A Day in Old New Castle

A Day in Old New Castle Join us the 3rd Saturday in May (May 16th, 2026)
America's oldest private home and garden tour, held in Historic New Castle, Delaware. Warmly,
The ADIONC Team

We’re excited to share that the festival will return on Saturday, May 16, 2026—and this year’s celebration promises to be better than ever! Co-chaired by Andrew Zeltt and Leah Reynolds, ADIONC is a cherished community tradition that celebrates the history, culture, and charm of Delaware’s most historic town. This event is entirely volunteer-run, and we would love to have you join us! Whether you’r

e interested in history, enjoy planning events, love working with kids, or simply want to be part of something special—there’s a role for you. If you’re reaching out about volunteering or getting involved, one of us will be in touch soon. In the meantime, feel free to connect directly with:
📩 Andrew – [email protected]
📩 Leah – [email protected]

Thanks again for your enthusiasm—we can’t wait to bring this wonderful day to life with your help!

JUST ONE MORE SLEEP UNTIL A DAY IN OLD NEW CASTLE ! Be sure to take advantage of the free shuttle from a near by parking...
05/15/2026

JUST ONE MORE SLEEP UNTIL A DAY IN OLD NEW CASTLE ! Be sure to take advantage of the free shuttle from a near by parking lot.

🚗✨ PARKING FOR A DAY IN OLD NEW CASTLE JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT EASIER (AND WAY LESS STRESSFUL) ✨🚗

Planning your day in Old New Castle? Let’s skip the drive-around-in-circles-looking-for-a-spot part, shall we? 😅

👉 Park at the Baptist Church at 901 E Basin Road
👉 Hop on one of TWO buses running from 9:30am until 5:15pm
👉 Sit back, relax, and roll right into town like a VIP

No tight turns , no - is that even a legal spot moments - no parallel parking pressure.

Just easy, breezy, no-hassle parking and a quick ride straight into all the fun.

Think of it as your stress-free shuttle to a perfect day—because the only thing you should be hunting for is great food, cute shops, fun activities and beautiful homes and gardens (ticketed).

🎟️ Park smart. Ride easy. Enjoy more.

We’ll see you in town!

Worried about parking this Saturday? TAKE THE BUS!Looking forward to relaxed walkable day in beautiful, historical, and ...
05/14/2026

Worried about parking this Saturday? TAKE THE BUS!

Looking forward to relaxed walkable day in beautiful, historical, and walkable old New Castle? Don't ruin by spending the first hour looking for a parking place.

Drop your car at the Baptist Church at 901 E Basin Road.

Hop on one of TWO buses (from Lehane's Bus Services) running from 9:30am until 5:15pm

Sit back, relax, and roll right into town like a VIP

The only thing you should be hunting for is fun family activities, good food and unique shops, and fascinating homes and gardens (ticketed).
Park smart. Ride easy. Enjoy more.

We’ll see you in town!

What's so special about A Day In Old New Castle? Step back into the American Revolution with the 1st Delaware Regiment,...
05/14/2026

What's so special about A Day In Old New Castle? Step back into the American Revolution with the 1st Delaware Regiment, portraying both Delaware Continentals and local militia along with civilian camp followers.

Visitors can see what Revolutionary War soldiers looked like, learn about their training, and discover what everyday camp life was like during the fight for independence.

It’s a fascinating, living history experience that brings the past to life right on The Green from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Visit https://www.historicnewcastle.com for additional information and to purchase tickets for the home and garden tours.

Join us in Historic New Castle on May 16th for the 101st Day In Old New Castle. Enjoy a day full of Home and Garden tou...
05/14/2026

Join us in Historic New Castle on May 16th for the 101st Day In Old New Castle. Enjoy a day full of Home and Garden tours(ticketed) , history ,music, art and so much more !

Follow the Day In Old New Castle page as we profile each of the days activities and participants.

Local Business Highlight:
Rancho Azteca
📍 222 Delaware St
⏰ 11am- 10pm

Rancho Azteca serves delicious Mexican food. Stop by for a quick bite or linger on the patio with a soft serve Margarita!

Rancho Azteca will also be set up with the food trucks on Delaware St offering some treats!

Visit https://www.historicnewcastle.com for additional information and to purchase tickets for the Home and Garden tour.

https://ranchoaztecamexicanrestaurantde.com

Follow the Day In Old New Castle page as we profile each of the days activities and participants. Celebrate 50 years of ...
05/13/2026

Follow the Day In Old New Castle page as we profile each of the days activities and participants.

Celebrate 50 years of A Day in Old New Castle with us! Since 1976, the Delaware Historical Society has operated the Read House & Gardens as a museum. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the first floor of the house, make a garden-themed craft, and check out the progress on our garden revitalization project!”

The photo below was provided by the Reed House and gardens. This photo was taken in 1934 and shows Philip and Lydia Laird in the garden.

