City Loop Series

Originating in 1979 with the Halloween Loop, the Loop is a citywide party in which club patrons pay a one-time cover charge to visit 15-20 nightspots throughout Wilmington. The majority of Loops are roaming costume parties, with patrons dressing for the theme (Halloween, ‘70s, St. Patrick’s Day). Free shuttle buses are provided throughout the evening to transport Loopsters to and from participating venues.

The Halloween Loop is the granddaddy of all Loops, and regularly draws more than 20,000 people to Wilmington. The City Loop Series has become a Wilmington tradition, and is credited with helping invigorate the city’s nightlife.

Check for updates on upcoming loops or call 655-6483 for information.

Commonly Asked Questions About the Loop

Question: Where do I start the Loop?
Answer: This is no official starting point. Select the nightspot you'd like to visit first, pay the cover charge, and you will receive a wristband that gains you admission to all other Loop venues without paying another cover.

Question: What time do the buses start running?
Answer: 8:15pm.

Question: What time do the buses stop running?
Answer: The buses stop running their regular routes at 12:45am and begin making last-visit stops at 1am. Buses stop running at 1:30am. Tip: Be at the last venue you plan to visit by 12:30am.

Question: What does my wristband entitle me to?
Answer: Admission to any Loop venue without paying another cover charge and free transportation on the Loop shuttle bus service.

Question: Do I need to wear a costume?
Answer: No, but you will feel much more a part of the party if you do. The Loops are costumed pub crawls, especially the '70s, '80s and Halloween Loop. For the St. Patrick's Day Loop, be sure to wear green. And many venues sponsor costume contests so be creative and you could go home with a prize.

Question: Does the Loop provide shuttle service to Newark and/or the University of Delaware?
Answer: No. Private groups do coordinate bus trips to Wilmington but they are not sponsored by the Loop.

Question: Where should I park?
Answer: At the venue you plan to be when the Loop concludes (1am). Don't wait until after 1am to catch a bus back to where you parked. There is no guarantee you will be able to accomplish that.

Question: Where do you purchase your wristband?
Answer: At the first venue you visit. There are no advance sales of Loop wristbands. Wristband sales begin at 7pm the evening of the Loop.

Question: When did the Loop series start?
Answer: The Loops began in 1979 with the Halloween Loop. This year the Halloween Loop turns 26.

Keys to a Successful Loop:

• Start early (for the Halloween Loop, most venues have a waiting line by 10pm).
• Wear a comfortable costume. Make sure you can see where you are walking and use the rest room with ease. Also, make sure the costume doesn't cause you to become overheated (venues get very crowded on the Loop).
• Designate a sober driver or plan to stay in the city for the evening at a friend's place or one of the city's five hotels.
• Don't Drink and Drive! Call the Delaware Designated Driver Program at 302/999-9079 if you are with anyone who plans to drive and is not sober.
• Plan your Loop course so your last stop is near your home or your car. It's difficult to catch a bus across town after 1am.
• Tip the bus drivers. It's a difficult evening for drivers so show some appreciation.