Delaware by Day: Freeman Arts Pavilion 2021 and Beyond

A Community Gem with a Mission

If you’ve had the opportunity to attend a concert at the former Freeman Stage, you’re in for an even better experience in the 2021 summer season! Whether it’s country music’s mega star, Clint Black, a soothing orchestra performance by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, (read more on their innovations in the 20-21 season or legends like Don McLean, the Pavilion is sure to please everyone. BONUS—they have monthly FREE familyfriendly shows like Jungle John, Groovy Nate, or Cascading Carlos-the Juggler that are great for the grandkids! (Some require reservations, so be sure to check.)

Major enhancements and flourishes are coming to the newly renamed Freeman Arts Pavilion, including additional outdoor seating! Enhanced landscaping, additional restrooms and concession facilities are all coming. In fact, by the time the Freeman Pavilion’s master plan is completed in another four years, it will be able to hold 4,400 people in both under-roof and outdoor seating! (Don’t worry, construction will only take place off-season.) This Selbyville, DE, arts venue is southern Delaware’s premier destination for outdoor concerts, just a 40-minute drive from Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. Don’t want to drive and worry about traffic and parking? Try taking advantage of the pavilion’s partnership with Jolley Trolley’s shuttle service directly to the venue and back!

This Selbyville, DE arts venue is SoDel’s premier destination for outdoor concerts, just a 40-minute drive from Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. Don’t want to drive and worry about traffic and parking? Try taking advantage of the pavilion’s partnership with Jolley Trolley’s shuttle service directly to the venue and back! 

The legacy of the Freeman family’s generosity at (and beyond) the pavilion is evident. Their name is practically synonymous with philanthropy in the region. Their year-round Arts Access program provides children and families with educational programs. School programs take place throughout the area, especially in schools with underserved children. 

And don’t miss their regularly scheduled free concerts provided to the public – PERFECT for a day out with your grandkids and friends! (Some require reservations, so be sure to check.) 

The Freeman Companies were established in Maryland in the 1950s by Carl M. Freeman, an innovative housing developer and philanthropist. As the company’s explosive growth expanded into Delaware, Carl’s son, Joshua Freeman took over the helm, along with the family’s foundation that still supports countless local nonprofits and other projects. 

Following Joshua’s Freeman’s tragic passing in 2006, his wife created an additional family foundation in Joshua’s honor, and the family’s passion for performance and arts education blossomed into the Freeman Arts Pavilion. 

Be sure to check out their schedule of upcoming events! In addition to big-name headliners, they also present concerts and other types of performances by local artists. Prefer theatre over music? Check out Rehoboth Summer Music Theatre’s free performance of Hansel and Gretel. Is jazz your “thing?” Don’t miss the chance to see Jazz Center at the Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, a 15-piece ensemble of some of the world’s best soloists playing together! 

And for the nostalgic, there’s legendary Beach Boys (yes, they’re still touring)! Ballet fans can support Delaware’s own First State Ballet, performing a combination of classical and contemporary dance. The variety on the pavilion’s list just goes on!  

So enjoy summer breezes and gorgeous live performance in southern Delaware’s most talked about venue! Just be sure to remember your lawn chair, though. Because of pandemic restrictions, guests in pods of up to four people will be in “bring your own chair” format this summer.  Check out their upcoming performances: JULY SHOWS • AUGUST SHOWS.