11 free things to do in Delaware this summer

CORRECTION: Air Mobility Command Museum's Open Cockpit Day is every third Saturday of each month through October. A previous version of the story listed the wrong day. 

Hot Breakfast! is playing at the Sugar Bowl Pavilion on July 19. A previous version of the story listed the wrong venue.

The cost of everything in Delaware seems a little higher these days, from rent to groceries.  

But the good news is there are a bunch of free events where you can go for broke in the First State this summer.

We've got fun for you without a free in each county.  

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Here's a look at some of the entertainment that awaits you: 

Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover  

One of Delaware's best hidden gems is tucked away in Dover, and it's free to the public. The Air Mobility Command Museum is unique because it's one of the most visited attractions in Delaware, yet many locals haven't visited it. The museum displays over 30 aircraft and has exhibits offering the history of interesting people, aircraft and air refueling. There's also a cool flight simulator. On the third Saturday of each month through October, the public will get to access many of the museum's aircraft for Open Cockpit Day, held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Air Mobility Command Museum (1301 Heritage Road, Dover AFB) is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays. Visit mcmuseum.org or call (302) 677-5938. 

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Jesse Garron's Elvis tribute, Rehoboth Bandstand   

Jesse Garron is part of a large fraternity of Elvis Presley tribute artists. But one thing that makes him unique is his stage name. The performer uses Jesse Garron as his alias, in honor of Elvis’ twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, who died at birth, according to the tribute artist's bio. He's paid homage to the rock ‘n’ roll legend since 1997.  

Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 8. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or call (302) 644-2288.  

Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington  

There's always something fun to see and do at Delaware Art Museum. It's especially cool on Sundays during the summer, and on Thursdays in the evening, because the museum offers free admission at those times.  

Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays and from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through December. Visit delart.org or call (302) 571-9590. 

Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, Selbyville   

The story of Cinco de Mayo will be told in theatrical fashion by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. The program sheds light on the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when Mexican troops defeated the invading French military. "Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo" will dance its way into the audience's heart with graceful footwork. The show is free, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.  

Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Register for tickets at freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.   

Spokey Speaky, Wilmington

Tranquility and peaceful energy are what Spokey Speaky brings to the table. The Wilmington outfit has shared the stage with reggae royalty including The Wailers and Toots & The Maytals. The group also has been a favorite at Delaware’s People's Festival: A Tribute To Bob Marley, a fest created by two of Bob Marley’s friends. 

Bellevue State Park (800 Carr Road, near Wilmington) at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 16. Free admission, but parking is $4 (in-state) or $5 (out-of-state guests). Visit destateparks.com/concerts or call (302) 761-6963. 

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Hip Hop Fundamentals, Selbyville  

A group of professional breakdancers dedicated to hip-hop education will school attendees in Slower Lower Delaware, in celebration of the culture's 50th anniversary. Hip Hop Fundamentals presents a multicultural tale of hip-hop's birth and the power that the arts have to impact the globe. Expect crowd participation for this family-friendly event during "The Principles of Hip Hop: Celebrating 50 Years." This show is free, but guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.  

Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. Register for tickets at freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.   

Hot Breakfast!, Wilmington 

You can gobble up their music with a fork or your fingers, it's up to you. But best believe, the dork-rock duo Hot Breakfast! is going to serve up a concert full of shenanigans and scrumptious, over-the-top music.    

Sugar Bowl Pavilion (Brandywine Park, Sugar Bowl Pavilion, Baynard Blvd., Wilmington) at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. Free admission. Visit friendsofwilmingtonparks.org/summerconcerts or call (302) 656-3665.

Mike Hines and The Look, Camden  

If you're looking for a little bit of R&B, hip-hop and pop, Mike Hines and The Look has you covered. The seasoned band is a major party band that's played everything from weddings to Gov. John Carney's inauguration celebration.  

Brecknock Country Park (80 Old Camden Road, Camden) at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26. Visit delawarelibraries.libcal.com or call (302) 744-2495.  

Go Go Gadjet, Selbyville 

Whether they're performing 30 songs in 30 minutes or delivering an LED drum show, Go Go Gadjet has a habit of standing out. The band has played over 10,000 shows and they're no stranger to Delaware. This show is free, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.  

Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2. Register for tickets at freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.   

Gretchen Emery Band, Wilmington 

The Gretchen Emery Band is a rockin' outfit fronted by powerhouse vocalist Gretchen Emery of Newark. Her husband, Kenny Windle, crushes it on guitar. The veteran couple love music so much they basically celebrated their honeymoon while performing in the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2013, which inspired their tune "Rock ‘n Roll Honeymoon.” 

Wilmington State Parks (1 St. Rocco Way, Wilmington) at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. Free admission. Visit destateparks.com/concerts or call (302) 577-7020

Larger than Life, Bethany Bandstand   

Larger Than Life aims to do it King Kong big with their tribute to boy bands. The outfit has over 40 tunes in their rolodex, including songs from *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, O-Town, New Kids on the Block, One Direction, Boyz II Men. Their show is a sugary blast to the past that seeks to please music lovers who have a sweet tooth.   

Bethany Beach Bandstand (Boardwalk, Bethany Beach) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. Visit townofbethanybeach.com or call (302) 539-8011.  

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.