April 18-May 25
Virginia Arts Festival.
For more than a decade, the Virginia Arts Festival has brought great artists from around the world to the cities and communities of Hampton Roads, making this historic, recreation-rich region a center for culture and the arts. In one magical month, in dozens of venues throughout the area, choose spectacular performances by world-class performers. Norfolk, Hampton Roads Region.
877-741-2787 or 757-282-2819. http://www.vafest.com

April 19-20, 9 am-5 pm.
Revolutionary War Reenactment of  the 1781 Battle of Petersburg. 
The 17th annual Revolutionary War Reenactment of the 1781 Battle of Petersburg will take place at Battersea to commemorate that battle which was part of America's fight for it's independence. There will be colonial dance demonstrations, vendors, sutlers, childrens activities, tours of Battersea, a military hospital display, morning and afternoon skirmishes and much more. Petersburg, Battersea.
800-368-3595. http://www.petersburgarea.org 

April 19-27 Statewide, 10 am-5 pm. 
Historic Garden Week in Virginia. 
 Virginia's Historic Garden Week is now in its 75th season making it the oldest and largest statewide house and garden tour in the nation! Explore four centuries of Virginia's rich heritage with more than 30 tours of both public and private homes and estates.  Homes on tour date to Colonial, American Revolution, Civil War and Victorian periods, as well as this century. Spectacular gardens range from 18th century terraces to backyard habitats, boxwood mazes, walled city spaces, and cutting, water, herb and "secret" gardens. 804-644-7776. http://www.vagardenweek.org 

 
May 3
Culpeper Days
Downtown Culpeper.  10 am – 5 pm.  www.culpeperruritans.org

May 9-11, 9 am-5 pm. 
Raid at Martin’s Station. 
Join us as we slip into the shadows of Virginia’s 1775 Wilderness. See and hear history come alive as more than 150 living historians re-enact life at Joseph Martin’s frontier fort. Watch as two cultures clash, and the flames of war once again ignite on Virginia’s frontier. Activities include a re-enactment of Native Americans burning a cabin at Martin’s Station, tours of Native American warrior camps and frontier life. Ewing, Wilderness Road State Park. 276-445-3065.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/wil.shtml 

May 10, 9 am-4:30 pm.
Jamestown Day 
Historic Jamestowne commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the first permanent English settlement in North America with a variety of tours, programs and events at the original site of the colony. The National Park Service and the APVA Preservation Virginia offer free admission, Indian ceremonies, weapon demonstrations, wreath laying ceremonies, living history tours and interpretive programs. Historic Jamestowne., Jamestown. 757-229-1733

May 16-18, 6-9 pm.
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon. 
Join Mount Vernon in its spring celebration of the history of the Virginia wine industry on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Guests sample wines from 16 award-winning Virginia wineries, learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s wine endeavors, enjoy live jazz music, and meet “George Washington” on the Mansion's piazza. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Mount Vernon. 703-780-2000. http://www.mountvernon.org 

May 17 – 18, 2008
24th Annual Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival
Outdoor-juried art show featuring live music and children’s activities to benefit Hope House Foundation.  Stockley Gardens Park. For more information, please call (757) 625-6161 or visit http://www.hope-house.org.

May 24 – 26, 2008
AFR’AM Fest
Family-oriented ethnic cultural celebrations featuring musical entertainment, history, food and children’s activities. Town Point Park. For more information, please call (757) 639-7054 or visit http://www.afram-fest.info.

