From high caliber annual festivals to small town celebrations, Virginia’s cities and towns entertain locals and visitors year-round with fun-filled events, including countless wallet-friendly options.
Musical performances, art exhibits, history and heritage-focused activities, as well as seasonal and holiday festivities—see firsthand how Virginia communities love to have a good time.
Several milestone annual events to have on your radar for 2026 include Gloucester’s 40th Annual Daffodil Festival in March, Norfolk’s 50th Annual Harborfest in June, Galax’s 90th Old Fiddlers’ Convention in August and Virginia Beach’s 70th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show in October.
A number of Virginia’s top events in 2026 are connected to America’s Semiquincentennial anniversary, highlighting key people and moments linked with the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. Virginia played a pivotal role in our nation’s formation and why it is taking center stage in our country’s reflections and celebrations of this major milestone.
The event list that follows features many key VA 250th events, which are highlighted with the iconic VA 250 logo.
Mark your calendars because there is so much to see and do in Virginia in 2026 and beyond, for all ages and interests!
Feb. 28-March 8: Virginia Wine Expo, Richmond
This nine-day celebration of wine and food is full of flavors, from regional to international.
March 14: Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival, Roanoke
Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day festivities at Downtown Roanoke’s rain-or-shine
parade and a free festival.
March 20-22: Virginia Festival of the Book, Charlottesville
In 2026, “Revolutions” will be broad theme of this beloved annual gathering
of writers and readers.
March 21: America250: Voices of Virginia, Lynchburg
Grab tickets and experience this multidisciplinary performance at Historic Academy Theatre, presented by Charlottesville Ballet and Opera on the James, which depicts our country’s story from its founding to today.
March 28-29: Daffodil Festival, Gloucester
This top Gloucester tradition marks 40 years and features more than 250 vendors in 2026!
March-April: Cherry Blossom Festivals, Statewide
Northern Virginia hosts multiple cherry blossom-themed events, an extension of D.C.’s wildly popular National Cherry Blossom Festival.
April 11: Smithfield Virginia Wine & Brew Fest, Smithfield
Spend a leisurely afternoon in scenic Windsor Castle Park while sipping tasty
libations and supporting the community.
April 16-19: Virginia International Tattoo, Norfolk
Commemorating our nation’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 performance will showcase more than 800 performers from across the globe.
April 17-19: Revolutionary Rhythms Weekend, Williamsburg
James City County’s 250th commemoration at Jamestown Beach Event Park includes a 3D drone show, music performances, VA250 mobile museum, family activities and much more.
April 24-26: Buchanan Civil War History Weekend, Buchanan
This annual event in Buchanan returns for a full weekend of Civil War reenactments and other educational activities.
April 24-May 3: 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, Winchester
Celebrate apple blossoms and the spring season at this beloved community festival series including more than 50 events.
April 25: Honoring Indigenous Peoples: A Tribal Nations Celebration, Williamsburg
This signature VA250 America. Made in Virginia. event honors indigenous cultures in the region.
April 25: Foxfield Races (Spring), Charlottesville
Experience world-class horse racing at Foxfield’s 47th running in a countryside setting of central Virginia.
May 1-2: Roanoke Strawberry Festival, Roanoke
Get summer started with delicious strawberries at one of Roanoke’s favorite events, Community School’s Strawberry Festival.
May 2: From Pen to Paper: The Civic Gospel of the Declaration of Independence, Charlottesville
This event at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.
May 15–16: The Flame of Revolution: 250th Anniversary of the 5th Virginia Convention, Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation presents this event in commemoration of the historic resolution of independence that occurred on May 15, 1776 at the 5th Virginia Convention.
May 15-17: Dominion Energy Riverrock, Richmond
Richmond plays host to this top outdoor sports and music festival, offering a robust lineup of outdoor recreation, music performances and much more!
May 16: Local Colors Festival, Roanoke
Marking its 35th year, this multicultural festival features performances, vendors and more!
