Virginia holds many festivals and fairs all over the state. With more than 425 fairs, parades and festivals to choose from year-round, Virginia has something for everyone and in every location. From wine harvests to county fairs to ice cream festivals, you’re sure to find something to suit your interests.
Central Virginia is the place to be for music. The Wintergreen Performing Arts’ Summer Music Festival performs a variety of Viennese music, including Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. Attend seminars on cooking, see films and even participate in a nature hike.
If classical music doesn’t interest you, check out the Mustock Outdoor Music Festival in Lignum, an annual concert series made up of 25 artists performing Friday night and all day Saturday. The music ranges from soul, reggae and funk to indie rock.
Want to enjoy beer with your music? Check out the Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival in Roseland. Local beers from the Blue Mountain Brewery, South Street Brewery, Starr Hill and Devils Backbone Brewing Company pair up with music from Dumpstaphunk, Honeytribe, and other local bands.
County fairs are sure to provide your family with a fun-filled day. Greene County, Chesterfield County, Nelson County and Amelia County all hold county fairs during September and feature animal exhibits, demolition derbies and food vendors. From late September through early October, the Five County Fair, featuring Appomattox, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland and Prince Edward counties, showcases music, talent shows, an ugly truck contest and beauty pageants.
James River Cellars Winery hosts a Harvest Wine Festival every year in early September. Located in Glen Allen, the festival hosts live music, wine tastings and craft vendors.
Hungry? The annual Scottsville Crab Fest is in late August and includes crabs, shrimp, and a variety of sides. If wine or seafood isn’t in your plans, check out the Crozet Peach Ice Cream Days. Pick your own peaches and enjoy them in a tasty ice cream treat. And if you need something to quench your thirst, both Lynchburg and Scottsville have beer festivals in mid-September.
Virginia is home to an assortment of apple festivals. Mainly in October, locations include Tyro, Charlottesville, Syria, Amherst, and Bedford. Festival activities typically include crafts, jam sales, games, rides and even making apple butter.
