Above: Hello Dolly at The Candlelight Theatre in 2024. Photo by Tisa DellaVolpe.
By Amy Watson Bish
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, the fall arts season comes alive with performance, exhibits and cultural events that celebrate creativity in every form. From music and theater to visual arts and hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the new season unfolds.
ARDEN CONCERT GILD
Fall begins with the annual Arden Fair on Saturday, Aug. 30, featuring music by The Sugar Maples, Last Northern Tribe, and more. Friday, Sept. 19 welcomes award-winning guitarist Mary Halvorson and the band behind her acclaimed 2022 album Amaryllis. On Saturday, Sept. 27 Delaware based singer/songwriter John Flynn makes his first headlining performance at Gild Hall, as a benefit for the nonprofit New Beginnings-Next Step, Inc. Emo power-pop band Hot Milk comes to Arden all the way from Manchester, England to sing sad songs with happy melodies on Sunday, Sept. 28. Finally, it’s an evening of comedy with Myq Kaplan on Saturday, Oct. 18.
2126 The Highway, Arden | ArdenConcerts.com
Facebook: @ArdenGildHall & @ArdenConcertGild | Instagram: @ArdenConcerts
BLONDIE MANSION
Blondie Mansion, in collaboration with MKT Place Gallery, continues to curate immersive arts and culture experiences. Blondie Mansion Weekend (Sept. 5 & 6) kicks off the fall season with two days of live music, art, and creative dialogue, spotlighting local talent through performances, panels, and interactive installations. Local artists will be celebrated each month during First Fridays /Artloop at MKT Place Gallery, with rotating exhibits, creative talks, and community engagement opportunities featuring artist such as Erica Jones, JaQuanne Daniels, and more. Looking ahead, December will bring the winter edition of Visual Melodies, Blondie Mansion’s signature multidisciplinary showcase blending live music, spoken word, and live painting.
MKT Place Gallery, 200 W. 9th St., Wilm. | BlondieMansion.com
Facebook/Instagram: @BlondieMansion
BRANDYWINE ZOO
It’s all happening at the zoo this fall starting with a special Spanish Storytime, supported in part by the Delaware Division of the Arts, on Monday, Sept. 8 at 1pm. Join Zoo Educational staff and Ms. Lia from Language U for a storybook reading with a language component (free with admission). Sip & Stroll returns on Thursday, Sept 25 — this laid-back, all-ages happy hour features music, vendors, and plenty of adult- and kid-friendly beverages. Then, pull out the family’s costumes for the popular Boo at the Zoo, to celebrate Halloween in a merry, not scary, way (Oct. 17-19). The 21+ crowd can enjoy Halloween fun, too — spooky cocktails, light bites, bewitching music by Green Eggs and Jam — at Spirits at the Zoo on Friday, Oct. 24. Just in time for Christmas, visit Santa at the Zoo on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
1001 N. Park Dr., Wilm. | BrandywineZoo.org
Facebook/Instagram: @BrandywineZoo
THE CANDLELIGHT THEATRE
The Candlelight Theatre continues its 2025 season with Ragtime (Sept. 13–Oct. 26), set at the dawn of the 20th century in New York and weaving together three uniquely American stories that explore wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, and the promise of opportunity. With music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally, the Tony-nominated production brings E.L. Doctorow’s acclaimed novel to life on stage. Following that, Christmas by Candlelight (Nov. 15–Dec. 21) welcomes audiences “home” to the barn for a heartwarming holiday celebration, featuring beloved seasonal and sacred tunes, new surprises, and performances by favorite Candlelighters in a festive, intimate setting.
2208 Millers Rd., Wilm. | CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org
Facebook: @NCTStage | Instagram: @CandlelightTheatreDe
CHAPEL STREET PLAYERS
Now in its 91st season, Chapel Street Players continues an exciting new chapter with the second season at its state-of-the-art theater. The move marked a major milestone for one of Newark’s longest-running community theaters, setting the stage for bold new productions, innovative storytelling, and an enhanced experience for audiences with upgraded seating, modern amenities, and convenient parking. The fall lineup opens with the Pulitzer Prize-winning August: Osage County (Sept. 19–21, 25–27), a darkly comic tale of a wildly dysfunctional family reunion that unravels in explosive fashion. In November, Neil Simon’s madcap farce Rumors (Nov. 7–9, 13–15) brings chaos and confusion to a high-society anniversary party gone hilariously wrong.
