Lani Schweiger
The Downtown Wilmington App

Downtown Visions released the Downtown Wilmington App, a one stop shop for all the happenings in Downtown Wilmington, DE.

The Downtown Wilmington App
Lani Schweiger
Community Highlight: Christina Cultural Arts ...

In this month’s blog, we are highlighting the Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. Executive Director, James “Ray” Rhodes discusses the history of the Christina Cultural Arts Center and its importance to our community.

Community Highlight: Christina Cultural Arts Center

International Film Festival Lights Up Downtown Wilmington This Fall

This October, Downtown Wilmington becomes the heart of a four-day celebration of global cinema, thanks to the Wilmington International Film Festival, curated by local arts champion Gordon DelGiorno. The festival unfolds from Thursday, October 9 through Sunday, October 12, 2025, with screenings at Screening Room at 1313 (SR-E & SR-W), The Delaware Contemporary (TDC), Theatre N @ Nemours (The-N), and Penn Cinema. Delaware Scene

 

Here’s a snapshot of the daily lineup to tempt film lovers:

  • Friday, October 10 (Jam-packed with diverse selections)

    • 11:00 AM – The End of the River (SR-E) · The Spies Among Us (SR-W) · I Hate Myself I Want To Die (The-N)

    • 11:30 AM – Lunchtime Short Films (TDC)

    • 2:00 PM – Arrest the Midwife + Q&A (The-N) · Espina (TDC) · Shuffle + Q&A (SR-W)

    • 2:30 PM – The Pool of Nobodies (SR-E)

    • 4:00 PM – Cotton Candy Bubble Gum (TDC)

    • 4:30 PM – The CANfather + Q&A (SR-W)

    • 6:00 PM – On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (SR-E) · About Face (The-N)

    • 7:00 PM – DOA + Q&A (TDC) · 7:30 PM – 17th Annual Festival of Shorts (SR-W)

    • 8:00 PM – 4 Clones Alone + Q&A (The-N) Wilmington International Film Festival

  • Saturday, October 11 (Family-friendly and special showcases)

    • 11:00 AM – How to Build a Library (The-N) · Kids Shorts (SR-E) · Becoming Vera (TDC)

    • 12:00 PM – Friends & Neighbors + Q&A (SR-W)

    • 1:30 PM – The Snare (TDC)

    • 2:00 PM – Four Mothers (The-N) · Caribbean Film & Fashion (SR-E)

    • 3:00 PM – Alberto Sordi: Photo Exhibit & Food & Bar (other venue) · Relative Control (SR-W)

    • 4:00 PM – Berlin Loop (TDC)

    • 6:00 PM – Sordi: Film + Q&A (The-N)

    • 7:00 PM – Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story (SR-W)

    • 8:00 PM – Sci-Fi & Fun Shorts (TDC)

    • 9:30 PM – Delco Horror Film Fest (SR-W) Wilmington International Film Festival

With four venues operating simultaneously, the festival is designed for immersion and exploration. Whether you're drawn to heartfelt documentaries like Friends & Neighbors, quirky comedies such as I Hate Myself I Want To Die, or genre delights like the Delco Horror Film Fest, there’s something for every taste and time.

The mix of screenings and interactive Q&A sessions fosters not just viewing but conversation—providing film lovers a chance to meet creators, dive into behind-the-scenes stories, and engage with global perspectives.

GET TICKETS NOW: wilmington.film/events Join us and dine while you take in a show (or 2)!

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Celebrating Black Restaurant Week in Wilmington – September 2025

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Downtown Visions is thrilled to spotlight Wilmington Black Restaurant Week, a vibrant culinary showcase set to take place from September 28 to October 5, 2025. Organized by the Wilmington City Council in collaboration with the Office of Economic Development and the Office of Cultural Affairs, the event aims to elevate the voices of Black-owned restaurants and cultural food entrepreneurs—spanning African American, African, and Afro-Caribbean traditions—as integral to Wilmington’s rich culinary scene.

Local eateries and food trucks will open their doors with special menus, engaging events, and immersive dining experiences. The week will culminate in the Wilmington Black Food Festival on October 5, hosted at The Queen. This festival promises free food tastings, live entertainment, a student cook-off, culinary conversations, and a spotlight performance (celebrity chef to be announced) Wilmington Delaware Black Restaurant Week.

For a full list of participating restaurants—including favorites like Serena’s Soul Food, Green Box Kitchen, Hummingbird Island Cuisine, and many more—please visit the Wilmbrw.com for more information. Don’t miss the Black Food Festival happening on Sunday, October 5th at The Queen.

You’ll find an updated directory and event calendar to help you plan your culinary journey. Also, to learn more about the broader mission and support network behind the event, visit the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, a key partner in promoting economic opportunity and visibility for Black-owned businesses. 

 

Taste Wilmington: Brandywine Valley Restaurant Week Returns This September

Food lovers, mark your calendars—Brandywine Valley Restaurant Week is back in Wilmington this September 2025, bringing together the region’s top culinary talent for a weeklong celebration of flavor. From September 15–21, diners can enjoy specially curated prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s most beloved restaurants, offering the perfect opportunity to explore Wilmington’s vibrant and ever-growing dining scene.

This year’s lineup showcases a mix of longtime local favorites and exciting newcomers, each presenting their own spin on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re craving refined fine dining, creative small plates, or casual comfort food, Restaurant Week invites you to experience it all—at a value that makes trying multiple spots a must.

