The Most Epic Annual Events in Virginia: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Festivals That Define Virginia’s Calendar
Virginia boasts festivals that blend coastal charm, colonial history, music and food, small-town traditions, and big-city energy. This list features ten events (all currently operating) that reflect a geographic spread across the state—so you’ll find celebrations in the mountains, on the coast, and throughout the heartland of the Commonwealth.
1. Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival – Blossoms & Parades in Winchester
Held every spring in Winchester, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival dates back nearly a century and delivers vibrant energy, parades, concerts, and of course fields of apple blossoms. Wikipedia+2Virginia Association of Fairs+2
Why it stands out:
Long-running civic celebration (first held in 1924) with deep roots in the region. Wikipedia
A mix of floral beauty, community parade, fair-style midway, music.
Family-friendly, ideal for springtime visits to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Pro Tip: Go early in the day to beat the crowds at parade time; pair with a drive through the valley’s blossom-covered orchards.
2. Urbanna Oyster Festival – Coastal Oyster Heritage on the Chesapeake
On the Virginia coast, the Urbanna Oyster Festival celebrates oyster-harvesting tradition, local seafood culture, and waterfront fun. Virginia Is for Lovers
Why it stands out:
Coastal festival that taps into Virginia’s seafood and Bay heritage.
Great for food enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a maritime vibe.
Pro Tip: Arrive hungry and sample the oyster tastings; check for live music and waterfront views for maximum coastal festival feel.
3. Virginia Arts Festival – Sophisticated Spring Culture Across Virginia
This festival hosts performances, visual arts, and community events across multiple Virginia cities. Virginia Is for Lovers+2vafest.org+2
Why it stands out:
A high-culture festival that brings arts, music, performance to various locales.
Ideal for tourists who want a refined experience beyond typical fare.
Pro Tip: Check the schedule for the year—choose a performance or gallery opening and combine it with a weekend stay nearby.
4. Richmond Folk Festival – Free Outdoor Music & Cultural Celebration in Richmond
Held in downtown Richmond along the riverfront, this annual festival draws huge crowds with live music, food, craft vendors and cultural performances. Axios
Why it stands out:
Big-city festival vibe, but accessible and family-friendly.
Supports local and national artists, blends culture and community.
Pro Tip: Visit late Friday evening when the riverfront lighting is gorgeous; pack layers for the breeze.
5. Highland County Maple Festival – Sweet Springtime Tradition in the Mountains
Held each March in Highland County, this festival celebrates maple syrup production and mountain culture. Wikipedia+1
Why it stands out:
Flavor-rich experience tied to Virginia’s natural heritage and rural lifestyle.
Mountain setting offers a slower, picturesque festival experience.
Pro Tip: Stay at a nearby cabin, enjoy sample maple donuts and syrup education tours; great for nature-lovers and sweet tooths alike.
6. Neptune Festival – Beachside Fun in Virginia Beach
On the Atlantic coast, the Neptune Festival offers sand-castle contests, boardwalk parties, live music and beachfront family fun. Yelp+1
Why it stands out:
Combines beach holiday with festival energy—perfect for summer.
Family-friendly rides, games, food vendors, and sand artistry.
Pro Tip: Go at sunset for the best beach festival atmosphere; consider staying beachfront for maximum immersion.
7. Tephra Fine Arts Festival – Major Fine Arts Event in Northern Virginia
Held in Reston Town Center, this outdoor arts festival features hundreds of juried artists, craft and high-end design work. Wikipedia+1
Why it stands out:
Ideal for art enthusiasts, gift-shoppers, design lovers.
Located in accessible Northern Virginia, close to DC if you’re traveling through.
Pro Tip: Bring a tote for artisan finds, arrive midday to beat heat, combine with nearby café stops.
8. OysterFest – Hood Canal’s Shellfish Celebration
Held along Hood Canal, this festival offers oyster-shucking demos, music, and shoreline views. (While not always as widely covered, Hood Canal area festivals are featured in state event listings.) Virginia Is for Lovers+1
Why it stands out:
Food-centric, coastal, and tied to Virginia’s small-town shoreline charm.
Less crowded than major city festivals—offering a more relaxed experience.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with kayaking or beach walks; sample local brews and seafood.
9. Virginia State Fair – Classic Fair Experience Near Richmond
Located in Doswell, Virginia, this fair features rides, livestock, concerts, fair foods and traditional fun. Virginia Association of Fairs+1
Why it stands out:
A fully-packed fair with tradition and variety—a classic Virginia annual event.
Great for families, fair-food lovers, and broad-interest festival goers.
Pro Tip: Plan to arrive before dusk; ride lines shorten early; enjoy the concerts and midway lights after dark.
10. Virginia Festival of the Book – Literary Celebration in Charlottesville
Hosted each spring in Charlottesville, this festival brings authors, workshops, readings and book lovers together. Virginia Is for Lovers+1
Why it stands out:
Unique niche festival focusing on literature and ideas—perfect for thoughtful travelers.
Charlottesville’s historic setting adds charm and opportunity for boutique stays and strolls.
Pro Tip: Mix your festival pass with a day of visiting Charlottesville’s historic downtown, local bookstores, and scenic Virginia countryside.
How to Pick the Right Virginia Festival for You
Consider your interests
Food & drink culture: Urbanna Oyster Festival, Highland Maple Festival, OysterFest.
Music & performance: Richmond Folk Festival, Virginia Arts Festival.
Beach and coastal fun: Neptune Festival.
Arts & design: Tephra Fine Arts Festival.
Large-scale fair & family fun: Virginia State Fair.
Spring flower and parade: Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.
Literary and cultural: Virginia Festival of the Book.
Map your destination
Virginia’s festivals spread from the Shenandoah Valley to the Chesapeake Coast, Northern Virginia, and Charlottesville—giving you diversity whether you’re coming from far or staying local.
Timing and logistics
Spring: Apple Blossom (Winchester), Book Festival (Charlottesville), Maple Festival (Highland County)
Summer: Neptune Festival (Virginia Beach), Arts Festivals
Fall: Folk Festival (Richmond), State Fair (Doswell)
Book early, especially for coastal and family-friendly destinations; lodging tends to fill quickly.
Festival travel tips
Arrive early for prime parking or shuttle options.
Pack breathable layers—Virginia weather can vary from beach breeze to valley warmth.
Bring a small bag for festival swag or local artisan finds.
Set aside full days for the festival if you want to soak it in, or split with a local adventure (vineyard, hike, historic town).
Why These Festivals Are Evergreen & Shareable
Each offers strong visual appeal (parades, blooms, beach contests, artisan displays)—ideal for social media.
Keywords like “annual festival Virginia”, “Virginia food festival”, “coastal festival Virginia Beach”, “Virginia arts festival” make the content searchable and relevant year after year.
They span geographic variety across Virginia.
They incorporate local culture, heritage, food and fun—making the experiences meaningful and lasting rather than fleeting.
Final Thoughts
Virginia’s festival scene is more vibrant than many realize. From the apple blossoms of the Shenandoah to oysters on the coast, from art markets to folk music by the riverfront, the ten highlighted events bring together tradition, community and fun. Whether you’re a local looking for your next adventure or a tourist planning your Virginia bucket list, these festivals give you must-experience moments in the Commonwealth.