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| Blackbeard Pirate Festival, June 4-5, 2016 |
From our friends at the Virginia Tourism Corporation...
When it comes to choosing where to travel, Virginia has it all. With a full schedule of festivals to keep travelers enthused, well-fed and entertained, the state is an ideal travel destination for 2016.
For HISTORY lovers
• Civil War Wine Dinner, January 29, 2016
What? Savor Civil War history and Virginia wines with a five-course dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern.
• Tea with Lady Washington, January 16, February 27 & March 5, 2016
What? Step back in time and join Lady Washington for a fireside tea at Mount Vernon, as she shares memories of her and the General’s life as a young married couple, during the Revolutionary War.
For BEACH lovers
• Atlantic Coast Kite Festival, April 30, 2016
What? Kite fliers and spectators will experience a visual feast at the 12th annual event.
• Pirate Party on the Beach, May 14-15, 2016
What? Enjoy two rollicking days of music and mayhem, with an event designed to bring out the “pirate” in everyone.
• Salute to Summer, May 27-29, 2016
What? An unabashed “Star-Spangled” salute to great music, fun in the sun, and the military men and women who have sacrificed their lives throughout our history.
What? An unabashed “Star-Spangled” salute to great music, fun in the sun, and the military men and women who have sacrificed their lives throughout our history.
• Chincoteague Pony Swim in Chincoteague, July 2016
What? Made famous by Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague," the annual event gathers tens of thousands of spectators from around the world to watch this tradition.
For FOOD/OYSTER lovers
• Annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival, May 7, 2016
What? Enjoy signature dishes from old and new Eastern Shore favorites.
• Broad Appetit, June 5, 2016
What? Features the best local restaurants Richmond has to offer - and all at $3 a plate!
• Hanover Tomato Festival, July 9, 2016
What? This kid-friendly event features music, games, a petting zoo and of course, Hanover Tomatoes.
For FAMILIES
• Virginia Arts Festival, April - May 2016
What? The festival highlights world-class performances ranging from opera to choreographed air shows; Virginia International Tattoo is a major highlight.
• Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, April 22 - May 1, 2016
What? A series of 30+ events includes: music, dances, parades, carnival, circus, dinners, luncheons, a 10K Race, the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah, Firefighters’ events, and celebrities.
• Blackbeard Pirate Festival, June 4-5, 2016
What? The city of Hampton rolls out loads of fun with an emphatic arrrgh in this annual Tidewater favorite that features mock battles, rollicking sea chantys, dances and plenty of pirates.
For MUSIC lovers
• Tom Tom Founders Festival, April 11-17, 2016
What? The 5th Annual Founders Festival brings nonstop concerts, competitions, talks, workshops, local food and public art to downtown Charlottesville.
• HoustonFest in Galax, June 10-11, 2016
What? Created in memory of 18 year old, Houston Caldwell, this event carries out his musical legacy and his spirit of community service.
• Hampton Jazz Festival, June 24-26, 2016
What? This festival allows us to appreciate the many visitors who travel to enjoy American music at its best. This annual gathering acts as a celebration of friends, family, culture, music and life.
• Castleton Festival, July 2016
What? Enjoy a month-long festival of performing arts in pastoral Rappahannock County.
• Floydfest, July 27-31, 2016
What? Held annually near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Floydfest is a funky and eclectic music festival. 2016 acts include Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Railroad Earth and Anders Osborne, to name a few.
For OUTDOORS/MOUNTAIN lovers
• June is Virginia Outdoors Month!
• Dominion Riverrock in Richmond, May 2016
What? The nation's largest outdoor sports and music festival, bringing athletes, spectators and musicians to Brown’s Island for a three-day event against the backdrop of downtown Richmond’s urban riverfront.
• Virginia Gold Cup, May 2016
What? On the first Saturday of May each year the beautiful countryside of Northern Virginia is the site of the pageantry of steeplechase racing in one of the most stylish annual events in the Commonwealth.
What? The Appalachian Trail’s biggest annual hiker festival, highlights include a hiker parade, talent show, gear giveaways, parties, food, craft, and gear vendors, and a field of hikers in “tent city.”
• Chincoteague Pony Swim in Chincoteague, July 2016
What? Spectators from all over, gather on Chincoteague Island each year to watch this annual tradition.
For CRAFT BEER AND WINE lovers
What? Located in Richmond, this event is Virginia's premier, upscale wine and food event of the year.
• Montpelier Wine Festival, May 2-3, 2016
What? Held annually, the Festival showcases distinctive arts and crafts; specialty food vendors; live music; "cooking with wine" classes; children's entertainment; and tastings all day.
• Hops and Howlers Craft Beer Fest, June 18, 2016
What? Enjoy regional craft brews from over 30 regional micro-breweries, plus a homebrew throwdown, live music and delicious, local food.
What? Enjoy regional craft brews from over 30 regional micro-breweries, plus a homebrew throwdown, live music and delicious, local food.
• Virginia Craft Brewers Fest, Aug. 27, 2016
What? Celebrate Virginia’s amazing craft beer at Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub and Meadows.
