Festival Information

RODNEY SQUARE IN WILMINGTON

Rodney Square is located at 1000 N Market St Wilmington, Delaware. Rodney Square has been considered as the heart of downtown Wilmington since the early 20th century. The festival at Rodney Square features our mainstage, beer and wine and a number of community displays.

THE MEMORY, A LEGACY : CLIFFORD BROWN

Wilmington’s own Clifford Brown was a trumpeter, whose life tragically ended early one summer morning in 1956. The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is Wilmington’s tribute to a great man and his legacy. This year marks the 38th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival.

WHERE TO STAY

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GENERAL POLICIES

The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration of music, culture, and community in the heart of Wilmington. To help everyone enjoy the experience safely and comfortably, please review the following guidelines:

All artists, set times and stages are subject to change.

Events take place rain or shine. If severe weather becomes an issue and we need to interrupt programming, announcements will be made regarding safety procedures. Programming will resume when deemed safe.

All persons, bags and personal items are subject
to inspection before or during the festival.

Any attendee that directly or indirectly interferes with the enjoyment of the festival may be asked to leave the venue and may be subject to arrest and prosecution by State/Local Authorities.

The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival encourages a smoke-free environment and asks that you respect the health of your neighbors at the festival and refrain from smoking in any area where it may affect someone else. Smoking is prohibited under all tents and inside buildings. Please find an isolated area if you must smoke, and dispose of your butts properly.

GETTING TO RODNEY SQUARE

BY CAR

Rodney Square located in Wilmington, DE  is about two hours south of New York and 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C. Get directions to Rodney Square in Wilmington from your location.

PARKING

There is limited on-site/street car parking available at Rodney Square. If you are unable to find parking on the street near Rodney Square, please explore one of the many affordable parking lots within walking distance of the Square.

Seating

The Rodney Square mainstage viewing area is uncovered and includes a large general seating area on both the grass and stairs of Rodney Square. Patrons may bring blankets or low-backed lawn chairs (max 30”) for lawn seating areas. No tents are allowed in lawn seating areas.

WHAT TIME DOES EVERYTHING OPEN?

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday show begins at 4:45 PM
Saturday show begins at 1 PM
FOOD vendors open at 12 noon

IS THERE CAMPING ON-SITE?

Sorry, no camping is available at Rodney Square but there are plenty of hotels not far from the festival grounds. Also, check out Visit Wilmington (link: https://www.visitwilmingtonde.com/places-to-stay/) for additional places to stay and play in Wilmington.

WHAT IS WELCOMED

  • Beach Chairs: Low-backed beach or lawn chairs (under 30”) are welcome. Please be mindful of sightlines and space around you.
  • Blankets: Feel free to spread out and enjoy the lawn.
  • Picnics: Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. Small, handheld coolers (no larger than 16” x 12”) are allowed.
  • Strollers: Welcome, as long as they do not block walkways or stage views.
  • Personal Cameras: Snap away! (Just no professional gear or audio recording, please.)
  • Service Dogs: Trained service animals are permitted. Please ensure they are properly identified and under control at all times.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

  • Smoking & Vaping: The festival is a smoke-free environment. Smoking—including e-cigarettes and vaping—is not allowed anywhere on the festival grounds.
  • Alcohol: Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
  • Illegal Substances or Weapons: Strictly prohibited.
  • Large Shade Structures: Tents, umbrellas, or chairs with canopies taller than 30” are not allowed in the lawn seating area.
  • Pets: We love animals, but only service dogs are permitted.

Thank you for helping us keep the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone!

FESTIVAL PICNIC BASKET

PLACE YOUR ORDER

FOOD VENDORS

We have some great food vendors on-site.

Freshly Squeezed Lemonade by Sharron Raymond

MaAda’s Philly Style Water Ice

IG: @maadas_waterice
Website: www.adaswaterice.com

Mitch’s Mo Better Chicken

IG: @mitchsmobetterchicken
FB: Mitch’s Mo’Better
Web: www.mitchsmobetter.com

International Grill Co.

Battiato’s Ice Cream

Akwaaba Eats LLC

IG: @akwaabaeats FB: akwaabaeats

Vern’s Catering

FB: Vern’s Catering

Tommy T’s Funnel Cakes

Krys’ Soul Kreations

IG: @krys.Soul.Kreations
FB: Krys.Soul.Kreations

Hummingbird Island Cuisine

IG: @hbicuisine
FB: Hummingbird Island Cuisine
Web: www.hbicuisine.com

Omy Smoked BBQ LLC

IG: @omysmoked
FB: Omy Smoked BBQ
Web: www.omysmokedbbq.com

OFFICIAL MERCH STATIONS

Bring a piece of the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival home with you! Official Clifford Brown Jazz Festival merchandise is available for purchase under the merchandise tent. – Sell T-Shirts in Advance

Things to do in and around
Wilmington, Delaware

 https://www.visitwilmingtonde.com/things-to-do/

Places to Eat and Drink in and around Wilmington, Delaware:

 https://www.visitwilmingtonde.com/eat-drink/

CLIFFORD BROWN JAZZ FESTIVAL

Each year, Wilmington, Delaware remembers a brilliant trumpet player, unforgettable composer, and dynamic entertainer whose name and legacy are celebrated at the annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. A legend – our legend – whose work offers a moment to laugh, dance, sing, eat, love and experience the ultimate joy music brings.
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