Nightlife

Dive into the stages, concert halls and historic venues of Wilmington, Delaware! No matter the time of year, we have a full calendar of Broadway shows, rock and jazz concerts, opera, symphony, comedy, Shakespeare and more. 

Summer is an especially great time to visit, thanks to our lineup of music festivals like the female-fronted Ladybug Festival, the notable Clifford Brown Jazz Festival or the reggae extravaganza People’s Festival 4Peace Tribute to Bob Marley.  

An especially fascinating story subject is The Queen — once a hotel for sailors, then a movie theater, it sat vacant for more than 50 years. Today, it’s full-scale live music venue where the latest rock and indie acts perform.  

Another giant of history is the Grand Opera House, a landmark in Wilmington for more than 140 years. Its stage has hosted Ethel Barrymore, Buffalo Bill Cody, John Philip Sousa — or, more recently, Willie Nelson and the White Stripes. OperaDelaware, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and First State Ballet Theatre all perform here as well. 

Broadway hits grace the stage at nearby The Playhouse on Rodney Square, which dates back to 1913 and is located amid the Gilded Age luxury of the legendary HOTEL DU PONT.  

Looking for a neighborhood that teems with nightlife? Trolley Square is famed for its bar scene (including a speakeasy), karaoke nights and scrumptious dining. 

Beyond Wilmington, The Candlelight Theatre and Casino at Delaware Park beckon those in search of a good time.  

The Queen Wilmington

A staple in downtown Wilmington, The Queen brings top entertainment talent across all genres to the stage. Originally built in the 1800s as “The Indian Queen Hotel” and repurposed into a movie theater…

Grand Opera House

Built in 1871, this magnificent concert hall in Downtown Wilmington entertains and engages its communities through exceptional, diverse live performances and educational outreach with more than 100…

OperaDelaware

OperaDelaware is a professional non-profit opera company with a reputation for excellence in both opera and arts education. OD presents both grand opera productions and intimate opera concerts…

Delaware Symphony Orchestra

For more than 100 years, your Delaware Symphony has entertained and educated listeners of all ages in the Delaware Valley. Under the leadership of Music Director David Amado, the orchestra and its…

First State Ballet Theatre

First State Ballet Theatre is Delaware’s only professional ballet company and serves thousands of Delawareans each year through our performances, school, and outreach programs. FSBT’s performing…

The Playhouse on Rodney Square

Delaware's Broadway Experience in continuous operation since 1913. Presenting a professional Broadway series and an acclaimed Children's Series, in addition to other special presentations. Special…

The Candlelight Theatre

Delaware's best kept secret! Located in historic Ardentown, DE, Candlelight provides an all-inclusive evening of dinner and professional theatre in an intimate atmosphere, all for a reasonable price…

Delaware Park Casino & Racing

A variety of gaming action awaits you in a spacious, non-smoking environment. Guests are offered live seasonal Thoroughbred racing, year-round simulcasting, live table games, poker the latest themed…