12 Virginia festivals to explore this summer and fall

Want to get out and enjoy the many festivals Virginia has to offer? One of these 12 summer and fall festivals across the commonwealth is bound to be perfect for your family’s tastes.

Central Virginia

Aug. 30: Richmond Comedy and Music Festival in Richmond

Laugh and dance your way to the fall season with this year’s Comedy and Music Festival in Richmond. This event is 21+. Tickets are priced at $25 and can be purchased online. 

https://www.visitrichmondva.com/event/richmond-comedy-and-music-festival/46837

Sept. 20-21: Iron Blossom Music Festival in Richmond

Fun doesn’t have to end in the autumn. This Richmond music festival is the perfect September activity for anyone facing back-to-school blues or just missing summer! Iron Blossom Music Festival is a two-day event headlined by classic indie bands The Lumineers and Vampire Weekend. Tickets are available online.

https://ironblossomfestival.com/ 

Sept. 27-29: Richmond Folk Festival in Richmond

This three-day free festival along Richmond’s riverfront features more than 30 music and dance artists, crafts, storytelling, and food. Can’t make it in person? Virginia Public Media will broadcast it live, online and on Richmond’s 107.3 and 93.1 FM stations.

https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org

Oct. 31: Fantasy Fest in CharlottesvilleThe IX Art Park is home to this annual day of the paranormal, projections, cosplay, art, and music. The festival runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with an afterparty until 2 a.m.

https://www.ixartpark.org/fantasy-fest

Northern Virginia

Sept. 13-14: Alexandria Old Town Art Festival in Alexandria
The 23rd annual festival is free and will take place around John Carlyle Square. On display will be jury-selected arts from across the country. 

https://www.artfestival.com/festivals/23rd-annual-alexandria-art-festival

Sept. 14-Nov. 5: Cox Farms Fall Festival in Centreville

Giant slides, family hayrides, apple cider donuts, kettle corn, a Stonehenge replica made of foam, and live music. What else does a family need on a fall day? Tickets range from $15 to $30 and go on sale in August.

https://coxfarmsva.com/fall-festival/

Oct. 12: Fall Festival in Old Town Historic Fairfax

The 49th annual free celebration of autumn is set to include 400+ vendors, activities for kids, and three stages with music and entertainment.The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an After Fest concert from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Rain or shine.

https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/fall-festival

Southwest Virginia

July 5: Blue Ridge Line Dancing Festival in Lynchburg The Blue Ridge Line Dancing Festival in Lynchburg blends Southern soul and R&B to create an unforgettable experience. This summer festival will be filled with dancing, food, drinks, and plenty of fun. Early birds can purchase $28 tickets online.

http://brldfest.com/

July 12: Art at the Market in Downtown Blacksburg
Indulge in an array of art presented by the downtown Blacksburg Art at the Market. Enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast from local vendors or stroll through pieces reflecting the talent of Southwest VA with a fresh mimosa in hand. The event is free.

https://stepintoblacksburg.org/listing/art-at-the-market/

Sept. 26-28: Woodbooger Festival in Norton
According to the Norton city website, this annual festival “celebrates the Woodbooger, a mythical Bigfoot-like creature rumored to roam Flag Rock Recreation Area and Southwest Virginia.” The free event will include presentations by Bigfoot experts, guided hikes and rides, a nighttime Woodbooger search, live music, and vendors.

https://www.nortonva.gov/509/Woodbooger-Festival

Tidewater

Sept. 27-29: Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend in Virginia Beach
The 51st annual celebration of beach life will include more than 20 free performances by local and national bands, 200 artisans displaying their crafts, and hundreds of food and other vendors along the Virginia Beach boardwalk.

https://www.neptunefestival.com/

Oct. 18-19: Bluebird Gap Fall Farm Festival in Hampton

This annual free event takes place at a city park located on a 60-acre farm with 150 live animals. Organizers promise “hayrides, ax throwing, blacksmith demonstrations, live entertainment, games, a hay maze, family photo ops,” plus foods and pumpkins for sale.

https://www.hampton.gov/3313/Bluebird-Gap-Farm-Fall-Festival