Virginia Family & Heritage Events
April 3
Family Day- Triangle - Special Family Day-- Easter Egg Drill, 12-4pm www.usmcmuseum.org
April 10
Celebrate the month of the Military Child- Triangle - Come celebrate the Month of the Military Child at the National Museum of the Marine Corps 12 - 4 pm www.usmcmuseum.org
April 10-11
145th Anniversary of the Surrender of General Lee to General Grant at Appomattox Court House - Appomattox - Special programs related to the surrender, including 1st person living history offered each day from April 8 to April 12.
May through July
Docent Guided Tours - Newport News - Free with Museum Admission, join the Mariners' docents for a free guided tour of Museum galleries. Enjoy stories, ask questions and learn the extensive history of the Museum's many exhibits www.marinersmuseum.org
May 1
Grand reopening of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - Richmond - The renovated and expanded – by 165,000 square feet – museum will display more than 5,000 works of art. vmfa.state.va.us
May 1
31st Annual Virginia State Championship Chili Cook-off - Roanoke - Gathers some of the best chili cooks from across the nation; tastings, live entertainment, beer garden, jalapeno eating contest, children’s area. greenvale-school.org
May 1
7th annual Paddle for the Border - Chesapeake - Join the fun and come to Chesapeake to participate! Located along the Dismal Swamp Canal. The beautiful 7.5 mile trip is enjoyable for canoers and kayakers of all ages www.visitcheapeake.com
May 5
42nd Annual Eastern Shore Seafood Festival - Chincoteague - Great seafood from the Chesapeake and Atlantic. An extravaganza favorite of families with hearty appetites. esvachamber.org
May 8
International Migratory Bird Celebration - Chincoteague Island - Thousands of shorebirds of 20 species use Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Fisherman Island to pause during spring migration. Workshops, lectures, bird-expert walks, children’s activities, films and guided tours of Assateague Lighthouse. chincoteaguechamber.com
May 9
Mother's Day Celebration at Virginia Mountain Vineyards - Fincastle - Treat Mom to her special day where she gets her own free souvenir winery glass and a long stemmed candy rose. Return Mom home with a big smile on her face and some of her favorite wines. 12-5pm www.visitbotetourt.com
Friday, May 14, every second Friday of each month until October
Buchanan’s Second Friday Cruise Ins - Buchanan - Activities begin at 5:30PM when antique autos begin arriving to Town lining Main Street and parking lots with their antique and classic autos and run www.visitbotetourt.com
May 14-16
The Chesapeake Jubilee - Chesapeake - Chesapeake's largest festival! Four days of fun, food, and fireworks! We start with the Kiwanis ShrimpFeast and then it's time to ride Amusements of America's "big" rides, see Virginia's largest 4-H show, eat world class barbecue www.visitcheapeake.com
May 15
Virginia Beer Festival - Norfolk - Raise a glass, a stein, a mug as connoisseurs of brews of all types, taste beers from some 36 domestic and international breweries. festevents.org
May 15
Jamestown Day - Historic Jamestowne - Maritime demonstrations, military drills, archaeology and programs on English and Powhatan Indian contact, exploration and discovery mark the 403rd anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony www.historyisfun.org
May 15 – 16
Loudoun County Farm Tour - Loudoun - Farms and wineries are open to visitors to buy spring seedlings and plants, greet baby animals, tour wineries; self-guided driving tour. loudounfarms.org
May 15-16
19th Annual Monacan Indian Pow Wow - Elon - Native arts and crafts from U.S. and Canada for sale; dancing and drumming, storytelling, food and a unique sense of community. amherstvachamber.com
May 28-30
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens - Mount Vernon - The estate is opening its doors for an unprecedented evening event. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and immerse yourself in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation. Enjoy 18th-century music, dancing, and colonial games, and meet characters from Washington’s world. mountvernon.org
May 28-31
Roanoke Festival in the Park - Roanoke, VA - Roanoke's 41st Anniversary Celebration of Art, Music and Family! Elmwood Park/Downtown Roanoke, 540-342-2640 www.roanokefestival.org
May 29
Gathering in the Gap - Big Stone Gap Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park - Old-time and bluegrass music in Southwest Virginia; competitions, jams, and performances by local and regionally known musicians. gatheringinthegapmusicfestival.com
May 29-30
Delaplane Strawberry Festival - Sky Meadow State Park - Country-fair feel with vendors, food, music and strawberries! dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/sky.shtml
May 29-30
Musket, Sword & Pike - Chester - Experience a day in the life of the soldiers of Sir Thomas Dale’s militia. Visit with the soldiers in the 1611 Citie of Henricus, participate in drills with the Henricus Militia and see demonstrations of tactics, armor and weaponry used by the 17th century soldiers who built and protected Henricus. The highlight of the event includes artillery demonstrations with cannon firings. Blacksmithing and woodworking tradesmen will be supporting the soldiers by furnishing wares compatible with martial law of the Virginia Colony, May 1612. $7 Adults/$5 Children (ages 3-12) For more information, please call (804) 748-1613 or visit www.henricus.org
Every Sunday May 30-September 05
Reenactments of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech - Richmond - The Patrick Henry Committee invites you to bring your friends and family to a free, public reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention of March of 1775. In the presence of over 100 of colonial Virginia's leaders, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry defended liberty, uttering the immortal words, "Give me liberty or give me death!" Tours by costumed guides are also available daily. www.Virginia.org
June 1-30
“Tools of the Trade” Theme Month - Jamestown - Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center, Implements used in colonial Virginia for farming, fishing, hunting, defense, navigation and building are examined through interpretive programs and hands-on activities.