643 Creek View Rd., Newark | ChapelStreetPlayers.org
Facebook: @ChapelStreetPlayers | Instagram: @CSPNewarkDe
CHOIR SCHOOL OF DELAWARE
This fall, the halls of the Choir School of Delaware (CSD) once again resonate with the vibrant, soul-stirring voices of Delaware’s youth. Guided by the belief that music is a transformative force, CSD empowers students — particularly at-risk youth in Greater Wilmington — through rigorous music education and holistic support. This season, CSD shines a light on the individual artist within each student. Whether singing solo or in ensemble, each young voice reflects not just talent, but resilience, joy, and a deep sense of purpose. Upcoming performances include a Fall Concert (Nov. 15); Holiday Cabaret (Dec. 6), and Lessons & Carols (Dec. 21).
Varying locations, Wilm. | ChoirSchoolOfDelaware.org
Facebook: @ChoirSchool
CHRISTINA CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
For 80 years, CCAC has been a cornerstone for arts education and cultural celebration, offering programs for all ages in dance, music, theater, and early childhood arts. From a child’s discovering the violin to an adult finally learning the piano, CCAC fosters creativity and confidence. Beyond instruction, CCAC serves as a cultural hub through community events. This fall begins with the Soul of the City Festival (Sept. 20), followed by a weeklong Open House (Sept. 22–26) featuring 20% off tuition for new registrants. The season continues with a moving Benefit Concert with 88 Time, a quartet of composer pianists presenting original works inspired by themes of resilience and hope, and concludes with the return of Carols in Color (Dec. 2), a dynamic retelling of Christ’s birth through music and dance.
705 N. Market St., Wilm. | CCACde.org
Facebook/Instagram: @CCACDE
CITYFEST WILMINGTON
This fall at the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange (TBUAE) the Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series showcases local and national musical talent every Wednesday through Oct. 8, starting at 7pm. Before each show at 6pm, enjoy food vendors and fun activities including Mini Golf on the Go and a bubble show by All That Shimmers. Make sure to bring a chair or blanket. Also, at the TBUAE, the 2nd Annual Cityfest Dance Jubilee will be held Sept. 18-20 with a community dance showcase and special guest performers. In December, enjoy Light Up the Square the first week in December and a holiday performance by Cartoon Christmas Trio (Dec. 19).
The Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange
1509 Clifford Brown Walk, Wilm. | CityfestWilm.com
Facebook: @CityfestWilm | Instagram: @ CityfestWilmDE
CITY THEATER COMPANY & FEARLESS IMPROV
Entering its 32nd season, Delaware’s Off-Broadway experience invites fans to enjoy immersive CTC fun at their home in The Delaware Contemporary. CTC’s popular Fearless Improv team offers monthly laughs at TDC, beginning Saturday, Sept. 20. Fearless also travels to Hockessin for a special murder mystery dinner performance at Drip Café on Friday, Sept. 26, and presents an “adults-only show” at Wilmington Brew Works on Thursday, Nov. 13. In the first mainstage show of the season, CTC delivers its powerful, stripped-down version of Chicago (Dec. 12-20). In this raw, black box reimagining, the glitz is gone — but the grit cuts deeper than ever, exposing the dark heart of fame, corruption, and survival in this celebrated musical.
Performance venue: The Delaware Contemporary
220 S. Madison St., Wilm. | City-Theater.org
Facebook: @CityTheaterCompany | Instagram: @CityTheaterCo
COPELAND STRING QUARTET
The Quartet — Eliezer Gutman and Lisa Vaupel, violins; Elizabeth Jaffe, viola & Jennifer Jie Jin, cello — begins a “tour of Wilmington” this fall with a Sunday, Oct. 5 performance at Trolley Square area’s Westminster Presbyterian Church. On Thursday, Nov. 20, they join Market Street Music to perform in the free Thursday Noontime Concert series at First & Central Presbyterian Church on Rodney Square.
Varying locations | CopelandStringQuartet.com
Facebook: @CopelandStringQuartet
COROALLEGRO
CoroAllegro, Delaware’s premier vocal chamber ensemble, will present Autumn Reflections: A 21st Century Choral Tapestry on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7pm under the direction of new artistic director David Simmons. The program highlights the diversity of 21st century choral music with an eclectic mix of contemporary classical works, jazz, Broadway and Hollywood selections, American folksongs, and reimagined pop standards.
