June 21 is the first official day of summer. The solstice also marks A New Night Downtown in Newark, a fresh twist on the street fair model.
The festival of fun and shopping will be held on the third Saturday in June. Hours are from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. to accommodate visitors who prefer an afternoon outing and folks who are looking for a night on the town.
A New Night Downtown also is two weeks later than last year’s event, eliminating any conflict with Alumni Weekend at the University of Delaware. That event, titled Newark Day, did not offer nighttime activities.
This year’s foot-friendly, intimate event is designed as a showcase for merchants on Main Street and South Main Street, who will offer locally sourced food, drinks and wares along with live music and children’s games.
Think of it as a laid-back alternative to Firefly Music Festival, the four-day event held the same weekend in Dover.
People who attended Newark Nite, a June event that ran for 26 years, will experience a gentler vibe, with fewer crowds and outside vendors. The footprint of A New Night Downtown is smaller, fostering a relaxed, neighborly atmosphere. The emphasis will be on the unique goods and services that make downtown Newark a great place to spend both time and money.
Looking for something to enjoy on a weeknight? A spring concert series launched in May by the parks and recreation department will continue on Thursdays through June 19. Concerts that feature local musicians like John Hadfield (June 5), Venom Blues (June 12) and Ace of Hearts (June 19) will be held 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Academy Building lawn.
Music lovers are encouraged to enjoy a bite to eat and do some shopping on Main Street either before or after the concert.
