Some say there’s nothing exciting to do in Delaware. Yes, there are bars, beaches and places to shop, go ax-throwing, ziplining and race-car driving.
But what about nightlife and the chance to dance? Where do you go to two-step, wobble or wine to heart-pounding R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeats and dancehall music?
There are plenty of places to get your party on — whether at dance spots, festivals and shows — and we are here to tell you where they are.
HAPPY HOURS | WEEKEND PARTIES | HOOKAH | FESTIVALS | CONCERTS | FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND
Memorial Day weekend
Catch These Vibes! Memorial Day party at Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 928 Bear Corbitt Road, Bear; @jammers302
It’s going to be a long weekend, but time flies when you’re having fun. With DJ Rell behind the tables spinning hip-hop, reggae, and club music, food on deck and no work on Monday, you know it’s going to be a party.
It’s happening on May 28 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Happy Hours featuring DJs
The Monday Club, 4020 New Castle Ave., New Castle. 302-652-9755; themondayclub.org
The Monday Club is the oldest private, social club for Black men in Delaware (and probably the nation) but non-members are invited to get their groove on during Friday happy hours and Saturday live music nights:
- Friday happy hour: $5 cover charge at the door. All drinks are $1 off from 6 to 8 p.m.. Food by Shak Eats. DJ Jamar starts spinning at 7 p.m.
- Live music Saturdays: On 8 p.m. May 27, Stachia Lachole and the Blacsoul Band. $10 entry fee for non-members.
- Parking is free
Lounge at Eighth, 801 N. Union St., Wilmington. 302-482-2552; .loungeateighth.com
Located on Union Street on Wilmington’s West Side, the already popular Lounge at Eighth’s April grand opening was celebrated with great fanfare.
Open daily, the hookah pub and restaurant’s happy hour is Monday through Friday. Enjoy drink specials and discounts on appetizers from 5 to 8 p.m. A DJ comes in around 7 p.m. to play hip-hop, dancehall, Afrobeat and R&B hits.
Apexx Lounge, 913 N. Orange St., Wilmington. 302-543-4627; apexxrestaurantandbar.com
This tapas restaurant and bar is located in downtown Wilmington. On any given night, you may hear a little bit of everything — hip-hop, rap, R&B, Reggaeton, and Afrobeats. Enjoy happy hour most weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Taco Tuesdays at Apexx. Happy hour drink specials
- R&B Wednesday happy hour
- Thursday happy hour and open mic night. Late-night food and drink specials are available
- Friday happy hour
You may also get the party started early in the day during their weekend brunch. Their Saturday and Sunday brunch starts at noon and features bottomless mimosas.
Suite 4 Eleven, 411 Walnut St., Wilmington. 302-543-6589;
Located next to the Riverfront in Christina Crossing Suite 4 Eleven is closed Monday through Wednesday but on Thursdays and Fridays, happy hour is lit!
- Happy hour: Thursdays and Fridays 5 to 9 p.m.
- Sangria, shot and mixed drink specials
- $15 hookah and 50% off select items
Weekend jams and hookah
K & R International Restaurant and Bar, 412 N. Dupont St., Wilmington. 302-482-1640; facebook.com/people/KR-International-Restaurant-Bar/100076354922644
This restaurant in Wilmington’s Hilltop neighborhood serves up West African and Jamaican food during the day, but on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays people go for more than just international cuisine.
Downstairs from the restaurant’s main floor level you can shake your body to thunder-clapping dance music or chill out with hookah for $20 to $25. The restaurant stays open until the bar closes at 1 a.m.
- Fridays: American hip-hop night. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $20 entry fee
- Saturdays: Jamaican dancehall and Afrobeats night. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. $10 entry fee
- Sundays: Spanish Caribbean night. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. $10 entry fee.
Apexx Lounge, 913 N. Orange St., Wilmington. 302-543-4627; apexxrestaurantandbar.com
If you’re not able to make it to their weekday happy hours, jump on the mic for karaoke or have time for their weekend brunch, at least turn up on the weekends. The DJ spins rap, Caribbean and R&B music until at least 1 in the morning. Entry is free before 9 p.m. Valet parking is available. Enjoy Friday and Saturday late-night menus. Bar closes at 1 a.m.
- Tuesday to Thursday: Party goes from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Friday: Party until 3 a.m.
- Saturday: Caribbean night. party until 3 a.m.
- Sunday: Party until 1 a.m.
Suite 4 Eleven, 411 Walnut St., Wilmington. 302-543-6589; suite4eleven.com
Between the hookah, drinks, and DJ you already know what it’ll be. Bar seats are first-come, first-serve, but you can reserve seating for a fee. Parking is free. Check out their dress code before you go.
- Brunch: Saturday 3 to 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
- Saturday night party: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Sunday day party: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Lounge at Eighth, 801 N. Union St., Wilmington. 302-482-2552; loungeateighth.com
They say they are Delaware’s No. 1 restaurant and lounge. If you know how to party, then this should be something to check out. Open every day until 1, they serve food, drinks and hookah. A DJ spins dancehall and Afrobeats Thursday nights. R&B and rap music keeps the energy up the rest of the time.
Let Love Win “Battle of the Sexes” party at Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 928 Bear Corbitt Rd Bear
Usually, in a fight, someone loses but in this Battle of Sexes, R&B jams will smooth out any discord. All are invited to this summer fling so put on your hottest ‘fit and plan to dance the night away to sweet melodies over nasty beats. It’s going down, Saturday, June 10, at 9 p.m. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Contact @motivatedmoneymakersm3 on Instagram for more information.
Fourth of July Weekend
All White with Black Summer Extravaganza: The Waterfalls, 3416 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont. Call 302-743-3417; wilmingtonsgents.com
What would summer be without an all-white party? In the case of Wilmington’s Gentleman of Distinction‘s summer affair, it’ll be mostly all-white. The 32-year-old nonprofit group’s All White with Black Summer Extravaganza is a fundraiser to support programs dedicated to helping children. This is an event that brings Philly, Chester and Delaware together for the cause.
The three-day old-school party will be held June 30 to July 2 and will feature a live band, five DJs, a comedy show, and karaoke.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and the price includes cocktail hour, a jazz breakfast and a dinner buffet.
Concerts
June 9: Morris Day and The Time, The Grand, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington. 302-652-5577; thegrandwilmington.org/productions/7619-morris-day-and-the-time
If just thinking about songs “Jungle Love” or “777-9311” gets you hyped, just wait until you see Morris Day and The Time perform these and other infectious funk hits live at The Grand in Wilmington on June 9 at 8 p.m.
According to the venue’s website, The Time was originally created to showcase Prince’s funk music persona and sound. However, the visionary musician ended up casting his high school friend Morris Day to be the lead vocalist. This may be your last chance to see the iconic Morris Day perform as he has announced he is retiring after this tour.
Festivals
June 17, Reggae in the Park
Sponsored by New Castle County, in celebration of Caribbean Heritage Month, is sponsoring the first Reggae in the Park at Glasgow Park. Expect business and culture vendors, music and a big crowd. Bring your appetites, lawn chairs, blankets, friends, and families because there will be entertainment for all. Call 302-685-1697 for more information.
- Food trucks and other vendors
- Face painting, games, children’s playground
- Live performances
- 2 to 7 p.m.
Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com. Join her on the Facebook group Delaware Voices Uplifted. Support her work and become a subscriber.
