May 16, 2026 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Pack your prettiest picnic and step into the timeless charm of a country-estate garden party as Winterthur marks its 75th anniversary with live music, vintage automobiles, a parade, and guided garden experiences.
Inspired by the H. F. du Pont family’s love of entertaining outdoors, defined by relaxed elegance, our May garden party takes place amid the scenic open fields alongside Azalea Woods.
Enjoy your own beautifully packed picnic or indulge in upscale small bites, grill classics, and savory skewers, along with signature desserts, cocktail selections, and Winterthur-label beer, all available for purchase. Then settle in for a joyful day with music by The Unforgettable Big Band performing favorites from across the decades.
Adding to the charm, an old-school procession of vintage Rolls-Royces, 1950s automobiles, Winterthur farm tractors, marching bands, and bagpipers will parade through the garden in a spirited nod to Winterthur’s heritage.
Come celebrate the season—and 75 years of Winterthur—with a gathering that blends nostalgia, style, and the simple magic of celebrating outdoors. Rain date Sunday, May 17. $29; $15 for Members.
Private Picnic Tent
Reserve a 10×10 high-peak tent on Azalea Lawn for an exclusive private picnic experience for up to six guests. Perfectly situated, these tents place you right in the center of the music and merriment. Includes 6 Field & Fête admission wristbands, a beautifully appointed 48″ round table with linen, flowers, six chairs, and dedicated butler service for seamless food and beverage ordering from a curated menu. Food and beverage are not included. Guests may bring their own picnic or indulge in offerings from select on-site vendors. $600 per tent | Additional wristbands: $75 each. Purchase now.
Live Music
11:00 am–3:00 pm | Enjoy the toe-tapping rhythms and timeless melodies of the 20-piece Unforgettable Big Band, featuring favorites from across the decades, plus a special performance by the BlueBallRoom Dance Team at 12:30 pm.
Chapters of Winterthur Parade
1:00–1:30 pm | Garden Lane
Take your place along Garden Lane as Winterthur’s history comes to life in a spirited 30-minute parade. The estate’s signature vehicles are joined by vintage 1950s cars, Rolls-Royces, the Newark High School Marching Band, tractors, and Delaware State Police mounted patrol creating a procession full of charm and tradition.
Guided Garden Walks
11:00 am and 2:00 pm | Join a guided garden walk beneath the spring canopy. You’ll see the best of what’s in bloom on this special May day and bask in the natural beauty that has captivated visitors for generations. Included with admission.
House Tours
10:00 am–3:30 pm | Explore American History through the spaces, stories, and objects that shaped the nation in our self-paced 45-minute introductory tour, An American Legacy. Or take Architecture of Independence, an upgraded, guided tour exploring the founding of our nation through the stories preserved within the architecture of the original thirteen colonies. Self-guided tour is included with admission and first-come, first-served. Guided tours by reservation only.
Activities & Tours
Chapters of Winterthur Parade
1:00–1:30 pm | Garden Lane
Take your place along Garden Lane as Winterthur’s history comes to life in a spirited 30-minute parade. The estate’s signature vehicles are joined by vintage 1950s cars, Rolls-Royces, the Newark High School Marching Band, tractors, and Delaware State Police mounted patrol creating a procession full of charm and tradition.
Best and Beautiful Garden Walk
11:00 am and 2:00 pm | Visitor Center Patio
Join a guided garden walk beneath the spring canopy. You’ll see the best of what’s in bloom on this special May Day and bask in the natural beauty that has captivated visitors for generations. Included with admission.
Garden Exploration
10:00 am–4:00 pm
Wander the canvas of garden color expected in mid-May! Primrose will be peaking in the Quarry Garden, and late-flowering rhododendron and azalea blooms will weave through Enchanted Woods, Icewell Terrace, the Reflecting Pool, Magnolia Bend, and Azalea Woods. The woodlands will show off the blues of Jacobs Ladder and Spanish Bluebells, and the Peony Garden will be particularly showy (weather dependent).
Flower Bouquet Making with Barb’s Backyard Blooms
After strolling through the blooming gardens, visit Barb’s Flower Bar to create your own fresh bouquet and let your inner artist shine. Custom bouquets available for a fee and while supplies last.
