Newark Oktoberfest Is Back With $10 Unlimited Rides

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Fall weekends don’t get much better than this. Good weather, good timing, and a whole lot of local energy. Might as well enjoy it.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Oktoberfest kicks off Friday in Newark

• Speed cameras hit Capitol Trail, Paper Mill

• UD lands $13M for Alzheimer’s research

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🍺 Newark’s Oktoberfest is here

The dirndls, the dancing, the bratwurst — Delaware Saengerbund’s Oktoberfest is back September 19 through 21, and it is a local legend for a reason.

Your $10 ticket gets you in the gate and on all the amusement rides (yes, unlimited). German eats like potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and Weisswurst are made fresh on site, and the beer is flowing all weekend. The Friday night opening parade features the Munich Child in golden robes leading the way.

Catch a shuttle from Christiana High and enjoy a weekend of traditional music, twirling dancers, and Bavarian flair. This is Newark’s happiest weekend. Prost to that.

🛣️ Long-awaited I-95/896 ramp opening set for next week

After two years of construction, the ramp connecting southbound Route 896 to northbound I-95 is expected to open around September 25. DelDOT says the update will eliminate a high-crash merge point and significantly improve traffic flow for drivers leaving Newark.

It’s one of the final stages in a major redesign of the interchange, which also includes new bike and pedestrian infrastructure and a reworked Old Baltimore Pike intersection.

🏊 Western YMCA debuts new pool and pickleball courts

The Western Family YMCA in Newark just unveiled a round of major upgrades. The indoor pool got a full refresh, making it cleaner, brighter, and more inviting for everything from lap swims to family splash sessions.

Outside, they added new multi-use courts for basketball and pickleball, and the gym and HVAC system got some TLC too. The goal? Keep the Y modern, safe, and welcoming for all ages.

If you're a Y regular or thinking about becoming one, now’s a great time to dive in.

🚦Speed cameras have landed in Newark

Heads up, lead foots. Newark’s first automatic speed cameras appear to be up, with one on Capitol Trail near Windy Hills and another on Paper Mill Road near Old Paper Mill. Poles spotted on local Facebook groups match the locations city council approved back in July.

These cameras are designed to slow drivers down in residential zones. A one-week test last year clocked more than 23,000 cars going 11 miles per hour over the limit on Capitol Trail. Fines start at that 11 mph mark, and no, the city doesn't keep the money. It goes to Delaware’s Highway Safety Office.

So if your right foot gets a little too ambitious, WDEL previously broke down what to expect before those warning letters start showing up in your mailbox.

🚨New speed camera headed for Route 1 in Lewes

Beach traffic just got a little less carefree. DelDOT is adding a speed camera on southbound Route 1 at Minos Conaway Road near the Nassau Bridge. It’s part of a major intersection upgrade and meant to nudge drivers to slow down before hitting more residential zones.

Warning signs will go up first, and you won’t get a ticket unless you’re flying 11 mph or more over the limit. Still, if your vacation brain tends to come with a heavy foot, consider this your heads-up.

This one’s technically downstate, but if you’re beach-bound on weekends, you’ll want to know it’s coming.

IN BUSINESS

🧬 UD lands $13.1M for Alzheimer’s research

The University of Delaware just got a $13.1 million grant to expand its Alzheimer’s research. Funded by the Delaware Community Foundation, this gift is one of the largest in state history for dementia work.

It’ll grow a local prevention study from 100 to 500 participants, help develop a blood test to catch early warning signs, and buy a cutting-edge MRI machine for UD’s STAR Campus. Even better? The project will bring in more researchers focused on brain health right here in Delaware.

With so many of us touched by memory loss, this work really matters.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

🔌 State delays decision on low-voltage license change

A packed hearing room of contractors and tech pros just convinced the state to hit pause. The Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners has tabled a proposal to remove an exemption that allows low-voltage technicians to work without a journeyperson license.

