Where Is The Best Seating For Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens, known for being one of the great gardens of the world, is bringing back its Main Fountain Garden performances for the 2021 summer season. Longwood's summer Festival of Fountains season will feature lively fountain performances as well as acres of blooming gardens, treehouses to explore, and shady groves lined with towering trees. As the sun sets, Longwood's Main Fountain Garden will present its popular Illuminated Fountain Performances … every Thursday through Saturday. The summer season runs from May 6th through September 26th.

Longwood's three fountain gardens offer a refreshing respite with daily shows in the historic Open-Air Theatre and the enchanting Italian Water Garden. Known as one of the finest performance fountains in the world, Longwood's Main Fountain Garden will charm visitors with more than 1,700 dancing jets soaring as high as 175 feet. At night, Illuminated Fountain Performances will amaze and enchant.

This summer, experience a spectacle unlike any other with a selection of new shows including an ode to country music legend Dolly Parton, a celebration of two of pop's leading ladies: Madonna and Lady Gaga, and a tribute to freedom, hope, and strength in Freedom. For a full list of upcoming fountain performances visit longwoodgardens.org/illuminated.

The beauty of summer unfolds at Longwood Gardens throughout the summer season (and with more than just their amazing fountain performances). Take in the lush, colorful gardens, linger in the fragrant Rose Garden, stroll through the Meadow Garden, explore the Waterlily Display, and be inspired by the vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials thriving in the Idea Garden.

Festival of Fountains runs May 6–September 26, 9 am to 6 pm from Sunday–Wednesday, and 9 am to 10 pm from Thursday–Saturday. Illuminated Fountain Performances run May-August at 9:15 pm, and 9 am to 9 pm September 2–October 30, with Illuminated Fountain Performances at 8:15 pm.

More Fun Throughout the Gardens

Longwood's popular open–air Beer Garden will also return to offer light fare and Longwood Signature Brews, created in partnership with Victory Brewing Company and using ingredients grown in the Gardens. Entertainment includes traditional Celtic tunes from Poor Man's Gambit, bluegrass from Marc Silver, and Caribbean steel pan grooves by the Plenty Pepper Steel Band. Beer Garden performances are set to take place Thursday–Saturday evenings 6–9 pm from May–August, and 5–8 pm in September. For a schedule of Beer Garden performances, visit longwoodgardens.org/beer-garden-lineup.

Along with the amazing beer garden line up comes Longwood's full-service restaurant, 1906. This fine dining spot offers both indoor and outdoor dining that boasts an eclectic menu of fresh seasonal fare. Reservations are required and can be made at OpenTable.com. For more casual dining, Longwood's Café offers a variety of entrees, soups, sandwiches and salads, with indoor and outdoor seating as well.

The Garden Shop reflects the beauty seen throughout the Gardens. Inspired by all –things horticulture, the shop offers a diverse array of indoor and outdoor plants, hand-selected home décor products, must-have gardening essentials, and one-of-a-kind selections from local artisans. With a focus on responsibly sourced, traditional craftsmanship, The Garden Shop truly inspires through plants and captures the imagination of all who visit. The Garden Shop is open during Longwood's regular hours.

Capacities are limited and visiting guidelines are in place for the safety of guests. Admission is by timed admission ticket only. To purchase tickets and see our visiting guidelines, visit longwoodgardens.org.

Know Before You Go

Jessica Horstmann

Marketing and Social Media Specialist at the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau

About Jessica: Moving to Delaware at ten years old gifted me the opportunity to grow under the lights of the city, the serenity of the country, and everything in between. I would have never thought that so many fun and interesting attractions could be packed into such a small state. I love to travel, take pictures, and experience new adventures just like you, reading this now! I can promise you new adventures happen every day in the First State. Follow along with my blogs and see for yourself why Delaware, (just like me) is small, but mighty! Welcome to my home!