It might sound crazy, but now is the time to start looking at your calendar to plan the entertainment events you want to hit up in Delaware in 2025 because some of them are bound to sell out.
This happens every year.
Here’s a preview of some of the big events coming to the First State in the first half of 2025, events where tickets could go quickly.
Umphrey’s McGee concert at The Queen, Wilmington
Umphrey’s McGee will headline The Queen in Wilmington on Thursday, Jan. 23.
The improv rockers/jam band Umphrey’s McGee are bringing their “Cruising Altitude” tour to the First State in early 2025. Umphrey’s has a cult following and the Chicago-based band is known for tunes like “Nothing Too Fancy,” “In the Kitchen” and “No Diablo.”
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The Queen (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. Tickets are $21-$50. Visit thequeenwilmington.com or call (302) 400-7020.
‘The Cher Show’ musical at The Playhouse, Wilmington
Living legend Cher gets a namesake Broadway show that celebrates her dominance as a pop icon over six decades. Three actresses play Cher (the kid starting out, the pop star, and finally the icon) in this show that delivers 35 smash hits, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, plus “enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City,” according to press materials.
The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Tickets are $63-$211. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 888-0200.
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Chat with the cast of ‘The Sopranos,’ Wilmington
Michael Imperioli and his castmates from ‘The Sopranos’ will chat about the show at The Grand in Wilmington on Saturday, Feb. 1.
Was there anything you wanted to ask the cast of “The Sopranos?” You could get your chance when comedian Joey Kola hosts a conversation with actors Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bacala), Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy), and Michael Imperioli (Christopher). This “Sopranos” event will feature stories, memories and slides from when the show was in production. During the Q&A portion of the show, fans will get an opportunity to ask questions to the actors.
The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Tickets are $80-$111. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 652-5577.
‘Jay and Silent Bob’ tour to The Grand, Wilmington
Jason Mewes (left) and Kevin Smith will bring the ‘Jay and Silent Bob: The Aural Sects Tour’ to The Grand in Wilmington on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith have long been known as the dynamic duo Jay and Silent Bob, characters they’ve played in eight different movies. But Smith and Mewes will get to be themselves when they visit Wilmington for the “Jay and Silent Bob: The Aural Sects Tour.” The pals will discuss tales about being dads, making movies, “all while struggling to maintain their dwindling pop cultural relevance,” according to the tour’s summary.
The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Tickets are $51-$71. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 652-5577.
‘Cowboy Bebop Live’ with anime concert, Wilmington
John Cho attends Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop’ premiere at Goya Studios on Nov. 11, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
Anime lovers will be in the house for the special event “Cowboy Bebop Live.” The event will feature a live performance from a 14-piece jazz ensemble that will play the iconic soundtrack from the classic 1998 anime “Cowboy Bebop.” The anime is a space western about bounty hunters who track down criminals across the solar system, and the show’s groovy music has become adored by fans. A live-action adaptation of “Bebop” hit Netflix in 2021.
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The Queen (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Friday, March 7. Tickets are $45-$65+. Visit thequeenwilmington.com or call (302) 400-7020.
Brian McKnight concert at Bally’s Dover Casino
Brian McKnight sings the United States National Anthem prior to the MLS All-Star Game between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC.
When it comes to legendary R&B songs, singer Brian McKnight has contributed his fair share to the game. McKnight, who has 17 Grammy Award nominations, became a household name in the ’90s and has released countless favorites like “Back at One,” “Anytime” and “One Last Cry.”
Bally’s Dover Casino Resort (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) at 9 p.m. Friday, March 14 Tickets are $75-$100. Visit casinos.ballys.com/dover or call (302) 674-4600.
‘420 Spring Fling’ party, Townsend
The cannabis community will hang out with Delaware NORML and the Weedstock crew to celebrate 420 on Easter for this Spring Fling party. The event will offer 36 straight hours of music, vendors, art, comedy and more.
Fire Base Lloyd (474 Fleming Landing Road, Townsend) from 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 20. Tickets TBA. Visit facebook.com/weedstockde.
‘Fraggle Rock’ tour to The Playhouse, Wilmington
Another big theater production involves Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley and Boober Fraggle in a musical adventure where they discover an ancient artifact in “Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live.” This show offers beloved songs and new walk-around versions of Fraggles, a cameo from giant Gorgs and new puppet creatures.
The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Tickets are $75-$136. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 888-0200.
‘Hadestown’ musical to raise hell this spring, Wilmington
Arguably the most acclaimed theater show set to hit Delaware in the new year is “Hadestown,” which the New York Times called “Sumptuous. Gorgeous. As good as it gets.” The musical takes the audience to the underworld in this tale of mythology that involves the young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, plus King Hades and Queen Persephone. “Hadestown” won eight 2019 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Friday, May 2; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 3; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Tickets are $59-$149. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 888-0200.
Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias at Delaware State Fair, Harrington
Comedian Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias will headline the Delaware State Fair in Harrington on Sunday, July 20.
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is a jolly giant who can’t get enough of Harrington. So, the comedian is coming back to the Delaware State Fair this summer with more shenanigans. Fluffy, who headlined the state fair in 2023 and 2017, has over 25 million followers across his social media platforms.
Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Tickets are $48-$84. For tickets, visit delawarestatefair.com.
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CeCe Winans concert at Delaware State Fair, Harrington
Singer CeCe Winans will headline the Delaware State Fair in Harrington on Tuesday, July 22.
The Delaware State Fair’s full concert lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, but one thing’s certain: Superstar gospel singer CeCe Winans is set to perform. With 15 Grammy wins, which is one more than Taylor Swift, CeCe is a musical powerhouse who will bless the stage at the M&T Bank Grandstand this summer.
Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 22. Tickets are $38-$73. For tickets, visit delawarestatefair.com.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware big events in 2025: Weed party, Hadestown, ‘Cher Show,’ more
