17 summer events in Virginia to add to your calendar ASAP

Discover 17 must-attend summer events in Virginia, from waterfront celebrations and wine tastings to music festivals and cultural events.

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s summer calendar is packed with festivals celebrating the commonwealth’s rich culture, culinary delights, and artistic heritage. Whether you’re drawn to toe-tapping music, mouth-watering barbecue, or family-friendly entertainment, these vibrant events showcase the best Virginia has to offer during the sun-soaked summer months.

June events in Virginia 

Virginia Wine Festival

Dates: May 31-June 1

Location: 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons, VA 22102

The Virginia Wine Festival kicks off summer with a celebration of the Commonwealth’s flourishing wine culture. Visitors can sample selections from Virginia’s top wineries, showcasing everything from bold reds to crisp whites. 

The festival atmosphere includes live music performances, gourmet food trucks, and artisan vendors highlighting local flavors. Passionate winemakers will be available to discuss their craft, production techniques, and the region’s unique terroir. Tickets go on sale in March.

49th Annual Norfolk Harborfest

Dates: June 6-8

Location: 101 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23510

America’s largest, longest-running free maritime festival enters its 49th year in 2025. For three days along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, Harborfest celebrates the elements that make Norfolk and Hampton Roads a historic maritime and Naval community. 

Activities include the annual Parade of Sail featuring international tall ships, one of the East Coast’s largest fireworks shows, a mesmerizing drone show, interactive family activities, Navy exhibits, artisan foods and beverages, and national and regional live entertainment.

Norfolk Harborfest is a celebration of the area’s maritime and Naval heritage. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Potomac River Festival

Dates: June 13-15

Location: Washington Avenue, Colonial Beach, VA 22443

The Annual Potomac River Festival kicks off with a Firemen’s Parade and features a Grand Parade, Pet Parade, Boat Parade, Beauty Pageant, music, food and craft vendors, and fireworks. 

As one of Colonial Beach’s largest events of the year, it offers a fun-filled weekend for the entire family at “The Playground on the Potomac.” The festival welcomes entries in various categories, including floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, dance groups, community organizations, and more.

Flying Proms Symphonic Air Show

Date: June 14

Location: 1341 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23457

This extraordinary event stands as a singular experience in the United States—an outdoor symphonic concert, air show, and fireworks celebration combined. The Virginia Wind Symphony accompanies flight demonstrations by some of the world’s rarest historic warbirds, set against themes inspired by aviation and adventure films. 

As night falls, the symphony continues with patriotic melodies celebrating the United States, culminating in a grand fireworks finale. Tickets and chalets are now on sale.

July events in Virginia 

Salem Fair

Dates: July 2-13

Location: 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

The Salem Fair, the largest in Virginia and recognized among the top 100 fairs in the country, offers free admission and parking. 

Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge at the Salem Civic Center Complex, the fair features Deggeller Attractions Carnival on the midway, along with free daily entertainment that includes racing pigs and comedy jugglers, daily carnival ride specials, and traditional fair foods alongside exotic offerings. 

The Salem Fair is known as the largest fair in Virginia. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Liberty Celebration

Date: July 4

Location: 200 Water St., Yorktown, VA 23690

Salute the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown during the Liberty Celebration. In preparation for America’s 250th anniversary, visitors can enjoy interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations, and learn about the challenges faced by our nation’s founders. 

Experiences include the award-winning introductory film “Liberty Fever,” a gallery exhibit featuring a rare July 1776 broadside of the Declaration, outdoor re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm, and an interactive “Liberty Tree” feature. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 6-12, with children under five admitted free.

Virginia Lake Festival

Dates: July 18-19

Location: Virginia Avenue, Clarksville, VA 23927

Celebrating its 48th year, Clarksville’s Annual Virginia Lake Festival has been named “One of the Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society for many years. 

This free event begins Friday with opening ceremonies, live music, and food vendors. Saturday features over 200 vendors, including a juried arts and crafts show, delicious foods, helicopter rides, and classic cars. At nightfall, boats gather on Buggs Island Lake/John H. Kerr Reservoir for a spectacular fireworks show that attracts nearly 20,000 people.

The Virginia Lake Festival takes place on Buggs Island Lake/John H. Kerr Reservoir. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

FloydFest 25 ~ Aurora

Dates: July 23-27

Location: 5826 Floyd Hwy. N., Check, VA 24072

Blue Cow Arts Foundation and Across-the-Way Productions present FloydFest 25~Aurora, the Southeast’s premier summer outdoor music festival, at its new home, FestivalPark. 

The five-day event features a diverse range of vendors, craft brews and food, healing arts, workshops, camping, children’s activities, outdoor adventures, on-site art installations, and nearly 100 artists performing on seven stages.

