Secret Comedy Shows In Wilmington

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For more than 20 years, The Doggie Playhouse has been part of the Newark community. It is a second-generation, family-run daycare built on steady routines, experienced supervision, and relationships that last.

Many clients first came through the door years ago and have stayed because the experience is consistent. Dogs know the structure. Owners know the team. Expectations are clear.

When you leave your dog for the day, you want familiarity and competence, not chaos. That is what long-standing businesses tend to get right.

Learn more or schedule a visit at thedoggieplayhouse.com.

Some traditions stick. Others get boxed up and donated. Where did your fine china land?

If you're up for a night of mystery and laughs, Don’t Tell Comedy is bringing its secretive shows to New Castle County. According to Town Square Live, these pop-up events keep audiences on their toes by revealing the location only on the day of the show. Expect to find yourself in unique venues like breweries and local businesses, making each night feel like a mini adventure.

The lineup is as unpredictable as the location, with a mix of rising stars and local comedians gracing the stage. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, often allowing BYOB with no drink minimums. With shows happening in Wilmington, Newark, and beyond, it's a fresh way to enjoy a night out without the usual club scene.

Upcoming shows are scheduled throughout February and March, offering plenty of chances to join in the fun. So grab your tickets, keep your eyes on your inbox, and get ready for a comedy experience like no other.

Delaware's Paid Leave program is now up and running, offering various types of leave to employees across the state. The program provides medical leave for personal health issues, parental leave for welcoming a new child, family caregiver leave, and qualified exigency leave for military-related situations. Each type of leave has been designed to support employees during significant life events.

Director Chris Counihan shared that the program is processing claims efficiently, ensuring employees can access the time they need. The team behind the initiative is committed to continuous improvements as they move through the first year of full implementation.

For more information, Delawareans can access resources like FAQs, guides, and compliance tools through the Employee Information Hub. Assistance is available around the clock via phone or email for those needing support with the program.

Incyte Corporation is selling two downtown Wilmington properties, known as Bracebridge I and III, to Buccini Pollin Group. This comes less than two years after Incyte purchased the buildings on 11th Street at King and French streets. Despite the sale, Incyte plans to lease back approximately 80,000 square feet of space in Bracebridge I.

The biotech company had been working on these properties with the help of nearly $15 million in state grants, aimed at supporting their expansion. However, work had reportedly halted on the projects late last year. Incyte says it will contribute to the development costs even after the sale.

The sale is expected to wrap up in the first quarter of 2026, though the specific terms remain under wraps. Meanwhile, inquiries have been made about the state grants and whether any distributed funds will be reclaimed.

Northern Delaware's office vacancy rate saw a slight dip in the fourth quarter, according to reports from two commercial real estate firms. While Colliers reported a rate at 17.3%, Newmark noted a decrease to 17.7% from 19.1%. The reports highlighted Wilmington University's purchase of a building at 3 Beaver Valley Road, which impacted these figures.

In downtown Wilmington, Corteva, an agriscience company, leased nearly 46,000 square feet of office space, marking one of the largest transactions in the quieter fourth quarter. The company's move from former DuPont space reflects a strategic effort supported by a state grant to retain jobs in Delaware.

No new speculative office construction is underway in northern Delaware, helping maintain a balance between supply and demand. The transaction by Wilmington University, along with other factors, contributed to a decrease in average asking rents, now at $26.14 per square foot.

Newark's city council has greenlit a new marijuana manufacturing facility in Sandy Brae Industrial Park. Loud Labs, a company with operations in Colorado, Michigan, and New Jersey, will produce edibles, vape cartridges, and other products at the 6,000-square-foot warehouse on Markus Court. The facility will not sell products on-site but will ship them to dispensaries.

The Newark location will create 15 jobs and operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. A local resident is being trained to manage the operations. The facility will feature robust safety measures, including alarms and a steel-reinforced storage room. Despite its name, the company assures that noise and odors will be minimal.

Loud Labs sees Delaware as a promising market due to limited marijuana licenses. The facility will have no external signage indicating its purpose, but contact information will be available for neighbors with concerns. The special-use permit was approved unanimously by the city council.

Curious what buyers would pay for your house right now?

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Wilmington is debating a temporary halt on new smoke shops, as Spotlight Delaware reports. The city council is set to vote on an ordinance that would impose a one-year moratorium. This comes after recent arrests for illegal sales and concerns about unregulated THC products.

Councilman Chris Johnson, who proposed the moratorium, believes it will allow time to evaluate the impact of these shops on health and safety. The measure has support from several council members and aims to address issues with illegal product sales and firearm links.

