Lefty's now open in Newark

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Enjoy kid-friendly activities, wander the garden, and learn about history while having fun across the Winterthur estate and especially in the award-winning, three-acre children’s garden, Enchanted Woods. Terrific Tuesdays in July and August is a fun-filled way to introduce history, art, conservation, and storytelling to kids ages 3–10 for just $5. And adventure packs filled with guides, stories, and ideas for exploring are free with admission any day you visit.

Come explore this place of enchantment and discovery. Learn more about ongoing and upcoming events.

Reserve your tickets today!

An unexpected visit can instantly brighten your day... or send you into cleanup mode. Be honest, what's the very first thing that pops into your head?

Source: Delaware Online

The newly built NOMA library on North Market Street in Wilmington opened its doors for limited Saturday hours on July 18. The $22 million facility sat finished but closed for several months due to a funding and operational dispute between the state, New Castle County, and the Wilmington Institute.

To resolve the standoff, the Delaware Department of State took ownership of the building and agreed to lease it back to the Wilmington Institute. The library features a cafe, an outdoor slide, and a maker space equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters.

Soft opening events will continue every Saturday through August 22. A full grand opening is scheduled for August 29.

Source: Delaware Online 🔒 PAYWALLED

The homeowners association for the Le Parc condominium complex in North Wilmington filed a lawsuit against a resident for allegedly removing a structural support from his unit. The suit claims the resident took out a temporary shoring wall during kitchen renovations without consulting the association or county authorities.

The support was originally installed in 2017 as an emergency measure to prevent the building from collapsing. Court documents state that taking down the wall redistributed weight and destabilized the building. The association is seeking nearly $300,000 to cover the resulting emergency repairs and legal fees.

The complex has faced decades of structural problems and funding disputes. The case is now awaiting a hearing in Superior Court.

Source: Delaware Online 🔒 PAYWALLED

Kid Shelleen's Charcoal House and Saloon in Wilmington's Trolley Square pulled the plug on service Thursday evening for a short round of renovations. The 14th and Scott streets spot, a fixture in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, went dark around 5 PM for what ownership described as minor updates and a general freshening up.

The menu, including the burgers and wings the place is known for, is not changing, and the patio stays put. The Branmar Plaza location in Brandywine Hundred remains open and carries the same menu. Kid Shelleen's is part of Xavier Teixido and Kelly O'Hanlon's Harry's Hospitality Group.

No firm reopening date was announced. The restaurant told customers to watch its social media accounts for updates.

Source: Delaware Public Media

Delaware launched a new initiative to help small businesses upgrade their storefronts and daily operations. The Delaware Commercial Corridor Initiative pairs targeted state grants with private capital to fund improvements in qualifying commercial districts.

The Division of Small Business allocated $4.5 million from the state Strategic Fund for the effort. Eligible businesses can receive grants covering up to a quarter of their project costs, capped at $25,000 per applicant. The remaining balance will be financed through regional private lenders.

To qualify, businesses must be located adjacent to a Downtown Development District or in a commercially zoned investment area. State officials expect the first round of funding to begin by the end of September.

Source: Newark Post

Lefty’s Alley & Eats opened its doors this past week at The Grove in Newark. The 55,000-square-foot family entertainment center took over the former Kmart building in the shopping plaza.

The facility features traditional bowling lanes, an arcade, digital axe throwing, and a Topgolf simulator. Visitors can also book time in a Game Show Studio, where an employee hosts interactive games with buzzers and a giant wheel. The space includes a full restaurant and a bar serving cocktails named after old Kmart promotions.

With Lefty's now operating alongside an indoor pickleball club, property managers are looking to fill the remaining vacant storefronts with additional dining options.

The Newark Independent Film Festival returns August 13-15 with three days of films, filmmakers, and stories you won't find at the multiplex. From local voices to international talent, the festival brings independent cinema from around the world to Newark.

Screenings take place at Chapel Street Players' state-of-the-art theatre, creating an intimate setting where audiences can experience fresh perspectives and creative storytelling. It's one of the few opportunities in Delaware to see this kind of work on the big screen.

Save the dates, grab your tickets, and see what independent filmmakers are creating beyond Hollywood.

Source: Delaware Business Now

New Castle County's Land Use Department had more than a dozen active solar project applications on its books as of mid-July, with most clustered in the southern part of the county. Developers including Freepoint Solar, Sawtooth Solar, Red Lion Solar, and Kearsarge Solar filed plans for large-scale ground-mounted arrays, and Bank of America and JPMorgan submitted solar plans for their Newark-area sites.

A proposed TurningPoint Energy array on Port Penn Road drew enough pushback over its riverfront location and public notice gaps that county residents updated a local ordinance on how those notices are handled. A public hearing on the Port Penn project was scheduled for July 21 at the Port Penn Volunteer Fire Co., with Land Use, TurningPoint, and DNREC representatives expected to attend.

Source: WDEL

On Thursday night, a group of people gathered in Wilmington to walk from the site of a recent shooting to city police headquarters. The participants started their route at the intersection of 24th and Jessup streets, the scene of the Kadir Skinner shooting.

From that neighborhood, the vocal group made their way across the city to the Wilmington Police Department building at 4th and Walnut streets. The evening march connected the location of the incident directly to the downtown law enforcement center.

