What’s Above the Canal This Week (Hint: A Lot)

Rise and Shine, 302. There’s something in the air—probably garlic, maybe live jazz. Either way, this week’s got flavor.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Wilmington’s Italian Fest Is On

• Outdoor Stages Are Lit This Week

• Bardea’s Back with Roost Pub

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🎇 Fireworks crackdown coming?

Delaware’s done playing nice with illegal fireworks. A new bill in Dover would hike fines for rule-breakers (up to $1,000!) and hit unpermitted retailers with penalties as high as $10K. It also gives the State Fire Marshal more power to enforce the rules and ramp up public safety education.

The big problem? Most folks don’t realize aerial fireworks are banned here—only sparklers and ground fountains are legal. Out-of-state ads don’t help, either.

If your neighbor’s Fourth of July show feels more like a theme park finale, this bill’s for you.

IN BUSINESS

🛒 Lidl in Bear? Still waiting…

The Lidl saga continues. Three years after getting the lot striped and cart corrals installed, the much-anticipated Bear location still hasn’t opened its doors. Work recently picked back up, and there’s chatter about a possible summer debut—but so far, no official word from Lidl.

No job listings, no “coming soon” banner on their site… just trucks and dumpsters hinting at progress. After pandemic delays and some corporate shakeups, Lidl seems to be focused on New York and North Jersey for now.

We’re watching closely, because if and when it opens, it could be a game-changer for grocery shoppers west of Route 1.

🍔 New pub vibes in Wilmington

The Bardea crew is at it again—Roost Pub & Kitchen opens Tuesday, June 10 at 829 N. Market Street. It’s taking over the old Stitch House Brewing spot with “elevated comfort food,” a 19-seat bar, and a cozy pub feel perfect for lingering.

Chef Antimo DiMeo (yes, the James Beard semifinalist) is behind a menu that swings from truffle garlic parm wings to short rib grilled cheese and peanut butter pie. Expect clever takes on pub classics—and draft beer from Dewey, Veil, and Other Half.

Bardea rarely misses, so if you’re looking for your next go-to downtown dinner spot, Roost might be the nest.

🤖 Robots roll in at Amazon Wilmington

Big news from Boxwood Road: Amazon’s massive Wilmington fulfillment center is adding even more robots to its already buzzing fleet of 6,000. These new additions can lift up to 50 pounds, sort packages, and zoom bins to the loading dock—all while the human team shifts to quality control and robot maintenance.

The move is part of a push to speed up operations ahead of the holidays, with help from a $4.5 million Delaware state grant. Amazon swears it’s not about replacing jobs—just making them a little less back-breaking.

So if your Prime delivery feels faster than usual, it might be thanks to a tireless robot working the night shift.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

🏙️ Wilmington rent cap fizzles—by one vote

A closely watched plan to cap Wilmington rent hikes at 5% just fell short—by a single vote. The rent stabilization ordinance would’ve also launched a Housing Stability Committee, but concerns from small landlords about squeezed budgets and maintenance costs helped sink it.

The final tally? 6-5 in favor, with one “present” and one absent—just shy of the seven needed to pass. Supporters saw it as a lifeline for tenants battling rising rents; critics worried it’d backfire by discouraging investment and new housing.

It’s a big moment, because had Wilmington passed it, statewide momentum might’ve followed. For now, rent hikes stay unchecked—but the debate is far from over.

THE HAPPENINGS

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival – One of the largest Italian-American celebrations in the country returns to Wilmington June 8–15, filling the streets around St. Anthony of Padua with authentic food, music, rides, and cultural festivities. Come hungry and stay late—there’s something new to enjoy every night of the week!

Lunchtime Concert Series – DJ Shadylady – Take a midweek break with a live set from DJ Shadylady at the Hare Overlook Pavilion on Wednesday, June 11 from 12:15–1:15 PM. Pack your lunch or grab something nearby and enjoy a laid-back hour of music and sunshine by the river.

Newark Community Band at White Clay Creek – Enjoy a breezy evening of marches and classic tunes from the Newark Community Band at the Carpenter Recreation Area of White Clay Creek on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 PM. Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for this free summer concert in the park.

Summer Nights at Hagley – Unwind after work on Wednesday, June 11 with a scenic stroll along the Brandywine, live music, local food trucks, craft beer from Dogfish Head, and sweet treats from Woodside Farm Creamery. This laid-back evening runs 5–8 PM at Hagley Museum and is just $5 (free for members and kids under six)—and yes, dogs are welcome too!

Cityfest Summer Music Series – Lower Case Blues – Kick off your weekend early on Wednesday, June 11 with a free, outdoor concert at the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange. Bring a chair or blanket, grab dinner at the food stalls starting at 5:30 PM, and enjoy the main performance beginning at 7 PM, featuring a fresh reimagining of Charles Mingus’s music by Lower Case Blues.

Sculpture Garden Happy Hour: Teacher Appreciation Night – Celebrate summer (and teachers!) on Thursday, June 12 from 5–7:30 PM at the Delaware Art Museum with live music by Darnell Miller, a cash bar, and bites from Kapow and Chelsea Tavern. This free event welcomes all for an evening of art, music, and good vibes in the garden.

City Sounds Block Party: Full Carbon Get Up – Turn up the vibes on Thursday, June 12 in Downtown Wilmington as Full Carbon Get Up brings their funk-rock energy to the 800 block of North Market Street (in front of The Grand) from 5–8 PM. Admission is free—just bring your love of live music, good times, and maybe grab something to eat at a nearby patio!

Ants on a Log at Bellevue State Park – Bring the kids (and your inner child) to this playful and engaging concert on Thursday, June 12 at 6:30 PM at the Bellevue Bandshell. Ants on a Log blends music, humor, and environmental themes into an interactive show that’s as educational as it is fun.

UWSCC Summer Music Festival – Thursday, June 12, 5:30–8:30 PM at The Creamery in Kennett Square brings a family-friendly night of live local bands (Jefe Ebbert, Max & Denise, Garden Station), food and drinks, plus inspiring impact stories, the presentation of the 2025 Care‑ie Award and an 80th‑birthday cake celebration . General admission is $20; upgrade to VIP ($80) for lounge access, buffet, drink and raffle ticket—all benefiting United Way’s Southern Chester County programs

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Monday

77 🌡️ 64 | ☁️ | 24% | 💨 ENE 6 mph

Tuesday

77 🌡️ 61 | 🌦️ | 60% | 💨 WNW 8 mph

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Monday, June 9

• 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

Tuesday, June 10

• Bar XIII | Dirty Sexy Bingo | 9:00 PM

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Music Bingo | 7—9 PM

• Bellefonte Cafe | Paint Night | 6:30—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

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

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

• Wilmington Brew Works | Board Game Social | 5—9 PM

🎸 Hey Delaware musicians!

If you’ve got shows coming up and a sound worth sharing, we want to feature you. Our newsletter spotlight introduces local musicians to a large audience of engaged readers who genuinely love discovering new music.

We’ll share your photo, a quick write-up, your upcoming gigs, and links to wherever you stream or post. No ads, no fluff — just a real intro to a local audience that shows up.

It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to build your local fanbase.

LIVE MUSIC

Monday, June 9

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

• Bar XIII | Karaoke | 9 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Dale Teat | 6—9 PM

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

Tuesday, June 10

• Bellefonte Cafe | Bruce Anthony | 5—7 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Howsmyhat | 6—9 PM

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

• Gallucio’s | John & Augie | 6—9 PM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Roger Girke & The Country Store Allstars | 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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