Top Festivals in Virginia 2025: A Year-Round Celebration of History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

Overview of Virginia Festivals in 2025

Virginia, often referred to as the birthplace of America, is a state steeped in history and tradition. With its scenic landscapes, coastal charm, and vibrant cities, Virginia hosts an array of festivals each year that highlight its diverse culture, artistic spirit, and historical significance.

Virginia’s festivals are as varied as its landscapes. The state celebrates its agricultural roots with wine and harvest festivals, honors its historical significance with reenactments and cultural events, and brings communities together through music, art, and food celebrations. In 2025, Virginia continues this tradition, offering something for everyone across its mountains, coastlines, and bustling cities.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

Festivals in Virginia 2025

List of Virginia Festivals 2025: Significance and Activities

January

1. Winter Blues Jazz Fest

• Date: January 11–14, 2025
• Location: Williamsburg, VA
• Significance: A celebration of jazz and blues music during the quiet winter season.
• Activities:
  • Live performances by regional and national jazz artists.
  • Wine and whiskey tastings paired with gourmet bites.
  • Workshops and jam sessions for music enthusiasts.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP packages available online.
• Transportation: Accessible via I-64; parking available downtown.

2. Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival

• Date: January 20–21, 2025
• Location: Woodstock, VA
• Significance: A stunning visual event showcasing colorful hot air balloons against the winter backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley.
• Activities:
  • Balloon rides and tethered flights.
  • Live music and craft vendors.
  • Hot chocolate and seasonal treats for attendees.
• Tickets: General admission and balloon ride tickets available online.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; rideshare options are limited.

February

1. Virginia Chocolate Festival

• Date: February 10–11, 2025
• Location: Richmond, VA
• Significance: A dream event for chocolate lovers, celebrating the art of confectionery.
• Activities:
  • Chocolate tastings from local and international chocolatiers.
  • Live cooking demonstrations by pastry chefs.
  • Wine and chocolate pairing workshops.
• Tickets: Available online; VIP passes include exclusive tastings.
• Transportation: Accessible via I-95; parking available near the venue.

2. Colonial Williamsburg President’s Day Weekend

• Date: February 17–19, 2025
• Location: Williamsburg, VA
• Significance: A historical celebration honoring America’s presidents.
• Activities:
  • Reenactments of presidential speeches and historical events.
  • Guided tours of historic sites.
  • Family-friendly games and activities themed around early American history.
• Tickets: Included with Colonial Williamsburg admission.
• Transportation: On-site parking available; shuttle services provided within the historic district.

March

1. Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Date: March 16, 2025
• Location: Old Town Alexandria, VA
• Significance: A vibrant celebration of Irish culture in one of Virginia’s most picturesque towns.
• Activities:
  • Floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers.
  • Local food vendors offering traditional Irish fare.
  • Family-friendly games and cultural workshops.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Accessible via Metro; parking is limited, so public transit is recommended.

2. Virginia Arts Festival Spring Showcase

• Date: March 22–24, 2025
• Location: Norfolk, VA
• Significance: A preview of the annual Virginia Arts Festival, featuring performances by renowned artists.
• Activities:
  • Classical music concerts and ballet performances.
  • Art exhibitions and panel discussions.
  • Workshops for aspiring artists and musicians.
• Tickets: Available online and at the venue.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; public transit options include HRT buses.

April

1. Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

• Date: April 27–May 5, 2025
• Location: Winchester, VA
• Significance: A historic festival celebrating the region’s apple orchards in full bloom.
• Activities:
  • Parades, concerts, and a carnival.
  • Art and craft fairs with local vendors.
  • Apple pie-eating contests and tastings.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online.
• Transportation: Shuttle services provided from parking lots; limited on-site parking.

2. Virginia International Tattoo

• Date: April 25–28, 2025
• Location: Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA
• Significance: A grand patriotic display of military bands and cultural performances.
• Activities:
  • Performances by military bands from around the world.
  • Cultural exhibitions and interactive activities.
  • Pre-show family festivals with live entertainment.
• Tickets: Available online; group discounts offered.
• Transportation: Accessible via public transit; parking available at Scope Arena.

