As anyone who lives, works, or visits Kennett Square knows, there are plenty of unique shops and fantastic restaurants to enjoy in downtown Kennett Square. The small-town charm is on full display year-round, but the Kennett Square area is particularly festive and fun in the summer season. From fine dining and live music to world-class attractions and festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a look at a few of the sights and sounds that can be enjoyed in the Kennett Square area this summer. 

Thursday, June 26

The Kennett Symphony presents Masterworks 3: Fiesta

The Kennett Symphony will be performing at the Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre on Thursday, June 26. “Masterworks 3: Fiesta” will be a fiery program of dance music from Alberto Ginastera, Arturo Piazzolla, and Manuel de Falla, and a selection by contemporary Mexican-American composer Gabriela Ortiz, known for music that celebrates the spirit animal that guides the Wixarika people of Mexico. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors at the state-of-the-art auditorium of Unionville High School. Tickets for reserved seating are $55. More information is available on the Kennett Symphony website and tickets can be purchased at www.longwoodgardens.org.

Thursday, July 3 

Longwood Gardens Fireworks & Fountains shows

Longwood Gardens will present Fireworks & Fountain shows this summer. On July 3, starting at 9:15 p.m., there will be a show, “Grand Fanfare.”  Celebrate America with this rousing show of stunning fireworks paired with vivid fountains and plenty of fanfare. A special ticket is required to experience Fireworks & Fountains shows. All guests, except those under 2 years of age, must purchase a Fireworks & Fountains show ticket. All sales are final and no refunds are permitted. Shows will proceed in rain. Gardens close at 6 p.m. to everyone but Fireworks & Fountains ticket holders on the dates of Fireworks & Fountains shows. Visit longwoodgardens.org for ticket information.

Saturday, July 12

Kennett Flash Rooftop Concert

Riot Act: A tribute to Pearl Jam will be featured in this Kennett Flash Rooftop Concert. Shows are presented outside, on the top floor of the Kennett Square Parking Garage located at 100-198 E. Linden Street in Kennett Square. The shows take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and seating starts at 6 p.m. Riot Act formed in 2023 and is Philadelphia’s premier tribute to Pearl Jam. The group has continued to bring the raw energy and passionate performances of the grunge icon to audiences all across the East Coast, including a sold-out show at The Kennett Flash earlier this year. With their impressive attention to detail and a massive catalog of songs ranging from the obvious to the obscure, Riot Act offers an experience sure to please any 1990s music enthusiast. Visit kennettflash.org for more information or to buy tickets.

Thursday, July 17

Third Thursdays on State Street

The 2025 Third Thursdays on State Street event series continues on July 17 as Kennett Collaborative brings people in the community together for outdoor dining, music, and fun with your neighbors, families, and friends. Third Thursdays take place from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Parking in the garage on E. Linden Street is free during the event with street closures begin at 5 pm, starting at Broad Street and ending at Center Street. To ensure an outdoor table, the recommendation is to make a reservation directly with your restaurant of choice. The following restaurants set up tables on State Street for Third Thursdays: Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen (first come only), Lily Asian Cuisine, La Verona, Portabellos, Trattoria La Tavola, and Sweet Amelia’s. Other dining options in the event area include Café Emís and Piccola Venezia. Inside the Market at Liberty Place, still close to all the action, you’ll find: Kaboburritos, Kennett Chicken, Verde Plant Based Cafe, State Street Pizza, Liberty Place Pub, Double AA Burgers, and Ji-In Korean Eatery. Beyond State Street, there are more great eateries in Kennett Square with outdoor seating in the evening, including: Braeloch Brewing,  Sang Tong Thai, Letty’s Tavern, and The Creamery.

Saturday, July 19

Longwood Gardens Fireworks & Fountains shows

Longwood Gardens will present Fireworks & Fountain shows this summer. On July 19, starting at 9:15 p.m., there will be a show,  “Brat Pack Soundtrack: Music from the 80s,” that pays homage to rad hits and the beloved brat pack films of the 1980s. Fountains dance and fireworks soar to throwbacks from the soundtracks of Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and more. A special ticket is required to experience Fireworks & Fountains shows. All guests, except those under 2 years of age, must purchase a Fireworks & Fountains show ticket. All sales are final and no refunds are permitted. Shows will proceed in rain. Gardens close at 6 p.m. to everyone but Fireworks & Fountains ticket holders on the dates of Fireworks & Fountains shows. Visit longwoodgardens.org for ticket information.

