By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Linvilla Orchards
Yesterday was March 20, 2026.
It is a significant day because it marks the arrival of spring at 7:46 a.m. Eastern time.
It also marks the end of a week that featured St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and the conclusion of Ramadan on March 19.
So, to everyone who is Irish or Irish-American for that one day —
“Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit!” (“Happy St. Patrick’s Day”).
And to all who are Muslim – Eid Mubarak — عيد مبارك (blessed and happy Eid).
And to everyone everywhere – “Welcome spring.”
Not surprisingly, springtime and Easter events are dominating weekend schedules.
Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) will be presenting “Hayrides to Bunnyland” on March 21 and 22 and March 28-April 4.
There’s no place quite like Bunnyland at Linvilla Orchards.
Visitors can hop aboard a hayride as it carries them through the woods to visit the Easter Bunny’s house where they will have the chance to meet Linvilla’s Easter Bunny.
One of Linvilla’s Bunny friends will tell a magical story and guests will receive a special treat.
As an added attraction, the Easter Bunny likes to take pictures with all special guests.
This hayride lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.
Tickets are $13 for ages 5 and up and $10 for ages 1-4.
“Easter Brunch at Elmwood Park Zoo” (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is scheduled for March 21, 22, 28 and 29 and April 3, 4 and 5.Participants can enjoy a delicious breakfast, participate in Easter activities, and meet one of the zoo’s beloved education animals. They can also take a picture with the Easter Bunny and then enjoy exploring the Zoo.
Tickets include admission to the Zoo, brunch, a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny and more.
The Easter menu features Roast Top Round, Ham,
Carved Turkey, Sausage, Turkey Sausage, Red bliss Potatoes, Waffle Bar with Fried Chicken, Pasta Primavera, Mac and Cheese Shells, Omelette Bar, Scrambled Eggs, Quiche Danish, Cinnamon Buns, Dessert Cart, and various beverages.
Prices start at $115 for a table of two.
In 2026, America turns 250, and Philadelphia is throwing the ultimate yearlong celebration.
After all, we’ve been first in freedom, first in innovation and first in fun for 250 years.
52 Weeks of Firsts
52 Weeks of Firsts (www.visitphilly.com/52-weeks-of-firsts) is a yearlong, citywide celebration honoring Philadelphia’s legacy of innovation produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee.
Not only was Philadelphia the birthplace of the country, but it was also the backdrop for many other marvels.
To honor these groundbreaking inventions and firsts, the Philadelphia Historic District is holding a year’s worth of free events to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.
52 Weeks of Firsts shines a light on different Philly-born Firsts each week through a series of free public events called Saturday Firstivals — held every Saturday of 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in more than a dozen neighborhoods.
Firstival: Saturday March 21 will focus on “First Match Folder: 1892.”
Small but mighty, the first paper match folder– the precursor to the matchbook — was struck right here in Philadelphia. Visitors can explore how this fiery little invention lit the way for advertising, science and everyday convenience.
The event will be held at the Science History Institute, which is located at 315 Chestnut Street in Center City Philadelphia.
Now through March 22, you can get a bead on the subject by attending an event that is all about beads – the “Best Bead Show” at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, 610-232-5718, www.phillyexpocenter.com). This is an event that claims to be the largest East Coast traveling display of Japanese seed beads– over 4500 variations.Described as a bead and jewelry extravaganza, the huge annual event will feature a large vendor area where visitors can purchase everything from beading supplies to hand-crafted jewelry.
The “Best Bead Show” will have a variety of booths along with workshops which will be presented by experts in the bead and jewelry fields.
The hours for Bead Fest Spring are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 per day.
This weekend, the Expo Center will also host the “Mid Atlantic Indoor Nationals — Car, Truck and Bike Show.”
The Mid Atlantic Indoor Nationals (MAIN) is a custom car, truck and bike show featuring some of the East Coast’s best custom vehicles.
There will be more than 90 awards in categories ranging from “Weekend Drivers” to “Professional Show Vehicles.”
A variety of makes, models, and years will be on display.
Vendors, live entertainment, music and great food combine to make the event a weekend festival.
The show will run from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 21 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 22.
Admission is $25 or adults (ages 16 and older), $10 for children (ages 11-15) and free for children (10 and under).
On March 21 and 22, Fort Mifflin (Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, www.fortmifflin.us) will host a special event — “Civil War Weekend.”
The historical site will be doing themed programs both days at “Civil War Weekend.”
The Mifflin Guard will be doing tactical drills and demonstrations.
