By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald

Fall is here and that means the area will soon be buzzing with a fantastic mix of performances, exhibits, and other cultural events. Whether you’re a lifelong arts lover or new to the scene, the start of the 2024-2025 arts season offers a packed lineup that’s sure to keep you busy.

ARDEN CONCERT GILD
Arden continues to book great shows as we write! Fall begins with the annual Arden Fair on Saturday, Aug. 31, featuring music by JD Webb and the Good God Damn and Whisky Feathers. Friday, Oct. 4 welcomes the Afrobeat band Kaleta & Super Yamba to Gild Hall with their lead, a veteran of King Sunny Ade group. Thursday, Oct. 10 celebrates world class blues onstage with the Danielle Nicole Band. Then, legendary comedian Emo Phillips brings down the house in what’s sure to be a sell-out show on Saturday, Nov. 2.

2126 The Highway, Arden | 302.898.9308 | ArdenConcerts.com
Facebook: @ArdenGildHall & @ArdenConcertGild | Instagram: @ardenconcerts

 

THE ARTS AT TRINITY
Kick off your last October weekend with soulful, autumnal jazz, as The Arts at Trinity welcomes The James Fernando Trio with Taisha Estrada on Friday, Oct. 25. Admission is free and includes both pre- and post-concert receptions. Hailed as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” Fernando and his trio deliver genre-expanding original compositions and an eclectic mix of well-known compositions from many eras and styles of jazz. Puerto Rican singer Taisha Estrada’s vocals are rooted in Latin and American jazz traditions.

Performance Space: Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 N. Adams Street, Wilmington
202.441.6167
Facebook: @TheArtsatTrinity

 

BLONDIE MANSION
Blondie Mansion and chief visionary Sara Crawford are known for hosting diverse art and immersive social experiences. On Oct. 18 & 19, Blondie Mansion Weekend commences, blending business education, live music, art, artist conversations, panel discussions, and a curated art exhibition called Candyland Noir: Blondie Mansion’s Sweet Nightmare, inspired by film icon Tim Burton. On Friday, Nov. 1, local artists like Erica “Elize’” Jones and her 1994 exhibit are featured, inviting participants to explore various media. Next, Blondie Mansion presents Visual Melodies on Saturday, Nov. 16 — an evening of live music, live painting, and spoken word. On Friday, Dec. 6, a collaboration with Wilmington Alliance closes the year with the lavish Blondie Mansion’s Les Fêtes Experience.

MKT Place Gallery, 200 W. 9th Street, Wilmington
302.289.6772 | SaraACrawford.com
Facebook/Instagram: @BlondieMansion

 

BRANDYWINE ZOO
Starts your fall zoo adventure with Sip & Stroll on Thursday, Sept. 12 — a laid-back, all-ages happy hour with music, vendors, and plenty of adult- and kid-friendly bevvies. Then, dust off your family’s costumes for the popular Boo at the Zoo, to celebrate Halloween in a merry, not scary, way (Oct. 18-20). The 21+ crowd can enjoy Halloween fun, too — spooky cocktails, light bites, bewitching music by Green Eggs and Jam — at Spirits at the Zoo on Friday, Oct. 25. Just in time for Christmas, visit Santa at the Zoo on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8.

1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington
302.571.7788 | BrandywineZoo.org
Facebook/Instagram: @BrandywineZoo

 

THE CANDLELIGHT THEATRE
Candlelight opens the season with two iconic and beloved stories. The iconic Dolly Parton wrote the music and lyrics for 9 to 5 the Musical (Sept. 14-Oct. 27) — based on her 1980 hit movie in which three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with their “…sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss. Next, a Connecticut farmhouse is transformed into Holiday Inn (Nov. 16-Dec. 22). Inspired by the Oscar-winning film, it’s a story of romance mixed with small-town living, bright lights, and the lure of stardom.

2208 Millers Road, Wilmington
302.475.2313 | CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org
Facebook: @NCTStage | Instagram: @candlelighttheatrede

 

CHAPEL STREET PLAYERS
After years of dreams, plans, and mighty efforts, Chapel Street announces the start of its 90th Season in a brand-new theater. This fall, the company inaugurates its new space with a Chapel Street favorite, Footlight Frenzy (Sept. 27 –Oct. 5). In December, their mainstage is in full festive spirit with Times Square Angel (Dec. 6-14). The organization thanks everyone who has helped them arrive at the celebration of this incredible accomplishment.