Featured Dining Experiences:
The 2025 roster includes standout restaurants that highlight Wilmington’s culinary creativity. Casa Nonna, located inside DECO, brings authentic Italian dishes to life, while Bardea Steak elevates the classic steakhouse experience with bold modern flair. Cozy and inviting, and Cafe Mezzanotte provides an intimate setting perfect for romantic evenings. Dorcea is an inviting American bistro with flavorful menu items. At La Fia, diners can enjoy inventive small plates in a chic atmosphere, while Merchant Bar offers a cool vibe with an elevated gastrobar. The Quoin Restaurant offers a stylish, open-kitchen design that turns dining into a performance. For a playful twist, Wilma’s combines great food with duckpin bowling, and Tonic Seafood & Steak—a downtown favorite—serves up expertly prepared seafood and prime cuts in a contemporary, lively setting. Downtown’s newest concept, Roost, is a fresh take on elevated pub food.

Beyond the meals themselves, Restaurant Week also highlights the role dining plays in building community and supporting Wilmington’s thriving downtown. Many participating restaurants are within walking distance of Market Street, making it easy to pair your meal with a night out at The Queen, a stroll along the Riverfront, or dessert from a local café. For visitors, it’s a perfect excuse to discover Wilmington’s walkable charm; for locals, it’s a chance to support neighborhood businesses and taste something new. Download the Downtown Wilm DE app for a full listing of Downtown restaurants, parking information and more!

👉 Ready to plan your dining adventure? Visit Out and About and VisitWilmingtonDE.com for the full list of participating restaurants, menus, and reservation details. Don’t miss your chance to savor the very best of Wilmington during Brandywine Valley Restaurant Week!

 

 

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Main Street Wilmington Earns 2025 Main Street America® Accreditation — Again!

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We're thrilled to announce that Main Street Wilmington, a division of Downtown Visions, has once again been designated as a Main Street America® Accredited Program — the highest national recognition awarded by Main Street America. This prestigious accreditation affirms our team’s deep commitment to preserving and revitalizing the heart of Wilmington through inclusive leadership, smart investment, and community-powered momentum.

As part of a network of over 800 Accredited programs nationwide, Main Street Wilmington is proud to stand among the best in the country when it comes to building vibrant downtowns. To earn this status, programs must meet rigorous standards in six core areas — from organizational sustainability to real-world impact — and we’re honored to have exceeded expectations.

Why This Matters

Main Street America represents a movement with over four decades of success in transforming historic downtowns into thriving economic and cultural hubs. In 2024 alone, Main Street programs nationwide spurred:

  • $7.65 billion in local reinvestment

  • 6,324 new businesses opened

  • 33,835 jobs created

  • Over 10,000 historic buildings rehabilitated

Here in Wilmington, the past year has been one of exciting growth:

  • We supported over [15] new business openings in our Downtown district.

  • Our team and volunteers contributed more than [2,000 hours] toward neighborhood beautification and small business outreach.

  • We hosted over [20] community events — from the beloved Downtown Farmers Market to the festive Wilmington Holiday Parade — each one helping to draw residents and visitors into our vibrant commercial corridors.

“Accreditation is more than a badge — it’s proof that Main Street Wilmington is making a measurable difference,” said Lani Schweiger, Director of Main Street Wilmington. “Our team, board, partners, and volunteers work tirelessly to keep downtown clean, safe, inviting, and economically strong. We're proud to be part of a national movement that values historic preservation, community inclusion, and long-term sustainability.”

What’s Next?

We're not slowing down. Main Street Wilmington is continuing to build momentum in 2025 with new façade improvement grants, expanded programming, and stronger partnerships with local businesses and residents.

Thank you to everyone who helps us keep Downtown Wilmington moving forward — your support is what makes this possible. Help us continue this important work by contributing today at Downtown Wilm DE - Donate!

Let’s keep growing together.

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Wilmington’s Pulse: The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival Returns to Downtown!

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Downtown Wilmington Delaware is gearing up for its annual celebration of jazz excellence as Rodney Square transforms into the vibrant stage of the 38th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, scheduled June 18–21, 2025. This free, family-friendly event—proudly hosted in the heart of the city—offers an electrifying blend of live performances, community displays, late-night jam sessions, and irresistible food fare.

🔹 Why It Matters:
Named after Wilmington’s legendary son, trumpet virtuoso Clifford Benjamin Brown, the festival pays homage to his soaring artistry and enduring legacy. Over four dynamic days, Rodney Square becomes a crossroads of tradition and innovation, heard in every note—from hard bop to Afro‑Latin fusion.

🎤 Who’s Performing:
Lineup highlights include soulful grooves from Chante Moore and Eric Benét, Lili Añel, Carmen Lundy, Maya Belardo, funk‑jazz fusion with Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, “Celebration of Black Joy & Friends”, Ingrid Jensen and more — plus lively after‑hours jam sessions nightly in downtown venues including The Queen, the Wilmington Public Library, The Nomad & more!

🍽 Food, Community & Vibes:
Expect a full sensory experience—a variety of food trucks will be on site selling your favorites foods. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and explore nearby restaurants, bars, and the Riverfront.

🔗 Connect & Follow the Fest

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

City of Wilmington

🎯 Downtown Visions Invites You!
Follow these pages for real-time announcements, performer info, venue maps, weather updates, and community highlights. Whether you're a longtime jazz lover or brand new to the scene, this is Wilmington at its most infectious—and sophisticated. Bring your family, friends, and your dancing shoes. Let’s make some jazz magic!