Saturday, August 9

Winslow: An Evening of the Eagles

The Kennett Flash Rooftop Concert Series continues on August 9 with a performance by the Winslow Tribute Band, the East Coast’s greatest Eagles tribute band that delivers the timeless music with precision and passion. This powerhouse ensemble recreates the live performance of The Eagles and the signature sound that made them one of the most successful artists in the 1970s. Shows are presented outside, on the top floor of the Kennett Square Parking Garage located at 100-198 E. Linden Street in Kennett Square. The shows take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and seating starts at 6 p.m. Visit kennettflash.org for more information or to buy tickets.

Saturday, August 9

Longwood Gardens Fireworks & Fountains shows

Longwood Gardens will present Fireworks & Fountain shows this summer. On August 9, starting at 9:15 p.m., there will be a show, “Boogie Wonderland: Earth, Wind & Fire,” featuring pop, soul, and jazz-fusion hits from one of the most influential and energetic groups of the 1970s: Earth, Wind & Fire. A special ticket is required to experience Fireworks & Fountains Shows. All guests, except those under 2 years of age, must purchase a Fireworks & Fountains Show ticket. All sales are final and no refunds are permitted. Shows will proceed in the rain. Gardens close at 6 p.m. to everyone but Fireworks & Fountains ticket holders on the dates of Fireworks & Fountains shows. Visit longwoodgardens.org for ticket information.

Thursday, September 4

Mushroom Parade

Historic Kennett Square will come alive with music, color, and small-town magic as the Mushroom Parade kicks off the 40th Anniversary of the Mushroom Festival on Thursday, September 4 at 6 p.m. Produced by Kennett Collaborative and funded by the Mushroom Festival, the parade will march along a familiar route, starting on South Broad Street and turning west onto State Street—mirroring the route of the beloved Holiday Light Parade.

September 6 and 7

The Mushroom Festival celebrates 40 years

The Mushroom Festival, Kennett Square’s signature event and the largest annual event in the area, returns this year for its 40th anniversary. Spectators looking to celebrate mushrooms and the charm of Kennett Square should plan a long weekend in the Brandywine Valley, beginning with Thursday’s Mushroom Parade. Friday offers time to explore Longwood Gardens and the borough’s renowned shops and restaurants, followed by the biggest and best Mushroom Festival Kennett Square has ever seen on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7. The Mushroom Festival is always held the weekend after Labor Day, and the theme for this year’s event is “Harvesting 40 Years Together.” For more information, follow the Mushroom Festival on social media or visit the website at mushroomfestival.org.

Saturday, September 13

Flux Capacitor performs in Kennett Square

Melding energetic, spacey improvisation with electronica and melodic rock songwriting, Pennsylvania’s Flux Capacitor spent the early 2010s building a grassroots fan base through constant touring and a series of vibrant studio albums. They bring their talents to the Kennett Flash Rooftop Concert Series on September 13. Shows are presented outside, on the top floor of the Kennett Square Parking Garage located at 100-198 E. Linden Street in Kennett Square. The shows take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and seating starts at 6 p.m. A staple of the jam band circuit, Flux Capacitor pull from a wide range from tonal influences, from Phish and Bob Marley to more sonically cerebral acts like Pink Floyd and Radiohead. The show promises to be entertaining for everyone. Visit kennettflash.org for more information or to buy tickets.

September 20 and 21

Kennett Arts Festival

The Kennett Arts Festival has something for everyone: over 100 artists, live music, children’s activities, and a selection of local food vendors, including beer and wine. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 20 and from noon to 4 p.m. on September 21. This event is hosted by Kennett Area Community Service and more information will be available at www.kacsimpact.org.

Each Friday through the summer

Enjoy fresh finds, local flavor, and community vibes at KSQ Farmers Market

The KSQ Farmers Market brings together farmers and neighbors for the freshest local produce and goods in the heart of Kennett Square. Consumers can connect directly with small growers and producers, building relationships, trust, and a stronger local food economy. The KSQ Farmers Market is known for a variety of high-quality, in-season produce plus all kinds of meats and cheeses, mushrooms, freshly baked breads and pastries, honey, nut butters, pickles, jams and preserves, local wine and mead, coffee and teas, desserts, pet treats, natural home and skincare products, and beautiful locally grown flower bouquets. Those who enjoy good food but are short on time can find an assortment of made-from-scratch prepared foods for easy meals to heat and enjoy at home. The vendor lineup changes week to week, as some producers attend every Friday, while others come every other week or just once a month. The KSQ Farmers Market takes place at 600 South Broad Street each Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit ksqfarmersmarket.com for information about participating vendors.