Listen to Free Live Music Any Night of the Week in Wilmington

Did you know you can enjoy free live music throughout Wilmington any night of the week? From rhythmic drumming to contemporary covers and everything in between, find out where you can listen to live performers in the City through our day by day itinerary below!

Kick off your week with Sunday morning brunch at the Starbucks on Market St with wonderful acoustic acts.

Check out Live! in the Parks for a relaxing evening of music on Mondays and Wednesdays in Rockford Park & Brandywine Park respectively!

If you’re more interested in making the music than listening to it, then the Rock Lot’s Drumming Circle is for you! Check it out every Tuesday evening.

Enjoy delicious food, creative cocktails and a side of live music during Wilmo Wednesdays at DECO.

Take your lunch outside on Thursday afternoons at Nemours Plaza and break up your day with live music.

Be serenaded by the sweet sounds of street performers on Thursday evenings at various locations along Market Street as part of the Music on Market series.

You can also catch live entertainment on Thursdays evenings down on the Riverfront in Dravo Plaza as part of the Shipyard Summer Concert series.

Start your weekend early and stop by I.M. Coffee during lunch on Fridays for craft coffee and good music.

To round off your week, head to Wilmington’s best kept secret, Nomad Bar, for live jazz music on Saturday nights!

15 Places to Dine Outdoors in Downtown Wilmington DE

The sun is shining. The temperatures have risen. What better way to enjoy summer in Downtown Wilmington DE than by dining outdoors at your favorite restaurant? Check out our list of all Downtown restaurants that offer outdoor seating so you know exactly where you can enjoy your meal with a side of sunshine!

1. Cafe Mezzanote - 1007 N Orange St

   Tucked away within Nemours Plaza, the patio at Cafe Mezzanote is the perfect place to dine al fresco if you’re looking for a more quite and intimate dining experience.

2. Tonic Bar & Grille - 111 W 11th St

   The covered patio at Tonic is perfect for enjoying the warm summer weather without the risk of getting a sunburn.

3. I.M. Coffee - 1105 N Market St

   First, stop in the I.M. Pei building for freshly brewed beverages, delicious pastries, and made-to-order sandwiches. Then, head outdoors to enjoy them in the plaza space. There is even live music in the plaza on Fridays during lunchtime!

4. DECO Food Hall - 111 W 10th St

   The newest addition to the downtown dining scene offers traditional outdoor seating as well as a cool breeze indoors with retractable windows that are opened when the weather is nice.

5. Ernest & Scott Taproom - 902 N Market St

   The patio at Ernest & Scott draws downtown diners for casual outdoor dining as well as the occasional event like cigar nights or beer pairing dinners.

6. Stitch House Brewery - 829 N Market St

   Experience all the Market Street has to offer while enjoying your favorite brews from the patio at Stitch House.

7. Chelsea Tavern - 821 N Market St

   Chelsea Tavern has long been a go to place for those wanting to dine outside on Market Street, but the recently renovated Chelsea Plaza now offers even more shaded outdoor seating for restaurant goers.

8. Jimmy Johns - 824 N Market St

   Jimmy Johns is one of the only fast casual places on Market that provides tables outdoors for people to enjoy their grab and go sandwiches.

9. Terra Cafe & Grille - 721 King St

   Just off King Street, Terra has a handful of outdoor tables in the back of the restaurant that allow you to enjoy your favorite Greek food without the noise and interruption from street traffic.

10. Cavanaugh’s - 703 N Market St

    You know it’s summertime on Market once Cavanaugh’s starts to set up their lunchtime outdoor seating in front on the restaurant.

11. Bardea - 620 N Market St

    The outdoor cafe tables, enclosed by beautiful planters, provide the same upscale dining experience you’d expect at Bardea simply with a side of fresh air.

12. La Fia - 421 N Market St

    Surrounded by gorgeous overflowing flower pots, the outdoor dining at La Fia provides a mini retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown Wilmington.

13. Chicky’s Pizza Pub - 201 N Market St

    What could be better than a hot slice of pizza, a cold beverage, and a cool breeze? You can enjoy all three (and more) from Chicky’s Pizza Pub!

14. Downtown Farmer’s Market - 10th & Market St

    Although it’s a slightly different set up this year than in the past, you can still eat lunch from your favorite food truck at any of the several picnic and cafe tables on Wednesdays at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

15. Wilingtown Square - 505 N Market St

    Even if you prefer to pack you lunch, you can enjoy it outdoors at one of the cafe tables, provided by Downtown Visions, in Willingtown Square across from the Delaware Historical Society.

18 Downtown Wilmington DE Businesses Win Delaware Today's Best of Delaware Awards!

Delaware Today has released their 2019 Best of Delaware winners and a number of Downtown Wilmington DE businesses have made the list! Both readers and editors have spoken and voted for their favorite local establishments in a variety of categories, ranging from Food & Drink to Retail & Services. The following Downtown Wilmington businesses were awarded their rightful place at number one and we couldn’t agree more!

Reader’s Choice Awards

• Breakfast Place - Drip Cafe

  • Now with a location in Wilmington at 1201 N Market Street!

• Candy/Chocolate Shop - Govatos

• Coffee Shop - Brew Haha!

• Cooking Class - Delaware Technical Community College

• Food Truck - Mojo Loco

  • Also awarded best food truck in Delaware by Food Network!