Think security systems, smart home setups, and landscape lighting. This type of work has been done safely for decades without the full electrician credential. Critics warned that removing the exemption would cost jobs, delay projects, and increase costs for both homeowners and businesses. No changes were made, but the board said the public will have another chance to comment if the proposal resurfaces.

Any next steps will be announced at a later date.

🌿 Delaware State Parks may raise fees for 2026

Delaware is considering raising entrance and pass fees at state parks for the first time since 2015. According to DNREC’s latest announcement, record demand and rising costs are pushing the parks system to explore new revenue options.

In 2024, Delaware’s 17 parks and Brandywine Zoo brought in 7.4 million visitors and generated $822 million in economic activity. Still, the system is only 65 percent self-funded and has seen operating costs climb by 127 percent since fees were last set. DNREC will hold three open houses across the state in late September and early October to gather public input.

If you spend weekends at White Clay or Cape Henlopen like me, now is a good time to join the conversation.

🚗 Newark reopens talks on downtown parking garage

The long-running debate over downtown parking is back. Newark City Council has added a garage proposal to its five-year budget plan, with $250,000 earmarked for a feasibility study in 2027 and a placeholder $25 million build in 2030.

The study would explore where to build, whether the city should own it, and if a public-private partnership makes more sense. Meanwhile, officials are also floating an alternative: working with private lot owners to streamline pricing and signage across downtown.

Whether you’ve circled Lot 1 for 15 minutes or skipped Main Street altogether, this plan could shape how Newark parks for decades.

🏗️ More student housing headed for Benny Street?

Another seven-unit apartment building has been proposed for Benny Street, a block just off UD’s campus that’s quickly becoming an all-rental zone. Developer Hal Prettyman wants to tear down a single-family home and replace it with a 3.5-story complex of six-bedroom units.

This would mirror the apartment building he finished next door in 2019. He’s asking the city for rezoning and several exceptions to height, density, and setback rules. The plan still needs review and approval from the planning commission and city council.

If you live nearby or just care about Newark’s housing future, keep an eye on this one.

🏘️ Landlords push back on new school tax law

Remember that one-day legislative session in August? The fallout is here. A group of landlords and property associations just filed a lawsuit challenging New Castle County’s new property tax law, claiming it unfairly shifts the school tax burden onto apartment buildings and manufactured homes.

They argue the law, which lets school districts set separate rates for residential and non-residential properties, was rushed through to quiet homeowners upset over reassessments. But now, landlords say they’re stuck with higher bills and will have no choice but to raise rents.

One developer saw school taxes jump nearly $100K. That’s a tough pill to swallow.

THE HAPPENINGS

Multiple Days

Brandywine Valley Restaurant Week – Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley — Indulge in prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at top-tier, locally owned restaurants during this annual celebration of regional cuisine. Monday through Sunday, September 15–21 at participating restaurants across Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley; lunches from $20, dinners from $35–$55.

Oktoberfest at the Delaware Saengerbund — Celebrate Bavarian culture with bratwurst, beer, dancing, and unlimited amusement rides at this lively, three-day festival. Friday–Sunday, September 19–21. $10 admission includes rides, with free shuttle parking from Christiana High School.

Dinosaur Adventure at the Chase Center on the Riverfront — Meet life-sized dinos, dig for fossils, ride Jurassic scooters, and more at this roaring indoor adventure for kids and families. Saturday, September 20 (9 AM–8 PM) and Sunday, September 21 (9 AM–7 PM). Tickets $30+, kids under 2 enter free.

Kennett Arts Festival – 600 S. Broad Street, Kennett Square — Explore fine art, live music, local eats, and family fun at this two-day celebration of creativity and community, featuring over 100 artists. Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21. Free to attend, with food, drink, and art for every taste.

Thursday

Golden Hour at Mt. Cuba Center — Sip, stroll, and soak up the early autumn glow during Mt. Cuba’s twilight garden experience with drinks and discounted evening admission. Thursday, September 18 from 4:30–7:30 PM. $10 after 4:30 PM, free for members, with drinks available for purchase.

