Make the most of the dog days of summer by heading to one of these 16 can’t-miss Virginia festivals in August.
August in Virginia is a festival-goer’s paradise, offering a diverse array of events that capture the essence of the commonwealth’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. From lively musical performances to picturesque blooms, and soulful sounds, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer, these 16 can’t-miss festivals and events are sure to make your summer unforgettable.
804 Day
Date: Friday, Aug. 2
Location: 100 N. 17th St. Richmond, VA 23219
Cost: Free
804 Day is a hometown celebration that will reflect the region’s vibrant culture and community spirit. Over 15 musical performances from some of Richmond’s biggest indie talent will take place across three stages, with Nickelus F. Enjoy headlining. Arts and crafts vendors consisting of Richmond-area organizations and nonprofits will be on hand. Be sure to get your free “804 Day Perks” sticker. The festival is kid-friendly with a kid’s zone. Beer trucks will also be present.
Photo by Dave Parrish Photography, courtesy of Shockoe Records.
Sinkland Farms Sunflower Festival
Dates: Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 18
Location: 3060 Riner Rd. Christiansburg, VA 24073
Cost: $10 for ages 4-12 or $12 for ages 13 and above
The Sinkland Farms Sunflower Festival gives people the opportunity to enjoy over 200,000 blooms of over 20 varieties of sunflowers. Explore the sunflowers, which stretch over eight acres, by taking a stroll along the walking trails. The festival will also feature activities, music, and food, including authentic southern barbeque, hand-dipped ice cream, craft beer, and wine. Local arts and crafts vendors will also be on hand. Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can get lots of Instagrammable photos.
Manassas African-American Heritage Festival
Date: Saturday, Aug. 3
Location: 9950 Wellington Rd. Manassas, VA 20110
Cost: Free
The Manassas African-American Heritage Festival is a family-friendly celebration of African American arts and culture. Over 125 exhibitors, including arts and crafts dealers, retailers of African wares, youth groups, colleges, and schools, will be present. It will also feature a health fair, business expo, and classic car show. Be sure to come hungry, so you can sample the food vendors while enjoying the live entertainment.
4th Annual SWVA Big Rig Showdown
Dates: Friday, Aug. 9-Saturday, Aug. 10
Location: 139 Highland Dr. Lebanon, VA 24266
Cost: Free
Big rig enthusiasts will surely love the 4th Annual SWVA Big Rig Showdown. Last year, over 80 trucks were showcased during the event. Organizers hope to double that number this year. In addition to shiny rigs, the event includes food, a truck parade, light show, and music. Proceeds raised during the event go to benefit local nonprofits.
88th Annual Old Fiddlers’ Convention
Dates: Monday, Aug. 5-Saturday, Aug. 10
Location: 601 S. Main St. Galax, VA 24333
Cost: $10-$15
Embrace the music of Appalachia by attending the 88th Annual Old Fiddlers Convention. The old-time and bluegrass music competition features different kinds of music throughout the week, featuring clawhammer banjos, autoharps, guitars, and bluegrass banjos. If you love to dance, register for the flatfoot dance competition on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Galax Moose Lodge #733.
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival
Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
Location: 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville, VA 22611
Cost: $25
Enjoy an evening of music at the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival at the Barns of Rose Hill. The event will explore the theme of “Our Different Voices” to showcase diverse musical expressions from a range of composers, performers, styles, ideas, and movements. Pianist Efi Hackmey and clarinetist Stas Golovin will join a collective of accomplished string musicians for the event. Organizers caution that the event focuses on the spirit of chamber music and camaraderie, meaning that you don’t have to know anything about classical music to have a good time at the festival.
Starry Nights All Day Festival
Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
Location: 145 Saddleback Farm Afton VA, 22920
Cost: $30-$75
The outdoor Starry Nights All Day Festival is back this year for its 25th anniversary at Veritas. Attendees are encouraged to come early and enjoy a picnic while listening to live music. Later in the evening, you can relax under the stars while listening to music and drinking your favorite Veritas wine. Ma’s Pizza Cones and Cousins Maine Lobster will be serving food. The music lineup includes AbbeyRoad at 1 p.m., Marie and Koda at 5 p.m., and The Legwarmers at 9 p.m.
High Knob Outdoor Fest
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 10-Sunday, Aug. 18
Location: 115 8th St. SW Norton, VA 24273
Cost: Some events associated with the festival have fees.