• French Cuisine - The Green Room at Hotel DuPont

• Japanese Cuisine & Sushi - Mikimotos

• Live Music Venue & Gala Fundraising Festival - The Grand Opera House

• Men’s Business Attire - Wright & Simon

• Men’s Formal Attire - Collars ‘n Cuffs

• Tattoo Artist/Shop - Poppycock Tattoo

Editor’s Picks

• Happy Hour - Tonic Bar & Grille

• Mouth Watering Instagram Page, Nationally Nominated Restaurant, New Restaurant, & Spot for a Birthday Celebration - Bardea Food & Drink

• Small Plates - La Fia

• Fundraiser - Light Up The Queen Foundation’s Shine a Light

• Local Treasure - Delaware Symphony Orchestra

• Scenic Delaware Photography on Instagram - @Andrew_K__Photography

• Place to See a Drag Show - The Queen

Also, we couldn’t help but mention our neighbors along the Riverfront who deserve some recognition too!

• Reader’s Choice Desserts, Family-Friendly, Lunch Spot, & Best Restaurant in Wilmington - Big Fish Grill

• Reader’s Choice American Restaurant, Brewpub, Outdoor Dining, & Water View Dining, and Editor’s Pick Kid’s Menu - Iron Hill Brewery

• Editor’s Pick Seafood - Banks’ Seafood Kitchen

• Reader’s Choice Thai Cuisine - Ubon Thai Cuisine

• Reader’s Choice Pet Groomer & Pet Store - Riverfront Pets

5 Music Festivals in Wilmington, DE This Summer

From jazz and reggae to pop and blues, there is a music festival for everyone this summer in Wilmington, DE! We’ve rounded up all the details so that you won’t miss a beat this summer!

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival - June 19 - 22 | Rodney Square

Each year, Wilmington, Delaware remembers a brilliant trumpet player, unforgettable composer, and dynamic entertainer whose name and legacy are celebrated at the annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. A legend - our legend - whose work offers a moment to laugh, dance, sing, eat, love and experience the ultimate joy music brings. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, a block party, and more all for FREE!

Ladybug Music Festival - July 18 - 19 | Market Street

Celebrating women in music, the Ladybug Festival welcomes over 100 female artists to Market Street. Featuring the 8th annual block party between 2nd and 4th streets on Thursday as well as the first ever "Bug Crawl" with over 60 artists performing at 15 venues along Market Street on Friday. You won’t want to miss this Market Street festival that is completely FREE and open to the public!

People’s Festival - July 20 | The Queen

The 25th Annual People's Festival kicks off with a street festival at 12pm! Enjoy live music all day indoors and out! It is the mission of People's Festival to bring a world-class Reggae celebration to the community of Wilmington as it was Marley's adopted hometown outside of Jamaica. Click here to purchase tickets.

Riverfront Blues Festival - August 3-4 | Tubman-Garrett Park

The Riverfront Blues Festival features outstanding live music from across the United States. Blues heads the list but other great musical art forms include Jazz, Americana, Folk, Rockabilly, Rock n Roll, Bluegrass, Funk, and Soul and so much more. This festival is truly a music lover's paradise. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Pawpaw Folk Festival - August 19 | Blue Ball Barn

The Pawpaw Folk Festival is a family-friendly day that celebrates the natural and cultural resources of Alapocas Run State Park. The star of the festival is a Delaware native tree, the Pawpaw. Visitors can learn more about this little known plant through hikes, informative displays and tastings. The festival will also have folk craft demonstrations, storytelling and musical performances. The festival is free with paid park admission.

New Pop-Up Market Coming to Nemours Plaza

Fans of our Wednesday Downtown Farmer’s Market rejoice! We’ve partnered with The Buccini/Pollin Group to offer an additional pop-up style mini-market in Nemours Plaza this summer! Nemours Plaza is the outdoor space between the Brandywine Building and the Nemours Building, located at the intersection of Tatnall St. and Delaware Ave.

The summer pop-up market begins this Thursday, June 13th, from 11 AM – 1 PM with a “Dog Day” Meet and Greet featuring the Delaware Humane Association. Stop by and say hello to a few four legged friends and discover more about the DHA’s adoptable animals and programs.

Refreshments will be available for purchase from Market Street's favorite ice cream sweet spot, UDairy Creamery Market, as well healthy lunch options from Viva Bowls food truck.

There will also be live music in the Plaza too!

Other upcoming events this summer in Nemours Plaza include:

• Lunchtime Yoga Express Classes from 12-12:30 PM

  • Tuesdays - June 18, 25, & July 2, 9

• Fresh Produce Stand Featuring Twin Lakes Produce

  • Wednesdays from 4-6 PM - Starting June 19

  • Thursdays from 11 AM - 2 PM - Starting June 20

• Live Music from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

  • Thursdays - Starting June 13

• Dog Day Meet & Greet with DHA from 11 AM - 1 PM

  • Thursday, June 27

• Outdoor Movies & Happy Hour with Theatre N

  • Happy hour promotions begin a 4 PM & movies will start at sunset.

  • Thursday, June 27

  • Fridays through August 23 - Starting July 5

• Fitness Demonstrations from BlkOps Fitness

  • Details to Follow

• Cornhole Tournament & Outdoor Spin Fundraiser with CoreTen Fitness

  • Details to Follow

Check out our Facebook event for the most up to date event information!