These 11 events celebrating area music, outdoor fun, art, dining, sports and nonprofits are sure to get you out of hibernation
Art Loop
Friday, March 2, 5 p.m.
Downtown Wilmington
inwilmingtonde.com
The Wilmington Art Loop continues to bring together art lovers as well as the broader community to experience downtown. Three featured Out & About cover artists, Terrance Vann, Patrick Warner and Eunice LaFate, will display their works in celebration of O&A’s 30th Anniversary. At Chelsea Tavern, guests can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres in honor of Warner, who recently announced his retirement after 22 years in the graphic design industry due to his muscular dystrophy. Beer sales from the event will go to the Myositis Support and Understanding Association.
Shine A Light On 1968
Saturday, March 3
The Queen Theater
500 N. Market St.
lightupthequeen.org
The annual fundraiser Shine a Light on the Queen has become a musical spectacle worth seeing, and this year’s 1968 theme is sure to entertain. Utilizing a “Musical Chairs” approach, musicians will swap in and out of their respective groups to play classic hits from 1968, adding their own distinct sound and feel. Shine A Light On 1968 will celebrate psychedelia, Motown, Rock and more, paying homage to a year that lit the fuse for the explosion of one of the most memorable music eras of the last century. The event will benefit the Light Up the Queen Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Queen Theater.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 10, noon
Downtown Wilmington
Sláinte! The 43rd annual parade hosted by the Irish Culture Club of Delaware will proceed along King Street, past the grandstand at Rodney Square, and end near 14th Street, where the hooley will be held.
28th Annual St. Paddy’s Loop
Saturday, March 10, 7 p.m.
12 Wilmington venues
outandaboutnow.com
Following the parade, Delaware’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party will take place at 12 area hotspots—Catherine Rooney’s, Chelsea Tavern, Club Lavish, Dead Presidents, Ernest & Scott Taproom, Gallucio’s Café, Grotto Pizza, Kelly’s Logan House, The Queen, Timothy’s on the Riverfront, Trolley Square Oyster House and Trolley Tap House. The 28th annual St. Paddy’s Loop is partnering with Lyft to provide a ride discount code on all wristbands, which are $10 and can be purchased at any of the venues.
Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour
Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wilmington, Newark, Hockessin, Southern Chester County
jlwilmington.org
This self-guided tour will showcase some of the finest kitchens in the Wilmington area. Approximately 15 kitchens will be on display, each with unique design, distinct features and quality craftsmanship. Since 2004, the proceeds from the Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour have supported the Junior League of Wilmington’s community-minded mission and programs.
Wilmington Blue Rocks Opening Weekend
Thursday & Friday, April 12-13
Frawley Stadium
801 Shipyard Dr., Wilmington
bluerocks.com
The 2018 season of Blue Rocks Baseball launches with the Lynchburg Hillcats coming to town. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is at 6:35. The night includes a magnet giveaway—the first 5,000 fans will receive a 2018 schedule magnet, courtesy of Kunzler & Company. And every Thursday home game features Beer:30, presented by Dogfish Head Brewery. Select Dogfish beers will be available for just $3 for a limited time in the Dogfish Head First Base Picnic Area. On Friday, April 13, join Out & About Magazine for a special happy hour celebrating our 30th anniversary and 25-year partnership with the Blue Rocks.
City Restaurant Week
April 16-21
Various Wilmington locations
cityrestaurantweek.com
Annual showcase of Wilmington’s fine dining scene as 15 restaurants take part in City Restaurant Week, offering prix-fixe $15 lunches and $35 dinners. These showcased dining establishments are all owner-operated—which means there won’t be a chain restaurant in the bunch.
Wildflower Celebration at Mt. Cuba Center
Sunday, April 29,10 a.m-4 p.m.
3120 Barley Mill Rd., Hockessin
mtcubacenter.org
Become fluent in the language of wildflowers at this annual event. Springtime blooms are magnificently displayed once again, offering views of native plants, gardens, gardening demonstrations and more.
Cinco de Mayo Loop and Market Street Party
Saturday, May 5, 8 p.m.
Wilmington area
outandaboutnow.com
Celebrate the date by taking part in the Cinco de Mayo Loop and Market Street Party. Dress up in festive attire and enjoy the great flavors and sounds of Mexico at local venues. A one-time cover charge will grant access to all participating clubs.
Point-to-Point at Winterthur
Sunday, May 6
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington
winterthur.org
Celebrate the 40th Annual Point-to-Point event at Winterthur, where elite horse racing, kids’ activities, festive tailgating, and hospitality tents featuring elegant luncheons are sure to entertain.
Wilmington Grand Prix
May 18-20
Downtown Wilmington
wilmgrandprix.com
The Wilmington Grand Prix, one of the premier criterium-style bike races in the U.S., will celebrate its 12th anniversary this year. The technical nature of the course is recognized by racers and enthusiastic fans alike, making this track a mainstay on the USA Cycling’s (USAC) National Racing Calendar. And the entertainment, food and drink options for bystanders are not to be missed.