May 17-18, 9 am-5 pm. 
Battle of New Market Reenactment. 
144th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of New Market, fought May 15, 1864. Emphasis on the role of the Virginia Military Institute Cadets in the battle. Combat scenarios each day, other living history presentations throughout the weekend. Nearly 2,000 Confederate, Union, & civilian reenactors. New Market Battlefield State Historical Park , New Market. 866-515-1864. http://www.vmi.edu/newmarket

May 24, 8-11:30 pm
Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria. 
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Fredericksburg
540-373-6122. http://www.nps.gov/frsp 

May 24-25, 9 am-5 pm. 
Yorktown Civil War Weekend. 
Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown757-898-2410. http://www.nps.gov/colo 
Though known primarily for its role in the American Revolution, Yorktown’s Civil War history is commemorated annually during Memorial Day Weekend. Special activities at Yorktown include encampments, military and surgical demonstrations, a campfire program, special walking tours and more

May 24-26, 12-11 pm. 
Ralph Stanley Festival. 
Annual Memorial Bluegrass Festival is a celebration of bluegrass music held at the homeplace of bluegrass legend and Grand Ole Opry honoree Dr. Ralph Stanley. See Ralph and his band, The Clinch Mountain Boys, perform all time favorites.  Homeplace - Smith Ridge, Coeburn. 276-395-6318. http://www.drralphstanley.com/events/festival/index.shtml 

May 31-June 1, 10 am-11 pm.
Blackbeard Pirate Festival. 
This family festival celebrates living history and returns the Hampton waterfront to the way of life in 1718. Full-scale sea battles, tall ships, treasure hunts, sea chanties, historic reenactments, a pirate camp, strolling entertainers and a fireworks spectacular highlight the weekend.   Mill Point Park, Downtown Hampton and Hampton Waterfront. 757-727-0900. http://www.vasc.org 

June 6, 11 am-12 pm.         
National D-Day Memorial - Anniversary of D-Day. 
64th Anniversary of D-Day. Pay tribute to the Allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen who participated in that fateful invasion in Normandy sixty-four years ago. The Memorial will host a moving ceremony which includes special music and speakers. Tours will be provided throughout the day. Free admission from 10am to noon.  Bedford 800-351-DDAY. http://www.dday.org 

June 6 – 8, 2008
32nd Annual Norfolk Haborfest®
Festival featuring visiting international tall ships, national, regional and local entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks and more.  Town Point Park. For more information, call (757) 441-2345 or visit http://www.festeventsva.org.

June 20 – 22, 2008
19th Annual Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival
Town Point Park is transformed into the Big Bayou for the hottest and spiciest weekend on the riverfront. Town Point Park. For more information, call (757) 441-2345 or visit http://www.festeventsva.org.

June 20-22
AirPower Over Hampton Roads. 
This annual air show features a variety of aircraft from vintage to the latest and most powerful fighter jet, the F-22A. From civilian aerobatics to military demonstrations, there is excitement in the air throughout each day. Aircraft will be on display for tours and photo opportunities and there will be exhibits and children’s entertainment. Langley Air Force Base, Memorial Park.
757-764-2018. http://www.langleyairshow.com 

June 7-8
145th Anniversary of the Battle of Brandy Station. 
The Brandy Station Foundation will commemorate the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Brandy Station with living history demonstrations and reenactments at Brandy Station, site of the largest Cavalry Battle fought during the Civil War. Graffiti House, Brandy Station. 540-727-7718. http://www.brandystationfoundation.com 

June 7-8, 10 am-6 pm. 
American Indian Festival
Celebration features American Indian storytelling, traditional dancing, and demonstrations. Native jewelry, crafts, festival and Native American food vendors. Chesapeake City Park. 757-382-6411. http://www.CityofChesapeake.net/parks

June 14, 1-6 pm.
Juneteenth Celebration. 
Alexandria Black History Museum. 
703-838-4356. http://www.AlexBlackHistory.org 

June 21, 11 am-10 pm
National Jousting Hall of Fame. 
Natural Chimneys Regional Park, Mt. Solon.
888-430-2267. http://www.nationaljousting.com 

June 21-22, 9 am-6 pm.      
Civil War Weekend. 
Settle down next to the fire and learn to prepare a soldier’s meal, try your luck at a 19th-century game of chance and meet a Civil War surgeon. Living history demonstrations, lectures and book signings, storytelling, and musical performances engage all your senses and help the Civil War era come to life. Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier,  Petersburg. 804-861-2408. http://www.PamplinPark.org 

July 4, 2008
26th Annual Great American 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks
Families and friends celebrate July 4th on the waterfront with picnics and socializing. Town Point Park. For more information, call (757) 441-2345 or visit http://www.festeventsva.org.

