City of Wilmington, Delaware

On June 15, overnight camping at Christina Park will end. However, that does not end the City’s commitment to our unhoused population.

The plan is clear and already underway. We have provided updates on the Christina Park plan. No one has to sleep in the park, and no one currently in Christina Park has to remain outside if they are willing to follow simple program guidelines or organizational rules.

The City has worked with Wilmington Housing Authority to fund emergency housing stays for the individuals at Christina Park, and they have identified 20 beds in housing programs that include wrap-around services. In addition, WHA has agreed to cover the cost of emergency hotel and motel stays for anyone at Christina Park and provide case management support to help people receive the treatment they need. The City has also agreed to use unspent funds from the Christina Park initiative to support hotel and motel stays if necessary.

We have explained these available options to the City Council, yet they continue to push rhetoric that the people at Christina Park do not have a place to go after June 15. That is simply untrue. By working collaboratively with our community partners, we have already successfully placed 32 people, and we are actively executing our plan to place even more. All these things are being accomplished while staying within the City’s financial means.

We want to thank WHA, Friendship House, and our hotel/motel partners for making beds available for this population and for providing the case management support they need for long-term stability.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday on the Wilmington Riverfront!

Join us for an afternoon and evening filled with live entertainment, family activities, local food and drinks, Delaware-made vendors, exhibits, and much more as we commemorate this historic milestone together.

The celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Christina River, accompanied by music from the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Bring your family and friends to help us celebrate 250 years of American history right here in Wilmington.

- Riverfront Wilmington�
- July 4, 2026�
- FREE admission
- ‎Begins at 2 pm and concludes with fireworks show

Join fellow soccer fans throughout the tournament at participating Wilmington restaurants and bars for watch parties, match-day specials, giveaways, and an electric atmosphere as the world's top clubs compete for the championship.

Whether you're cheering for your favorite club or simply looking for a great place to catch the action, there's a seat waiting for you right here in Wilmington.

Check out the participating locations at inwilmde.com and make plans to watch the matches with friends, family, and fellow fans from June 11 through July 19.

Get ready for an unforgettable night in Downtown Wilmington!

Rumble in Rodney is part of the DE250 celebration, featuring some of the region's top amateur boxing talent under the lights at Rodney Square.

Enjoy live music, food trucks, special guests, and an exciting evening of competition before the night concludes with a spectacular drone show over the city.

This free, family-friendly event is one you won't want to miss.

- Rodney Square�
- Friday, June 26, 2026�
- Festivities begin at 5:00 PM

The popular and free Ladybug Music Festival, the largest women-focused music festival in the country, returns to Downtown Wilmington Saturday, May 30, beginning at noon. Featuring more than 30 established and emerging female artists across seven stages, headlined by New Orleans native Mia Borders.
Motorists should be aware of the following street closures on Saturday, May 30, from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (May 31):

Market Street between 4th Street and 6th Streets
5th Street between Shipley and King Streets
6th Street between Shipley and King Streets

This summer, the City of Wilmington Department of Parks & Recreation is once again opening its doors to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for young people through the Safe Haven Program at the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center.

Running from July 1 through September 30, the program offers youth ages 5–17 access to recreational activities, arts and crafts, swimming, computer labs, mentorship, and nutritious meals during evening and weekend hours.

Safe Haven is about more than activities. It’s about creating positive opportunities and ensuring our young people have a place where they feel supported and empowered. Families are encouraged to take advantage of this free community resource throughout the summer season.

Registration is closing for the City of Wilmington’s 2026 Softball League! Whether you’re stepping up to compete or finding ways to stay active, there’s nothing like softball in the city.

Men’s League registration closes Monday, June 1, and Women’s/Co-Ed League registration closes Tuesday, June 2. Registration is free, and balls and t-shirts are included. Gather your team and get ready for another great season with Wilmington Parks & Recreation.

Join the Department of Parks and Recreation for Senior Health and Fitness Day at Tubman Garrett Park on Wednesday, June 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy fitness demonstrations, wellness education, health resources, and vendor booths focused on promoting healthy aging and community engagement.

Bring a friend and spend the day learning new ways to stay active and healthy, and best of all, staying connected.

Like our neighbors throughout the city of Wilmington, Tracey and I are deeply saddened by the loss of our good friend, former Mayor Mike Purzycki, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

I met Mike when he was elected to County Council, back when Tracey and I worked for then-Senator Joe Biden. Mike had an impressive background in finance and law that served him well throughout his career in public service and in his many years of leadership with the Riverfront Development Corporation. Decades ago, only Mike Purzycki and a handful of others believed that the Riverfront could become what it is today. Before most people could even imagine it, Mike saw a future with a Riverwalk, Tubman Garrett Park, and the vibrant community we where thousands of people now live, work, and play.

During his tenure as mayor, Mike focused on strengthening neighborhoods. He championed significant investments in housing and neighborhood stabilization that transformed whole sections of the city. Mike was a deep thinker. He always looked beyond how to improve things short term; he was committed to honoring the legacy of folks who shaped the city over generations, taking great care to respect Wilmington's rich history while working to secure its future.

I didn't have a big brother, but Mike came awfully close. He was someone I looked up to and respected both as a colleague and as a friend. Tracey and I have often said that Mike had range. He was a natural leader, a great athlete, a talented singer. He was tough with a wonderful sense of humor. He balanced resolve with humility and principle with collaboration. He was so many things, and, above all else, Mike had the heart of a public servant. I can't think of anyone who has had a greater impact on this city.

Wilmington lost a giant today, and my thoughts are with Mike's wife, Bette, his children, family members, and many friends. Tracey and I are grateful to count ourselves among those who knew and loved him.