FloydFest: FloydFest is a five-day outdoor music festival. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Smoke on the Mountain

Dates: July 25-26

Location: 110 E. Grayson St., Galax, VA 24333

Held the fourth weekend in July, talented pitmasters showcase their smoky creations in Galax during Smoke on the Mountain, creating an intoxicating aroma throughout the event. This full-blown festival features live music, family-friendly activities, and warm Southern hospitality, making it the ultimate summer gathering for BBQ enthusiasts. 

The competition draws competitors from near and far to demonstrate their barbecue mastery in this beloved Galax tradition.

Virginia Cantaloupe Festival

Date: July 25

Location: 3105 River Rd., South Boston, VA 24592

The 45th Annual Virginia Cantaloupe Festival, presented by Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital and URW Community Federal Credit Union, takes place at Berry Hill Resort. Early bird tickets are available for $40 until June 30, after which the price will increase to $45. 

Admission includes unlimited beverages, corn, cantaloupe, ice cream, and entertainment featuring Alex Williams and The I-42 Band, whose setlist spans beach music, Motown, soul, R&B, funk, and classic hits.

August events in Virginia 

Manassas African-American Heritage Festival

Date: Aug. 2

Location: 9950 Wellington Rd., Manassas, VA 20110

For the past 34 years, the first Saturday in August has marked the Manassas African-American Heritage Festival in Prince William County. 

The family-friendly celebration at Metz Middle School features more than 125 exhibitors, including arts and crafts dealers, retailers of African wares, youth groups, educational exhibits, a health fair, business and job expos, a classic car show, and food vendors.

Old Fiddler’s Convention

Dates: Aug. 4-9

Location: 110 E. Grayson St., Galax, VA 24333

The 89th Annual Old Fiddler’s Convention celebrates Old-Time and Bluegrass music with six days of competition. 

Monday features youth competitions, while Tuesday through Friday showcase individual competitions in various instruments. Saturday afternoon includes Folk Song and Flatfoot Dance competitions, with band competitions concluding the festival Saturday night. This longstanding tradition brings together musicians of all ages to celebrate Appalachian musical heritage.

This year’s Old Fiddlers Convention marks 89 years for the annual event. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Carytown Watermelon Festival

Date: Aug. 10

Location: West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Celebrating its 42nd year, the Carytown Watermelon Festival has become Virginia’s largest one-day festival. 

With 80 musicians, over 100 exhibitors, one of the East Coast’s largest kids’ areas, and distinctive Carytown charm, the festival offers great live music on multiple stages, delicious food from local vendors, shopping, and plenty of watermelon. This Richmond tradition draws massive crowds annually.

Dirty Dancing Days: Summer Festival

Date: Aug. 16

Location: 115 Hotel Crl., Pembroke, VA 24136

Mountain Lake Lodge, the filming location for the iconic movie “Dirty Dancing,” hosts an annual festival, Dirty Dancing Days: Summer Festival, celebrating the film’s legacy. 

Visitors can take dance lessons in the historic barn where Baby and Johnny found their rhythm, enjoy live performances by Flashback, the Party Band, and Cassette Rewind, experience a special movie screening, sip exclusive themed drinks, and browse unique festival merchandise. Tickets are $75 per person.

The Dirty Dancing Days: Summer Festival takes place at Mountain Lake Lodge, where the film was shot. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

ViBe Mural Festival

Date: Aug. 20

Location: 600 22nd St., Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Since 2018, the ViBe Mural Festival has been a signature event in Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District. Each year, 10 new murals are painted by different national and local artists throughout the arts district. Artists have 10 days to complete their designs, allowing the public ample time to explore and meet the artists while they work. 

Free public programming and events accompany the festival. After five successful years, the district now features over 50 large-scale murals, creating a unique visual landscape. The festival is free and open to the public.

As part of the ViBe Mural Festival, 10 new murals are painted across Virginia Beach. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival

Dates: Aug. 22-23

Location: 113 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23510

The area’s longest-running outdoor jazz festival celebrates its 42nd year with some of the biggest names in international smooth jazz. The two-day Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival at Town Point Park along Downtown Norfolk’s waterfront runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. both days. 

Single-day general admission tickets are $40, with a two-day package available for $60. Reserved seating options are also available for $60 per day or $110 for the weekend package.

The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is the area’s longest-running outdoor jazz festival. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

10th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival

Date: Aug. 23

Location: 3001 Atlantic Ave., 31st and Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Virginia Beach’s 31st Street Park transforms into a craft beer lover’s haven during the 10th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival, featuring local Virginia beers, ciders, and seltzers, as well as national and regional craft options. 

Attendees can enjoy over 60 beers from 30 breweries, accompanied by live music and food trucks. New for 2025, the festival will offer zero-proof options, including non-alcoholic wine and seltzers. This 21-and-over event showcases breweries including Alewerks Brewing Company, Back Bay Brewing, Bell’s Brewing, Blakes Hard Cider, and Bold Mariner Brewing.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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