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

Nightlife Wilmington DE

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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!

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Valentine's Day Gifts & Date Ideas in Downtown Wilmington

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If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to cherish our loved ones. This Valentine’s Day celebrate the special someone(s) in your life, friends and family included, with help from your favorite Downtown Wilmington small businesses. Whether your planning to stay in or head out on the town, Downtown Wilmington has got you covered!

Don’t forget to take advantage of free valet parking and the Dine Downtown Deal when planning date night!

Gifts They’ll Love

Al’s Sporting Goods has the gear needed to share the warmth this Valentine’s Day. From UGG to Columbia, you’ll find brand-name gifts for a cozy winter! Get rewarded with FREE shipping when you shop online.

A.R. Morris Jewelers has gifts that make a statement! Jewelry is never a bad idea and it’s the perfect way to mark a Valentine’s Day spent with a loved one: it’s personal, it’s memorable and it can be truly romantic. Shop online & you’ll even receive FREE shipping across the country.

Brew HaHa! just released a limited edition Romance Blend Coffee for all the Hopeless Coffee Romantics out there. Try their new limited release coffee. This three-component blend creates a chocolate-pineapple-brown-sugar sweetness with the perfect subtle floral finish. Order a bag for yourself or for the coffee lover in your life while you can!

LaFate Gallery has a number of love-themed paintings and gifts for the art-lover in your life from the award-winning folk artist Eunice LaFate. Shop online and ship your gift for FREE to anywhere in the US!

Morgan’s of Delaware is the perfect place to treat the fashionista in your life. Take advantage of their Winter Sale and save up to 50% storewide. Morgan’s creates chic everyday casual outfits that fit in fabrics that flatter. Click here to shop online or visit the store today. Online purchases also qualify for FREE shipping to anywhere in the US!

Spaceboy Clothing’s vintage collection is great for truly unique gifts. Utilize their custom screen printing services for an even more one-of-a-kind piece!

Spark’d Creative Pastry in DECO food hall is having a Valentine’s Day Bake Sale complete with festive sweet treats available for pre-order/pick-up with 48 hours notice. Click here to view the menu & order online!

Perfect for Date Night

Bardea will be opening its doors on a Sunday evening for the first time ever in honor of Valentine’s Day so don’t wait to make your reservations! Bardea.home will also be offering a 6-course surf & turf meal for two for those that want to spend the holiday in the comfort of their own home. Simple warming instructions are provided with every meal. Wine & cocktail pairings are also available! Orders must be placed by Thursday, February 12th, at 5 pm.

Cavanaugh’s offers filling takeout to fit any budget! Every Tuesday and Thursday night, you can take advantage of their $10 takeout dinner entrees and pick them up between 4-7 pm. Simply place your order online and stop by on your way home from work for a delicious and easy dinner. No cooking or cleaning involved!

Chelsea Tavern is offering its Sweetheart Package for two Friday, February 11th, through Sunday, the 14th. Enjoy a 3-course pre-fixe menu and a glass of sparkling wine for $75/couple. All lovers are welcome, so make your reservation today!

Currie Hair, Skin, & Nails’ new location opened at the Hotel Dupont just in time to pamper your loved one for Valentine’s Day! With a full spa, hair, nail, and makeup services, it’s the perfect place to relax and renew. During the month of February, the salon is even featuring a chocolate-covered berry facial meant to maximize hydration and reduce inflammation.

HOTEL DU PONT is the perfect place for a staycation! Enjoy chef-curated and French-inspired in-suite dining packages from Le Cavalier in a private hotel room for an overnight stay or just for dinner. Groups of 2-10 can book the offering for a three-hour dinner block or dinner and an overnight stay. Maison x Le Cav offers an equally decadent take-home option for those who might prefer an intimate night in this V-Day. 

La Fia has the perfect atmosphere for an intimate date night! Offering a 4-course Valentine’s Day Pre-Fixe menu, including lobster bisque and New York strip steak, these reservations are sure to be filled quickly,

Terra Café now offers Greek Dinner to-go meals on Friday nights in February perfect for staying in! The meals change weekly, so there is sure to be something to satisfy your cravings. To reserve an order, simply call the restaurant by Wednesday at 2:00 pm to ensure availability.


The Sold Firm is opening a brand new exhibit in February perfect for a thoughtful date night. STORM by Sakana Walls opens in Black History Month with a powerful story that digs into the dark areas of a less desirable world. Sakana has used his artistic gift and limited resources to pull himself out of that dark place and create freedom from behind bars. Each art piece expresses hope, redemption, and peace. Sakana Walls, a Philadelphia painter, will be presenting his first art exhibit at The Sold Firm Art Gallery while incarcerated in a local prison. This is the first time a Delaware art gallery is presenting a solo exhibit by an incarcerated artist. 

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Kick Off a New Decade With These New Years Eve Events in Downtown Wilmington!

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t’s time to say goodbye to 2019 and extend a warm, prosperous welcome to 2020. Ring in the “Roaring 20s” with all of the razzle dazzle that a new decade deserves. Celebrate New Years Eve in Downtown Wilmington DE with these festive events that are sure to start the New Year off with a bang!

  1. The Green Room at Hotel Du Pont | 42 W 11th Street

    Bring in the new year in style at HOTEL DU PONT's New Year's Eve Party. Feast on a five course dinner with wine pairings in the Green Room at 8 p.m., followed by a live band, dancing, festive party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Cost is $190 per person; $350 per couple over 21 years of age. Call 594-3154 to reserve your spot.

  2. Torbert Street Social | 305 Torbert Street

    Ring in the New Year at Torbert Street Social. DJ  William Adams from 9:00 AM-1:00 AM plus light fare & passed hors d'oeuvres, welcome punch, champagne toast, midnight pizza, photo booth, and party favors. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.