643 Creek View Road, Newark
302.368.2248 | ChapelStreetPlayers.org
Facebook: @chapelstreetplayers | Instagram: @CSPNewarkDe

 

CHOIR SCHOOL OF DELAWARE
This “…community center that sings,” fills this season with sounds of its Intergenerational Choir. First are the Friday, Oct. 4 and Nov. 1 Pro-Series Concerts at The Village at St. John, featuring distinguished alumni and celebrated guest artists. Next, sing along to show tunes with Life is a Cabaret at The Village of St. John on Saturday, Oct. 19. This light-hearted program features solo, small-group, and ensemble numbers. Don’t miss their annual Sounds of the Season on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Grace Church, providing toe-tapping treats and heart-warming melodies for the holiday. On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Choir School and the Episcopal Church of Delaware combine their talents in A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Varying locations, Wilmington
302.543.8657 | ChoirSchoolOfDelaware.org
Facebook: @ChoirSchool

 

CHRISTINA CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
CCAC offers a vibrant fall schedule of classes including dance, vocal, and instrumental instruction for adults and children, as well as engaging drama classes specifically designed for young arts lovers. Saturday, Sept. 14 marks the return of Soul of the City, the free arts and community festival on Market Street. This lively, open-air event will feature food trucks, musical performances, and activities for all ages. The holiday season officially launches Sunday, Dec. 1, with Carols in Color, CCAC’s beloved annual Christmas show that retells the story of Christ’s birth through a spectacular blend of song and dance.

705 N. Market Street, Wilmington
302.652.0101 | CCACde.org
Facebook/Instagram: @CCACDE

 

CITY THEATER COMPANY & FEARLESS IMPROV
Delaware’s Off-Broadway experience kicks off their 31st year at their home in The Delaware Contemporary, recently renewing a 3-year residency partnership. CTC’s popular Fearless Improv team offers big laughs at monthly shows, beginning Thursday, Sept. 12 with an “adults-only show” at Wilmington Brew Works (a second show is Thursday, Dec. 5). Fearless’ all-ages shows at The Delaware Contemporary recur monthly on the final Saturdays (Sept. 28, Oct. 26 & Nov. 30), and they make their debut at The Chancery on Friday, Oct. 11. For the first mainstage show this season, CTC presents Spring Awakening (Dec. 14-21) — an angsty rock musical about the trials and tribulations of growing up, with music by Duncan Sheik and book & lyrics by Steven Sater.

Performance Space: The Delaware Contemporary, 220 S. Madison Street, Wilmington
302.220.8285 | City-Theater.org
Facebook: @CityTheaterCompany | Instagram: @CityTheaterCo

 

DELAWARE ART MUSEUM
Jazz Age Illustration (Oct. 5-Jan. 26, 2025) is the ?rst major exhibition to survey the art of popular illustration in the U.S. between 1919 and 1942. The project draws from DelArt’s expansive collection and selective loans to explore visual culture that emerged following the First World War — an era of cultural vibrancy and dramatic social change. On Saturday, Nov. 9, Jazz Age: The DelArt Gala celebrates this exhibition, transporting guests to the Jazz Age through food, drink, and music. Popular Thursday DelArt Nights continue this fall with free admission, music, food and drinks, and themed programming like Dia de los Muertos (Oct. 24), Art & Jazz (Nov. 21) and the Artisan Craft Fair (Dec. 12).

2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington
302.306.9799 | DelArt.org
Facebook/Instagram: @delawareartmuseum

 

DELAWARE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
In a variety of media. Rotating weekly, Studio D art activities include child-friendly programming such as drawing with oil pastels, resist painting, finger painting, leaf printing, stamping, paper collages, easel painting, and more.

550 Justison Street, Wilmington
302.654.2340 | DelawareChildrensMuseum.org
Facebook: @delawarechildrensmuseum | Instagram: @dechildrensmuseum

 

DELAWARE CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Based on the best-selling books and animated Disney special, Spookley the Square Pumpkin Musical delivers nothing but treats for audiences! The performance runs two weekends, Saturday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 27, and a matinee show on Saturday, Oct. 26. Following this is Once Upon A Mattress — based on Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale, The Princess and the Pea — a musical with fun, unforgettable characters. Beautiful princesses vie for the prince’s heart, but all are rejected until unconventional Winnifred Woebegone, Princess of the Swamps, passes a tricky test to win the prince. This production also runs two weekends, Saturday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 15.