Virginia Heritage Tapestry

May

1. Roanoke Strawberry Festival

• Date: May 3–4, 2025
• Location: Roanoke, VA
• Significance: A beloved local event celebrating strawberry season.
• Activities:
  • Fresh strawberry desserts and snacks.
  • Live music and craft vendors.
  • Kid-friendly games and pony rides.
• Tickets: Free admission; food priced individually.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival site.

2. Virginia Wine & Craft Festival

• Date: May 18, 2025
• Location: Front Royal, VA
• Significance: A celebration of Virginia’s thriving wine industry and artisan culture.
• Activities:
  • Wine tastings from regional vineyards.
  • Artisan markets featuring handmade goods.
  • Live music and food trucks.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available near the event.

June

1. Norfolk Harborfest

• Date: June 7–9, 2025
• Location: Downtown Norfolk, VA
• Significance: One of the nation’s largest and longest-running maritime festivals, celebrating Norfolk’s rich nautical history.
• Activities:
  • Parade of Sail featuring historic and modern ships.
  • Live performances by nationally acclaimed artists.
  • Fireworks over the Elizabeth River.
  • Dockside tours of tall ships and naval vessels.
• Tickets: Free admission; VIP packages for exclusive seating and meet-and-greet events available online.
• Transportation: Accessible via Tide Light Rail; parking available downtown with shuttle options.

2. Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming

• Date: June 15–23, 2025
• Location: Various locations along the Crooked Road, Southwest VA
• Significance: A celebration of Southwest Virginia’s Appalachian music heritage.
• Activities:
  • Live performances of bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music.
  • Community jam sessions and storytelling events.
  • Workshops on traditional Appalachian instruments like banjos and fiddles.
• Tickets: Event-specific tickets available online; multi-day passes for enthusiasts.
• Transportation: Parking available at most venues; carpooling recommended due to remote locations.

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July

1. Fourth of July Celebration at Colonial Williamsburg

• Date: July 4, 2025
• Location: Colonial Williamsburg, VA
• Significance: A historical Independence Day celebration in a preserved colonial setting.
• Activities:
  • Revolutionary War reenactments.
  • Fife and drum parades.
  • Evening fireworks synchronized with patriotic music.
  • Interactive exhibits about America’s founding.
• Tickets: Included with Colonial Williamsburg admission; special packages for evening events available online.
• Transportation: Parking available in designated lots; shuttle services within the historic district.

2. FloydFest

• Date: July 24–28, 2025
• Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd, VA
• Significance: An iconic outdoor music festival blending nature and music.
• Activities:
  • Performances by renowned and emerging artists across multiple genres.
  • On-site camping and hiking trails.
  • Art installations and wellness workshops.
• Tickets: General admission, VIP, and camping packages available online.
• Transportation: Shuttle services provided from designated parking lots; carpooling encouraged.

August

1. Virginia Beach FunkFest Beach Party

• Date: August 23–25, 2025
• Location: Virginia Beach, VA
• Significance: A lively beachfront celebration of funk music and culture.
• Activities:
  • Live performances by iconic funk bands and DJs.
  • Food vendors offering soul food and tropical cocktails.
  • Dance contests and family-friendly games.
• Tickets: Free admission; VIP beach seating packages available.
• Transportation: Parking available near the boardwalk; public transit and bike rentals encouraged.

2. Shenandoah Valley Music Festival

• Date: August 3–24, 2025 (Weekends only)
• Location: Orkney Springs, VA
• Significance: A series of concerts set against the picturesque backdrop of the Shenandoah Mountains.
• Activities:
  • Performances by orchestras, bluegrass bands, and folk artists.
  • Picnics on the lawn and craft vendors.
  • Educational pre-concert talks by musicians and historians.
• Tickets: Available online; season passes offered at discounted rates.
• Transportation: On-site parking available; carpooling recommended.

September

1. Neptune Festival

• Date: September 27–29, 2025
• Location: Virginia Beach, VA
• Significance: A grand celebration of Virginia Beach’s coastal culture and community.
• Activities:
  • Sand sculpting competitions featuring world-renowned artists.
  • Live music on multiple stages.
  • Art and craft exhibits and a grand parade.
• Tickets: Free admission; VIP tickets for reserved seating and exclusive events available.
• Transportation: Parking available near the boardwalk; shuttle services from key locations.

