End August with a bang at beach, breweries, festivals, National Dog Day: Weekend Guide

Well, somehow it's late August already.

But summer is NOT over and there's still plenty of fun to pack in between now and Monday morning, if that's what you want to do.

Saturday's weather looks promising, with a high of 89 predicted near Wilmington and low chance of rain. It will be cooler at the beaches and it's still the official season so you won't be bored.

Sunday will be a bit cooler, but still ideal for grilling, outdoor fun or just getting those steps in.

Try a new brewery, or challenge this list

In less than three years since opening, Untappd beer ratings for Delmar's Loakal Branch Brewing Co. are tied with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery for second best in the state. Only Dewey Beer Co. has a higher rating for a Delaware brewery through the popular beer app.
In less than three years since opening, Untappd beer ratings for Delmar's Loakal Branch Brewing Co. are tied with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery for second best in the state. Only Dewey Beer Co. has a higher rating for a Delaware brewery through the popular beer app.

With 29 craft breweries operating across Delaware, it's sometimes hard to wrap your head (or lips) around which ones are best to visit.

But Ryan Cormier did a deep diver into Untappd app rankings to see what beer lovers sipping in the First State think.

Plan your own strategy for trying them all over time, or seek out a new one to cool off and judge for yourself.

If you have bike and want to check out some of the beach-adjacent spots, we also have this nifty guide.

Hit the beaches for fun in sun

An early August sun sets on the bay in Dewey Beach.
An early August sun sets on the bay in Dewey Beach.

It's the last weekend in August at the Delaware beaches.

Despite the official last day of summer being Sept. 23, for most people, everything that makes summer summer ends on Labor Day. That won't stop people from coming to the beaches, though, as the ever-extending "shoulder season" begins.

But there are still two glorious weekends of "summer" left, and plenty of time to experience everything the Delaware beaches have to offer once more.

Delaware Online/The News Journal has provided this weekend guide to the Delaware beaches all summer long. For the second-to-last time, read on to find out all you need to know if you'll be in Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany or Fenwick this weekend.

Celebrate National Dog Day

It's National Dog Day on Saturday and we have a fun guide of places to hang and have a blast with your dog.

You can also read this fun story about which breeds are most popular in the First State.

Toast summer's end at a new restaurant

Flank steak served with creamed kale and potato is on the menu at One Coastal restaurant in Fenwick Island. It's owned by chef Matthew Kern. 7/31/2023
Flank steak served with creamed kale and potato is on the menu at One Coastal restaurant in Fenwick Island. It's owned by chef Matthew Kern. 7/31/2023

Looking to dine out this weekend?

Food writer Patricia Talorico rounded up all the great experiences she had this season into this handy guide for you to explore your culinary options.

Check out six places you can enjoy now or after Labor Day if you'd rather grill.

Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival

The Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival returns to Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover on Saturday, Aug. 26.
The Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival returns to Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover on Saturday, Aug. 26.

The annual Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival will take over Dover with over 20 beverage companies on tap, including Dogfish Head, Painted Stave and Iron Hill. The event features food trucks, live music, outdoor games and more.

Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village (866 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. General admission is $65. Visit debeerwinespirits.com.

Batman Fest takes vengeance to Milton

DOVER COMIC CON: Nelson Vasquez and his daughter Mia, 4, of Dover, dressed as Batman at the second annual Dover Comic Con, Aug. 8, 2015.
DOVER COMIC CON: Nelson Vasquez and his daughter Mia, 4, of Dover, dressed as Batman at the second annual Dover Comic Con, Aug. 8, 2015.

While superhero films are at an all-time high, you can take your children back in time to watch a classic hero film outdoors on the big screen with the original "Batman." The 1989 movie is part of Batman Fest, an event for all ages, that features dishes from local food trucks, a comic book-themed costume contest, live music and family games. Parents can sip on Revelation's new beer Brand X, which is being crafted specifically for Batman Fest.

Hudson Fields (29763 Eagle Crest Road, Milton) on Saturday, Aug. 26. Gates open at 5 p.m. Free admission. Visit therevivalhousetheater.com.

'Godfather' parody premieres in Middletown

The glowing sign for The Everett in Middletown.
The glowing sign for The Everett in Middletown.

"The Godfather" isn't done inspiring new flicks. One of the latest is the indie film "S.W.A.T. Godfather," which premieres in Middletown this weekend.

The film follows the loose-cannon cop Cpl. Chan (Ethan Han) who discovers his sister is Babyface (Jahzielle Edillon), a villain he's tried to catch since the start of his career. Babyface's mission is to deliver her brother to the Godfather by any means. "S.W.A.T. Godfather" marks the fourth and final installment of Ethan Han Productions’ "S.W.A.T." series.

The Everett (47 W. Main St. Middletown) from 7:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26. Admission is $8. Visit everetttheatre.com or (302) 378-7038.

Andre Lamar and Shannon Marvel McNaught contributed to this story

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware fun? Festivals, breweries, National Dog Day top the list