The site will also be presenting two special programs – “Civil War Soldier’s Life” and “Blood, Sweat and Tears: Civil War Medicine.”
Activities will get underway at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Zenkaikon, which is running from May 20-22 at the Lancaster County Convention Center (25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, https://zenkaikon.com), is an event unlike any other.
The stated mission of Zenkaikon is to promote knowledge and enjoyment of Japanese art, animation, and culture as well as science fiction and fantasy literature and films of all origins.
Zenkaikon was created in 2006 when two Philadelphia-area events merged — Kosaikon, an anime convention held at Villanova University, and Zentrancon, an anime and science fiction convention held on the University of
Pennsylvania campus. In 2006, Zenkaikon held its first event at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia.
The convention, which is one of the most colorful and diverse events on the Lancaster site’s annual calendar, will be a celebration Japanese animation (anime), comics (manga), and pop culture.
This year’s Zenkaikon features a wide variety of activities including anime and live action screenings, discussion panels, workshops, costume competitions, concerts by musical guests, game shows, video and table-top gaming, vendors and artists.
Some of the featured events at this weekend’s convention are Cosplay Masquerade, Anime Music Video Contest, Artemis, Artists Alley, Scavenger Hunt and autograph sessions. Other attractions are the “Dealers Room”, game shows, live action role playing, karaoke and an array of panels and workshops.
Tickets prices are $80 for adults and $50 for youth.
The American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, www.americanswedish.org) is hosting an event on March 21 called “ExtrABBAganza! ABBA Dance Party.”
There’s no better place to celebrate the iconic music of ABBA than the American Swedish Historical Museum. Philadelphia’s own DJ Robert Drake will spin the classics as everyone lets out their inner Dancing Queen.
Highlights of the evening include a dancing and costume contest and a Drag Queen homage to ABBA performed by Summer St. Cartier, Miss. Troy, Amerie Jameson, and Morgan Morgan Morgan.
There will be the first-ever ABBA Raffle, packed with great prizes including Phillies home game tickets, a Tyson Foerster-signed puck, Elmwood Park Zoo passes, a Quinyon Mitchell-signed football, and so many more amazing surprises.
Event tickets include a fun Swedish-inspired and retro food buffet dinner. Cash bar with themed cocktails & mocktails available throughout the evening.
The event will run from 7-10 p.m. 70’s attire is encouraged. Tickets are $40.
Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, laurelhillphl.com) will present “Spring Equinox Tree Walk and Meditation” on March 21 at 1 p.m.
The venue’s website offered this invitation — Just as the spring equinox is a time of transition in nature, it’s also an invitation to reflect on our own lives. As the sap is rising in trees and pushing out spring’s leaves and flowers, we are also ready to emerge from winter with new energy.
Join Arboretum Director Aaron Greenberg and Energy Guide Asia Irgang Laden for an arboretum walk that looks at seasonal change amongst the trees, as we are guided in short meditations that engage with balance, transformation and emergence.
Tickets are $25 for general admission, $23 for seniors and $12.50 for children (ages 6-12).
On March 22, the cemetery will present “Wondrous Women of Laurel Hill West” at 1 p.m.
In celebrating Women’s History Month, The Friends of Laurel Hill are offering a walking tour to meet several groundbreakers, now underground, at Laurel Hill West.
It will feature stories of women whose deeds in life have left a legacy through today.
The tour guide will be Jen Krivinskas.
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors and $10 for children (ages 6-12).
Throughout the month of March, the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, historicphiladelphia.org) will offer free programming on weekends celebrating Women’s History Month.
Award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytellers shed light on women’s contributions to our nation’s history that our history books missed.
As always, visitors will meet Betsy Ross as she works in her upholstery shop. She can share the story of the first flag and so much more.
Ross was a business owner, patriot, single mother, and entrepreneur and led a fascinating life during exciting times.
This weekend is a special time at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, www.ansp.org).
The museum is presenting “Science Story Time” on March 14 and 15 starting at 11:30 a.m. each day.
Each week will feature a science story and a hands-on craft to try.
This week’s story is “Dinosaur Lady” by Linda Skeers.
Other upcoming “Science Storytime” dates are every Saturday and Sunday in March.
Museum admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and $18 for children (ages 2-12).
On March 29, the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum (500 Museum Road, Reading, www.readingpublicmuseum.org) will host “James Hood’s Beautifica.”
“Beautifica 360 – A Celebration of Life” was created by visionary composer James Hood and acclaimed immersive artists.
