Arts, Culture & History

Discover the Creative Heart of Sussex County, Delaware

Historic Towns

Lewes

Founded in 1631, Lewes is known as the "First Town in the First State" and is Delaware's oldest European settlement. Rich in maritime history, Lewes offers visitors historic homes, museums, walking tours, and beautiful tree-lined streets. The town's waterfront location along the Delaware Bay played an important role in colonial trade, fishing, and shipbuilding. Today, visitors can explore the Zwaanendael Museum, Historic Lewes, the Cannonball House Maritime Museum, and nearby Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen State Park while enjoying a vibrant downtown filled with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries.

Lewes Historical Society

Milton

Located along the scenic Broadkill River, Milton is one of Sussex County's most charming historic towns. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Milton became an important shipbuilding center and was once home to more than thirty shipyards. Today, visitors can stroll through the Governor's Walk Historic District, admire beautifully preserved Victorian homes, visit the Milton Historical Society, and enjoy a thriving arts community. Milton combines small-town charm with local galleries, unique shops, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year.

Milton Historical Society

Georgetown

Georgetown serves as the county seat of Sussex County and is best known for "The Circle," a unique town center inspired by Washington, D.C. The town's rich history dates back to the late 1700s and includes historic buildings, museums, and government landmarks. Georgetown hosts numerous community festivals and is home to the annual Return Day celebration, a Delaware tradition dating back more than 200 years. Visitors can explore local history while enjoying the town's welcoming atmosphere and historic architecture.

Georgetown Historical Society

Local Art Galleries & Art Centers

Rehoboth Art League

• Rehoboth Art League – Founded in 1938, the Rehoboth Art League is one of Delaware's premier arts organizations. Situated on a beautiful wooded campus, it features multiple galleries, rotating exhibitions, artist studios, educational classes, workshops, and nationally recognized outdoor art festivals.
• Milton Art Guild – Located in historic downtown Milton, the Milton Art Guild supports local artists through exhibitions, workshops, classes, and community programs. The guild showcases a variety of artwork including painting, photography, mixed media, and fine crafts.
• Mispillion Art League – Serving artists throughout southern Delaware, the Mispillion Art League offers gallery exhibitions, educational programs, artist demonstrations, and opportunities for emerging and established artists to display their work.
• Gallery One – One of the area's largest fine art galleries, Gallery One features original paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass art, and handcrafted gifts created by regional artists.
• Peninsula Gallery – Located in Lewes, Peninsula Gallery represents many of the Mid-Atlantic region's finest artists. The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions featuring coastal landscapes, contemporary works, sculpture, and fine art inspired by life along the Delaware coast.
• Raye of Light Studio Gallery – This charming Lewes gallery features original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and gifts created by local artists. It is a favorite stop for visitors seeking unique coastal-inspired artwork and handmade treasures.

Milton Art Guild

Upcoming Art Festivals & Outdoor Art Shows

Outdoor Art Shows

• Rehoboth Beach Arts Festival – A spring outdoor art event featuring original artwork, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and fine crafts from regional artists.
• Rehoboth Art League Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show – One of the largest and most respected outdoor art shows in the Mid-Atlantic region, featuring more than 100 artists and artisans.
• Milton Art Guild Exhibitions – Rotating exhibits throughout the year showcasing local and regional artists working in a variety of mediums.
• Mispillion Art League Seasonal Shows – Juried exhibitions, member shows, artist demonstrations, and educational programs.
• Local Craft Fairs & Artisan Markets – Seasonal events throughout Sussex County featuring handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking, fiber arts, paintings, and coastal-inspired crafts.

Theatre & Performing Arts

Milton Theatre

• Milton Theatre – Originally opened in 1910, the beautifully restored Milton Theatre hosts concerts, tribute bands, comedy shows, family entertainment, and nationally touring performers throughout the year.
• Clear Space Theatre Company – Located in Rehoboth Beach, Clear Space Theatre is Delaware's second-largest professional theater company. The organization presents Broadway-style musicals, plays, concerts, children's theatre productions, and educational programs for aspiring performers.
• Freeman Arts Pavilion – Situated near Fenwick Island, this popular outdoor venue presents concerts, dance performances, orchestras, children's programming, and appearances by nationally recognized artists in a beautiful open-air setting.
• Possum Point Players – Sussex County's longest-running community theatre group offers high-quality productions ranging from comedies and dramas to musicals, providing opportunities for local performers and volunteers.

Freeman Arts Pavilion

Free Outdoor Summer Music

• Rehoboth Beach Bandstand – Located on the boardwalk, the Bandstand hosts free concerts nearly every evening during the summer featuring tribute bands, jazz, rock, country, big band, and family entertainment.
• Bethany Beach Bandstand – A favorite summer gathering place offering free concerts, movies on the beach, children's entertainment, and community events throughout the season.
• Milton Memorial Park – Home to the popular Sounds of Summer concert series, bringing free outdoor music performances to downtown Milton.
• Lewes Canalfront Park – Hosts seasonal concerts and community music events along the picturesque Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
• Dewey Beach – Throughout the summer, Dewey offers beach-town music events and live outdoor performances near the waterfront.
• Freeman Arts Pavilion – In addition to its ticketed events, Freeman Arts Pavilion presents several free community concerts and family performances each summer.