Pony Penning, National Folk Festival and more: Delmarva's 2018 entertainment calendar
From Salisbury's first National Folk Festival to the OC Air Show, Delmarva's entertainment calendar is packed with big events for 2018. Here are some major highlights to look forward to:
Pony Penning
The fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department has grown into an attraction that draws thousands of pony lovers from around the world for a week full of fun events. Here are the key dates:
Southern Herd Roundup: July 21
Northern Herd Roundup: July 22
Beach Walk: July 23
Pony Swim: July 25
Pony Auction: July 26
Swim back: July 27
Motorcycles on Delmarva
Each September, Delmarva's two big motorcycle gatherings, OC Bike Fest and Delmarva Bike Week, draw enthusiasts to Ocean City, Salisbury and other towns for four days of camaraderie.
OC BikeFest: Sept. 13-16
Delmarva Bike Week: Sept. 13-16
National Folk Festival
In a major coup for Salisbury, this festival will come to the city for the first time in 2018, for what will be a three-year stint. Free to the public, it will feature dozens of musicians on six stages around downtown Salisbury.
Sept. 7-9
White Marlin Open
Ocean City's big fishing tourney hasn't been without controversy in the last couple of years, but it always lures many anglers vying for the millions in prize money and big crowds to watch the weigh-ins each night.
Aug. 6-10
Ocean City car shows
Love them or hate them, car shows are a staple of of the Ocean City calendar. They draw everything from classic rides for the two Cruisin events to jeeps from all around for the week devoted to them. Here are the big shows:
Cruisin: May 17-20
OC Car and Truck show: June 23-24
Ocean City Jeep Week: Aug. 23-26
Endless Summer Cruisin: Oct. 4-7
H2Oi: unknown but set to return in 2018
Springfest and Sunfest in OC
Sunfest: Sept. 20-23, four days of crafts, food, live music and more.
Springfest: May 3-6, music is the star here, with a diverse slate of headliners.
OC Air Show
Look to the skies again in June for the annual big event. This year's show will be headline by the Air Force's Thunderbirds and will feature many more experts in aerial exploits.
June 16-17
Raise a glass
Delmarva has become increasingly known as a hub for great craft beer, and wine is catching up fast too. Celebrate the Shore's great brews and vintages at these festivals.
Shore Craft Beer Fest: Feb. 24, Ocean City
Wine on the Beach: Sept. 28-29, Ocean City
Good Beer Festival: Oct. 14-15, Salisbury
Autumn Wine Festival: Oct. 20-21, Salisbury
Downtown Salisbury Festival
This successor to the Salisbury Festival made its debut in 2017, and is back this year for three days of great food, live music, family-friendly fun and more.
June 8-10
Delaware events
Up the road in lower Delaware, the fun is spread throughout the year with a variety of eclectic events. Here are some highlights:
Sea Witch: The annual Halloween-inspired festival with its ghoulish parade and much more returns from Oct. 26-28.
Bethany Fire and Ice: This Jan. 26-28 event will feature an ice sculpture tour, ice skating rink and much more.
Running of the Bull: The fun returns to Dewey’s Starboard Restaurant on June 23, starting before noon.
Entertainment
Country music and Broadway are big on the bill for 2018, and here are some shows to mark down on your calendar. And of course, don't forget Firefly!
Josh Turner in Ocean City: March 23
Trace Adkins at SpringFest: May 4
Justin Moore Hell on a Highway tour with Dylan Scott: Feb. 2, Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Salisbury
"Cinderella": Feb 18, Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Salisbury
"Dirty Dancing": March 20, Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Salisbury
Toby Keith at the Delaware State Fair: July 19
Firefly: June 14-17, Dover