Celebrated as a versatile musical pioneer, Grammy-nominated artist James Hood is known for his groundbreaking work, and multi-sensory projects blending music and art.
His extensive musical résumé includes drumming for The Pretenders, more than two decades as the creative force behind the visionary ambient act Moodswings, and a wide array of production and soundtrack projects.
Before “Beautifica,” Hood transformed the world of immersive artistic experiences with “Mesmerica 360,” the record-breaking experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
With “Beautifica 360,” breathtaking worlds of light and sound come alive in this 360° dome experience.
Audiences can lose themselves in mesmerizing constellations and ethereal landscapes.
Nestled within the Reading Public Museum, the Neag Planetarium is a captivating destination that transports visitors into the depths of space. It is located at 500 Museum Road in Reading.
Tickets are $39.90.
Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, newlingristmill.org) will present its “Public Archaeology Day” on March 21 from 10 a.m-3 p.m.
The public is invited to participate (or just watch) as Newlin Grist Mill’s professional archaeologist, Keith Doms, and a dedicated corps of archaeology volunteers seek to gain a deeper understanding of the site’s history through careful excavation using scientific techniques and thorough documentation.
Depending on the day, visitors might be invited to help screen excavated soil to look for small artifacts or assist with cleaning artifacts that have already been excavated.
Newlin Grist Mill’s “1704 Mill Tour” will be held on March 21 and 22.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the site’s 1704 water powered mill.
While the Mill is not currently operational, visitors on guided tours will get a rare opportunity to see the process of building a new waterwheel and waterbox.
Visitors must be on a guided tour to go inside the Grist Mill.
Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and children 12 and under.
Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, tylerarboretum.org) will present “Saturday Wildflower Walk: Early Spring Edition” from 1-3 p.m. on March 21.
Explore the Arboretum with wildflower expert Dick Cloud. Slow down and look closely at what’s growing along meadows, wooded paths, and occasional streamside spots. Enjoy the simple pleasure of seeing the landscape in detail and notice the Arboretum with fresh eyes.
In March, look for newly emerging spring ephemerals and listen to the chorus of frogs and birds.
Cloud will lead an informative two-hour hike that takes you through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside.
Tickets are $18 per adult; $10 per teen (ages 12-17). The non-member fee includes admission.
On March 22 at 9 a.m., the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz) will host “Bird Walk with Mary Ellen Krober.”
Participants will be able to discover the 300+ species of birds that use the Refuge during their migration routes — each week guarantee different species.
Walk will meet by the Visitor Center and take place at a relaxed pace on flat surfaces.
The Easter Bunny is known for hopping around but not always. Sometimes, he opts for a different form of locomotion – with real locomotives.
Sometimes, instead of bouncing along the ground, the big happy rabbit rides a train. This weekend, the holiday bunny will be riding trains all around the area.
One of the best train rides with the Easter Bunny is the one presented by the West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, www.wcrailroad.com).
The special “Easter Bunny Express” trains will run on March 28, 29 and April 4 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. each day.
The 75-minute journey on the trail line’s heated and decorated train travels through Chester Creek Valley.
Along the way, the Easter Bunny makes a special appearance, offering plenty of photo opportunities and holiday fun for children and adults alike. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season while enjoying a classic train ride experience.
Adult fare for the West Chester Railroad trips is $35. Tickets for children (ages 2-12) are $30 while toddlers (ages 9-23 months) get to ride for $15.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, www.wwrr.com) will run its “Easter Bunny Express” on March 28 and 29 and April 3 and 4 at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 and 3:30 p.m.
The Easter Bunny hops aboard the train for a 1.5-hour round-trip ride to Ashland and hands out special treats to all of the kids onboard.
The Easter Bunny will visit everyone aboard the train and pose for pictures. This is a great way to welcome Spring and bring the family out for a fun time on the rails.
This event is powered by one of the rail line’s historic first-generation diesel locomotives.
Tickets for these trains are $27 for adults, $26 for senior citizens and $25 for children.
The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad (32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “St. Patrick’s Day Special” on March 21 at 5 p.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day aboard the New Hope Railroad with a festive First Class excursion that brings together scenic rail travel and the flavors of Ireland.
Riders can enjoy an Irish-themed charcuterie board featuring a selection of traditional Irish cheeses, cured meats, and classic accompaniments.
Each board is paired with a drink option that complements the flavors and creates a well-rounded tasting experience. Choose from a flight of Irish stouts, beer, or a Leprechaun Mimosa, a fun and festive twist on a refreshing classic.