  3. Ernest & Scott Taproom | 902 N Market Street

    Ernest & Scott Taproom in Wilmington is hosting a dance party to kick off 2020. Enjoy live music, a four-hour open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., a mini dessert bar from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., and a Champagne toast and midnight balloon drop. Price is $65 at the door and discounts are available for groups of six of more. Doors open at 9 p.m. for those 21 and older. Get more information here; for tickets, click here.

  4. Stitch House Brewery | 829 N Market Street

    Ring in the New Year with a BANG! Stitch House is hosting the ultimate NYE Party featuring DJ BIS starting at 10pm. FREE to attend and includes a champagne toast. Feeling lucky? During the two balloon drops you have a chance of finding & winning a $100 gift card hidden inside a balloon. Grab your friends -- 2020 is going to be the best year yet!

  5. Chelsea Tavern | 821 N Market Street

    Celebrate NYE all day long at Chelsea Tavern. Kick off the festivities with a champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a a starter, entree, dessert, and glass of champagne all for $25. Keep the party going with the $45 pre fixe dinner menu or the a la carte menu from 4 to 9 p.m. Then finish it off with light fare and dessert menus from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., complimentary champagne toast and party favors included! Call 302.482.3333 to make reservations.

  6. La Fia | 421 N Market Street

    La Fia will be offering their a Five-Course Chef’s Tour for $65 per person with a complementary Prosecco toast. A truly decadent menu featuring Beef Tartare, Venison Loin, and of course, your other favorite dishes. Click here to make reservations.

  7. Riverfront Rink | 308 Justison Street

    Start 2020 off with a bang at a fireworks show on the Riverfront. Horizon Services Riverfront Rink will offer skating, food and drinks from Constitution Yards Beer Garden and live music by WSTW. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

  8. Docklands Riverfront | 110 S West Street

    Docklands Riverfront in Wilmington is hosting a New Year’s Eve, all-inclusive event on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. The event package includes a premium open bar, full dinner buffet and live entertainment. Come enjoy DJ Willoughby, DJ B-Lee, Under the Covers and It’s All Good. Tickets range from $70-$100 depending on preferred seating. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and more information.

*Event information provided by Delaware Today and Visit Wilmington.

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Listen to Free Live Music Any Night of the Week in Wilmington

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Did you know you can enjoy free live music throughout Wilmington any night of the week? From rhythmic drumming to contemporary covers and everything in between, find out where you can listen to live performers in the City through our day by day itinerary below!

Kick off your week with Sunday morning brunch at the Starbucks on Market St with wonderful acoustic acts.

Check out Live! in the Parks for a relaxing evening of music on Mondays and Wednesdays in Rockford Park & Brandywine Park respectively!

If you’re more interested in making the music than listening to it, then the Rock Lot’s Drumming Circle is for you! Check it out every Tuesday evening.

Enjoy delicious food, creative cocktails and a side of live music during Wilmo Wednesdays at DECO.

Take your lunch outside on Thursday afternoons at Nemours Plaza and break up your day with live music.

Be serenaded by the sweet sounds of street performers on Thursday evenings at various locations along Market Street as part of the Music on Market series.

You can also catch live entertainment on Thursdays evenings down on the Riverfront in Dravo Plaza as part of the Shipyard Summer Concert series.

Start your weekend early and stop by I.M. Coffee during lunch on Fridays for craft coffee and good music.

To round off your week, head to Wilmington’s best kept secret, Nomad Bar, for live jazz music on Saturday nights!

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Meet Loshawn, Downtown Visions’ Very First Employee!

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Loshawn Maxwell

Now with over 50 employees, and making a major impact within the community, Downtown Visions’ Director of Administration, Loshawn Maxwell, has fond memories of the organization’s humble beginnings and is proud of how far it has come in her 24 years with the company. She and the company have grown up together. Coming from a small town in Maryland, Loshawn overcame her shyness, became more assertive and adapted to the ever-evolving needs of Downtown Visions.

Q. What does your job role encompass at Downtown Visions?

 A.“As the Director of Administration I manage all the administrative and financial responsibilities for the company, as well as, act as a human resource liaison and provide benefits administration.”

 Q. What made you decide to work for Downtown Visions?

A.“I attended Goldey-Beacom College and upon graduation I saw the job post for an Office Assistant.  I applied and interviewed for the position.  The Managing Director of Wilmington 2000 (founding organization of Downtown Visions) thought I would be great for the position and hired me on the spot.  It also didn’t hurt that at the time he sat on the Board of Directors of the College.”

 Q. What is one of your favorite moments within your career at Downtown Visions?

A.“Honestly, the journey to where I am today. I was able to, and continue to grow so much personally and professionally.”

 Q. What project that Downtown Visions was involved in are you most proud of?

A.“Holistically, the mission to create, manage and promote a quality environment for people who live, work and visit Downtown Wilmington. The purpose is what drives me, as it is all for the greater good.  I also enjoyed working on the committee that planned our 20th anniversary celebration.”

 Q.Where do you see Downtown Visions in 5 years?

A.“I see the organization continuing to be the go-to organization, growing our partnerships, having more relationships and building bridges between all of the great people and companies making a difference Downtown. We have seen so much change, and there are so many great people involved.”

 Q. What is your favorite activity or place in Downtown Wilmington?

A.“My favorite activity is walking down Market Street and restaurant hopping, enjoying cocktails at one place, dinner at another.”

Q. What do you like to do outside of work?

A.“I love spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling. My favorite place to travel is to the Caribbean or anywhere warm.”