2. Richmond Folk Festival

• Date: September 13–15, 2025
• Location: Downtown Richmond, VA
• Significance: One of Virginia’s largest festivals celebrating folk music and traditions from around the world.
• Activities:
  • Performances by folk musicians, storytellers, and dancers.
  • Food vendors offering global cuisines.
  • Artisan markets showcasing handmade goods.
• Tickets: Free admission; donations encouraged to support the festival.
• Transportation: Accessible via public transit; downtown parking available but limited.

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October

1. Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon

• Date: October 12–13, 2025
• Location: Mount Vernon, VA
• Significance: A celebration of 18th-century farming and harvest traditions.
• Activities:
  • Historic farming demonstrations, including wheat threshing and cider pressing.
  • Tours of George Washington’s estate and gardens.
  • Family-friendly games, crafts, and hayrides.
• Tickets: Included with Mount Vernon admission; family packages available.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; shuttle services provided from nearby lots.

2. Blue Ridge Folklife Festival

• Date: October 26, 2025
• Location: Ferrum College, Ferrum, VA
• Significance: A tribute to the heritage and traditions of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.
• Activities:
  • Traditional music and dance performances.
  • Craft demonstrations, including blacksmithing and basket weaving.
  • Vintage farm equipment displays and antique car shows.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: On-site parking available; carpooling encouraged.

November

Virginia Thanksgiving Festival

• Date: November 24, 2025
• Location: Berkeley Plantation, Charles City, VA
• Significance: Commemorates America’s first official Thanksgiving in 1619.
• Activities:
  • Historical reenactments of the 1619 Thanksgiving.
  • Colonial games, music, and tours of the plantation.
  • Traditional Thanksgiving-themed meals.
• Tickets: Available online; discounts for groups and families.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; carpooling recommended.

Richmond Holiday Light Festival

• Date: November 29–January 1, 2026
• Location: Maymont, Richmond, VA
• Significance: A dazzling kickoff to the holiday season with light displays and winter-themed activities.
• Activities:
  • Walking paths illuminated with themed light installations.
  • Hot cocoa stands and holiday market stalls.
  • Ice skating rinks and family photo opportunities.
• Tickets: Timed entry tickets available online.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; public transit options limited.

December

WinterFest on the Boardwalk

• Date: December 1–31, 2025
• Location: Virginia Beach, VA
• Significance: A month-long holiday celebration along the scenic Virginia Beach boardwalk.
• Activities:
  • Drive-through light displays with holiday themes.
  • Ice skating rinks and live holiday performances.
  • Seasonal food vendors offering festive treats.
• Tickets: General admission available online; discounts for families.
• Transportation: Parking available near the boardwalk; public transit accessible.

Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg

• Date: December 6, 2025
• Location: Colonial Williamsburg, VA
• Significance: A historic holiday event featuring traditional illuminations and music.
• Activities:
  • Candlelit processions and carol singing.
  • Fireworks displays over the historic area.
  • Seasonal markets with colonial-inspired goods.
• Tickets: Included with regular admission; premium packages available.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; shuttles provided.

Conclusion

Virginia’s 2025 festival calendar showcases the state’s rich cultural tapestry and community spirit. From historical reenactments and vibrant music festivals to delicious food events and artistic celebrations, Virginia offers a year full of opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun. No matter your interests, there’s a festival waiting for you in the Old Dominion.

FAQs About Virginia Festivals 2025

1. What makes Virginia’s festivals unique?

• Virginia’s festivals blend history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a unique mix of activities from Revolutionary War reenactments to modern music festivals.

2. Are Virginia’s festivals family-friendly?

• Yes, many festivals, like the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and Colonial Williamsburg President’s Day Weekend, feature activities for all ages.

3. How can I find parking for Virginia festivals?

• Most festivals offer designated parking areas, and larger events provide shuttle services or recommend public transportation.

4. Do I need tickets for Virginia festivals?

• Some festivals are free, but others, like the Virginia International Tattoo, require tickets. Check event websites for details.

5. What’s the best time of year to attend Virginia festivals?

• Spring and fall are particularly vibrant, with events like the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and Richmond Folk Festival offering ideal weather and unique experiences.

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