Summer is in full swing here in Virginia, and there are so many ways to enjoy the month of July, from three-day festivals that bring together some of the biggest names in music to patriotic Fourth of July celebrations featuring massive fireworks displays. Mark your calendars and start making plans for an incredible July in Virginia this year!
Virginia is for Lovers 50 Years of LOVE Celebrations Continue—Various Locations Around Virginia
When: Throughout the month
One of the most famous tourism slogans in the world, Virginia is for Lovers turns 50 in 2019, and to celebrate, there are countless special events happening around the Commonwealth! Dozens of breweries will be crafting limited-edition lagers this summer in honor of Virginia and serving them to visitors in commemorative glasses that you can take home. Many wineries will also have 50th anniversary glasses, as well as discounts on tastings during the 50 Years of Love summer celebrations. Participating restaurants around Virginia will offer special meal pricing and menus, and there are even giveaway contests to win free overnight stays and getaway packages to some of Virginia’s most spectacular hotels and resorts. Find dates and details at the Virginia is for Lovers 50 Years of Love page and join us in celebrating an historic milestone.
4th of July Celebrations—Various Locations Around Virginia
When: On and Around July 4, 2019
Celebrate America’s Independence this Fourth of July in Virginia, one of the most vital states when it came to the American Revolution. The Commonwealth will have all sorts of festivals, fireworks, and parades during the holiday, including monumental celebrations at historic sites like Colonial Williamsburg and Mount Vernon.
Red Wing Roots Music Festival—Mt. Solon
When: July 12-14, 2019
The 7th annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival, held over three days at the scenic Natural Chimneys Park in Mt. Solon, is a family-friendly event that blends bluegrass and folk music, the Great Outdoors, and some of the best food and drinks in Virginia. Multiple stages allow a wide array of regional and national bands to continuously play toe-tapping music during the festival, and if you want to take a break from the live performances, there are tons of organized outdoor events like bike rides, hiking, fun runs, and interactive kids activities to fill your schedule. This year’s lineup includes Lucinda Williams, The Wood Brothers, Mandolin Orange, and The Steel Wheels. Get Tickets
Virginia Lake Festival—Clarksville
When: July 18-20, 2019
Now in its 42nd year, Clarksville’s annual Virginia Lake Festival (or LakeFest, as the locals call it) is a free event that has repeatedly made the list of “One of the Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society, attracting nearly 100,000 people each year. Kids can take tethered hot air balloon rides above Buggs Island Lake beginning on Thursday evening, and Friday morning kicks off the sand sculpture contest, followed by live music and a sampling of food vendors throughout the day. As dawn breaks on Saturday, watch as balloonists skim the pristine lake waters, then head over to downtown Clarksville and shop goods, foods, and handmade gifts from over 200 local artisans and businesses. Once night falls, boats gather all around Buggs Island Lake to witness the extravaganza fireworks show, one of the biggest annual fireworks shows in all of Southern Virginia.
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival—Orkney Springs
When: July 19-20, July 26-27, August 9-10, and August 31-September 1, 2019
Held over summer weekends at the beautiful historic retreat and conference center of Shrine Mont, the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival has brought countless talented musicians to the region, with past artists including LeAnn Rimes, Bruce Hornsby, and The Temptations. This year’s lineup is no exception, with The Beach Boys headlining the July 26th show. Tickets range in price from about $40 to $85, depending on location (lawn, pavilion, or preferred pavilion) and the weekend. Order Your Tickets Here
Annual Chincoteague Island Pony Swim & Auction—Chincoteague Island
When: July 24-25, 2019
Chincoteague Island’s Annual Pony Swim & Auction has become a Virginia tradition on the Eastern Shore, bringing thousands of people to the small waterfront community to see these gorgeous animals make the trek across the channel between Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Chincoteague Island. This July event raises money to support the town of Chincoteague while also keeping the wild pony population in check, which prevents damage to the fragile coastal ecosystem of the wildlife refuge. Attend this wondrous Eastern Shore event and get a rare up-close look at these wild beauties.
Floydfest—Floyd
When: July 24-28, 2019
One of Virginia’s biggest and best music festivals, FloydFest is a five-day festival right off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of Floyd. Camp in the trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the festival, where you’ll discover outdoor adventure, local vendors offering everything from artisan-made goods and clothing to delicious food and beverages, and an inclusive sense of community, all within a few steps of your campsite. In addition to lots of live music (over 100 artists on eight stages), Floydfest includes workshops, healing arts seminars, and children’s activities. Get Tickets
Virginia Highlands Festival—Abingdon
When: July 26-August 4, 2019
Held each year for the past seven decades in historic downtown Abingdon, The Virginia Highlands Festival has been named the “Best Art Event” in the region by readers of Virginia Living Magazine. The week-long festival features activities and entertainment that is suitable for kids and adults of all ages. Check out the antiques market and the award-winning juried arts and crafts show to shop local goods. Live music, historical re-enactments, art and photography competitions, guided nature hikes, creative writing workshops, and plenty of activities for the kids rounds out this Southwest Virginia festival, providing non-stop entertainment and fun.
The 400th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony of the First Representative Legislative Assembly—Jamestown
When: July 30, 2019
Head to Jamestown, the birthplace of American democracy, to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the First Representative Assembly in the western hemisphere. Sponsored by the American Evolution series, the event will take place at both Historic Jamestowne and the Jamestown Settlement, and will include archaeological exhibits and special events, guided walking tours of the grounds, living history reenactments, lectures by knowledgeable historians, hands-on children’s activities, and a free concert featuring the Richmond Symphony.
Find even more July events to add to your calendar, and look ahead to August and September to make your vacation plans!
The post The Top Events & Festivals Happening Around Virginia in July appeared first on Virginia's Travel Blog.