An area of eastern Britain verging on the North Ocean, truly part of the Somewhat English Saxon realm of East Anglia. Its name implies the “northern individuals,” rather than the “southern individuals” of Suffolk.
JUNETEENTH EVENTS
Celebrate Juneteenth in Virginia. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.
In 1865 slavery was common practice in Texas even though President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had been in effect since January 1, 1863. On June 19, 1865 Union General Gordon Granger and his 2,000 troops released Galveston, TX slaves into freedom – some of the last slaves to realize their destiny.
A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today.
Summer Festivals
Jump into Virginia’s festivals celebrating local crafts, heritage, regional produce and music!
July, August and September in Orkney Springs – The Shenandoah Valley Music Festival is the longest running outdoor music festival in the mid-Atlantic.
Galax – HoustonFest honors the memory of Houston Kyle Caldwell. Numerous talented performers have stepped up to show their love and support of Houston and his family by contributing time and talent for the festival.
Southwest Virginia – Mountains of Music Homecoming celebrates the rich traditional music heritage, cultural amenities, history, and outdoor environment of communities throughout Southwest Virginia.
Floyd – FloydFest – A 5-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia!
Galax – The world’s largest and oldest fiddlers’ convention is the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention.
Richmond – Don’t miss The Richmond Jazz Festival, the nation’s premier jazz festival, at Maymont.
Arrington – Four days of music at Lockn’ Music Festival with an emphasis on stellar music, camping, outdoor activities, regional food, beverages and artisans.
Virginia Beach – The sounds of rock, jazz, country, R&B, and more flood the Virginia Beach oceanfront for three sun-filled days over Labor Day Weekend at the American Music Festival.
Black History Events and Tours
Celebrate Black History in Virginia with special events, guided tours, live musical and dramatic performances, lectures and films. Discover more about black history attractions, African-American history in Virginia, famous Virginians, and the Civil Rights History of Virginia.
Visit A Virginia Farm in norfolk
Virginia is home to some of the most talented makers, farmers, artisans, and small business owners in the country. “Made in Virginia” means made with love, care, attention to detail, and only the finest materials and ingredients. The classic Virginia’s Finest® trademark and the classic blue and red “VA check mark” logo indicates that consumers are purchasing only the best in Virginia-produced and processed products.
From the celebrated “Surryano” ham from S. Wallace Edwards & Sons to Border Springs Farm lamb (beloved by TODAY’s Al Roker); from carefully made cheeses from Caromont Farms to bespoke hand-crafted chocolates from Gearhart’s, there is a Virginia made product to appeal to every taste bud.
Virginia farmers also work tirelessly to preserve the generations-long reputation of the bounty of the Commonwealth’s soil, providing restaurants across the country with some of the finest produce in the world, from apples to ramps to heirloom tomatoes and more. Virginia also boasts a myriad of oyster farms, with each farm producing oysters with their own distinct flavor based on the water in which they grow.
Of course, there’s no better pairing with Virginia’s delicious food offerings than our outstanding selection of Virginia-made wine, craft beer, cider, and spirits. From coast to cliff, Virginia boasts nearly 300 wineries, more than 200 breweries, more than 20 cideries, and more than 70 distilleries.
SPORTING EVENTS
From bicycling races winding through the Shenandoah Valley to urban running events in almost every city across the state, there are plenty of annual sports and fitness events taking in Virginia. Find your next adrenaline packed sporting event to attend this year below.
Camping in Virginia can be back-to-basics primitive, on well-developed tent sites with electric and water hookups, or on RV sites with resort-style amenities, such as cable TV!
Virginia welcomes you, your family, your friends and even your beloved pets to experience fresh air, woodlands, mountain streams, rolling surfs, wildflowers, star-studded skies, critters, crackling campfires and glowing marshmallows on a stick. Use the search tools below to find nearby campgrounds and camping close to your location. There are always options within a short drive.
Events and Festivals
Virginia is home to countless events and festivals no matter what the season. Sing your heart out at epic summer music festivals and live concerts, take the kids to fall festivals that celebrate the beauty and bounty of autumn, and sample Virginia’s best local foods, craft beers, wines, spirits, and ciders at year-round food and drink festivals. Mark your calendar and make this a year to remember.