Performance Space: Concord Presbyterian Church
1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilm. | CoroAllegro.com
Facebook/Instagram: @CoroAllegroDe
DELAWARE ART MUSEUM
Imprinted: Illustrating Race (Oct. 18–Mar. 1) makes its Delaware debut, examining how printed images have shaped and challenged ideas about race in the United States over the past 200 years. Organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum, this national touring exhibition features more than 50 artists who use printmaking to critique racial stereotypes and imagine more just futures. On Oct. 18, Imprinted opens with a full day of programming — including panel discussions, a breakdancing showcase, and DJ battles — during the annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit. Thursday DelArt Nights return this fall with free admission, music, food and drink, and themed evenings. Plus, the museum’s Live! Music Brunches return starting in September, inviting guests to enjoy live music, a buffet brunch, and mimosas the first Saturday of each month through April.
2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilm. | 302.306.9799 | DelArt.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareArtMuseum
DELAWARE CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Delaware Children’s Theatre invites audiences to “Fall into the Magic of Theatre” with a season full of music mischief, and Shrek-ing the halls with holiday fun. The lineup begins Sept. 19-20 with Return of the Treblemakers, a heartfelt cabaret about friendship and reunion, paired with a Founder’s Day Wine & Cheese Celebration honoring Marie Swajeski Day. From Oct. 4-19, Descendants follows the kids of Disney’s infamous villains in a high-energy musical with a powerful message of redemption perfect for all ages. Then, Nov. 22-Dec. 7, Shrek TYA brings the beloved ogre, Donkey, and a swamp full of fairytale misfits to life in a dazzling production filled with holiday cheer.
1014 Delaware Ave., Wilm. | DeChildrensTheatre.org
Facebook: @DelawareChildrensTheatre | Instagram: @DeChildrensTheatre
DELAWARE CHORALARTS
Delaware Choral Arts presents Through Love to Light on Saturday, Nov. 22, featuring Brahams’ Liebeslieder Waltzes and Five Hebrew Love Songs by Eric Whitacre alongside selections by Elaine Hagenberg, Rosephanye Powell and Gwyneth Walker.
Performance venue: Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew
719 N. Shipley St., Wilmington | DelawareChoralarts.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareChoralArts
THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY
This fall, The Delaware Contemporary presents a lineup of exhibitions and events that celebrate innovation, community, and contemporary art. It begins Sept. 5 with the opening of the Art+AI Biennial, exploring the intersection of art and artificial intelligence. On Sept. 27, the museum hosts the The Future is Now gala, marking 25 years on Wilmington’s Riverfront. The museum then hosts the Wilmington International Film Festival for screenings and special programming (Oct 10 & 11), and Art After Hours with Blondie Mansion for an evening of art, live music and more (Nov. 12). First Fridays remain a highlight throughout the season, culminating in December with a Holiday Craft Market.
200 S. Madison St., Wilm. | DeContemporary.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DEContemporary
DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR THE ARTS IN EDUCATION
This September, DiAE celebrates 43 years of proof that the arts changes lives. In classrooms across Delaware, students are discovering their voices, building confidence, and connecting to learning in powerful ways through the arts — whether it’s a first live performance or a weeks-long residency with a professional artist. On Friday,
Sept. 26 at 5:30pm, join DiAE as it hosts its Founders Day celebration at The Chancery Market (1313 N Market St.) and help shape the future of arts in education.
1200 N. French St., Wilm. | DiAE.org
Facebook: @DiAE.org | Instagram: @DiAE_Arts
DELAWARE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
This fall, the Delaware Historical Society presents programs exploring Delaware’s unique history through books, films, and decorative arts. The Mitchell Center Cultural Film Series screen documentaries on Black history and culture Saturdays at 1pm in September and October. On Oct. 11, author Kathleen Marie Doyle discusses her book Allies for Justice: How Louis Redding and Collins Seitz Changed the Complexions of America’s Schools and Delaware’s role in the Brown v. Board of Education. On Nov. 6, Kennard Wiggins, author of America’s Anchor, will explore Delaware naval history in his presentation of “War of Independence on the Delaware River.” Additionally, the Delaware History Museum and Read House & Garden host local will host stitchers from the Delaware chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America contributing to Stefan Romero’s national project “America’s Tapestry.” Visitors are invited to try their hand at stitching part of “Defending the Delaware Bay,” illustrated by artist Ava Buccino.
