It’s about that time of year for you to break out the hot pants again.
And the SPF and bug spray.
Memorial Day is just a few days away and we know you’re trying to figure out what fun, adventure and entertainment you can sink your teeth into in Delaware this summer.
Don’t’ fret. We’ve put together a must-have guide that will be updated weekly to keep you in the know about cool entertainment happenings in the First State, along with some enticing stories you might’ve missed along the way.
Want even more things to do advice? Subscribe to Andre Lamar’s DO Delaware newsletter for a head’s up on the fun all year long.
Summer entertainment in Delaware
Get wild: 3 Delaware zoos to do yoga with kangaroos, swim with otters, visit red pandas: When’s the last time you exercised with a kangaroo, hung out with a Vietnamese pot-belly pig or got up close and personal with animals native to Madagascar? Delaware’s zoos feature those experiences and more.
Which bands will grace the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand this summer? Check out the 2022 lineup: In its 60th season of free entertainment in downtown Rehoboth, the Bandstand will host more than 30% new acts, while also including many local favorites, according to a Rehoboth Beach Bandstand folks.
Delaware Museum of Nature and Science reopens, transformed and TikTok-friendly: The inside of Delaware Museum of Nature and Science used to look vanilla. Its layout was comparable to a “shoebox,” in the words of Executive Director Halsey Spruance. Now the renovated and rebranded museum, formerly named Delaware Museum of Natural History, has the vibrant appeal of a pair of Nike Air Jordans. It’s a great place to escape the heat and learn about your home state, as well as spots around the globe from the African Savannah to the Arctic Tundra.
Summer Festival Guide: Firefly, Jimmie Allen’s festival star in 10 can’t-miss Delaware fests this summer: Dress up like your favorite Marvel Avenger, hear some of your favorite music acts, or satisfy your cravings for a bunch of great craft beer.
Jason Isbell, Brothers Osborne, Little River Band headed to Freeman Arts Pavilion for 2022: The Brothers Osborne, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and Little River Band are just some of the hot acts that have been added to the Freeman Arts Pavilion’s summer lineup.
Winterthur Museum exhibit showcases White House ties that started with Jacqueline Kennedy: When new first lady Jackie Kennedy was about to begin one of the most influential interior design projects in American history, she turned to a Delaware resident for help. Travel back to this time in history to discover how the museum helped shape the look and feel of the Kennedy White House.
Delaware State Fair ropes ZZ Top, Sam Hunt, Nelly and TobyMac: The 103rd Delaware State Fair is saddled with a star-studded lineup of concert headliners that will include Sam Hunt, Nelly, ZZ Top and TobyMac.
Take a walk in the Delaware Botanic Gardens to discover natural beauties in Sussex County: While Delawareans and tourists may be more familiar with the botanic gardens to the north, like Mt. Cuba or nearby Longwood Gardens, a natural oasis has recently blossomed in Sussex County.
Other entertainment news
Should we go ahead and make Kanye an honorary Delawarean? His new girlfriend is from Dover: Kanye West’s grandfather was born in Delmar and later moved to Wilmington. West’s father attended the University of Delaware and lived in Delaware for quite a while. And now West has a First State girlfriend. Should we just go ahead and make Ye an honorary Delawarean at this point?
DJ Jazzy Jeff ‘bubble-wrapped’ Dover teen who deejayed parties for Dwyane Wade, Chris Brown: Sophia Clayton has some of the most dangerous hands in the country. And she’s only 13. This lawn-mowing Dover teen is better known as DJ Sophia Rocks, an eighth grader at Postlethwait Middle School with 70,000-plus followers on social media.
Wilmington’s Trolley Square area adds new bar with a pretty patio and some new Magoos: While patios in the Trolley Square area usually mean live music and cornhole games, the patio at Grain will be more of a refuge.
A DEL Made brand so popular, its tiny team can’t keep up. And that was before ‘American Idol’: When Seaford’s Travis Nichols and Bryan Sears launched their two-man apparel company DEL Made in 2020, it took off despite opening a month before the pandemic hit.
‘Hi, I’m in Delaware!’: When Elon Musk, Cardi B, Johnny Cash and Ryan Reynolds visited the First State: While we have plenty of our own homegrown celebrities, they sometimes have to share the 302 with other visiting stars, some of whom shine even brighter. Over the years, Delaware has hosted its fair share of visiting out-of-state luminaries. We raid our archives to tell you more.
If we dream it, maybe it will come? Here’s what Wilmington needs for a more vibrant city: It’s been four years since Delaware Online/The News Journal last asked the question, “What does Wilmington need to be more fun?” While some of our suggestions from 2015 and 2018 have become reality over the years, others fell on deaf ears. So let’s try it again.
Freeman Arts celebrates 15th season of offering arts in Sussex County: There are many reasons to celebrate the 2022 season at the Freeman Arts Pavilion. Along with seeing more artists touring and other entertainment venues opening again, the venue is thrilled to celebrate its 15th season of presenting the arts in Sussex County.
Roadtrip? Fun beyond Delaware
Dave Matthews, the Lumineers, Alanis and more in Ocean City? Yes, in Oceans Calling lineup: When the promoters of the first Oceans Calling festival in Ocean City promised a star-studded lineup, they weren’t kidding.
6 of the best NJ zoos to travel to this summer: Whether you want to hang with antelope and zebras or learn about sea turtle rescue, there is a Jersey zoo worth a trip this season.
‘American Idol’ star Jay Copeland to perform at Salisbury party. Here’s where and when: Salisbury fans who cheered for Jay Copeland on the 20th season of “American Idol” will soon get to do it live as the rising star will return to his hometown to perform at a celebration of his success.
26 music festivals, fairs to check out in South Jersey: Whether you enjoy flying kites, watching cool cars cruise, listening to live music on the beach or drinking craft beer, there are dozens of festivals happening throughout South Jersey this spring and summer to make you happy.
