Above: Classic rock band KANSAS takes The Grand’s Copeland Hall stage on Feb. 20. Photo by Joel Barrios.
By Amy Watson Bish
We know it’s tempting to stay inside when it’s cold, but winter is actually the perfect time to get out. From live music and theater to comedy and family fun, there’s plenty happening, so bundle up. We’ll see you at the show.
ARDEN CONCERT GILD
Arden Concert Gild has something for every music fan this winter. On January 31, The Residents perform Eskimo Live!, bringing their legendary album to life. On February 20, WXPN welcomes Alejandro Escovedo & The Electric Saints, with Alejandro revisiting his past works in inventive new arrangements. March’s diverse lineup includes an evening of Beethoven, Mozart, and Campo with Serafin Ensemble’s The Classic Clarinet (Mar. 10); roots-rockers Donna The Buffalo (March 12); psychedelic rock from Oneida, Carlton Melton, and Terry Gross (Mar. 20); and Montreal indie-pop maestro Patrick Watson’s Uh Oh Tour (Mar. 21).
2126 The Highway, Arden | ArdenConcerts.com
Facebook: @ArdenGildHall & @ArdenConcertGild | Instagram: @ArdenConcerts
THE CANDLELIGHT THEATRE
The Candlelight Theatre kicks off 2026 with a duo of Mel Brooks’ musical comedy hits. The Producers (Jan. 17–Feb. 22) follows a scheming Broadway producer and his accountant as they attempt the biggest flop in history — only to create a smash hit. Young Frankenstein (Mar. 14–Apr. 19) is the hilarious retelling of the Gothic tale featuring dazzling dances, a lively score, and nonstop laughs.
2208 Millers Rd., Wilm. | CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org
Facebook: @NCTStage | Instagram: @CandlelightTheatreDe
CHAPEL STREET PLAYERS
Chapel Street Players continues its 91st season with two engaging productions. Thank You Willie Sutton (Jan. 10–11) is a fast-paced screwball comedy where four friends attempt a bumbling pharmacy heist, full of pratfalls, sight gags, and nonstop action. Then Shaw’s Pygmalion (Feb. 20–28) gets updated to 1968 swinging London, as Henry Higgins transforms cockney Liza amidst social change. Both shows promise laughter, clever storytelling, and a perfect excuse to enjoy an evening of live theater this winter.
643 Creek View Rd., Newark | ChapelStreetPlayers.org
Facebook: @ChapelStreetPlayers | Instagram: @CSPNewarkDe
CITY THEATER COMPANY & FEARLESS IMPROV
Delaware’s Off-Broadway experience continues its 32nd season with a winter packed with bold comedy and improv. From February 27 to March 7, CTC presents Selina Fillinger’s POTUS, a riotous, Tony-nominated Broadway hit subtitled Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, turning White House chaos into gleefully filthy laughs. CTC’s Fearless Improv team returns for monthly shows on January 17, February 7, and March 14 at The Delaware Contemporary, plus February 27 and March 27 at Drip Café in Hockessin. Monthly Intro to Improv workshops invite newcomers to jump in (no experience necessary), with enrollment including a free ticket to a Fearless Improv show.
Performance venue: The Delaware Contemporary
220 S. Madison St., Wilm. | City-Theater.org
Facebook: @CityTheaterCompany | Instagram: @CityTheaterCo
DELAWARE ART MUSEUM
DelArt’s current exhibition, Imprinted: Illustrating Race continues through March 1, examining how printed images have shaped and challenged ideas about race in the United States over the past 200 years. That exploration extends into the museum’s MLK Jr. Day of Service (Jan. 19), themed “Illustrating the Dream,” honoring Dr. King’s legacy through reflection, community, and action. The day features a keynote by Patty Jackson of WDAS-FM, nonprofit community partners, free fresh groceries from Delaware Urban Greens, gallery tours of Imprinted, a performance by the Wilmington Children’s Chorus, and hands-on artmaking led by Tay the Creator. Additionally, the museum’s popular Live! Music Brunches continue, 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 brings beloved stories to the stage this winter. Charlotte’s Web (Feb. 7-22) celebrates bravery, friendship, and selfless love, while Madagascar (Mar. 14-29) lets audiences join their favorite zoo friends on a lively, laugh-filled adventure straight from the DreamWorks hit film.