504 N. Market St., Wilm. | DeHistory.org
Facebook: @DEHistory | Instagram: @DelawareHistoricalSociety
DELAWARE MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
This fall, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science explores the intersection of art, science, and imagination with events and exhibits for all ages. The RenaisSCIENCE Fair Weekend (Sept. 13 & 14) transports visitors to the Renaissance with themed activities (costumes encouraged). The annual Wine & Dinosaurs fundraiser (Sept. 21), presented by M&T Bank, offers live music, tasty bites and sips, and a silent auction for those 21 and over. Special exhibits include Dude the Museum Cat, honoring the museum’s beloved feline, and Creatividad silvestre?|?Wild Creativity (opening Oct. 4) sponsored by Bank of America and created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, revealing how nature sparks innovation. Later this fall, Voices in Flight examines birdsong through photography, audio, and guided hikes.
4840 Kennett Pike, Wilm. | DelMNS.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelMNH
DELAWARE SHAKESPEARE
Delaware Shakespeare’s fall season features the eighth annual Community Tour (Oct. 2-19; various locations) with Two Gentlemen of Verona, a lively comedy of friendship, love, and loyalty — plus Shakespeare’s only canine character. The season continues with the return of Shakespeare, Poe, and Fiends in late October, followed by Shakes-beer in November.
Varying locations | DelShakes.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelShakes
DELAWARE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
A new season, a new music director, a new era for the DSO. Delaware’s only professional orchestra welcomes audiences to its landmark 120th year, as its new Music Director Michelle Di Russo takes the podium. Opening Night (Oct. 10) begins with Virtuosity Unleashed, featuring Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto. Next, showcase your favorite denim duds (Nov. 14) as Beethoven and Blue Jeans embraces casual wear and creative flair, with musicians of the DSO shining in Beethoven’s monumental Eroica Symphony. DSO & Delaware Shakespeare collab with the seasonally apropos performance, Windswept Tales (Oct. 28) and dazzling sounds of the Holidays at the Hotel fill the glittering Gold Ballroom of the Hotel du Pont for the yuletide season (Dec. 9).
Performance Space: 818 N. Market St., Wilm. | DelawareSymphony.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareSymphony
DELAWARE THEATRE COMPANY
Delaware Theatre Company opens its 46th season with the world premiere of Spinner (Sept. 17–Oct. 5), Ray Didinger’s new play about NHL player Brian “Spinner” Spencer. Next, Layon Gray’s new play The Girls of Summer (Oct. 22–Nov. 9), highlights the untold story of the Red Diamonds, an all-Black female baseball team in 1946. Delaware Theatre Company then celebrates the holiday season with the Wolf Performing Arts Center production of Shrek The Musical (Dec. 3-21), a heartwarming show celebrating unlikely heroes, transformation, and the discovery that true beauty lies within.
200 Water St., Wilm. | DelawareTheatre.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareTheatreCompany
ELEVATE VOCAL ARTS
Elevate Vocal Arts marks America’s 250th anniversary with two concerts by Elevation, its all-professional, intentionally diverse vocal ensemble. Melodies in Mosaic (Sept. 21, Grace Episcopal Church, Wilm.) celebrates America’s cultural heritage through folk, spirituals, jazz, rock, and hip hop, weaving diverse sounds into a vibrant musical mosaic. Holidays in Mosaic (Dec. 14, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Wilm.) honors the season with music celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more — offering audiences a joyful, inclusive reflection of the sacred and cultural traditions that bring communities together.
Varying locations, Wilm. | ElevateVocalArts.org
Facebook/Instagram: @ElevateVocalArts
ELKTON MUSIC HALL
The intimate Elkton Music Hall has a fall calendar packed with indie darlings, beloved tribute acts, singer-songwriters, and unexpected gems. On Sept. 11, fans can catch experimental electronic artist Baths, known for his genre-blurring soundscapes and emotionally rich performances. On Sept. 20, rock fans won’t want to miss The Land of Ozz, a high-octane tribute to Ozzy Osbourne that promises an unforgettable night of heavy metal hits. And for those who appreciate classic British rock, the legendary Wishbone Ash will deliver their signature twin-lead guitar sound that helped define the genre on Nov. 7.