Live Illustrations by Dallas Shaw
You’ve dressed in your best garden-picnic–inspired attire for the day—now take home a one-of-a-kind memento. Dallas Shaw, a luxury fashion illustrator known for her elegant live illustrations at events around the world, will transform your look into a stylish keepsake sketch in just minutes. Watch your look come to life on paper. Live sketches available for a fee. Spaces fill quickly—find the artist day-of to reserve yours.
Rolls-Royce Display
10:00 am–4:00 pm | Conservatory Lawn
Set against the backdrop of the Winterthur mansion, this Rolls-Royce display showcases vehicles from across decades of automotive design and innovation. Experience the cars up close and discover the DuPont family’s long-standing passion for automobiles and the evolution of luxury engineering.
House Tours
10:00 am–3:30 pm | Conservatory
Explore American History through the spaces, stories, and objects that shaped the nation in our self-paced 45-minute introductory tour, An American Legacy. Or take Architecture of Independence, an upgraded, guided tour exploring the founding of our nation through the stories preserved within the architecture of the original thirteen colonies. Self-guided tour is included with admission and first-come, first-served. Guided tours by reservation only.
Library Open House
11:00 am–2:00 pm
See stylish 1950s catalogues and photos from our archives and special collections that capture the midcentury vibes.
Food & Drink
Enliven the senses with a variety of tasting options available for purchase, created by Winterthur’s onsite culinary team.
Tasting Menu
- Lobster Bao Buns
- Salmon Rillettes
- Franks in a Blanket
- French-Inspired Charcuterie Boxes
- Truffle Potato Chips
From the Grill
- Wagyu Beef Sliders
- Hot Dogs
- Hamburgers
Skewers
- Rhubarb Miso-Glazed Shrimp
- Chicken with Herbs de Provence & Ramp Chimichurri
- Tomato-Marjoram Glazed Vegetables with Halloumi
Signature Dessert
- Chocolate Strawberries with Pistachios, Chocolate & Shredded Kataifi (served in stemless wine glasses)
Welcome Signature Cocktail
- Elderflower Spritz
Sparkling Wine Bar
Where the fizz never stops and the mood is always bright. Our sparkling wine bar brings together bold flavors, fun energy, and a little bit of sparkle in every glass—because every day deserves a pop of excitement.
Available by the glass or bottle:
- Chandon Garden
- Torresella Prosecco
- Chandon Sparkling Rosé
Winterthur Beer
Raise a glass to 75 years of beauty, history, and inspiration at Winterthur Museum, Garden, & Library. This American Pale Ale brew celebrates the unique convergence of art, nature, and history that come together in full bloom on Winterthur’s grounds. Cheers to the past we preserve, the present we serve, and the future we hope to create. Brewed locally by Wilmington Brew Works.
Live Music & Entertainment
Unforgettable Big Band
10:00 am–3:00 pm
Enjoy the toe-tapping rhythms and timeless melodies, soundtracked by the 20-piece Unforgettable Big Band as they perform favorites from across the decades.
BlueBallRoom Dancers
12:30 pm
Catch a performance by the talented dancers of the BlueBallRoom Dance Studio & Dance Club at 12:30 pm as they swing to the Unforgettable Big Band’s tunes.
Information for Members
On May 16, Winterthur will host Field & Fête, commemorating the museum’s opening in 1951 and honoring Winterthur’s rich history and vibrant present. We hope you’ll join us. When you purchase a ticket for Field & Fête, you help support the museum, garden, and library and ensure that future generations can enjoy and celebrate Winterthur well beyond its 75th year.
During Field & Fête, some areas of the estate will be restricted for non–ticket-holding visitors, including Members.
Free Member-Exclusive Guided Garden Walk
Enhance your visit* with a guided garden walk, departing from the Gate 2 location.
Members free; registration required. Space limited; choose your time slot. Comfortable walking shoes, filled water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. Walk may include uneven ground over dirt and grass, steps, as well as paved paths.
Rain date for both event and guided garden walk is Sunday, May 17.
*Field & Fête ticket not required. Members who wish to attend the Field & Fête and take a guided walk may do so by registering for both events. Note that no transportation is provided from event site to Gate 2 area.