Additional beverages, including beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options, will be available for purchase onboard. This is a 21 and Over Excursion
Tickets are $130.
The tourist rail line is also running its annual “Easter Bunny Express” on March 21, 22, 28 and 29 and April 4 and 5 with departures at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
The Easter Bunny is going to ride onboard the train where he will visit with each child, hand out special treats and pose for pictures.
Coach tickets are $50 for adults, $48 for children (ages 12-plus) and $11 for toddlers (under 2).
The train ride departs from and returns to the New Hope Train Station. Riders can take in the sights of early spring as the Easter Bunny visits with all of the children handing out special candy treats and posing for photos taken by the railroad staff.
The rail line is also offering its “Grapevine Express” on March 21 and 22 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $143.
The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running a special train on Saturdays and Sundays in March – the “Wine & Cheese Train.”
Passengers can enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled first-class accommodation and a tasting of select wine, cheese, and crackers as they travel in style down the tracks from Strasburg to Paradise and back. The train departs at 6 p.m. and the total trip time is 45 minutes.
“Wine & Cheese Train” boarding is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Riders must be 21 or older and have their photo ID ready when they board.
Featured wines are carefully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and cheeses are paired accordingly. Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request. Riders can purchase a souvenir wine glass on board the train if desired. Glasses are $7 each.
In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol is only served during the train ride. We are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages while the train is berthed in the station.
This popular train is available on select Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the season. Tickets are $65.
The Strasburg Rail Road is also running its “Easter Bunny Train” from March 29-31.
The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running its “Eggspecially Fun Bunny Run!” on March 28 and 29 and April 3 and 4.
The special excursion will take passengers to Glen Rock and back – allowing them to take in views of the scenic Heritage Rail Trail County Park. The Easter Bunny’s Helper will be on the train for photo ops.
After returning to New Freedom, children can participate in an egg hunt (weather permitting). Each child will receive a free treat bag, including a bunny pretzel donated by Smittie’s Soft Pretzels.
The coaches are pushed and pulled by the rail line’s vintage PRR GP9 Diesel Locomotive, built in 1959.
This is a one-hour excursion. Tickets will be printed and available for pick up at the ticket booth on the day of the excursion.
Departure times are 10 a.m. and noon on Friday and 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets prices are — Adults (13 and older), $28.99; Children (3-13), $19.99.
The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com) is running its “Easter Eggs-press” on March 28 and 29 and April 4.
A good way for families to make Easter memories that will last a lifetime is to join Peter Cottontail aboard this special ride on the Colebrookdale Railroad.
Kids can visit with the Easter Bunny outside and join other children in the search for Easter eggs. Children will enjoy a complimentary Easter themed coloring book and 10 prefilled Easter eggs.
Tickets are $35.
The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad (136 Brown Street, Middletown, 717-944-4435, www.mhrailroad.com) will be running its “Easter Bunny Express” trains on March 28 and 29 and April 3 and 4.
The trains will depart at 1 and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The Easter Bunny has a special surprise for all kids aged 11 and under – and will also be posing with children for keepsake photos of the event.
The ride is a 1.5-hour round trip.
Ticket prices are Adults (Ages 12+), $23; Children (Ages 2-11), $19; and Infant (Under 2 years, lap-held), $6.
Founded more than 50 years ago, Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. (Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, 717-687-7911, www.choochoobarn.com) presents a 1,700-square-foot train layout featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains.
The majority of trains that are running in the display are “O Gauge” trains but there are also some HO Gauge trains as well as one N Gauge train.
Several of the original pieces and animations are still on the display today, including the ski slope, ski lodge and ice skaters, Dutch Haven, the Willows, the two-lane moving highway (in front of Dutch Haven), the farm with the tobacco barn, the Strasburg Fire House, the church beside Dutch Haven and a few other houses.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.
Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) is hosting “Furry Friends Weekend” on March 21 and 22.
Visitors can celebrate all of their Sesame Street friends during “Furry Friends Weekend.” They can get photos with their favorite furry and feathered friends, enjoy the “Our Street is Sesame Street Show” and participate in the “Furry Friends St. Patrick’s Day Dance Party” and the “Sesame Street Party Parade.”
The amusement park in Bucks County will celebrate “Elmo’s Eggstravaganza” from March through April 6.
Guests can visit Sesame Place Philadelphia for a hoppin’ good time with exciting rides, entertaining shows, the Sesame Street Party Parade and special Easter fun with everyone’s favorite furry friends.