107 North St., Elkton | ElktonMusicHall.com
Facebook/Instagram: @ElktonMusicHall
FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE
Delaware’s only professional ballet company launches its 2025-26 season at The Grand this fall with a lineup of performances that showcase the power and range of ballet. The season opens with the spine-chilling Dracula (Oct. 25 & 26), choreographed by Viktor Plotnikov and based on Bram Stoker’s gothic novel. Next is Up Front on Market (Nov. 14 & 16), an intimate mixed-repertory program featuring excerpts from classical works and bold contemporary pieces. December marks the 25th anniversary of FSBT’s treasured holiday tradition, The Nutcracker (Dec. 13-21). FSBT also continues its outreach and training programs through The School of FSBT in Wilmington and Whitehall.
Performance venue: 818 N. Market St., Wilm. | FirstStateBallet.org
Facebook: @FirstStateBallet | Instagram: @FirstStateBalletOfficial
GABLE MUSIC VENTURES
Gable keeps the summer vibes alive with two free outdoor music events. On Sept. 4 from 4-7:30pm, the City Sounds Block Party fills downtown Wilmington with music from Fuzaholics at 2nd & Market streets and The Side Chicks in the Delaware Tech Courtyard. Enjoy food from Serena’s Soulfood and other local trucks, drinks from Wilmington Brew Works, and artisan vendors. Then, on Sept. 20 from 3-8pm, Middletown hosts the 2nd Annual Ladybug Music Micro Fest at Town Hall featuring five women-fronted bands, headlined by Alanis Morissette tribute band Jagged Little Thrill.
Varying locations | GableMusicVentures.com and TheLadybugFestival.com
Facebook/Instagram: @GableMusicVentures and @LadybugMusicFest
THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
& THE PLAYHOUSE ON RODNEY SQUARE
With more than 120 performances a year, The Grand’s three venues (the baby grand, Copeland Hall, and The Playhouse on Rodney Square) offer something for everyone — from legendary rock stars to side-splitting comedians, to the best of Broadway and more. Highlights for fall across all three venues includes: George Thorogood and The Destroyers (Sept. 7); Trombone Shorty (Sept. 14); Mrs. Doubtfire
(Sept. 26-28); Violent Femmes (Oct. 3); Patton Oswalt
(Oct. 17); Mandy Patinkin in Concert (Oct. 25); The Price Is Right LIVE (Oct. 29); Randy Rainbow (Nov. 14); Elmo & Friends Say Hello (Nov. 22); Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute (Nov. 28); Matteo Bocelli (Dec. 16), and more.
818 N. Market St. and 1007 N. Market St., Wilm. | TheGrandWilmington.org
Facebook: @TheGrandWilmington | Instagram: @TheGrandWilm
HAGLEY MUSEUM & LIBRARY
The 47th Hagley Craft Fair (Oct. 18 & 19) boasts more than 100 talented art, craft, and gourmet food artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area. Vendors are situated throughout Hagley’s beautiful fall foliage as well as inside the Soda House. Admission to Hagley’s historic home and garden is included with the craft fair ticket.
200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilm. | Hagley.org
Facebook: @HagleyMuseumandLibrary | Instagram: @HagleyMuseum
JESTER ARTSPACE
Jester Artspace brings back popular programs and introduces new workshops this fall. Kids Art Club returns Saturdays in October for ages 6-10, ending with a gallery show. Karen Berstler offers three progressive 4-week watercolor classes, while Joel Keener leads Drawing for Adults (4-weeks). Monika Bullette hosts lively monthly sketch nights with costumed models and curated playlists, plus bi-monthly cosplay sketching. “Bob and Beer” invites budding landscape painters to unwind with Bob Ross videos, friends, and brews. Additional workshops include visual diaries, flower impressions, boho bracelets, gelli printmaking, linocuts, and more.
2818 Grubb Rd., Wilm. | JesterArtSpace.org
Facebook /Instagram: @JesterArtSpace
THE MUSIC SCHOOL OF DELAWARE
The Music School of Delaware continues to celebrate its centennial with additional programs and concerts. To connect communities with transformational music learning, performances, and experiences, the Music School offers statewide programs — lessons, classes, ensembles, workshops, performances, gatherings, tours, and more — in collaboration with faculty, students, alumni, guest artists, arts partners, and other friends. The Music School continues to offer many of its programs free of charge, including student concerts and recitals featuring its resident programs like the Suzuki Academy, orchestras, choruses, chamber music ensembles, and small ensembles.
