Brandywine Fest, Winterthur exhibit, comedy stars, Odessa Brewfest & more: Weekend Guide

Delaware News Journal
·4 min read

Somebody somewhere once decided Labor Day meant an end to summer with a big "S'' but you don't need me to tell you that this past week felt like July out there.

And that means you can still take a trip to Delaware beaches if that's what you are feeling.

It should get cooler than it's been this week, and you may get some fun in between predicted thunderstorms, but do be careful of riptide warnings.

This weekend also brings lots of sports action, with Phillies playing the Marlins at home Saturday and Sunday evening. Meanwhile, the Blue Hens square off against the Nittany Lions at State College, and of course Sunday the Eagles take on the Patriots with a 4:25 p.m. start time.

Here are lots of ideas for weekend fun:

Brandywine Festival

Each year the Brandywine Festival of the Arts draws thousands of revelers in Wilmington.
Each year the Brandywine Festival of the Arts draws thousands of revelers in Wilmington.

With over 250 artists selling all sorts of unique artwork and wares, you'll have a chance to shop for nice holiday gifts at the Brandywine Festival of the Arts (BFA) in Wilmington on Saturday and Sunday. 

From posh paintings and illustrations to clothing, jewelry and whimsical woodwork crafts, the offerings at the festival span a wide range of styles and mediums.

The festival, which draws over 15,000 people yearly, also includes activities for kids, food vendors and more fun.

Brandywine Park (1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 10. Admission is $5 per day. Visit brandywinearts.com.

See the handiwork of a legend

Katya Roelse, a University of Delaware fashion and apparel studies professor, shows the blue bow on the petticoat trim, the "something blue," on a replica of Ann Lowe's wedding dress worn by Jacqueline Bouvier in her wedding to John F. Kennedy, during a media preview of the "Ann Lowe: American Couturier" exhibition at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library near Centreville on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. The exhibit features nearly 40 gowns, including some that have never been on display, and runs from Sept. 9 to Jan. 7, 2024.

Designs by dressmaker Ann Lowe for debutantes, heiresses, actresses and society brides were sought after from the 1920s until her retirement in 1972. While the creative Black couturier helped shape American fashion culture, today her achievements and name are not as widely recognized as her white male contemporaries.

Read all about her life, legacy, fashions and how to see them at Winterthur here.

Comedy stars at baby grand

Every joke has a victim. And if you're tired of being punched on by life, you can laugh at someone (or something) else when event producer Keenan Copening brings two comedy shows on one night.

The Bar None Entertainment event's first show of the night is at 7 p.m. and headlined by Barbara Carlyle, a longtime veteran who joined season 2 of Tiffany Haddish's Netflix series "They Ready." She also appeared on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and BET's "Comic View."

Opening for Carlyle are comics Timmy Hall, Cody Wright and Kevin Anthony.

The second show is at 9:30 p.m. and features those same three performers. Headlining is D'Lai, who has appeared on Kevin Hart's Laughing Out Loud Network, "Def Comedy Jam" and "Comic View."

baby grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Tickets are $43. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (302) 652-5577.

Sip at Historic Odessa Brewfest

The 10th annual Historic Odessa Brewfest is Saturday, Sept. 9.
The 10th annual Historic Odessa Brewfest is Saturday, Sept. 9.

Parched lips will find relief with samplings from 58-plus participating breweries in this milestone event. There are also live performances, lawn games, tasty food, artisan vendors and extra fun. 

This year marks the 10th annual Historic Odessa Brewfest and features first timers Fiddlehead Brewing Company and Maine Beer Company. Some of the region's favorite breweries on the lineup include Dogfish Head, Evil Genius, Iron Hill and Twisted Irons. 

Historic Odessa ­(202 Main St., Odessa) from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. General admission $60 ($70 at the gate); designated driver $15. Visit odessabrewfest.com or (302) 378-4119. 

Try a flight of Blizzards

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard
Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard

If you want to indulge your sweet tooth, this tip is for you.

We all know that fall doesn't start until Sept. 23.

However, for Dairy Queen, the end of summer — at least their summer menu — ended Sunday, Aug. 27. On Sunday, Aug. 28, Dairy Queen launched its fall Blizzard menu.

Read all about the fall flavors of this popular treat here.

Take in some tunes

Labor Day is in the rearview mirror, but there are still plenty of opportunities to hear great music.

It's the shoulder season at Delaware Beaches, and among the attractions meant to lure weekend warriors back to the beach are tribute acts.

While some shows were Friday, there are still a few on tap. Check it out.

And you can plan ahead for more fall concerts with this great roundup.

Andre Lamar, Patricia Talorico and Greg Giesen contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Brandywine Fest, Odessa Brewfest, comedy & other Delaware things to do