Visitors can enjoy soaring, spinning, whirling and twirling on Sesame Street-themed rides, get photos with your favorite friends in their Eggstravaganza attire, meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny, go on a scavenger hunt for Easter Eggs around the park, and so much more.
They also will be able to dance and sing along to the “Sesame Street Party Parade,” the “Furry Friends Bunny Hop Dance Party” and “The Magic of Art.”
Park admission and parking fees are not required for entry.
Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com) will present the “Sixth Annual “PEEPS® in the Village” now through April 12 (except on Easter Sunday).
The popular event showcases the creative talents of regional residents–and the longstanding allure of the colorful candies. There will be more than 130 marshmallow masterpieces carefully crafted with bright bunnies and chicks in inspired, inventive settings.
The event will start at 10 a.m. each day except on Sundays when it opens at 11 a.m.
Weekday and weekday evening visits are strongly encouraged. Lines and wait times can be long on weekends.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia (500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, Https://philadelphia.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/) is open all winter with its family-oriented rides and play.
Popular attractions are “Imagination Express,” “4-D Cinema,” “The Great LEGO® Race Virtual Reality Experience,” “LEGO® NINJAGO® Training Camp,” “Duplo Park” and “Pirate Adventure Island Spoftplay.”
Admission is $21.99.
Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Reserve Tastings –Spring Sips” on select Saturdays and Sundays in March.
Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room. The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across our portfolio.
The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at our partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.
The following is the 2026 Pairing Line Up –
Greeting Drink: Cherry Blossom Spritz featuring Sparkling White
Vidal Blanc with Fresh Chèvre and Lemon Infused Olive Oil
Painted Rosé with Radish Salsa
Noiret with Bresaola and Mint Chimichurri on Baguette
Sunset Blush with Lavender Chocolate Truffle from Éclat Chocolate.
There are three seatings per day – noon, 2 and 4 p.m.
Tickets cost $40 per person and reservations are required.
The “Wine & Cupcake Pairings at Penns Woods” at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, www.pennswoodswinery.com) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.
In March, Penns Woods Winery features its annual Wine & Cupcake pairing which includes a tasting of four wines perfectly paired with four gourmet miniature cupcakes from Dia Doce.
The mouth-watering tastings will be held March 21 and 22 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets cost $38 per person and reservations are required.
Harvest Ridge Winery (1140 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, www.harvestridgewinery.com) will present “Live Music with John Rodden” on March 20.
The event will feature live acoustic music that will let you sit back and relax while sipping on wine.
On March 21, the winery is presenting “Wits & Pieces Workshop.”
The event, which costs $20, will start at 1 p.m.
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) is presenting “Winter Wonder” now through March 22.
“Winter Wonder” celebrates the beauty of winter. It’s all about outdoor spacious, indoor oasis, and the power of story.
Outside, visitors can find a sense of peace and tranquility as they walk past textural grasses, seed heads and the dramatic silhouettes of trees that stretch up into the sky.
Inside, they can bask in a world of warmth that features an overhead garden of hanging baskets adorned with such vibrant beauties as jasmine, cape-primrose, and lipstick-plant.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a paradise of flowers and foliage, bursting with color — all in a beautiful indoor winter wonderland with a tropical twist.
Inside Longwood’s Conservatory, visitors can check out nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site’s Orchid House.
The gardens are open from Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until March 22. Hours change in the spring.
As always, admission by “Timed Ticket” — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience.
You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.
Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, is presenting “Innovation in Miniature Exhibition” now through March 31.
Visitors will be able to step into a world where big ideas come in small packages.
Hagley’s miniature model exhibition brings together three fascinating fields — interior design, miniatures, and conservation — and invites guests to explore how they connect in surprising ways.
“Innovation in Miniature” highlights the careers of interior designer William Pahlmann and master miniaturist E.J. Kupjack. Together, they used these tiny models to bring bold ideas about interior decorating to life.
Guests will also discover how Hagley’s conservators work behind the scenes to preserve these delicate treasures for years to come.
The exhibit is included with museum admission
Visitors can also learn about the patent process and see examples of early American ingenuity in the “Nation of Inventors” exhibition.
“Nation of Inventors” celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the “golden age” of American invention, in the late 1800s.
The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley’s unique collection — highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.
Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years.
“Nation of Inventors” includes patent models from well-known inventors and companies like Ball (Mason Jars), Jim Beam, Bissell, Corliss, Steinway, and Westinghouse.
“Nation of Inventors” is located on the first two floors of Hagley’s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.