If approved, the moratorium will last until an equity impact assessment is completed. This assessment will be conducted by the Department of Land Use and Planning to analyze the shops' effects on public health and economic development.

Newark is kicking off a $732,000 project to transform a maintenance warehouse into a secure impound facility for the police department. The city council handed the contract to Kinsley Construction, LLC. This initiative is largely funded by a state grant and the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The current setup has impounded vehicles and evidence stored outdoors at the city’s maintenance yard, which isn't ideal. The new facility at Olan Thomas Park will provide a safer, covered space for storing critical evidence. Assistant City Manager Jeff Martindale highlighted the need for a more secure location, noting the limitations of the current site.

In tandem, a separate $750,000 project will create a new warehouse at the maintenance yard to house park equipment, freeing up the Olan Thomas space for police use. Both projects are backed by state grants.

New Castle County is ramping up efforts to tackle homelessness with new federal funding. The county council recently allocated about $1.4 million from the U.S. Treasury's SIPPRA Family HOPE Project to support housing initiatives. This funding is part of a larger $11 million award aimed at maintaining affordable housing for families in need.

The county also received funds from HUD's Continuum of Care program, using $122,000 to operate eight housing units. These units will provide temporary housing and services like medical care, mental health support, and transportation assistance.

Councilmember Penrose Hollins emphasized the focus on helping the chronically unhoused, noting that the criteria for assistance are strict. The county's efforts are designed to provide temporary housing, rental assistance, and supportive services for up to two years, aiming to make a significant impact on local housing needs.

Newark's effort to boost its lodging tax hit a roadblock Monday night. The city council voted 5-2 in favor of the proposal, but it wasn't enough to amend the city’s charter. Council members Jason Lawhorn and Marge Hadden opposed the increase, effectively halting the proposal from advancing to the state legislature.

The proposed increase would have raised the tax from 3% to 5%, potentially bringing in an extra $600,000 annually. Mayor Travis McDermott emphasized the need for more revenue options, warning that without changes, the city might face utility or property tax hikes.

Opponents, including the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, argued that increasing the tax would make Newark less competitive, pushing customers to nearby areas with lower taxes. With the current tax, Newark already collects more than initially expected, and the debate over how to balance revenue needs continues.

Vanessa Collier w/ Guest Blues Reincarnation Project at Elkton Music Hall guarantees a night of soulful blues and electrifying performances. Vanessa Collier's saxophone prowess and powerful vocals, combined with the dynamic Blues Reincarnation Project, ensure an unforgettable evening. Thursday at 8 PM.

The 2026 Kennett Flash Jazz Jam at Kennett Flash welcomes jazz enthusiasts to an evening filled with smooth tunes and lively improvisation. This all-ages event offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for music lovers. Thursday at 7 PM.

JD Webb & the Good God Damn w/ Skyler Cumbia at Elkton Music Hall delivers an electrifying night of music with JD Webb's soulful rock vibes and Skyler Cumbia's energetic tunes. Get ready to tap your feet and sway to the rhythm in an intimate setting. Friday at 8 PM.

Emo Night Brooklyn (18+) at The Queen Wilmington offers a chance to relive the glory days of emo music with fellow fans. Bring your valid ID and prepare for a night of nostalgia and community. Friday at 8:30 PM.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers w/ Guest John Faye & Joey DiTullio at Elkton Music Hall delivers an electrifying night of rock and roll nostalgia. Get ready to groove to classic hits and new tunes alike, with special guests adding their unique flair. Saturday at 8 PM.

The Dukes of Destiny at Kennett Flash brings their soulful blues sound to the stage, offering an evening of foot-tapping rhythms and heartfelt melodies. This all-ages show is a perfect way to spend Valentine's Day with live music that resonates. Saturday at 8 PM.

Bumpin Uglies at The Queen Wilmington showcases their reggae-punk-ska brilliance in Wilmington with their new album, Lyrics Over Everything. Expect a night filled with introspective musings and infectious energy as they perform tracks like "Underdog" and "Passion Is Contagious." Saturday at 8 PM.

The Legendary Kennett Flash Open Mic Night Hosted by Jerry Rocker and Cherie Roberts at Kennett Flash welcomes you to showcase your talent or enjoy the diverse performances from local artists. With hosts Jerry Rocker and Cherie Roberts, the evening promises a lively and supportive atmosphere. Sunday at 6 PM.

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

36 🌡️ 23 | 🌥️ Partly Cloudy | 3% | 💨 NW 17 mph

38 🌡️ 25 | ☀️ Sunny | 4% | 💨 NW 11 mph

50 🌡️ 32 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 5% | 💨 W 11 mph

45 🌡️ 34 | 🌧️ Rain | 75% | 💨 E 9 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 32ºF. Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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