June 3 – July 29
Thursdays by the Lake - Newport News - Hear some of the best regional bands at The Mariners’ Museum’s annual free concert series. Bring a blanket or chair and emjoy the beautiful outdoor setting, on the banks of Lake Maury, overlooking the full-scale replica of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor. Adult beverages, soft drinks and food for sale. Arrive early and take advantage of free admission to this world-class, internationally known maritime museum after 4 p.m. Free. The Mariners’ Museum, Newport News. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 757-596-2222, www.MarinersMuseum.org.
June 3-6
44th Annual Newport News Greek Festival - Newport News - The Newport News Greek Festival began in 1967 and has grown into one of the region's most elaborate and popular ethnic celebrations, with authentic Greek food, pastries, music, dance and entertainment. The festival also features a “plaka” (marketplace of imported gifts, including jewelry) and a country store, including filo, orzo, Greek olives, a variety of cheeses, olive oil and more. Shuttle service from satellite parking locations. Free admission; items for sale. Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Newport News. Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m. 757-872-8119. www.newportnewsgreekfestival.org.
June 5
20th Annual Greene County Strawberry Festival - Stanardsville - Strawberry Breakfast plus cakes, pies, slushies and desserts. Plenty for families and kids, too. vgreene.com
June 5- 6
Occoquan Spring Arts & Crafts Show - Occoquan - Welcoming only foot traffic to more than 350 juried artists and craft vendors, food and live entertainment. occoquancraftshow.com
June 6
New Museum Galleries Opening - Newport News - National Museum of the Marine Corps' 3 new galleries tell the story of Marine Corps from its origin in 1775 to its triumphant emersion from WWI as a true war-fighting machine. www.usmcmuseum.org
June 6
Broad Appetit - Richmond - Sample plates from more than 50 of Richmond’s best eateries along Richmond’s historic Broad Street. Demonstrations, entertainment and judging of best entries. broadappetit.com
June 10-12
Shell Rotella SuperRig Truck Beauty Contest - Lexington - Bring the whole family out to enjoy an unique event highlighting some of the biggest, baddest trucks on the road. Featuring children’s activities, a truck parade, carnival rides, live music, drive-in movie screenings and more! http://tinyurl.com/yf7cclw
Every Friday June 11-August 13
History at Sunset Tours - Fredericksburg - The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, host free guided walking tours of various parts of the battlefields. Tours cover a wide variety of topics. Call or check our website for tour information. www.Virginia.org
June 13
12th Annual Phelps Brothers Music Festival-- - Chesapeake - This annual festival celebrates the music careers of local legends Norman, Willie, & Earl Phelps. They have starred on stage, screen, radio, television, and recording throughout their careers. We will have music www.visitcheapeake.com
June 18-24
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Arts Show - Virginia Beach - Over 300 sculptors, painters, craftsmen and photographers at one of the U.S.’s best outdoor art shows. cacv.org/events/boardwalk.asp
June 19
Wayne Henderson Music Festival & Guitar Competition - Blue Ridge Highlands - Named in honor of the internationally known musician and luthier from the Blue Ridge Highlands. Music, children’s activities, food, arts and crafts. waynehenderson.org
Week of Monday, June 21
Historic Jamestown Junior Archaeologist Summer Camp 2010 - Historic Jamestowne - Ages 8-12, June or July session, contact Tom Patton at 757-229-0412, or tpatton@preservationvirginia.org, more info: http://www.historicjamestowne.org/calendar/?month=06&year=2010 www.historicjamestowne.org
June 25-27
The Afrikan American Festival - Hampton - This 400th Anniversary Feature Event will take place at Mill Point Park and will be an outdoor, non-alcoholic, and family-oriented event having nonstop entertainment. There will be a marketplace with over 70 vendors displaying and selling their art and crafts. Food vendors will be there to sell various ethnic foods and there will be live entertainment playing throughout the day! This event is sponsored by the Peninsula Association of Sickle Cell Anemia and The African American Commemorative Committee. A $2.00 donation will be requested for entrance to this event.