1014 Delaware Ave., Wilm. | DeChildrensTheatre.org
Facebook: @DelawareChildrensTheatre | Instagram: @DeChildrensTheatre
DELAWARE MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
The museum offers a dynamic slate of programs this winter. On January 25, the Summer Camp Fair invites families to escape the winter doldrums, meet local camp representatives, and enjoy hands-on science activities. February 11 celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science, honoring trailblazers in STEAM. On February 14, adults can step into Mystery at the Museum: ’Til Death Do Us Part, a 1920s-themed, 21+ interactive murder mystery. Plus, monthly Nerd Nites (held at Wilmington Brew Works) offer fun, fast-paced presentations, laughs, and drinks for a perfect night out.
4840 Kennett Pike, Wilm. | DelMNS.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelMNH
DELAWARE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The DSO warms up your winter with their first mainstage concert of the new year—Waltzing Through Winter on January 30 at The Grand. It’s filled with music that practically dances off the stage, from the elegance and splendor of Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier to the intoxicating spin of Ravel’s La Valse. Things continue to heat up on February 24 with the bold and brilliant Brass Pipes, where the DSO’s brass ensemble takes the stage alongside the grandeur of the organ at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Finally, blast off with the DSO on March 20 with Across the Galaxy—a fun, far-out journey through iconic sci-fi music from beloved movies and TV shows.
Performance Space: 818 N. Market St., Wilm. | DelawareSymphony.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareSymphony
DELAWARE THEATRE COMPANY
Delaware Theatre Company continues its 46th season with Glory Ride (Feb. 18 – Mar. 8), a gripping new musical based on the true story of Tour de France champion Gino Bartali, who secretly aided a daring resistance during World War II by cycling thousands of miles to save hundreds from Mussolini’s fascists. Following a sold-out London debut, DTC presents the U.S. premiere, transporting audiences to the hills of Tuscany for an emotional adventure.
200 Water St., Wilm. | DelawareTheatre.org
Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareTheatreCompany
THE EVERETT THEATRE
The Everett Theatre launches its 2026 season with a crowd-pleasing lineup that spans comedy and classic musical theater. The Carol Burnett Show (Jan. 15-18) celebrates the Emmy-winning sketches that defined television comedy, followed by Disney’s Freaky Friday (Feb. 6-15), a funny and heartfelt musical about a mother and daughter who swap lives. The season continues with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Mar. 6-15), bringing timeless fairy-tale magic to life.
47 W. Main St., Middletown | 302.378.7038 | TheEverett.org
Facebook: @TheEverettTheatre | Instagram: @EverettTheatreInc
FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE
Delaware’s only professional ballet company continues its season with Dreams in Motion (Feb. 21 & 22), exploring the whimsical and surrealist side of the dreamscape with two ballets from FSBT’s repertoire by choreographer Viktor Plotnikov: Fantasy to Dvo?ák and Nonsense (In the Sense of Innocence).
Performance venue: 818 N. Market St., Wilm. | FirstStateBallet.org
Facebook: @FirstStateBallet | Instagram: @FirstStateBalletOfficial
THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
& THE PLAYHOUSE ON RODNEY SQUARE
The Grand is thrilled to kick off 2026 with a full slate of shows for audiences of all ages. The Playhouse presents Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp (Feb. 6), Keb’ Mo’ (Feb. 27), and The Book of Mormon (Mar. 27-29). Copeland Hall presents Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band (Feb. 6), Curious George (Feb. 15), KANSAS (Feb. 20), The Rock Orchestra performs Lynyrd Skynyrd (Feb. 21), The Simon & Garfunkel Story (Mar. 6), Dirty Dancing in Concert (Mar. 7), Blackberry Smoke (Mar. 8), The Irish Tenors (Mar. 14), and An Evening with Garrison Keillor (Mar. 28). Finally, the baby grand will present An Evening with Josh Ritter (Feb. 6), An Evening with Jimmy Webb (March 7), Tony Trischka’s EarlJam (Mar. 13), and An Evening with Tom Rush (Mar. 22).
818 N. Market St. and 1007 N. Market St., Wilm. | TheGrandWilmington.org
Facebook: @TheGrandWilmington | Instagram: @TheGrandWilm
HAGLEY MUSEUM & LIBRARY
Hagley invites families to spark creativity during Kid Inventors’ Weekend, February 14–16, with hands-on activities designed to inspire young minds. Explore the genius of American design through the Nation of Inventors exhibition, learn about the patent process, and watch robotics and LEGO teams in action. Kids can tinker in the DuPont Discovery Loft, taking apart electronics, creating inventions from everyday materials, and submitting ideas to the “Hagley Patent Office.”
