Your Weekend Forecast: 100% Chance of Festivals

☀️ Rise and shine, 302—festival season has officially clocked in. Whether you're after live music, local eats, or just a reason to stay out past sunset, Delaware’s got you covered. The fun's local and the vibes are high.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Wilmington’s Greek Festival enters its final stretch

• Separation Day Festival brings parade, music, and fireworks

• St. Anthony’s Italian Festival returns to Little Italy

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🔥 Carrying the Flame of Hope Across Delaware

Nearly 800 law enforcement officers are lacing up for the 39th Annual Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run, happening June 11–13. They’ll relay the Flame of Hope from Fenwick Island to Wilmington, making ceremonial stops in Rehoboth Beach, Dover, and Newark. The journey wraps up at the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center, just in time for the Special Olympics Summer Games Opening Ceremony.

This isn’t just a run—it’s a powerful show of unity and inclusion. Since it began, the Torch Run has raised over $12 million to support year-round sports training for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Want to cheer them on or donate? It’s a heartwarming way to support our community’s athletes and the officers who champion them.

🌱 Pot farm planned for Newark business park

A new indoor marijuana grow facility could be sprouting soon in Newark’s Sandy Brae Industrial Park. Herbal Growers LLC just got the thumbs-up from the planning commission to build a 20,000-square-foot operation at 302 Markus Court. No retail sales—just cultivation, trimming, and packaging.

The final decision now rests with city council.

⚡ More cash for greener homes

Energize Delaware is juicing up its energy efficiency incentives. Homeowners can now snag up to $1,700 in rebates for upgrades like insulation, HVAC systems, and energy-efficient appliances. The program also offers free energy audits to help identify where your home could be more efficient.

If you've been considering making your home more energy-efficient, now's a great time to take advantage of these expanded incentives.

IN BUSINESS

🐾 Pet care on wheels

Humane Animal Partners is hitting the road with a new mobile vet clinic, bringing affordable pet care to communities across Delaware. The clinic will offer services like vaccinations, wellness checks, and microchipping, making it easier for pet owners to access essential care without traveling far. The mobile unit is set to debut next Thursday, aiming to reach underserved areas and ensure more pets stay healthy and happy.

It's a win for both pets and their people—convenient, compassionate care coming right to your neighborhood.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

💰 Pay bump alert for Delaware state workers

Delaware’s state employees and public school staff are in line for a 2% pay bump under the state’s proposed 2026 budget. Teachers, nurses, and other non-admin education staff might get a little more thanks to extra funding from the Public Education Compensation Committee.

It’s not a game-changer raise — but in a tight budget year, it’s something. Lawmakers also kept universal free breakfast for kids, added support for literacy programs, and funneled more into rental assistance. Small steps, but steps all the same.

THE HAPPENINGS

The Wilmington Greek Festival runs through Saturday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, offering a full slate of food, music, and dancing. Enjoy classics like gyros, moussaka, and loukoumades, plus nightly live performances by the Atlantis band and traditional folk dancing. Open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM.

Rockford Rising kicks off Rockford Park’s new concert stage with an evening of live music from Spokey Speaky and What the Funk. Food trucks, Wilmington Brew Works beer, and Moore Brothers wine round out this Thursday celebration from 5–8:30 PM; $15 admission, kids 10 and under free.

Taste & See Lunchtime Market brings local flavor to HB DuPont Park with eats from Zach’s Street Grill, Ma Ada’s Water Ice, Infusion Blends, and more. Enjoy live music by Sharon Sable and Shawn Q, plus handcrafted goodies from Kristin’s Kreations—this Thursday from 11 AM–2 PM at 300 Delaware Ave, Wilmington.

Sculpture Garden Happy Hour featuring Neillyn Firpo brings music, food trucks, and good vibes to the Delaware Art Museum this Thursday from 5–7:30 PM. Enjoy a free evening with live tunes from the dynamic Wilmington-born artist, plus a cash bar and bites from Koi & Delaware Provisions Co.

Newark Spring Concert Finale: DRKVN closes out Newark’s free spring concert series this Thursday with a soulful blend of country and blues. Catch the show from 7–8 PM on the Academy Lawn at Academy and Main—grab dinner from a downtown spot and enjoy the tunes.

The St. John the Beloved Carnival continues through this weekend with live music, rides, and family fun. Catch DJ Maybach on Thursday, Helixx on Friday, and Electric Blue Concept (EBC) on Saturday, with music starting around 7 PM each night. Admission is free, and the carnival runs nightly from 6 PM to 10 PM.

ShakesBeer hits Fort DuPont this Friday with brews from Bellefonte Brewing Co., food trucks, and hilarious Shakespearean scenes under the stars. Tickets start at $25, with options for beer flights, seltzers, and designated drivers—7 PM in Delaware City.

Separation Day Festival lights up historic New Castle June 6–7 with live music, food, drinks, and family fun. Friday's kickoff party features Brad Newsom & The Jagermintz (6–9 PM), and Saturday's main event includes a parade at 1 PM, artisan market, and music from Lester’s Pearl, Too Tall Slim, Boots & Skirts, and What the Funk—capped off with fireworks at 9:30 PM.

Bands & Brews brings live music and summer vibes to the UD Center for the Arts Lawn on Saturday from 1—5 PM. Enjoy performances by School of Music members and local artists, plus beer or ice cream depending on your ticket—$10 for 21+ (includes drinks), $5 for under 21 (includes ice cream).

