Ludacris vibes at State Fair, Winterthur Artisan Market, Jimmie Allen concert, & more

Looking for fun this weekend without leaving Delaware? We have a special cocktail of events you can sip on.

Hi there, I'm Andre Lamar , your mixologist serving up cool summer events for you to enjoy in the First State. Welcome to the latest DO Delaware newsletter , where you’ll find the best ways to unwind this weekend, and beyond.

Shop ‘til you drop at Winterthur Artisan Market

Over 100 artists, musicians and food vendors will be on tap for the fourth annual Winterthur Artisan Market , which runs all weekend.

The event is a good place to do early Christmas shopping, or buy other gifts, since it offers unique wares from some of the region’s most talented craftspeople.

This includes items such as antiques and collectibles, vintage clothing and jewelry, furniture, home décor, architectural salvage, high-quality handmade crafts, artisanal and small-batch gourmet goods, garden items, and more, according to press materials.

Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur) from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, July 19; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21. Admission is $35 for non-member adults, and $10 for members. Visit winterthur.org or (800) 448-3883.

Del Shakes brings the pain with 'Julius Caesar'

During the tyrannical reign of Julius Caesar, a group of leaders, led by Cassius and Brutus, plot and carry out a major assassination.

Delaware Shakespeare will deliver a gender-expansive cast in their portrayal of the classic Shakespeare production of "Julius Caesar," held outdoors. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair, blanket, pack a picnic, enjoy pre-show entertainment, and the main event. This festival, which is wheelchair-accessible, is held Wednesday to Sunday from July 19 to Aug. 4.

Rockwood Park (4651 Washington St. Extension, near Wilmington) from Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, Aug. 4. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., except Sunday shows, which begin at 6 p.m. (July 21, July 28 & Aug. 4). Tickets are $23-$45. Visit delshakes.org or call (302) 468-4890.

Rehoboth Art League hosts summer favorite show

The Rehoboth Art League's popular summer exhibit returns, showcasing a variety of 2-D and 3-D media from dozens of members. In keeping with tradition, awards of excellence are announced for outstanding artwork in RAL's 86th annual Members' Fine Art Exhibition. This includes The Sarah Ethel Tunnell Award: Best in Show for $500.

Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach) from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, Aug. 18. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit rehobothartleague.org or (302) 227-8408.

'Hamilton' star Leslie Odom Jr. in Selbyville

"Hamilton" star Leslie Odom Jr . is a multitalented singer and actor you may have seen in films and TV shows like "Gotham," "Harriet" and "Red Tails." This time the Tony Award- and Grammy Award-winning performer will show off his golden pipes. Patrons should bring their own chairs to this show.

Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lake View Drive, near Selbyville) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19. Tickets are $79.50. Visit freemanarts.org or call (302) 436-3015.

White Panda brings dance party to Dewey Beach

There aren’t a ton of big EDM acts playing in Delaware this summer. So White Panda is here to jazz things up. Music lovers have partied with the mash-up artist multiple times at Firefly, and most recently at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach, where he's played New Year's Eve shows several times over the last few years.

Bottle & Cork (1807 Route 1, Dewey Beach) at 9 p.m. Friday, July 19. Tickets are $36. Visit bottleandcork.com or call (302) 227-7272.

Rap legend Ludacris to sizzle State Fair

While big rap concerts are scarce in Delaware this summer, Ludacris is stepping in to fill the gap. The emcee and actor have released major hits like "Number One Spot," "Rollout (My Business)," and "Act a Fool." His acting credits include "Crash" and the "Fast & Furious" franchise.

Delaware State Fairgrounds (18500 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Tickets are $49-$84. Visit delawarestatefair.com or call (302) 398-3269.

Kevin Bacon to cook up concert in SoDel

Whether or not you've seen Hollywood star Kevin Bacon in the new action comedy "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" or the horror film "MaXXXine," you'll have a chance to catch him in concert in SoDel, while tickets last.

Kevin and his sibling Michael will headline with The Bacon Brothers band . The siblings from Philly describe their sound as "Forosoco," a mix of the words "folk, rock, soul, country." The Bacon Brothers have dropped several albums, including their new release, "Ballad of The Brothers."

Opening their show is Cindy Alexander . Patrons should bring their own chairs to this show.

Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21. Tickets are $49.54. Visit freemanarts.org or call (302) 436-3015.

Jimmie Allen back to groove Dewey Beach

Don't be surprised if Delaware superstar Jimmie Allen performs his new single, a love letter to country girls when he headlines a show at the beach in late July.

The release of Allen’s new country song "G.R.I.T.S." (an acronym for Girls Raised In The Sticks) coincides with the singer’s yearlong battle fighting two sexual assault allegations made against him by two different women. No criminal charges have been filed against the Milton singer.

Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) from 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 23. Tickets are $39. Visit bottleandcork.com or call (302) 227-7272.

Here are more events to nosh on:

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Ludacris vibes at State Fair, Winterthur Artisan Market, Jimmie Allen concert, & more