An artisan sets up her booth ahead of the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival in Townsend, where vendors offer handmade crafts, baked goods, and seasonal treasures. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Looking for something outdoors this weekend? Check out the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival at the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

By Jamie Kleman, Contributing Journalist, Delaware Live

If you’re looking for a place where kids can paint pumpkins, parents can browse local crafts, and everyone can take in a little nature before winter sets in, mark your calendar for Saturday, October 18, 2025. That’s when the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival returns to Townsend for its annual celebration of autumn and the outdoors – a free, family-friendly event hosted by Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

Set amid the sweeping marshes of the Blackbird Creek Reserve at 801 Blackbird Landing Road in Townsend, Delaware, the festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has become a cherished fall tradition for families across the First State. It’s part old-fashioned country fair, part outdoor classroom – and one of the few events where you can jump from a hayride to a bluegrass jam to an estuary scavenger hunt in the same afternoon.

A Festival that Blends Fun and Learning

Each year, DNREC’s Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) transforms the reserve into a hub of hands-on discovery. Children can make nature-inspired crafts, meet local wildlife educators, and learn how Delaware’s estuaries connect land, water, and community. Parents often find themselves just as intrigued, chatting with park rangers or local conservationists about how to keep backyard habitats healthy.

“It’s one of those days where kids don’t even realize they’re learning,” said one longtime volunteer. “They’re just having fun exploring – and by the time they leave, they’ve discovered something new about their state.”

Music, Makers, and Marshland Views

The festival’s main lawn becomes a marketplace of local flavor, with Delaware artisans, farmers, and food vendors setting up shop. Handmade soaps, wood-turned bowls, local honey, and baked treats line the tables, while live folk and bluegrass musicians keep the mood upbeat. A few steps away, families can climb aboard the tractor-pulled hayride, wander along the boardwalk trail, or stop for face-painting and storytelling.

Food trucks and picnic areas make it easy to stay for the day. Many visitors bring blankets and lawn chairs to relax under the tall trees that border the creek – a scenic spot for lunch with a view.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Parking and admission are free, but it’s smart to arrive early to snag a good spot. The grounds are stroller-friendly, though closed-toe shoes are best for the grassy trails. Bringing reusable water bottles and sunscreen is recommended, as much of the festival is outdoors.

If you have time afterward, explore Townsend’s local farm markets or take a short drive to the historic village of Odessa for even more fall charm.

A Day to Celebrate Delaware’s Natural Side

Now in its 16th year, the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival continues to grow while keeping its down-to-earth roots. It’s the kind of event that reminds families why Delaware’s small-state scale is a blessing — where neighbors, nature, and curiosity meet in one memorable autumn day.

For full details, visit dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal-programs/education-outreach/blackbird-creek-fall-festival.

Photo caption:

An artisan sets up her booth ahead of the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival in Townsend, where vendors offer handmade crafts, baked goods, and seasonal treasures. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)