The Delaware Beaches is a destination that offers an abundance of exciting activities beyond its beautiful shoreline.

By Julie Matthews / Photo above: Courtesy of the Rehoboth Art League

Along with robust events calendars and an elevated dining scene, the region is brimming with a diverse array of cultural experiences. From art galleries and local museums to performing arts and other entertaining shows, the region presents a vibrant arts and culture scene

Amazing Art 

From fine art to performance arts, Delaware Beaches has something for everybody. Reflecting its quaint coastal charms, the region has a number of delightful art galleries and centers to explore.  

Located on a tranquil, three-acre campus in Rehoboth, the Rehoboth Art League is a hub for local artists. Throughout the year, it holds exhibits and events in support of the area’s art community. Also in Rehoboth, Gallery 50, which has a contemporary emphasis, showcases the artwork of up-and-coming and regional artists.  

In Bethany Beach, the Blue Room Gallery and Gift Shop is an engaging spot to peruse for an art fix. Not far away, Lewes is an art community well worth exploring, where you’ll find a variety of small art galleries and studios, with paintings, glass blowing and more. Mispillion Art League, offering art exhibits and classes, in Milford is another place to add to your self-created art trail.  

Along with its galleries, the community’s strong artisan influence is apparent in its eclectic events and unique shops. The region hosts a number of incredible art festivals during the year that art lovers will not want to miss. Held at the Lewes Historical Society, the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, June 6-7, showcases a wide range of impressive sea glass creations and other coastal-inspired works of art. On September 12, the 48th Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival will take over downtown Bethany Beach. This popular annual event features more than 100 juried artists and their talented artwork. Sidewalk Sale events, held in both in the spring and fall in Rehoboth and Dewey Beach, are also beloved in this region. Shoppers get a great opportunity to support local artists and businesses at these stands dotting the downtown areas. 

Live Performances 

While very family-friendly, Delaware Beaches is also a place where you can let your hair down and let loose. Live music is a mainstay in restaurants and in bars throughout the region. From enjoying cover tunes from a cozy corner to dancing the night away at a drag queen show, there’s something fun and uplifting here for everybody. 

Seeing a live performance at Selbyville’s Freeman Arts Pavilion is a must do. From concerts to theatre, this outdoor venue entertains audiences of all ages and interests. In Rehoboth, check out the entertainment lineup at Clear Space Theatre, an intimate venue where you can immerse yourself into all kinds of captivating shows, including hilarious comedy performances. For the kids, be sure to take a look at The Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre’s calendar. 

Bethany Beach Bandstand and Rehoboth Beach Bandstand both offer a continual flow of incredible concerts throughout the summer with all diverse genres of music, from rock and pop to country and jazz. Plus, enjoy fabulous tribute concerts. 

Local Museums  

With a rich history full of maritime heritage and stories, the museums throughout the Delaware Beaches offer enriching educational opportunities. In Rehoboth, explore exhibits and artifacts at the Rehoboth Beach Museum, the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum and the Anna Hazzard Museum. The DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum in Fenwick Island and the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro also offer remarkable cultural experiences. 

And history enthusiasts will not want to miss spending time in historic Lewes, which is loaded with historical gems, such as the Cannonball House Maritime Museum and the Zwannendael Museum. 

From artsy to historic, experience a little of everything in the Delaware Beaches.