Last week I spotlighted ways to entertain your grandkids when you’re down around the beach, focusing on amusement parks where they can spend hours just being kids and a couple of family-friendly restaurants that offer playgrounds adjacent to the dining area so they have a way to burn off more energy while you enjoy after-dinner conversation.
This week I’m focusing on some wonderful date night options once the youngsters go back to school – outdoor music venues that host some of today’s best performers.
IN SUSSEX COUNTY
The Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville features more than 70 events each year in a fabulous open air venue, including live music by renowned recording artists and local and regional dance, theatre, comedy and family friendly shows. You can watch those shows from a vast lawn seating area or with dinner and drinks at an adjacent lawn. There’s a diverse array of dining options from local food trucks and a Beer Garden serving up craft selections.
Located at the Lewes Ferry grounds near Cape Henlopen State Park, Rocking the Docks in Lewes is another place for wonderful live performances in a scenic setting, with shows almost every night during the summer. There’s plenty of free parking, with shows almost every night between now and the end of August.
The Big Chill Beach Club is a fun oceanfront restaurant in Bethany, with great pub style food and live music throughout the spring, summer and fall.
IN KENT COUNTY
Located in the tiny hamlet of Viola, Loblolly Acres is a scenic working farm that hosts many music and cultural events throughout the year, including beloved autumn and holiday season happenings. They also host a diverse array of performers!
IN NEW CASTLE COUNTY
With indoor and outdoor seating, The Queen in downtown Wilmington is a beautiful venue for top entertainment, with lots of great music year-round.
As a destination for history, design, and horticulture buffs, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square (just over the Pennsylvania line) is a picturesque setting for live music and theatre throughout the summer and fall.
My Final Notes
As the summer crowds wind down and school schedules kick back into gear, late summer and autumn offer the perfect window for a well-deserved night out. Whether you’re listening to world-class acts under the stars in Selbyville, catching live tunes right by the ocean in Bethany, or enjoying a scenic farm venue in Kent County, Delaware's outdoor music scene provides unforgettable backdrops for a romantic evening or a fun outing with friends. We hope this list inspires your next date night! If you found this venue guide helpful, feel free to pass it along to your favorite concert buddy or anyone looking to enjoy the best of live local music this season.
From all of us here at Active Adults Realty, stay well, friends.