Privatization has made the annual Brandywine Festival of the Arts a far more discriminating event than it was in its waning days as the Brandywine Arts Festival. Along with better food and drink comes a better caliber of work—including the best of our local favorites—as well as national recognition. We can think of no better way to celebrate the end of summer than by strolling among the many tents in Brandywine Park’s Josephine Gardens—a setting tailor-made for the party. (1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, 690-5555, www.brandywinearts.com)
The venerable Rehoboth Art League’s Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Show is so epic, it spans two weekends. It’s a great excuse to wander the historic Homestead in Henlopen Acres while hunting for must-have work by some of the best artists in the region. It happens Aug. 8-9 and Aug. 15-16. (12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach, 227-8408, www.rehobothartleague.org)