Eat Greek All Week in Wilmington

☀️ Rise and shine, 302—It’s a big week for Greek eats, live music under the stars, and possibly meeting your new best (furry) friend. From dancing fountains at Longwood to dancing shoes at Rockford Park, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season.

Your 302 Rundown:

• 🇬🇷 Greek Festival Brings Food & Dancing to Wilmington

• 🎸 Rockford Park’s New Stage Debuts June 5

• 🐶 Mega Adoption Event Returns to Bob Carpenter Center

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🐾 1,000+ Pets, One Weekend, Endless Cuddles

The Brandywine Valley SPCA’s Mega® Adoption Event is back June 21–22 at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark—and it’s a pet lover’s paradise. Over 1,000 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens will be up for adoption for just a $35 fee. Every pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to go home the same day.

Want first dibs? Grab a Fast Pass for early entry Saturday morning.

This is the largest adoption event in the country—and it’s right here in our backyard. If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the family, this is your moment.

😊 Seniors love it here

Delaware just tied for 3rd on Caring.com’s Senior Happiness Index, and honestly, we’re not surprised. The study ranked all 50 states by how happy older adults are — and the First State nailed it thanks to top-notch healthcare, affordable living, and a strong sense of community.

We also ranked 9th for senior health and got crowned the best place to retire in 2024. Not too shabby.

Basically, if you’re planning to age gracefully, Delaware’s the place to do it — and not just because grandkids live close by.

👶 Delaware’s Top Baby Names for 2024

If you’re hearing more little Charlottes and Liams at the playground, you’re not imagining things. According to the Social Security Administration, Charlotte and Liam were Delaware’s most popular baby names in 2024. For girls, the top five were Charlotte, Sophia, Emma, Isabella, and Mia. For boys, it was Liam, Noah, Oliver, James, and Elijah.

These names blend timeless charm with modern flair—no surprise they’re topping the charts. So, if you’re expecting or just love name trends, take note: these names are having a moment in the First State.

🌬️ DNREC Shares Air Quality Info After Refinery Incident

Following a May 26 equipment failure at the Delaware City Refinery, DNREC is keeping residents informed. The Delaware Emergency Release Notification System (DERNS) has posted seven reports detailing sulfur dioxide emissions. Air monitoring near Route 9 shows levels well below the EPA’s health standard of 75 ppb, with a peak of 25 ppb recorded on May 31.

For real-time updates and air quality data, visit DERNS and DNREC’s Air Quality Monitoring Network.

IN BUSINESS

🍺 Apartments Coming to the Old Constitution Yards Spot

The old Constitution Yards site is getting a glow-up. BPG just broke ground on Justison Landing, a 164-unit apartment complex with riverwalk views, a rooftop lounge, pool, fitness center, and game room. First units are scheduled to open in 2026.

If you’ve lost count, you’re not alone — this is just the latest in BPG’s long line of luxe Riverfront builds (they’ve been at it since flip phones were a thing).

Safe to say, they didn’t just help shape the neighborhood — they basically built it.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

🏚️ New Castle County Cracks Down on Vacant Properties

New Castle County is getting serious about vacant homes. A new law just signed bumps up annual registration fees and requires inspections for properties that sit empty for five years. It’s pressure on long-term vacancies to shape up or ship out.

One big win? First responders will now get safety alerts for structurally unsound buildings before running in blind.

This isn’t just red tape—it’s a step toward safer, healthier, and more vibrant neighborhoods.

See Delaware Public Media for the full story .

QUICK POLL

THE HAPPENINGS🎉

Holy Trinity Greek Festival Wilmington's beloved Greek Festival returns June 2–7, bringing six days of authentic food, live music, and traditional dancing to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Enjoy favorites like gyros, moussaka, and loukoumades, with curbside pickup available for lunch.

Rockford Rising. Celebrate the grand opening of Rockford Park’s new concert stage with live music from Spokey Speaky and What the Funk, plus food trucks, beer from Wilmington Brew Works, and wine from Moore Brothers. The event runs from 5–8:30 PM on Thursday, June 5; general admission is $15, and children 10 and under are free.

We ALL Scream for Ice Cream 5K. Lace up your sneakers and get ready to cool down with a sweet treat at this fun-filled 5K event. Participants will enjoy a scenic run through Newark, DE, followed by delicious ice cream from Woodside Ice Cream Farm. The race kicks off at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, June 3, at Olan Thomas Park. Proceeds benefit The Friends of Fusion Foundation, supporting children, young adults, and first responders in Delaware.

Festival of Fountains. Longwood Gardens lights up the summer with jaw-dropping daytime and nighttime fountain performances, featuring over 1,700 jets dancing to music and light. Shows run Friday–Sunday with evening illuminations at 9:15 PM; included with admission.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Monday
74 🌡️ 55 | ☀️ | 2% | 💨 W 8 mph

Tuesday
83 🌡️ 60 | ☀️ | 3% | 💨 SW 5 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 61ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Monday

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Free NL Texas Holdem | 5:30—10 PM

• Grain KSQ | Trivia w/ Riley | 7—9 PM

• Grain on Main | Classic Bingo w/ Rylie | 6—8 PM

• Kid Shelleen’s Branmar Plaza | Trivia Night | 8—10 PM

• Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | Video Game Night | 6:30 PM

Tuesday

• Bar XIII | Dirty Sexy Bingo | 9 PM

• Cork & Barrel | Music Bingo | 8—11 PM

• Finnegan’s Pub | Movie Night | 6:30 PM

• Grain Exchange | Jeopardy Bar League | 6—8 PM

• Grain H2O | Trivia w/ Matt | 7—9 PM

• Grain on Main | Trivia w/ Rylie | 6—8 PM

• Homebase | Family Feud Night | 8 PM

• Patriots Glen Golf Club | Quizzo | 6—8 PM

• Trolley Tap House | Music Video Bingo | 7—9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

Monday

• Argilla Brewing Co | The Sin City Band | 7—11 PM

• Bar XIII | Karaoke | 9 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Dave Gates | 6—9 PM

• Christiana Pub | Open Mic Night | 6—11:45 PM

Tuesday

• Bellefonte Cafe | Classical Music Jam | 5—7 PM

• Bellefonte Cafe | Vertigo Breeze | 8—10 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Howsmyhat | 6—9 PM

• Christiana Pub | Karaoke Night | 8 PM—12 AM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Gary Cogdell & His Hooligans | 6—9 PM

• The Opulent | Karaoke/Open Mic Night w/ DJ Smoove | 6—10 PM

• Trolley Square Oyster House | Alfi | 7—10 PM

• Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | Open Mic Night | 6 PM

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APPRECIATE YA!

Thanks for reading. Now treat yourself to a gyro—and forward this to someone who needs weekend plans and a pet.

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