May 21-24: Rooster Walk, Martinsville
Music lovers won’t want to miss this award-winning music festival, which will include more than 45 bands at Pop’s Farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
May 22-24: Patriotic Festival Country Weekend, Norfolk
Check out the impressive entertainment lineup of this annual
country music event, now in its 22nd year.
May 29-31: Jackalope Fest, Virginia Beach
The action sports festival returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with exciting competitions, live music, pop-up shops and more.
May 30: CoVa Battle of the Burgers, Chesapeake
Get ready for burgers, beers and the battle of the year at this rain-or-shine
event at Chesapeake City Park.
May 30-31: Taubman Museum of Art’s 68th Annual Sidewalk Art Show, Roanoke
Shop for fine arts at one of Virginia’s oldest outdoor art shows, located
outside the museum.
June 6–7: Virginia Resolved, Stratford
Stratford Hall will host a two-day event commemorating the 250th anniversary of Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence. Enjoy speeches, demonstrations, music, food and fireworks.
June 11: In the Eyes of the World: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence, Mount Vernon
Plan to spend a special day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary.
June 12–14: Freedom Flows on the Potomac: Celebrating 250 Years of the Virginia Declaration of Rights
George Mason’s Gunston Hall and Old Town Alexandria will host this weekend-long event.
Select Dates in June
Sail250® Virginia: Goodwill Tour with International Fleet of Tall Ships
Norfolk is the official Sail250® Virginia
host port and the following are affiliate harbors participating in the event.
Alexandria, June 12–14
Hampton, June 12–14
Richmond, June 12–14
Smithfield/Isle of Wight County, June 12–14
Yorktown, June 12–14
Onancock, June 12–15
Virginia Beach, June 16–19
Norfolk, June 18–23
Cape Charles, June 19–21
Chesapeake, June 19–22
Portsmouth, June 20–21
Mid-June: Juneteenth, Statewide
Check local events calendars for numerous Juneteenth activities happening throughout Virginia, including top events like Celebrate Juneteenth and Hampton VA250 Sail at Fort Monroe on June 19 in Hampton.
June 19–20:James River Batteau Festival, Various Locations Throughout Lynchburg
In its 41st year, this multi-day event will feature activities at Riverfront Park and beyond, including experiences celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
June 19-21: Red Wing Roots Music Festival, Mount Solon
Enjoy great music and the great outdoors at this 13th annual event.
June 19-23: Norfolk Harborfest, Norfolk
At the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, experience our country’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
June 20-21: Point Break Music Festival, Virginia Beach
Grab tickets and get ready for this popular music festival at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
June 26-28: Hampton Jazz & Music Festival, Hampton
Experience the sweet sounds of world-class jazz, R&B and soul music at this 56th annual event.
June 27: Spotsylvania Stars & Stripes Spectacular, Spotsylvania
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at this popular annual festival in the Spotsylvania County Courthouse area. This free event includes fireworks and other family fun.
June 27: Revolutionary Lee-Fendall: Tracing Our Patriotic Beginnings, Alexandria
Spend the afternoon attending a lecture at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, where you’ll learn interesting history associated with the Lee-Fendall House.
July 1-12: Salem Fair, Salem
Don’t miss Virginia’s largest fair, full of entertainment, amusement rides, games and more. Free admission into the fair.
July 3-4: Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon
Watch as a spectacular fireworks display dazzles above the Potomac River. Plus, enjoy musical performances and historical demonstrations.
July 4: Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm, Fredericksburg
Celebrate Independence Day at George Washington’s Ferry Farm, the location of his childhood home. Activities include a tour, games, crafts and more.
July 4: Independence Day Celebration, Yorktown
From a parade in the morning to a patriotic concert in the evening, followed by fireworks above the York River, this celebration in Historic Yorktown is one the whole family will love.
