Welcome to the weekend, a double-wide one if you are lucky.
But whether or not you get four days off or just some time off here and there, we want to help you make the most of it.
Keep in mind wildfire smoke is still making things sketchy in terms of spending a lot of time outdoors for many people, so be mindful of the air quality and take precautions as needed.
Here are some highlights of fun stuff to do this weekend, and on the holiday, as well as some additional links to stories to make the most of the next four days.
Stay safe and enjoy!
Jupiter & Okwess set sights on Arden Gild Hall
After gracing the stage at Coachella in April, Jupiter & Okwess are headed to the First State to bring their homebrewed brand of power and funk, while drawing on rhythms from the Republic of Congo. The band’s latest album is the eruptive “Na Kozonga.” Joining Jupiter for their Arden gig is special guest Hennessey Bonfire Trio.
Arden Gild Hall (2126 The Highway, Arden) at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $28.33. Visit ardenconcerts.com.
Rehoboth to launch Fourth of July with a bang
Delaware’s premier beach will draw most of the attention downstate when the sparks start flying on Sunday night.
Fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. from the beach on New Castle Street.
Road closures will begin at 6 p.m. around the Bandstand, and at 7 p.m. on Henlopen and Surf avenues. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., vehicles won’t be able to cross Rehoboth Avenue at the circle. Rehoboth Avenue eastbound and Church Street from Route 1 will be closed around 8 p.m., according to organizers.
At 8 p.m., The Funsters will groove the bandstand.
New Castle St., Rehoboth Beach with fireworks at 9:30 p.m., Sunday, July 2. Visit cityofrehoboth.com or (302) 227-6181.
Wilmington celebrates Independence Day
A full day of events will be on tap for families, starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. This includes tours of the Kalmar Nyckel ship, pony rides, petting zoo, games, face painting and more.
Fireworks will blast at 9:15 p.m.
Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park (Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington) from 2 to about 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit cityfestwilm.com or (302) 576-2100.
Dover is hype for Fourth of July
The Capital City will paint the town red, white and blue with its Independence Day festivities starting at 10 a.m. The parade is at 6 p.m. and the lineup begins at 4 p.m. on Park Drive (between East Division and East Loockerman Street). The parade heads west on Loockerman Street, turns left on State Street and ends at Water Street.
Fireworks will fly over Leg Hall at 9:15 p.m.
Legislative Mall (411 Legislative Ave., Dover) starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Visit dover4thofjuly.com.
If you are going to the beach …
Delaware Beach Season 2023: All our beach news gathered in one spot
Fireworks, parades, concerts: Your guide to Fourth of July weekend at the Delaware beaches
Is July 4th a good day to travel by car? Here are the best and worst times to drive.
Boat-based hot dog business debuts on Rehoboth Bay sandbars
If you are headed to the fireworks …
Looking for Delaware, Maryland fireworks? Here is our list for 4th of July shows
Fourth of July fireworks can cause anxiety in pets. Here are solutions
Are fireworks legal in my state? Check these laws before celebrating the Fourth of July
If you are hosting a party …
The ultimate guide for celebrating the 4th of July: BBQ tips, beach essentials and sales
Grilling do’s and don’ts: 10 ways to stay safe when grilling this summer, avoid hazards
Charting Fourth of July safety risks
Bud Light offers $15 beer rebates for Fourth of July weekend amid boycott, declining sales
If you are lying low …
Heart-swelling ‘American’ moments to help renew your patriotism head of Fourth of July
11 free things to do in Delaware this summer
Your guide to cycling in Delaware
How you can escape the heat as temperatures rise around Delaware
A special holiday news quiz
For the Forth of July, we made our weekly news quiz themed to suit the occasion.
Test your Delaware history IQ here.