The Read House and Gardens
42 The Strand

Visit https://www.historicnewcastle.com for additional information and to purchase tickets for the home and garden tour.

Join us in Historic New Castle on May 16th for the 101st Day In Old New Castle. Enjoy a day full of Home and Garden tou...
05/13/2026

Join us in Historic New Castle on May 16th for the 101st Day In Old New Castle. Enjoy a day full of Home and Garden tours(ticketed) , history ,music, art and so much more !

Follow the Day In Old New Castle page as we profile each of the days activities and participants.

The Newcastle Historical Society will host a series of engaging events throughout the town, with unique activities and experiences offered at each location.

The Visitor Center and bookstore
📍30 Market St
🕰️ 9:30am-4:30pm

9:30 am – 4:30 pm - New exhibit commemorating New Castle’s 375th anniversary will be open on the second floor of the Arsenal. The exhibit title is A Center of the American Experience for 375 Years.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm – On the first floor, there will be a living history presentation by The Dorcas Society of Reedy Point focusing on the lives & contributions of women during the middle of the 19th century. Includes hands-on activities.

https://www.facebook.com/share/17YNweUPMR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Amstel House
📍2 E 4th St
🕰️ 10:00am-4:00pm

The Amstel House will present a Hearth cooking demonstration in the kitchen and walk through tours discussing the experience of the Van D**e family (and similar families) during the American Revolution.

The Dutch House
📍34 E 3rd St
🕰️ 10:00am-4:00pm

The Dutch house will offer walk through tours discussing Peter Jacquett and Robert Kirkwood of the Delaware Regiment of the Continental Army as well as local militia requirements during the American Revolution.

Visit https://www.historicnewcastle.com for additional information and to purchase tickets for the home and garden tours.

Saturday’s weather is looking absolutely beautiful — the perfect day to experience A Day in Old New Castle! ☀️🌸Step back...
05/13/2026

Saturday’s weather is looking absolutely beautiful — the perfect day to experience A Day in Old New Castle! ☀️🌸

Step back in time as the streets of Historic Old New Castle come alive with reenactors, Victorian dancers, historic demonstrations, music, tours, shopping, food, 25 artists painting around town and special activities throughout town. Spend the day exploring centuries of history while enjoying the charm, energy, and beauty that make Old New Castle so special.

From strolling the cobblestone streets and watching living history unfold to browsing local shops and enjoying the waterfront, there will be something around every corner for visitors of all ages.

Follow the Day In Old New Castle Facebook to see all of the days activities!

Today is rhis last day to repurchase tickets at the discounted rate _ Get your ticket today !

Visit https://www.historicnewcastle.com for additional information and to purchase tickets for the home and garden tours.

🚎 Friendly reminder: Avoid the parking hassle and use the shuttle service!Convenient parking is available at the Baptist Church at 901 Basin Road, with easy shuttle access into town.

Bring your family, bring your friends, and come spend the day with us in Historic Old New Castle! 💙

Join us in Historic New Castle on May 16th for the 101st Day In Old New Castle. Enjoy a day full of Home and Garden tou...
05/12/2026

Join us in Historic New Castle on May 16th for the 101st Day In Old New Castle. Enjoy a day full of Home and Garden tours(ticketed) , history ,music, art and so much more !

Follow the Day In Old New Castle page as we profile each of the days activities and participants.

The New Castle Courthouse Museum
📍211 Delaware Street
🕰️ 10am-4pm

The New Castle Court House, located in the heart of the historic City of New Castle, Delaware, is one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the United States and a registered National Historic Landmark and is also part of Delaware's First State National Historic Park. The original 1732 court is built over the remains of the 1660s courthouse, with additions and modifications throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

The New Castle Courthouse Museum will offer Tours and a special display on the Semiquincentennial as well as an arts and crafts special activity.

Visit https://www.historicnewcastle.com for additional information and to purchase tickets for the home and garden tours.

🌿 Last chance to get your tickets early and save $5! Online ticket sales close at 8pm on Wednesday May 13th.Purchase y...
05/12/2026

🌿 Last chance to get your tickets early and save $5! Online ticket sales close at 8pm on Wednesday May 13th.

Purchase your Home & Garden Tour tickets here:
https://www.historicnewcastle.com

Tickets are only required for the Home & Garden Tour portion of the day’s activities.

✨ This year:
• 16 stunning private gardens
• 12 beautiful homes open to tour
• Several NEW homes and gardens featured

Step beyond the doors of homes dating from 1730 to today—and discover incredible hidden gardens you’d never know were there.

You won’t want to miss what’s waiting behind these historic doors! 🌸🏡

- Adults in person on the day of event / $25
- Adults in advance online / $20
- Seniors (65 or over) day of event / $20
- Seniors (65 or over) advance online / $15
- Teens (17 to 13) / $10
- Kids (12 and under) / free
- People who dress in period costume / FREE!

Address

Delaware Street
New Castle, DE
19720

Website

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