July 4: America. Made in Virginia. 250 Years of Forming a More Perfect Union
Two signature events of VA250 include: Naturalization Ceremony & Governor’s Address at Thomas
Jefferson’s Monticello and VA250 Grand Ceremony
in Colonial Williamsburg
July 4: Fairfax City Independence Day Parade, Fairfax
Celebrate our nation’s birthday on Armstrong
Street in Downtown Fairfax.
July 4: Independence Day Parade, Leesburg
Make plans for this popular parade, now in its 35th year, which travels through historic Downtown Leesburg from Ida Lee Park to Fairfax Street.
July 4: The C’ville Spectacular, Charlottesville
Grab a good spot and don’t miss this exciting fireworks show light up the sky in Charlottesville.
July 4: Stars & Stripes Celebration, Virginia Beach
Enjoy fireworks and entertainment at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at this “star-spangled” event with the Atlantic Ocean as the stunning backdrop.
July 4-5: Balloons Over Rockbridge Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival, Lexington
Listen to local bands and experience balloon flights, as a participant or spectator! Plus food, vendors and children’s activities.
July 13-19: 2026 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championship, Roanoke
Roanoke’s cycling community in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the perfect city to host this weeklong premier East Coast mountain biking racing competition.
July 14-18: Richmond County Fair, Warsaw
Spend a fun-filled day at the Richmond County Fairgrounds and enjoy amusement rides, livestock shows, food vendors, game booths, live music and more.
July 17–18, 24–25; Aug. 7–8; Sept. 5–6: Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, Orkney Springs
Experience one of the longest running outdoor music events in the mid-Atlantic region by attending this summer concert series at an intimate outdoor countryside venue.
July 22-26: FloydFest, Check
Enjoy live music and tasty libations in a scenic outdoor setting in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains at this family-friendly celebration of music and art.
July 24-Aug. 2: Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon
Appreciate Appalachia heritage at this 77th annual festival featuring more than 200 events.
Aug. 3-8: Old Fiddlers’ Convention, Galax
Get ready to groove at the world’s oldest and largest Old Fiddlers’ Convention, now celebrating its 90th year!
AuG. 22: African Landing Day, Hampton
Attend this special event commemorating the first
African Landing at Fort Monroe.
Aug. TBD:Richmond Jazz and Music Festival, Richmond
Stay tuned for details for the 2026 festival expected to return and showcase incredible performances by a variety of jazz, R&B and soul musicians.
Aug. TBD: Appaloosa Music Festival, Front Royal
Stay tuned for the entertainment lineup to be released for the 2026 festival.
Sept. 11-13:Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Bristol
This 25th annual event will celebrate the love of country music and honor its heritage at the birthplace of country music, Bristol, home of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions.
SEPT. 17–OCT. 31: Kings Mountain, Williamsburg
Buy tickets and experience a theatrical performance at the Barter Theatre about an important battle in the Revolutionary War.
Sept. 25-26: Williamsburg 2nd Annual Pancake Festival, Williamsburg
Taste firsthand why Williamsburg, Virginia, is the self-proclaimed “Pancake Capital of the World,” as this fun festival takes over the Historic Triangle in late September.
Sept. 25-27: 52nd Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, Virginia Beach
Celebrate beach life at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, covering more than 30 streets of the boardwalk. Live music, sandsculpture competitions, plus loads more activities!
Sept. 25-Oct 4: State Fair of Virginia, Doswell
Welcome back to the fairgrounds for more food and fun at this beloved Virginia event.
Sept. 26-27: 24th Annual Alexandria Art Festival, Alexandria
Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss this top art show in Alexandria’s Historic Old Town. Free admission.
Sept. TBD: Beaver Farm Sunflower Festival, Buchanan
Pencil in this family-friendly festival into your September plans. Enjoy hay rides, vendors and, of course, sunflowers!
Sept. TBD: Boones Mill Apple Festival, Boones Mill
Join good wholesome fun by bonding with the Boones Mill community while enjoying a tasty apple-inspired menu along with great music, diverse vendors and fun activities.
