August 4

St. Joseph’s Church Annual Parish Dinner and Jousting Tournament. Held in the middle of the week since it started, over a century ago. Great chicken and ham dinner served outside under the trees that were saplings when the tradition began. Followed by an afternoon of ring jousting (the state sport, don’t you forget.) Dinner 11:30, Joust 1:00. See a video of last year’s event: http://bit.ly/9axGjV

August 6

1st Friday. Easton & Chestertown. Shops and studios open late. Special events. 5-9pm

August 6-7

Tangier Island Homecoming Festival. 5pm. Two evenings of food, dance, and music. Island can only be reached by the ferry or private boat. Call to find out about ferry schedule or overnight accommodations on the island. 757-891-2438

August 6-7-8

50th Wheat Threshing Steam & Gas Engine Show, Federalsburg. Antique farm equipment fired up and operating, old cars, blacksmith shop, sawmill, rock crusher. Breakfast 7:00 each day. Parade of the steam traction engines and other equipment 5PM on Friday and Saturday, 4PM on Sunday. FREE. 10-6 daily. On Rt 313 near Federalsburg. www.threshermen.org

August 7

First Saturday in Stevensville. “Art Stop” Stroll through the studios and shops. 11-4

32nd Annual Sandcastle Contest, Rehoboth Beach. About 800 people create sand sculptures, everything from animals, mermaids, crabs, pyramids, and every variety of sand castle. Over 100 teams and many individuals Registration starts at 8:30. Artistic compositions must be finished by 3. FREE to register and to watch. At Fishermen’s Beach at the north end of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.

www.beach-fun.com

Cheriton Day

The town at the southern tip of Delmarva celebrates its community with a parade, cake walk, community breakfast, silent auction, sand good food: crab cakes, turkey legs and more. 9-6.

757-761-0390

Appreciation Day, Betterton Beach. One of the things they appreciate is that the sandy beach at Betterton is never plagued by stinging jellyfish. Parade (10 am), swimming, baby contest, music, and the (in)famous cow plop bingo in the town park. 410-348-5678.

Concert in the Vineyard, Chatham Vineyards, Machipongo. “Dead on the Vine” tribute to the Grateful Dead. Dinner is an Eastern Shore Seafood Boil with clams, shrimp, crabs, sausage. And a glass of wine. $20 for adults. Kids under 12 free (They get the dinner, but no wine.) www.chathamvineyards.net

Kent Fort Farm Peach Festival. Stevensville. Very family-oriented with hay rides, petting zoo, crafts. Pick-your-own peaches and blackberries. Other local foods for sale. Cash only. 10-4. Free. Farm is at 135 Eastern Lane in Stevensville. 410-643-1650

August 7-8

Annie Oakley Wild West Festival, Cambridge. Annie Oakley and Frank Butler lived in Cambridge for several years when they wanted to leave the performing world behind them. This celebrates the 150th birthday of the legendary sharp shooter. Live music by several country and cowboy music artists and groups, Native American area, pony and stagecoach rides, buffalo burgers, and deep fried Twinkies (don’t knock ‘em if you haven’t tried ‘em). Sailwinds Park. 12-8. FREE. www.annieoakleyfestival.com

Rehoboth Art League Annual Members’ Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Exhibition. One of the largest and finest shows of artistic talent in the region. That it’s held outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the Art League just adds to the ambiance. This year, there are even more booths and more artists, plus live music: jazz, Caribbean, World Culture. $5, children free. The event also repeats next weekend, August 14-15. www.rehobothartleague.org

Thunder on the Narrows, Chestertown. Hydroplanes and Jersey Speed Skiffs race on a mile-and-a-quarter course at over 100 mph. Held at the Kent Narrows Yacht Club. 12-5 each day. $7 adults. Children under 12 free. http://kentnarrowsracing.com/

August 8

Music at Layton’s Chance Winery, Vienna. Shore favorite Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys in concert. 2PM. $5 www.laytonschance.com

Seafood and Arts Festival, Indian River Marina, Delaware Seashore State Park. Nautical artists, live music, and fresh seafood. All on the waterfront. And it’s FREE. Life is good. www.destateparks.com