1014 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington
302.655.1014 | DeChildrensTheatre.org
Facebook: @DelawareChildrensTheatre| Instagram: @dechildrenstheatre

 

DELAWARE CHORALARTS
Selections for this season were chosen from pieces requested by the ensemble’s audience and choristers. The fall concert includes “Frostiana” (Thompson), “Lux Aeterna” (Lauridsen), works by Reginal Wright and Moses Hogan, and three French chansons. It will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington.

Performance venue: Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew, 719 N. Shipley Street, Wilmington
302.283.9784 | DelawareChoralarts.org
Facebook/Instagram: @delawarechoralarts

 

THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY
Opening this September, TDC’s fall exhibition DESIGN will amplify the function, revelation, and beauty of design through art. In support of this exhibit, the museum will host related programs and events including a symposium — DEsign — that will address how design impacts our state and the world around us. The event will also include a fashion-inspired fundraiser with Delaware Fashion Alliance that will feature emerging and established designers, a runway presentation, and more.

200 S. Madison Street, Wilmington
302.656.6466 | DeContemporary.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DEContemporary

 

DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR THE ARTS IN EDUCATION
The DiAE announces its first annual Founders Day Happy Hour reception on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Chancery Market. This reception marks a significant milestone in DiAE’s history, is a chance to celebrate the vision and dedication of its founders and provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and the positive impact DiAE has made in arts education across Delaware.

1200 N. French Street, Wilmington
302.660.4783 | Diae.org
Facebook: @diae.org | Instagram: @diae_arts

 

DELAWARE MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
The museum welcomes fall with its ever-popular Jurassic-sized FUN-draiser, Wine & Dinosaurs, on Sunday, Sept. 29. The 21+ event provides premium wines and beers, hors d’oeuvres, music, live birds from Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections, a silent auction, and valet parking.

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington
302.658.9111 | Delmns.org
Facebook/Instagram: @delmnh

 

DELAWARE SHAKESPEARE
DelShakes presents their seventh Community Tour production, which strives to bring Shakespeare to the full spectrum of humanity through performances in non-traditional spaces — prisons, women’s shelters, and libraries. With clowns, shepherds, and the most famous bear in all of theater, The Winter’s Tale, directed by Abby Weissman, weaves an intergenerational story of family and forgiveness.

4 S. Poplar Street, Wilmington
302.468.4890 | DelShakes.org
Facebook/Instagram: @delshakes

 

DELAWARE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Delaware’s only professional orchestra welcomes you to its 119th “Spotlight Season,” showcasing performances led by four Music Director finalists — Mélisse Brunet, Filippo Ciabatti, Michelle Di Russo, and Taichi Fukumura — and season finale concert led by Music Director Laureate David Amado. Opening Night (Friday, Sept. 20) presents Brunet Conducts Tchaikovsky, followed by Ciabatti Conducts Beethoven on Friday, Nov. 15, both at The Grand. Principal Pianist Lura Johnson opens DSO’s Musicians’ Series on Tuesday, Oct. 8 with Woods & Waters, and dazzling sounds of the Holidays at the Hotel fill the Gold Ballroom on Dec. 10.

Performance Space: 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington
302.656.7442 | DelawareSymphony.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareSymphony

 

DELAWARE THEATRE COMPANY
Celebrate 45 years of connection and community in DTC’s newly revitalized space. This milestone season kicks off an exciting partnership with New Light Theatre to present the Tony Award–winning musical, Kinky Boots (Sept. 25-Oct. 13), a sparkling step into the fabulous “Land of Lola.” Next, experience Every Brilliant Thing (Oct. 23-Nov. 10) in an intimate theater-in-the-round, where life’s simple joys take center stage. Lastly, an original holiday show, Home for the Holidays — In the 302 (Dec. 4-22), captures Wilmington’s own charm and is sure to become a cherished tradition for years to come.

200 Water Street, Wilmington
302.594.1100 | DelawareTheatre.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareTheatreCompany

 

ELEVATE VOCAL ARTS
The Bent But Not Broken conference returns (Oct. 23-26) at Grace Church, offering interest sessions and performances focused on choral music of the Black/African Diaspora. The organization’s flagship ensemble, Elevation, enters its sophomore season as Delaware’s only professional vocal ensemble, fusing classical choral music with jazz, hip-hop, R&B, storytelling, and spoken word. Elevation performs An Elevated Holiday on Friday, Dec. 7 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, featuring holiday hits, new and old.