Oct. 3-4: 2nd Street Festival, Richmond
Returning for its 38th anniversary, this free event showcases the thriving culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood in Downtown Richmond.
Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18: Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival, Syria
Bring the family and enjoy the 57th annual festival, happening at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges during the first three weekends in October.
Oct. 4: Foxfield Races (Fall), Charlottesville
Experience world-class horse racing at Foxfield’s 48th running in a countryside setting in central Virginia.
Oct 8-11: Suffolk Peanut Festival, Suffolk
Each year this popular festival celebrates the City’s peanut farming history at this award-winning, family-friendly event, now in its 48th year.
Oct. 9: 250th Anniversary of the Historic First Baptist Church, Williamsburg
Attend a dedication ceremony in Colonial Williamsburg and learn the important history behind the reconstructed church.
Oct. 9-11: Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach
This premier annual outdoor art show draws crowds from all over to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront every fall. Now in its 70th year, the event is a must-do experience for art lovers.
Oct. 9-11: Richmond Folk Festival, Richmond
One of the Commonwealth’s largest festivals, enjoy musical and cultural experiences at this multi-day event in Downtown Richmond. Free!
Oct. 10-11:Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival, Amherst
Head to Rebec Vineyards for Virginia’s largest agricultural festival featuring garlicky good foods and tasty fine wines.
Oct. 12–Nov. 13: Give Me Liberty Traveling Exhibition, Lynchburg
Visit Poplar Forest and explore this insightful exhibit about our state and nation’s early beginnings.
Oct. 16-18: Roanoke GO Fest, Roanoke
Immerse yourself in the outdoors at this beloved festival full of activities and adventures for all ages. Concerts, shows, demos, vendors and more!
Oct. 17: Oktoberfest at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen
Raise a stein at the 4th annual festival, featuring live music, delicious flavors and artisan vendors.
Oct. 17-19: Yorktown Victory Weekend, Yorktown
All weekend long at various locations throughout Historic Yorktown, experience history-rich activities, a farmers market and other family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the multi-million-dollar fireworks competition!
Oct. 24: Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, Ferrum
The largest event of its kind in the region, come celebrate community, heritage and tradition at this eclectic festival now marking its 53rd year.
Oct. 25:Pig & Oyster Fest
Support the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum by attending this delicious annual event held in the 24th Street Park and the museum. Oysters, BBQ, live music and more!
Nov 6-7: Urbanna Oyster Festival, Urbanna
Known as the state’s official celebration of oysters, as well as one of the globe’s oldest oyster festivals, this lively event transforms the Town of Urbanna as it attracts around 50,000 visitors each year.
Nov. 7: Montpelier Hunt Races, Montpelier Station
Horse racing, dog racing, tailgating, shopping and more awaits at this Virginia staple event, which has been going strong for more than 90 years.
Nov. 26: 98th Blessing of the Hounds, Keswick
Make this longtime tradition, combining community and history, at Grace Episcopal Church a new part of your Thanksgiving morning plans.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Dickens of a Christmas
Embrace the holiday spirit at the biggest holiday celebration in Roanoke Valley, happening on select dates in December.
More Great Events
Also not to be missed, Virginia is loaded with fantastic cool-weather festivities, offering fun for the whole family. With millions of lights, Williamsburg’s Busch Gardens Christmas Town is a must-see. Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination and the Yorktown Boat Parade are also favorite holiday traditions. Other popular holiday light displays and activities during winter include Richmond’s GardenFest of Lights, Lynchburg’s Bright Nights on the Bluffwalk, Norfolk’s Garden of Lights, Virginia Beach’s Holiday Lights at the Beach, Centreville’s Bull Run Festival of Lights, Doswell’s Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village and Roanoke’s Illuminights at Explore Park.
With so many remarkable events happening, undoubtably you will discover the one you are looking for in Virginia. Scan the QR code below to stay updated on 250th events happening throughout the state.
All dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead or check online before attending.
Author: VisitVirginia