Sculpture Garden Happy Hour: Mic Jam Battle at the Museum – Delaware Art Museum — Wrap up the happy hour season with a high-energy night of live music as 12 local acts battle it out on stage in a celebration of sound and creativity. Thursday, September 18 from 5–7:30 PM. Free admission, with a cash bar and food trucks on site.

Third Thursday on State Street – Kennett Square — Dine under the stars, enjoy live music, and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at this lively open-air community night. Thursday, September 18 from 5:30–10 PM. Free to attend, with outdoor seating at local restaurants and shops open late.

Friday

Fort Folk Fest: The Honey Badgers – Fort DuPont Pavilion — Enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring the soulful harmonies of 🎸The Honey Badgers as part of the Fort Folk Fest series. Friday, September 19 at 7 PM at the Fort DuPont Pavilion, 2546 Colter Rd., Delaware City; free admission.

Saturday

Elkton Fall Fest – Downtown Elkton — Celebrate autumn with 100+ vendors, live music, food, kids’ activities, and community performances at this all-day street festival. Saturday, September 20 from 10 AM–5 PM.

Soul of the City Festival – Market Street, Wilmington — Market Street comes alive with music, dance, vendors, and food trucks at this free, family-friendly celebration of culture and community. Saturday, September 20 from 11 AM–5 PM.

Ladybug Micro Music Fest – Middletown — The Ladybug Festival spreads its wings with a women-led lineup featuring live music, food trucks, and local vendors in the heart of downtown. Saturday, September 20 from 3–8 PM. Free admission, with drink tickets available for purchase.

Fall Fun by the Fire at Mt. Cuba Center — Toast the start of fall with hayrides, fire pits, live music, lawn games, and a golden-hour view over Armstrong Pond. Saturday, September 20 from 4:30–7:30 PM. $25 adults, $10 kids 6–17, free under 6.

Sunday

Hagley Car Show — See more than 500 antique and restored cars, from early 1900s classics to 1990s icons, with this year’s spotlight on Pony Cars. Sunday, September 21 from 10 AM–3 PM at the Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington; admission by carload ($25 members / $30 public, up to 8 guests), advance tickets required.

Newark Community Day – University of Delaware Green — The city’s biggest fall festival returns with live music, local art, food vendors, a farmers market, and a kids’ zone complete with scarecrow building. Sunday, September 21 from 11 AM–4 PM Free admission.

Fairy Fest at Rockwood Park & Museum — Step into a world of imagination with costume parades, dance and theater performances, crafts, games, unicorn pony photo ops, and the new Children’s Entrepreneur Market. Sunday, September 21 from 12–4 PM. Free admission with remote shuttle parking.

Hispanic Heritage Festival – Bellevue State Park — Celebrate Hispanic culture with traditional music, dance, art, and food at this vibrant family festival. Sunday, September 21 from 12–5 PM. Free admission, with standard state park entrance fees.

Annual Block Party on the Green – Historic New Castle — Gather with neighbors for live music, a community art auction, and an evening of fun supporting the New Castle Senior Center. Sunday, September 21 from 4–8 PM BYO food with a cash bar.

Wine & Dinosaurs at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science — Sip, sample, and socialize among the exhibits at this 21+ after-hours bash featuring gourmet bites, craft beverages, live music, a silent auction, and even live birds. Sunday, September 21 from 6–9 PM; $75 general admission (includes valet parking).

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

82 🌡️ 60 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 15% | 💨 NW 7 mph

Friday

87 🌡️ 60 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 6% | 💨 NW 8 mph

Saturday

77 🌡️ 59 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 1% | 💨 ENE 9 mph

Sunday

73 🌡️ 57 | ⛅ Mostly Cloudy | 11% | 💨 E 9 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 72ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

THE NOT SO SHORTLISTS

• 🥳 Casual Plans 

• 🌽 Farmers Markets

• 🧒 For the Kids (coming soon)

• 🧘 Health & Wellness

• 🎶 Live Music

• 🎭 Theatre/Arts 

• 🎨 Workshops & Classes

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