Admission to Hagley is $22 for adults, $18 for students and seniors (62+) and $12 for children (6-14).
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, www.winterthur.org) just opened its 2026 season.
Visitors are invited to celebrate the early bulb display of the March Bank with self-guided garden tours.
Hikers will be able to explore the site’s trails with Winterthur estate guides. Winterthur’s 1,000-acre estate features 25 miles of walking paths and trails and 10 miles of roads to discover.
Admission to Winterthur is $27 for adults, $25 for seniors (age 62 and older) and students, and $10 for children (ages 2-11).
Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.
This month, Historic Odessa reopened for spring tours and celebrated the beginning of its 2026 season.
Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell’s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.
Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.
Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The site is also open Monday by reservation.
March 1 was the Opening Day for Odessa’s new exhibit – “The Return of Odessa’s Artifacts.” It will run through May 17.
When the Historic Odessa Foundation re-opens the doors to its 18th-century museum homes on March 1, the biggest change will not be immediately visible: a significant collection of historic objects has quietly “returned home.”
In late 2025, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library deaccessioned and transferred ownership of 44 artifacts to the foundation, deepening Odessa’s ability to tell its stories through objects that once again belong to the place they were made to serve.
Included in the transfer are 33 objects previously on display at Odessa through a long-term loan agreement, plus 11 others that Winterthur owned and used for display and educational purposes in the Winterthur/University of Delaware graduate-study programs in conservation and American material culture.
On March 20 and 21, Rockwood Park & Museum (4671 Washington Street Ext, Wilmington, Delaware, 4671 Washington Street Ext, Wilmington, www.newcastlede.gov/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum) is presenting a special event titled “Mayhem & Murder at Rockwood.”
There’s a different kind of “March Madness” happening at Rockwood.
Once again, murder is afoot with a brand-new 50th anniversary “Mayhem & Murder” mystery tour which runs from 7-9 p.m.
Participating sleuths will search the house for clues that will help solve the “March Madness” theme: Whodunnit? What was the motive? Where’d it happen? What was the weapon?
Solve the case and earn the chance to win prizes! If detectives have visited our mystery tours before, come back again because, as always, this is a brand-new adventure! Past participants have described the experience as “The game of Clue meets an Escape Room!”
Please note that the tour involves walking and climbing. Flashlights and instructions are provided, just bring your wits, your investigative skills, and any detective costume you may wish to wear.
Tickets are $25.
Another reason to take the short trip to Delaware this weekend is the Archmere Academy Mothers’ Guild Garage Sale.
This sale, which will be held on March 21 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Archmere Academy (3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, Delaware, www.archmereacademy.com) is really the mother of all garage sales. It fills a large gymnasium and two auditoriums with thousands and thousands of top-quality items.
The Archmere Academy Garage Sale is a huge annual sale organized by the Mothers’ Guild and Fathers’ Club. The event has been held in March every year since 1973 with all the proceeds going right back into the classrooms and campus. Items for the sale are donated by the Archmere community throughout the year.
Visitors to the huge annual event at Joe Biden’s alma mater (he was a standout football player and led the Auks to an undefeated season in his senior year) will be able to shop for housewares, electronics, kids’ toys and baby gear, books, sports equipment, shoes, outdoor furniture, adult and kids’ clothes and shoes, holiday decorations and lots more.
Items for sale include flat-screen TV’s, ladies’ handbags, adult and kids’ bikes, jewelry (costume and genuine), garden equipment and tools, rugs, DVDs and video games, artwork and handcrafted items.
There will also be a variety of hot and cold food items and home-baked goods for sale. Admission to the event is free.
Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the winter.
Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers.
The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way.
This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.
Ticket prices start at $38.
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.
Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.
The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $28.
The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”
Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $28.
The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $28.
“TreeTrails Adventures Trevose” (301 West Bristol Pike, Trevose, treetrails.com/trevose-pa) is an adventure park full of fun challenges for outdoor adventurers of all ages.
Participants can experience the rush of TreeTrails Adventures as they swing through the trees of the new adventure park. They will be able to discover the excitement of climbing and zip lining above the forest floor with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates.
The park, which is based at Phoenix Sport Club in Bucks County, offers two ways to experience climbing – TreeTrails Adventure Park and KidTrails Park. Young explorers can enjoy miniaturized courses in the adjacent KidTrails Park.
General Park Admission prices are: Main Park Adult Tickets (Ages 12+), $69; KidTrails Tickets (Ages 4–7), $23.