200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilm. | Hagley.org
Facebook: @HagleyMuseumandLibrary | Instagram: @HagleyMuseum
THE MUSIC SCHOOL OF DELAWARE
The Music School of Delaware kicks off the year with inspiring concerts celebrating music and culture. January 16 features the Martin Luther King, Jr. & Black History Tribute, supporting the Jacqueline Beach Faulcon Scholarship Fund. The Wilmington Community Orchestra performs Viva L’Italia! (Jan. 18) with Rossini and Mendelssohn, and Afro-American Symphony (Mar. 15), highlighting works by Florence Price, William Grant Still, George Walker, and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
4101 Washington St., Wilm. | MusicSchoolOfDelaware.org
Facebook/Instagram: @MusicSchoolofDE
OPERADELAWARE
OperaDelaware presents a night of operatic love triangles on January 23 & 25: the contemporary comic opera Service Provider, by Christopher Weiss and John de los Santos, is a modern take on timeless relationship chaos, along with the abriged Pagliacci, Leoncavallo’s classic of jealousy, betrayal, and heartbreak. In February, company artists Emily Margevich and Gerard Moon are joined by their fiancé and wife (Dylan Gregg and Yuri Kim-Moon respectively) for an intimate cabaret performance for Cabaret For Two: Love and Marriage (Feb. 20 & 22).
4 S. Poplar St., Wilm. | OperaDe.org
Facebook/Instagram: @OperaDelaware
THE QUEEN
It may be cold outside, but The Queen is just heating up with a genre-spanning lineup including indie rock artist Neko Case (Jan. 16), comedian Mike Cannon (Jan. 29), founding father of synth pop, Gary Numan (Mar. 15), Celtic favorites Gaelic Storm, Neil Young tribute band Sugar Mountain (Mar. 20), pop duo Aly & AJ (Mar. 22), and metal legends GWAR (Mar. 25).
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, continues its season by challenging audiences with the sharp humor and provocative questions in Art (Feb. 12-Mar. 1), a comedy about friendship and the meaning of modern taste.
Roselle Center for the Arts, 110 Orchard Rd., Newark | Rep.Udel.edu
Facebook: @Rep.Udel.edu | Instagram: @Delaware_Rep
SERAFIN ENSEMBLE
Serafin Ensemble’s winter performances bring chamber music to life across Wilmington. February 26’s Wonderful Winds showcases oboe and bassoon in works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Devienne, followed by a post-concert reception (Stonegates, 4031 Kennett Pike). On February 27, Happy Birthday Handel! celebrates the Baroque master with music by Handel and his contemporaries, featuring mezzo-soprano Gina Perregrino (Grace United Methodist Church, 900 Washington Street). The season continues March 10 with Serafin’s The Classic Clarinet, blending beloved works by Beethoven and Mozart with a world premiere by Peter Compo (Arden Concert Gild, 2126 The Highway).
Varying locations, Wilm. | SerafinEnsemble.org
Facebook/Instagram: @TheSerafins
WILMINGTON CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY
Wilmington Classical Guitar, now in its 16th year of bringing world-class classical guitarists to Delaware, continues its season on Saturday, February 21 with award-winning guitarist Gwenyth Aggeler who is fast becoming one of the most compelling new voices in classical guitar. On Saturday, March 14, Brazilian guitarist Alvaro Henrique brings to light overlooked masterpieces and contemporary voices from Brazil beyond the usual centers in his recital titled Brazilian Treasures.
Performance venue: Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 503 Duncan Rd., Wilm. | WilmingtonGuitar.org
Facebook/Instagram: @WilmingtonGuitar
WILMINGTON DRAMA LEAGUE
The Wilmington Drama League opens the new year with I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Jan. 23-Feb. 1), a witty, heartfelt musical comedy celebrating the ups and downs of love, dating, marriage, and everything in between. The annual Ruby Stanley One-Act Festival (Feb. 6 & 7) showcases original one-act plays by local playwrights with audiences voting for their favorite, and the winner advancing to represent WDL at the state, and potentially regional, level. In March, the Tennesee Williams’ drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof explores family tensions, secrets, and desire in the South (Mar. 6-15).
10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilm. | WilmingtonDramaLeague.org
Facebook: @WilmingtonDramaLeague| Instagram: @WilmDramaLeague