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival returns June 8–15 to Wilmington’s Little Italy with a weeklong celebration of Italian culture. Enjoy authentic food, live music, rides, and carnival games—starting Sunday, June 8, from 4–10:30 PM at 901 N. Dupont Street.

Kennett Summerfest fills the streets of Kennett Square with wine, food, and music this Sunday, June 8, from 2–6 PM. Enjoy unlimited tastings from 16 regional wineries, live music by Tuk + The Big Brass Ones, artisan vendors, and à la carte eats—VIP and NA ticket options available (21+ only).

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

88 🌡️ 65 | ⛅ | 6% | 💨 SW 10 mph

Friday

86 🌡️ 65 | ⛅ | 15% | 💨 SSW 10 mph

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

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Thursday, June 5

• Autumn Arch Beer Project | Team Trivia | 7:00 PM

• Chancery Market | Music Bingo with DJ Taven | 6—8 PM

• Grain H2O | Matt’s Classic Bingo | 7—9 PM

• Market at Liberty Place | Music Bingo | 6—8 PM

• Wilmington Brew Works | BoomBox Bingo | 7—9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday, June 5

• Argilla Brewing Co | Open Mic Night | 5—9 PM

• Bar XIII | Asylum 13 with the Rapture | 9 PM

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Timber Jack | 7—10 PM

• Bellefonte Cafe | Izzy Burns | 8—10 PM

• Bellefonte Cafe | The Hipocrats | 5—7 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | JoyRide Duo | 6—9 PM

• Christiana Pub | Karaoke Night | 9 PM—1 AM

• D&H Jamaican Cuisine | Spokey Speakey | 6:30—9:30 PM

• Delaware Art Museum | Sculpture Garden Happy Hour featuring Neillyn Firpo | 5—7:30 PM

• Docklands Riverfront | Acoustic Set w/ Brandi Sanders | 5—8 PM

• Gallucio’s | Cosmic Debris | 8—11 PM

• Grain Exchange | Anthony Sophy | 5—8 PM

• Hilltop Crab House | John Delarm | 6:30—9 PM

• Kelly’s Logan House | Ed Dwornik & Friends | 5—8 PM

• Kelly’s Logan House | DJ Kardiair | 10 PM—Closing

• Kennett Flash | Seth Walker with special guest Chris Kasper | 7—9 PM

• Newark Concert Series | DRKVN | 7—8 PM

• Rockford Park Concert Stage | Rockford Rising featuring Spokey Speaky & What the Funk | 5—8:30 PM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Gary Allegretto | 6—9 PM

• Schaefers Canal House | Jayce | 6 PM

• Six Paupers | Jack Mangene | 7—10 PM

• The Nomad | Genesis Z | 9:30 PM—12:30 AM

• Tonic Seafood & Steak | Alfi & Caity | 4—7 PM

• Trolley Square Oyster House | Richie D & Kris V | 9 PM—12 AM

• Uncle John’s BBQ Stand | Harvey Price | 6—8 PM

Friday, June 6

• Argilla Brewing Co | Jared Obstfeld | 7—10 PM

• Autumn Arch Beer Project | Red Smith | 6—9 PM

• Bar XIII | Screaming Infidelities: Emo Night – Summer Kickoff | 9 PM

• Bardea Garden | Standard Trio | 7—10 PM

• Bellefonte Cafe | D. Corridori Project | 5—7 PM

• Blue Crab Grill | The Amigos | 8—10 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Party Fowl | 7—11 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | AJ Jesson | 4—7 PM

• Crabby Dick’s Delaware City | Dan and Dan | 7—10 PM

• Docklands Riverfront | DJ B-Lee | 4—8 PM

• Docklands Riverfront | DJ Fest w/ DJ Niknax, DJ Kardiair, & DJ Willoughby | 9 PM—1 AM

• Finnegan’s Pub | Kill Bill | 8—11 PM

• Gallucio’s | Too Tall Slim | 8 PM

• Grain H2O | DJ Torch | 7—10 PM

• Hilltop Crab House | Roger That | 8—11 PM

• Homebase | Rae The Band | 7:30–10:30 PM

• Kelly’s Logan House | Bones Brigade | 9 PM—Closing

• Kelly’s Logan House | DJ B-Lee | 10 PM—Closing

• Kid Shelleen’s Branmar Plaza | Rich O’Hanlon | 6—9 PM

• Longwood Gardens | John Byrne Band | 6—8:45 PM

• Market at Liberty Place | Just a Bit Outside | 6—10 PM

• Patriots Glen Golf Club | Christopher Dean Band | 7—10 PM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Box Turtle & The Witch Doctors | 6—9 PM

• Schaefers Canal House | Chorduroy | 6 PM

• The Carriage House | Peter McCarthy | 6 PM

• The Creamery Kennett Square | Latin 9 Orquestra | 7—10 PM

• The Nomad | Philly Ska Jazz Quartet | 9:30 PM—12:30 AM

• The Opulent | Cuzzin Pete, DJ Jamar, & Megatron | 6—11:30 PM

• The Reef Seafood & Steak | Dueling Pianos | 7 PM

• Trolley Square Oyster House | JAWLZ | 9:30 PM—12:30 AM

• Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | Benny Preston | 7 PM

• Uncle John’s BBQ Stand | John & Augie | 6—8 PM

• Wilmington Brew Works | Skinner & Spadola | 6:30 PM — 9 PM

• Zollie’s | Paul Sedacca, Jazz & Blues | 6:30—9 PM

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