Varying locations, Wilmington
201.919.0759 | ElevateVocalArts.org
Facebook/Instagram: @elevatevocalarts

 

FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE
Drama and passion open the season in FSBT’s sumptuous production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Romeo & Juliet (Oct. 19 & 20), at The Grand. Next is Up Front on Market (Nov. 15 & 17) offering unique experiences for audiences — highlights from classical repertoire and new contemporary work in an intimate setting in Studio 1. Their spectacular holiday production of The Nutcracker returns for six performances (Dec. 14-22) in Copeland Hall.

Performance venue: The Grand, 818. N. Market Street, Wilmington
302.656.7897 x3851 | FirstStateBallet.org
Facebook: @Firststateballet | Instagram: @firststateballetofficial

 

GABLE MUSIC VENTURES
The Ladybug Music Festival spreads its wings with “micro” events around Delaware, starting in Middletown on Saturday, Sept. 21. Ladybug Micro Music Fest: Middletown has the same Ladybug mission — supporting and promoting live music by, for, and performed by women artists — and this version will see five women-led acts on one stage complemented by a variety of food, drink, and craft vendors. As always, Ladybug is free to attend.

Performance venue: Town Hall, 19 W. Green Street, Middletown
302.229.9575 | TheLadybugFestival.com
Facebook/Instagram: @ladybugmusicfest

 

THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE & THE PLAYHOUSE ON RODNEY SQUARE
With over 120 performances annually, The Grand’s stages (the baby grand, Copeland Hall, and The Playhouse on Rodney Square) offer something for everyone — showcasing legendary rock stars, hilarious comedians, the best of Broadway and more. Arts season kicks off with stand-up comic Kathleen Madigan on Saturday, Sept. 7. Highlights for fall across all three venues include: Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play; Suzanne Vega – Old Songs, New Songs and Other Songs; Ari Shapiro: Thank You For Listening; TINA: The Tina Turner Musical; Mean Girls; Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed; Eddie Griffin Live; Celtic Woman White Christmas Symphony Tour; Rene Vaca; Dionne Warwick, and more.

818 N. Market Street, Wilmington | 1007 N. Market Street, Wilmington
302.652.5577 | 302.888.0200 | TheGrandWilmington.org
Facebook: @thegrandwilmington | Instagram: @thegrandwilm

 

HAGLEY MUSEUM & LIBRARY
Hagley Craft Fair returns for its 46th year (Oct. 19 & 20). This creative marketplace boasts over 100 talented art, craft, and gourmet food artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area. Vendors are situated throughout Hagley’s beautiful fall foliage as well as inside the Soda House. Admission to Hagley’s historic home and garden is included with the craft fair ticket. Note: Craft Fair visitors enter at 298 Buck Road.

200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington
302.658.2400 | Hagley.org
Facebook: @HagleyMuseumandLibrary | Instagram: @HagleyMuseum

 

MARKET STREET MUSIC
MSM kicks off the season with 13 concerts running from October through December. Their signature Thursday Noontime Concerts (12:30-1:00 p.m. with free admission) feature “samplers” of music, including the surprising Timberlake Brass Ensemble; lively, slightly irreverent Philadelphia Viola Quartet; early music ensembles; and always-fun Center City Chorale. Noontimes are held at First & Central Church and Old Town Hall on Market Street. This year’s Saturday afternoon Festival Concerts are full-length, in-depth musical explorations from chamber music ensembles (Pyxis Piano Trio, Mélomanie2) and the Mastersingers of Wilmington, singing Brahms’ German Requiem.

1101 N. Market Street, Wilmington
302.654.5371 | MarketStreetMusicDE.org
Facebook/Instagram: @MarketStreetMusicDE

 

THE MUSIC SCHOOL OF DELAWARE
In 2025, The Music School of Delaware, led by newly appointed President & CEO Stephen Beaudoin, celebrates its centennial. To connect communities with transformational music learning and performance, the School plans statewide programs — performances, gatherings, tours, classes, and more — in collaboration with faculty, students, alumni, and Delaware artists and arts organizations. The School continues its series of free student and faculty concerts featuring its resident ensembles including the Suzuki Academy, orchestras, choruses, chamber music, and small ensembles, starting in October.

4101 Washington Street, Wilmington
302.762.1132 | MusicSchoolOfDelaware.org
Facebook/Instagram: @MusicSchoolofDE

 

NEW LIGHT THEATRE

This fall, get ready as New Light presents Kinky Boots — by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and Tony Award–winner Harvey Fierstein — at its venue partner, Delaware Theatre Company (Sept. 25 – Oct. 13). This uplifting musical features a sensational score, a heartfelt story, knockout dancing, glitter, glam, and a lot of sole! New Light is committed to countering darkness in the world, and each production raises awareness for organizations that deepen personal connections. This production supports the United Way Pride Council, which works to make Delaware a safer space for LGBTQ+ individuals to live, work, and play.