4101 Washington St., Wilm. | MusicSchoolOfDelaware.org
Facebook/Instagram: @MusicSchoolofDE
OPERADELAWARE
OperaDelaware opens its season with Puccini’s Tosca (Oct. 17 & 19, The Grand), a searing story of love, devotion, betrayal, and revolution performed with full orchestra. The Studio Series sets the tone with Puccini Portraits, featuring selections from Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and La Fanciulla del West, with performances at OperaDelaware Studios (Sept. 12 & 14, Wilm.) and the Schwartz Center (Sept. 18, Dover). November brings OperaDEathmatch (Nov. 25 & 27), an interactive night where opera’s fiercest rivalries get settled in the ring featuring company artists with guest Dave Tiberi, Delaware’s first professional boxing champion. Pop-up performances throughout the season include: Brandywine Festival of the Arts (Sept. 6 & 7), Milton Theatre (Sept. 11), and Dogfish Head Brewery (Sept. 22), with festive holiday performances at the Schwartz Center (Dec. 18) and Winterthur (Dec. 20).
Varying locations | OperaDe.org
Facebook/ Instagram: @OperaDelaware
PYXIS PIANO TRIO
Now in its 17th season, chamber music ensemble, Pyxis Piano Trio, continues residency at Market Street Music at First and Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington on Saturday, Oct. 18 with a program featuring Piano Trios by Joaquín Turina and Robert Schumann.
Performance Address: 1101 N. Market St. Wilm. | PxisPianoTrio.com
Facebook/Instagram: @PyxisPianoTrio
THE QUEEN
The Queen keeps downtown Wilmington buzzing with a vibrant mix of fall performances. September kicks off with the pop-indie charm of Olivia Rubini x Lennon Vanderdoes (Sept. 5), followed by J.D. Webb & The Good God Damn with Sug Daniels (Sept. 12) and the high-energy “Bangers Before Bed” 21+ DJ dance party (Sept. 27). October offers even more variety: jam supergroup Box of Rain (Oct. 4), the Celtic-fusion flair of The Tartan Terrors (Oct. 9), and the Rush tribute A Farewell to Kings (AF2K) (Oct. 24). Seasonal vibes peak with Thomas Dolby lighting up the stage on Oct. 30.
500 N. Market St., Wilm. | TheQueenWilmington.com
Facebook/Instagram: @QueenWilmington
THE RESIDENT ENSEMBLE PLAYERS (THE REP)
The Resident Ensemble Players, the professional theatre company in residence at the University of Delaware, has an unforgettable lineup of plays this season that will stir your heart, spark your curiosity, and ignite your imagination, beginning with the tender and uplifting Every Brilliant Thing (Sept. 5-21), a story that finds beauty in life’s smallest moments. Next, Agatha Christie’s mystery And Then There Were None (Oct. 30-Nov. 16) will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the final breathless moment.
Roselle Center for the Arts, 110 Orchard Rd., Newark | Rep.Udel.edu
Facebook: @Rep.Udel.edu | Instagram: @Delaware_Rep
THE ROCK ORCHESTRA
The Rock Orchestra returns for its ninth season at The Grand, starting on Saturday, Nov. 15 with TRO Performs Paul Simon in Copeland Hall. From the meteoric rise of the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel, through his string of solo hits and Grammy winning album Graceland and beyond, the impact of Simon’s songwriting cannot be denied. TRO brings all those songs to life in one unforgettable night.
Performance venue: 818 N. Market Street, Wilm. | TheRockOrchestra.net
Facebook: @TheRockOrchestra | Instagram: @RockOrchestraDe
SERAFIN ENSEMBLE
Serafin Ensemble will perform throughout Delaware starting in downtown Wilmington on Sept. 19 with The Fabulous Flute, showcasing Baroque works by Handel and Telemann, plus selections by Quantz and Anna Bon de Venezia. On Nov. 16, An American Salute at Stonegates in Greenville honor’s Veterans Day with iconic American, followed by Baroque is Bach! in Wilmington on
Nov. 7, featuring Bach’s famed Double Concerto for Two Violins. The ensemble closes out 2025 with Beethoven’s Birthday Bash, a celebration of the legendary composer, in Wilmington on Dec. 16.