It should come as no surprise that the High Knob Outdoor Fest is a celebration of all things outdoors. It features outdoor recreation trips, activities, and presentations. The downtown festivities will include outdoor vendors, demonstrations, food trucks, and live music. Runners should sign up for the Flag Rock 5K Trail Run on Thursday.
Dirty Dancing Days Summer Festival
Dates: Friday, Aug. 16-Saturday, Aug. 17
Location: 115 Hotel Cir. Pembroke, VA 24136
Cost: $75
Fans of the 1987 classic “Dirty Dancing” will surely have a good time at the Dirty Dancing Days Summer Festival at Mountain Lake Lodge, where the movie was filmed. Organizers advise attendees to be prepared to be captivated by the electrifying atmosphere of the festival, which will be brimming with live performances from Cassette Rewind, Marcel Portilla Band, Riverside, and Flashback, the Party Band. Dance lessons will be offered in the barn where Baby and Johnny danced their hearts out. After learning the moves, you can compete in the dance competition. There will also be a film screening.
41st Annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival
Dates: Friday, Aug. 16-Saturday, Aug. 17
Location: 113 Waterside Dr. Norfolk, VA 23510
Cost: $35
Love jazz music? You’re in luck because the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival brings some of the biggest names on the international smooth jazz scene to Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront for a two-day event. The 41st edition of the festival will feature artists like Kirk Whalum, Rebeca Jade, and Bob James.
9th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival
Date: Saturday, Aug. 24
Location: 3001 Atlantic Ave., 31st and Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Cost: $45
During the 9th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival, Neptune’s Park will be transformed into a craft beer lover’s haven. The festival will feature local Virginia beers, ciders, and seltzers, in addition to regional and national craft beers. Over 60 beers from 30 breweries will be on tap. Alewerks Brewing Company, Back Bay Brewing, and Bold Mariner Brewing are three of the featured breweries. Tasting tickets include a commemorative beer glass, unlimited tastings, live music from two bands, and the ability to purchase food from two local food trucks.
Cousinz Festival
Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
Location: 201 E. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510
Cost: $79-$350
The Cousinz Festival offers friends and family the chance to come together at the Scope Arena Plaza for a good time with food and music at the center. The festival is tapping into the same energy that drew more than 35,000 people to Norfolk’s RNB Block Party over the last year. Chico Bean is hosting, with performances by Erykah Badu, Larry June, LION BABE, and Art of Noise. DJ sets will be performed by Jermaine Dupri, DJ Envy, Izzy the DJ, Jae Murphy, and DJ DC.
14th Annual Patsy Cline Block Party
Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
Location: 608 S. Kent St. Winchester, VA 22601
Cost: Free
Fans of the late country music icon Patsy Cline will be delighted to hear that there is a block party dedicated to honoring her legacy. The 14th Annual Patsy Cline Block Party! is an old-fashioned block party that consists of live music from local bands and various events. Attendees get discounted admission for a tour of the Patsy Cline Historic House.
Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 31-Sunday, Sept. 1
Location: Colonial Ave. and Washington Ave. Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Cost: Free
This year marks the 56th annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival, which is billed as a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture. It will take place on the boardwalk in the historic coastal town of Colonial Beach. The festival showcases a diverse array of fine arts, providing a platform for artists to share their unique perspectives with the community. Come hungry because there will also be food vendors.
Appaloosa Roots Music Festival
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 31-Sunday, Sept. 1
Location: 751 Mountain Rd. Front Royal, VA 22630
Cost: Free
Love roots music? If so, the Appaloosa Roots Music Festival is for you. Taking place on Labor Day weekend, the family-friendly annual festival combines music, including local, national, and international bands, and outdoor experiences, like camping, hiking, and canoeing.
Crabtown Seafood Festival
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 31-Sunday, Sept. 1
Location: 756 Settlers Landing Rd. Hampton, VA 23669
Cost: $60-$125 for adults
The Crabtown Seafood Festival honors Hampton’s history as a city built by seafood. Happening in the downtown waterfront area, it consists of seafood vendors, live music, nautical art, boats, and educational exhibits about the Chesapeake Bay.
Photo courtesy of Hampton Parks & Recreation.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Aila Boyd is a Virginia-based educator and journalist. She received her MFA in writing from Lindenwood University. View all posts
Aila Boyd