Performance venue: Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water Street, Wilmington
NewLightTheatre.com
Facebook: @NLTheatreDE | Instagram: @newlighttheatre

 

OPERADELAWARE
After a summer of statewide Pop-Up Opera, OperaDelaware has big things in store! First up is Puccini’s passionate, heart-stopping La bohème (Oct. 25 & 27) at The Grand. Fans of the movie Moonstruck and the musical Rent will fall in love with this 19th Century Parisian opera, exploring themes of youthful idealism, passionate romance, and the bittersweet reality of life and death. On Friday, Oct. 25, join the Opening Night Microgala before the opera complete with pOPERAzzi, champagne, Italian bites, casino games, and chances to mix and mingle.

4 S. Poplar Street, Wilmington
302.442.7807 | OperaDe.org
Facebook/Instagram: @operadelaware

 

PIFFARO
Petrarch — influential poet of the Italian Renaissance — wrote of timeless themes in his Triumphs: Love, Death, Fame, Eternity. On Sunday, Oct.13, NYC’s TENET Vocal Artists make their Delaware debut, joining Piffaro in a musical, artistic, and literary exploration of the human experience entitled, Triomphi. Next, Piffaro is joined by the singers of the Grammy-nominated New York Polyphony for Nova! Nova!, a program of medieval English music, on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Varying locations, Wilmington
215.235.8469 | Piffaro.org
Facebook/Instagram: @PiffaroRenaissanceBand

 

THE RESIDENT ENSEMBLE PLAYERS (THE REP)
The REP boasts an exciting lineup of shows this fall, beginning with What the Constitution Means to Me (Sept. 13-22). Challenging, hopeful, and funny, this groundbreaking play analyzes the biases inherent in the Constitution and imagines how our founding document could shape the next generation. Next is the fast-paced comedy, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] (Sept. 19 – Oct. 6), which guarantees to have Shakespeare lovers (and haters) in stitches as it covers all of The Bard’s works in one night. Rough Crossing (Nov. 7-24) is a laugh-out-loud farce, adapted from Ferenc Molnar’s classic comedy. Two playwrights, one jealous composer, and the cast of a Broadway-bound show attempt to finish writing and rehearse the play while crossing the Atlantic on an ocean liner.

University of Delaware, Newark
302.831.2204 | Rep.Udel.edu
Facebook/Instagram: @delaware_rep

 

THE ROCK ORCHESTRA
The Rock Orchestra returns for its eighth season on Saturday, Oct. 12, with TRO Performs Chicago in Copeland Hall at The Grand. They’ll perform Chicago’s debut record, Chicago Transit Authority and a second set of chart-topping hits. Music Director Joe Trainor shares vocal duties with Kerry Kristine McElrone and Mackenzie Brockmeyer. The band includes Paul Ramsey (drums), Matt Urban (percussion), Tony Cappella (bass), Scott Lawing (guitar) and Brian O’Sullivan (keyboards), with Mike Gleason (trumpet), Matthew Hetzler (saxophone) and Don Brill and Steve Smith (trombone).

Performance venue: The Grand, 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington
302.521.4495 | TheRockOrchestra.net
Facebook: @therockorchestra | Instagram: @rockorchestrade

 

SERAFIN ENSEMBLE
Friday, Sept. 13 is Opening Night for The Serafins, with a performance at Grace Church. Ensemble members Kate Ransom (violin), Amadi Azikiwe (Viola), Jacques-Pierre Malan (cello), Victor Asuncion (piano), and Gabriel Benton (harpsichord) are joined by guest cellist, Lawrence Stomberg in a Brahms Piano Quartet and works by Arensky and Handel. This season also brings the Serafins first-ever performance at Arden Gild Hall; continuation of their public “soiree” series at Stonegates; and a new venue for Serafin Summer Music.

Varying locations, Wilmington
610.368.1078 | SerafinEnsemble.org
Facebook/Instagram: @TheSerafins

 

THE SOLD FIRM
The 5th Annual SO.CO Art Night Market bursts to life on Saturday, Sept. 28, lining 8th Street and The Rock Lot with canopies glowing in the night. The air will fill with the aroma of street food; live tunes will pulse from DJ Hermy Potter’s speakers; artists and vendors will offer goods from artwork and fashion accessories to one-of-a-kind finds; interactive art stations add a family-friendly element. The Market is more than just a shopping experience; it captures the essence of city life in summer and reflects Wilmington’s diversity.

