forget to pick up seedling tree giveaways and flower plantings for you to bring home to your own garden — the festival, which is also a celebration of Arbor Day and Milford’s designation as a Tree City U.S.A., has a number of nature-related hands-on activities to spark your green thumb this spring.
Milford’s Bug & Bud Festival is free of charge, and takes place rain or shine! It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring and gear up for a perfect summer in Delaware’s Quaint Villages. The fun kicks off early on Saturday, so make a weekend of it. Scope out where to stay and find the best eats in Milford. Enjoy all the fun this artistic town has to offer!