Get To The Gig - The Ladybug Music Festival

Get To The Gig

May 11

The Ladybug Music Festival returns as arguably one of the best block parties in Wilmington on June 2 (and to Milford, DE on September 30, too!). Presented by Chase, this free, all-ages event from 5 to 10 PM on North Market Street, will be hosting musicians from around the country, local artisan vendors, and focusing on the mission of bringing women and non cis men to the forefront of the music scene. There’s sure to be something for everyone.

*(2022 Wilmington Ladybug Music Festival; Photo Credit: Moonloop Photography)*

Started in 2012 by Gable Music Ventures, the idea was to offer an alternative to the Firefly Music Festival that was more focused on local independent artists and small businesses, was free for the community to attend, and was focused on centering and empowering women and non cis men in music. Since then, the festival has grown exponentially, drawing both musicians and festival-goers from around the region and even the world in 2020, when the festival was streamed due to gathering restrictions.

*(Adia Victoria; upcoming headliner of 2023 Ladybug Music Festival)*

Nashville singer-songwriter, 2-time Americana Music Award nominee, and poet Adia Victoria is bringing her gritty southern gothic rock to Wilmington as the festival's headliner. Adia’s been featured in NPR, Rolling Stone Magazine, and Pitchfork, always being revered for her connection to her Southern roots and her passion for writing since she was a young child. If you missed her passionate performance at XPoNential Music Festival on the Camden Riverfront in 2022, you can catch her closing out the night on the Main Stage (on 4th and Market, facing North) this year.

This year's festival has seven stages, both indoor and outdoor, spanning the Downtown area of the city.There’s a Pre-Party with drink specials at Willingtown Square from 4 to 5PM and an after party at Stitch House Brewery from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM featuring one of Wilmington’s favorites, DJ Shadylady. A pop up bar will be on the premises serviced by the Wilmington Whiskey Club and free Wi-fi available by local internet providers WhyFly. With a laundry list of bands and musicians traversing generes, nationalities, and style the day is going to be filled with many new discoveries.