800-B N. Tatnall Street, Wilmington
302.686.3237 | TheSoldFirm.com
Facebook/Instagram: @TheSoldFirm

 

WILMINGTON BALLET
The Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance is planning a year of transformative career-centered study, personal growth, and community engagement for youth and adult students. Classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 4, and auditions for The Nutcracker performance are Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the Ballet hosts Walk-Run-Roll for Inclusive Arts at the Wilmington Riverfront. This 5K race supports arts programming for citizens of all abilities. To open the holiday season, they present The Nutcracker at The Playhouse on Rodney Square (Dec. 13-15), starring history-making Brazilian Ballerina Ingrid Silva of The Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Wilmington Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Allan R. Scott.

1709 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington
302.655.1004 | WilmingtonBallet.org
Facebook: @wilmingtonballet | Instagram: @theacademyofthedance

 

WILMINGTON CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY
Wilmington Classical Guitar celebrates the artistry of classical guitar with two exceptional guitarist-composers this fall. On Saturday, Oct. 26, New York’s Bret Williams — an accomplished composer and renowned podcaster — brings a style shaped by personal challenges. On Saturday, Nov. 23, Icelandic composer Gulli Björnsson’s eclectic, contemplative works conjure the stark beauty of his homeland accompanied by deep-seated emotion. Both are sure to captivate audiences with their innovative, emotive performances.

Performance venue: Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 503 Duncan Road, Wilmington
WilmingtonGuitar.org
Facebook/Instagram: @wilmingtonguitar

 

WILMINGTON CHILDREN’S CHORUS
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus offers an exceptional opportunity for children ages 4-18 to join its vibrant musical community. Enrollment is open for its tuition-free ensembles, where youth can explore music, singing, culture, history, and language. Contact WCC to schedule an audition (Sept. 8 or 10). Don’t miss the chance to experience WCC live — On Dec. 13 & 14, the holiday concert, Go Tell It!, will feature music made famous by Black artists and celebrate the impact of Black musicians on the Christmas season.

Performance venue: First & Central Presbyterian Church, 1101 N. Market Street, Wilmington
WilmingtonChildrensChorus.org
Facebook/Instagram: @WilmingtonChildrensChorus

 

WILMINGTON DRAMA LEAGUE
The Drama League opens its 92nd season with Carrie the Musical (Sept. 9-22), an adaptation of Stephen King’s classic high-school horror. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Oct. 11-20) is a tense drama involving an autistic teen investigating a mystery. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche (Nov. 7-10) — a comedy set in 1956 — asks whether the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein can keep their cool when Communists threaten their idyllic town. WDL’s family-friendly holiday musical is Mary Poppins (Dec. 13-29), starring the magical nanny and the familiar Disney score. Pillow Plays, their long-running series of plays presented by, and for, young people, have performances Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7.

10 W. Lea Boulevard, Wilmington
302.764.1172 | WilmingtonDramaLeague.org
Facebook: @WilmingtonDramaLeague | Instagram: @wilmdramaleague

 

WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY
Winterthur bridges past and present in Transformations, an exhibition of contemporary art (through Jan. 5, 2025) from over 30 nationally recognized artists. Explore how the past influences the present — connecting communities, reshaping the understanding of history, reflecting on lives today. On three fall Thursdays (Sept. 12, Nov. 14 & Dec. 5), guests can bring personal art-related objects to a free consultation event, where faculty and students from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation will advise on condition, care, and possible conservation treatments. For the holidays, the museum welcomes A Christmas Carol Live!, a one-man show by Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, who brings the classic to life, portraying 26 characters with energy and passion (Dec. 11 & 12).

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur
800.448.3883 | Winterthur.org
Facebook/Instagram: @winterthurmuse

Above: Sona Jobarteh and band during an April 2024 show at Arden Gild Hall. Photo by Joe del Tufo.


Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald is the Director of Marketing & Events for the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, as well as the manager of the blog Delaware Arts Info, and the Board Chair of City Theater Company. She is a self-described “cheerleader” for the arts and animal rescue, a die-hard Penn Stater and a doting dog mom. A big fan of The Beatles, Bon Jovi, strong java and red blends, she’s pretty sure that in a parallel universe, she’s a writer for Rolling Stone. She, hubby Scott, and furbaby Eli are proud residents of the City of Wilmington.