July 12, 2008
8th Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival
The outdoor dance floor heats up with the hottest salsa, meringue, and guaguanco dancing with live music performances. Town Point Park. For more information, call (757) 441-2345 or visit http://www.festeventsva.org.

July 15-Oct. 15, 9 am-5 pm.
A New World: Englands’s First View of America. 
"A New World: England's First View of America" special exhibition from the British Museum featuring the watercolor drawings of John White. Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg. 757-253-4838. http://www.historyisfun.org

July 25 – 26, 2008
26th Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival
Cool jazz and warm summer nights return once again to Downtown Norfolk.  Town Point Park. For more information, call (757) 441-2345 or visit http://www.festeventsva.org.

July 30-31 
Pony Swim and Auction. 
Volunteer firemen round up the ponies on Assateague Island and on the last Wednesday in July (before the last Thursday), swim them across the channel to Chincoteague Island where they rest before being herded down Main Street to the carnival grounds. On the last Thursday of July, from 8:00 a.m. until noon, there is an auction held at the Carnival grounds to sell the foals born this year. Memorial Par, Chincoteague Island. 757-336-6161. http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com

Aug. 16-17, 6 am-6 pm. 
Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival. 
Colorful balloons fill the sky early morning and late afternoon, both days, and balloon activities occur, weather permitting. Balloon rides can be arranged as well. The world famous Flying Circus Airshow is presented each afternoon at 2:30pm. Flying Circus Aerodrome,Bealeton. 540-439-8661. http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com 

Sept. 12-13, 10 am-4 pm. 
Apple Butter Celebration. 
Apples, apples, apples! Join Skyland Resort's staff as they set up their copper kettles and stoke up the fire for two days of apple boiling at Skyland Resort located off milepost 41.7 on historic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Marvel over the process, try a yummy sample and take home a few fresh-from-the-kettle jars of apple butter. Live music on Saturday from 12 noon to 4pm.  Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park, Luray. 800-999-4714. http://www.visitshenandoah.com

September 12, - 14, 2008
Virginia In-Water Boat Expo
The Virginia In-Water Boat Expo takes place at Waterside Marina and features several hundred boats. Town Point Park. For more information, call (757) 441-2345 or visit http://www.festeventsva.org.

Sept. 19-21
Oceana Air Show. 
50th Anniversary Air Show at the East Coast's premier Master Jet Base; this award-winning event represents a unique opportunity for this facility to give the public an up-close and personal look at the mission of NAS Oceana and - more importantly - a chance to interact directly with the men and women of the United States Navy who are so instrumental in the defense of American interests here and overseas. Enjoy the power and precision of the breathtaking U.S. Navy Blue Angels as well as thrilling aerobatics from the world's top civilian performers. Oceana Naval Air Station, Virginia Beach.
800-822-3224. http://www.oceanaairshow.com

Sept. 27-28       
Historic Occoquan Fall Arts and Crafts Show. 
Join in the tradition of the Historic Occoquan Fall Arts and Crafts Show welcoming only foot traffic to more than 350 juried artists and craft vendors, food and live entertainment. Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Off of I-95, exit 160. Occoquan

September 27, 2008
3rd Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Commemorates one of the most celebrated of Chinese holidays, and is rich in Asian culture and tradition. Town Point Park. For more information, call (757) 441-2345 or visit http://www.festeventsva.org.

October 11, 2008
20th Annual Virginia Children’s Festival
More than 50 creative and interactive activities, hands-on workshops, cultural experiences, arts & crafts and more. Town Point Park. (757) 441-2345 or http://www.festevents.org