The gathering took place on July 17, bringing participants out into the streets during the evening hours. Local authorities have not released additional statements regarding the demonstration or subsequent actions at the headquarters.

Source: WHYY

State environmental regulators handed the Delaware City Refinery a $960,000 fine for releasing excess pollutants into the air. The New Castle County facility emitted 745 tons of sulfur dioxide and over 50 tons of nitrogen oxides during a three-week period in May.

The emissions spike happened while the refinery was repairing its primary pollution control equipment. Operators had to switch to secondary emission controls that do not capture sulfur dioxide, pushing pollutant levels above permitted limits. State officials noted the pollution dispersed into the atmosphere and did not pose a public health threat.

The refinery can appeal the penalty within 20 days of the order.

Source: WHYY

Wilmington city officials said Thursday they are exploring ways to honor former President Joe Biden at Rodney Square, the 1.5-acre downtown park that has sat without its namesake statue since 2020. Deputy Chief of Staff Daniel Walker said options on the table include a Biden statue, a plaque, or renaming the square entirely, with a working group formed to develop a formal proposal for City Council.

Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver said she supports renaming it Biden Square and has heard no opposition from any of the council's 13 members. Councilwoman Shané Darby said she backs a name change but is less focused on a Biden tribute than on keeping the Caesar Rodney statue out of Wilmington.

The city has no timetable set. Walker said the working group's plan will go to City Council for approval once it is ready.

On Mondays, opening acts and exhibits are listed here when they debut. After that, you'll find individual dates in the regular Theatre/Arts listings.

Delaware Shakespeare | Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange. A performative reading of the Declaration of Independence interwoven with writings from Frederick Douglass, Indigenous poetry, and stories of queer acceptance. Wednesday July 22 at 7 PM.

The Brandywiners: Brigadoon | Longwood Gardens. A production of the Lerner and Loewe musical in the Open Air Theatre, featuring a live orchestra and Scottish Highlands dancing. Tickets are $40, or $35 for garden members and students ages 5-18, and include all-day garden admission. Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

Sport looks like the kind of big, white teddy bear you’d want at the end of a long day, and he’s very much on board with that plan. This 4-year-old mixed-breed, large boy is friendly, people-focused, and happiest when he’s out of his kennel getting attention. He’s easy to leash and walk, and he has strong tennis-ball-obsessed energy, which makes him a fun match for anyone who enjoys a low-key game of fetch and a good stroll around the neighborhood.

Sport may not show his best side behind kennel doors, but once he’s out, you see the soft, affectionate dog with that “best companion you ever had” potential.

Head to Brandywine Valley SPCA at 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE 19720 to meet Sport before someone else discovers just how good he is.

Summer Concert Series: Chorduroy | Rockford Park. A performance by Chorduroy featuring food trucks and access to the historic Rockford Tower, which is open during the concert. Attendees may also bring a picnic. Monday at 6:30 PM.

Music in the Plaza: Tony “Big Cat” Smith| Brandywine Mills Plaza. An outdoor summer concert featuring live music from Tony "Big Cat" Smith. The evening includes a lineup of food trucks and local vendors selling jewelry, art, and fresh produce. Tuesday 5-8 PM.

Zoo Tunes: Mike Miller | Brandywine Zoo. A midday concert featuring local musician Mike Miller, free with zoo admission. Wednesday 12-1 PM.

Summer Nights at Hagley | Hagley Museum and Library. An after-work stroll along the Brandywine featuring local food trucks, Dogfish Head craft beer, and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream. Admission is $5, or free for members and children under 6; dogs are welcome. Wednesday 5-8 PM.

Sound of Summer Free Concert Series: The Whitney Project | Anson B Nixon Park. A free outdoor performance by The Whitney Project, with food and beverage vendors opening at 6 PM to serve hot meals and sweet treats. Wednesday 6:30-8:30 PM.

Cherry Crush - Dance, Classic Party | Historic New Castle. A live set of dance and classic party music from Cherry Crush, part of the summer concert series. Free, though donations are welcomed. Wednesday 6:30-8 PM.

Summer Concert Series: Seven Rings | White Clay Creek State Park. An outdoor concert by Seven Rings at the Carpenter Recreation Area band stage with a food truck, a beer garden, and a 50/50 fundraiser. Attendees can bring a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs. Free with paid park admission. Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

More happenings we couldn’t fit in the newsletter.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

Connor Creative House now brings its story-driven content creation approach to weddings, showers, and other private celebrations. We capture candid moments, behind-the-scenes details, and guest interactions, then deliver raw footage within 24 hours and edited recap videos within 48 hours. View samples and reserve your date by emailing Krista Connor at [email protected]. Businesses can still count on us for brand content, corporate events, and social media projects. **

** indicates sponsored advertising content.

Monday

83 🌡️ 70 | ☀️ Sunny | 0% | 💨 E 0 to 5 mph

Tuesday

83 🌡️ 71 | ⛈️ Chance Showers And Thunderstorms | 87% | 💨 S 5 to 10 mph

Wednesday

83 🌡️ 63 | ⛈️ Showers And Thunderstorms Likely | 73% | 💨 W 10 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 77ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

The full events calendar includes live music, festivals, classes, markets, family activities, community gatherings, and dozens more happenings across Northern Delaware.

Submit an event →

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