Varying locations, Wilm. | SerafinEnsemble.org
Facebook/Instagram: @TheSerafins
THE WILMINGTON BALLET
September sees the launch of the Shades of U, a line of tonal ballet pointe shoes and flats created to match a wide range of skin tones. On Oct. 10, the Wilmington International Film Festival at Theater N, will feature the award-winning documentary About Face, which includes The Wilmington Ballet’s 2022 production of The Nutcracker, followed by a panel discussion and performance. In November, meet Ingrid Silva and Luis Fernando Rego of The Dance Theatre of Harlem, who will star in The Wilmington Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker (Dec. 12-14, The Playhouse on Rodney Square) that is accompanied The Wilmington Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Allan R. Scott.
1709 Gilpin Ave., Wilm. | WilmingtonBallet.org
Facebook: @WilmingtonBallet | Instagram: @TheAcademyOfTheDance
WILMINGTON CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY
Wilmington Classical Guitar, now in its 16th year of bringing world-class classical guitarists to Delaware, opens its season on Oct. 25 with Armenian American guitarist Gohar Vardanyan, recognized internationally for her technical mastery and artistry and featured at top venues including Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center and the Smithsonian. On Nov. 22, Jordan Dodson and Tom Clippinger, of New York Guitar Quartet fame, return with a program blending contemporary and classical repertoires in a rare and exciting performance.
Performance venue: Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
503 Duncan Rd., Wilm. | WilmingtonGuitar.org
Facebook/Instagram: @WilmingtonGuitar
WILMINGTON CHILDREN’S CHORUS
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus invites young singers ages 4–18 to audition and enroll in its fall programming, offering ensembles for every level — from beginner choirs to advanced performance groups. No prior experience is required for many younger ensembles, and WCC provides a supportive environment where children can develop their voices, make friends, and gain confidence. Auditions begin in early September, with the program culminating with two holiday concerts on Dec. 12 & 13, featuring all ensembles in a festive program of classics and fresh seasonal arrangements that showcase the joy of singing together.
Performance venue: First & Central Presbyterian Church
1101 N. Market Street, Wilm. | WilmingtonChildrensChorus.org
Facebook/Instagram: @WilmingtonChildrensChorus
WILMINGTON CONCERT OPERA
The Wilmington Concert Opera presents Les Contes d’Hoffmann by Jacques Offenbach, a story of fantasy, intrigue, and delightful musical moments that will leave you humming. It’s WCO’s first opera in French (with supertitles) and will be presented on Sept. 19 at 7pm and Sept. 21 at 3pm. The matinee is a sensory friendly performance and includes a family-friendly craft at 2pm. Both performances are free, though a $20 per person donation by those who can contribute is welcome to offset production costs.
Performance venue: Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
503 Duncan Rd., Wilm. | WilmingtonConcertOpera.com
Facebook & Instagram: @WilmingtonConcertOpera
WILMINGTON DRAMA LEAGUE
The Wilmington Drama League’s season opens with Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning masterpiece Angels in America. The epic play, which explores the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, is presented in two parts: Part One: Millennium Approaches (Sept. 9-21) and Part Two: Perestroika (Oct. 10-19). The Black Box Series brings the interactive musical The Trail to Oregon! (Nov. 6-9), where audiences help steer a pioneer family on Oregon Trail — with hilarious choices and 19th?century mishaps (and yes, dysentery jokes!). Making a splash in December is Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Dec. 12-28). Based on the beloved Disney film, it follows Ariel’s ocean-to-land adventure with broad appeal to all ages.
10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilm. WilmingtonDramaLeague.org
Facebook: @WilmingtonDramaLeague Instagram: @WilmDramaLeague
WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY
Winterthur’s fall season offers a rich lineup of exhibitions and events. Almost Unknown: The Afric-American Picture Gallery (now through Jan. 4) highlights lesser-known stories of Black Americans through objects from Winterthur’s collections, inspired by an 1859 essay by a free Black journalist. A related symposium, Looking Back to the Future: Realizing ‘The Afric-American Picture Gallery’ (Nov. 14 & 15), features historians, educators, and curators exploring the essay’s legacy, with acclaimed artist and curator Fred Wilson delivering the keynote. Other highlights include Gerald Charles Dickens performing The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (Sept. 12), and the September opening of Journey Through a Jug: Decoding Design, exploring the symbolism and cultural significance of the 1881 “Longfellow Jug” by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons and designed by Richard Briggs.
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur | Winterthur.org
Facebook/Instagram: @WinterthurMuse
