From large annual festivals to small town traditions, Virginia knows how to have a good time.
All year long, the region entertains visitors and locals with an array of fantastic activities. Below is a sampling of popular events to have on your radar.
History & Heritage Festivals
The 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, April 25-May 4, in Winchester, Virginia, boasts more than 50 events with something of interest for all ages. With a scenic backdrop of over 700,00 black oil sunflowers, Buchanan’s Beaver Farm Sunflower Festival in September features all kinds of activities on a working farm. Come experience the 2025 “REAL FUN Real Virginia” theme at the family-friendly State Fair of Richmond, running Sept. 26-Oct. 5.
If breakfast is your jam, the National Pancake Festival, a brand new event in 2025, will debut on Sept. 27 in Williamsburg, Virginia, the pancake capital of the world. For the ultimate “beach life” celebration, head to Coastal Virginia for the 51st Annual Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, happening Sept. 26-28. Seafood lovers, mark your calendars for Nov. 7-8 to attend the 68th Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival, one of the oldest oyster festivals in the world.
And as a history-rich destination, it’s no surprise that Virginia holds numerous events showcasing the important incidents, voices and sounds of its past. In celebration of Virginia’s 250th anniversary, watch for captivating events happening at various historic sites throughout the Commonwealth.
Musical Performances
Ranging from huge to intimate entertainment venues, towns across Virginia host a wide variety of music shows, highlighting diverse musical genres and artists. You will not have to search hard to find marvelous performances by local, regional and national music artists.
Grab tickets for summer fun at the Rooster Walk 15, May 22-25, at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville; the 55th annual Hampton Jazz Festival, June 27-29, in Hampton; and the 89th Annual Old Fiddlers’ Convention, the state’s oldest and largest Old Fiddlers’ Convention, Aug. 4-9. Virginia’s longest running music festival, Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, July through Labor Day, and Front Royal’s blue grass centric Appaloosa Music Festival, Labor Day weekend, are also events not to miss.
Holiday Celebrations
Dazzling floats, marching bands, costumed characters and other exciting sights are what you will experience at the 42nd Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade in Downtown Richmond on Dec. 6. Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination’s winter festivities throughout the month of December are also a must-do experience. Nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg is an attraction that shines extra bright during the holidays with millions of twinkling lights at Christmas Town, Nov. 14-Jan. 4, 2026.And for 30 years, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia’s largest botanical garden, has hosted a stellar holiday event, the award-winning Garden of Lights, displaying more than 1.5 million lights.
Art Events & Exhibits
From premier art museums and galleries to street art and murals, Virginia’s affection for the arts is apparent. In its 67th year, Roanoke’s The Taubman Museum of Art’s Sidewalk Art Show, May 31- June 1, is one of the Commonwealth’s oldest outdoor art shows. Top-notch art exhibits and events are waiting to be viewed at Richmond’s Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as well as those of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), which also plays host to the 69th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Festival, Oct. 10-12, in Virginia Beach. In both the spring and fall, Norfolk’s Stockley Gardens Art Festival, is an impressive event featuring the talented creations of 130 artists.
Open-Air Markets
Virginia is also a destination to discover excellent outdoor marketplaces. Support local vendors and stroll through these favorite Saturday morning markets if you are in the area: Alexandria’s Old Town Farmers Market, the Charlottesville City Market in Downtown Charlottesvilleand Yorktown Market Days in Historic Yorktown. Virginia offers an abundance of open-air markets, with a mix of regular season and specialty markets, selling local produce and locally made items. These markets are a wonderful way to soak in the regional flavors of Virginia.
Whether you are a music fan, a history buff or simply love a fun festival, you will find the event you want in Virginia!
Author: VisitVirginia