June 25-30
Bike Virginia 2010 – Shenandoah Expedition - Staunton, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro - Cyclists enjoy a “big loop” ride starting in one town, spending a couple of days cycling there, and then on to another town. Capped at 2,000 riders. bikevirginia.org
June 26
Virginia Indian Heritage Day - Jamestown - In conjunction with the “Werowocomoco: Seat of Power” special exhibition, panel discussions will address the importance of Werowocomoco and the history of the Powhatan Indians. The day also features presentations of Virginia Indian intertribal dancing and drumming. Presented in partnership with the Virginia Indian community.
June 26
The Spirit of America Festival - Hampton - Phoebus will present The Spirit of America Festival on the first three blocks of Mellen Street from 10a.m.-5p.m. Phoebus is celebrating over 400 years of “small town living at its best.” This free event features live music, food, a Mustang car show, beer stand, a static display of the Hampton Cup Regatta’s race boat ‘Black Pearl,’ face painting and much, much more! For more information on this event call (757) 570-4147 or visit www.spiritofamericafestival.net.
July 1-11
Salem Fair- Roanoke VA - Salem Civic Center, 540-375-3004
July 2-4
BB&T 4th of July Ballon Rally- Lexington - Fun for the whole family! Piloted and tethered balloon rides, balloon glow, kid’s activities, live music, food and craft vendors and fireworks! http://www.sunriserotarylexva.org/balloon.htm
July 3-4
Liberty Celebration - Yorktown Victory Center, Jamestown - Tactical drills, military exercises and role-playing demonstrations salute America during the Fourth of July holiday. Visitors can see in museum galleries a rare broadside printing of America's Declaration of Independence dating to July 1776, and during a special interpretive program, learn about the sacrifices of Americans who sought to be "free and independent" from Great Britain.
July 4
Buchanan Fourth of July Parade - Buchanan - Celebrate America's Independence Day in Downtown Buchanan during the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department's annual Fourth of July Parade. Join hundreds who line Main Street to celebrate this old time celebration where marching bands, floats and marching units make their way down Main Street. www.visitbotetourt.com
July 4
Independence Day - Williamsburg - Hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence and performances by Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums, plus fireworks. history.org
July 9-11
The 11th Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival- Downtown Hampton - Celebrating Hampton’s 400 Year Anniversary & Hampton Founder’s Day. Set sail for Hampton’s Pirate Festival where living history and family fun goes hand-in-hand. Immerse yourself in early 1700s Hampton with Blackbeard’s Ball, live entertainment, pirate encampment, children’s activities, sea battles, fireworks and more, as Hampton reenacts and celebrates the demise of Blackbeard, one of the fiercest pirates ever known, and Hampton’s 400th anniversary with this feature event. Call 757-727-0900, or visit www.vasc.org and www.hampton400 for more information about this event.
July 9-11
The Blackbeard Pirate Festival- Hampton - Celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Hampton. Grand Ball, lots to do for the little swashbucklers and more. blackbeardpiratefestival.com
July 10
Hanover Tomato Festival- Mechanicsville - Taste some of America’s most delicious tomatoes and celebrate with food, music and entertainment. Locals compete for best tomato recipes. co.hanover.va.us
July 15-17
Virginia Lake Festival- Clarksville - A Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event for many years. Tethered hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, sand sculptors, antique cars, live music, fireworks show, 200-plus vendors. clarksvilleva.com
July 17
Annual Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival- Roanoke - Elmwood Park, 540-529-8502
July 17-18
35th Annual Pork, Peanut and Pine Festival- Surry County - Celebration of Virginia indigenous foods and agriculture. More than 200 artisans and crafters. porkpeanutpinefestival.org
July 22-25
Floyd Fest- Floyd - Four-day celebration of music and art with over 50 performers. Plus workshops and demonstrations, over 100 artisans and crafters, food, healing arts and Children’s Universe. floydfest.com
July 24-August 8
Virginia Highlands Festival- Abingdon - Offering plenty of entertainment, an enormous antiques market, juried art and photography competitions, and a juried arts and crafts show, as well as nationally-known writers, lecturers, and visual and performing artists. www.vahighlandsfestival.org
July 24-August 7
Virginia Highlands Festival- Washington County - A top 100 event in North America and a top 20 in the Southeast; entertainment, antiques, juried art and photography, writers and performers. vahighlandsfestival.org
July 28-29
Pony Swim and Auction- Chincoteague - Volunteer firemen round up the ponies on Assateague Island and swim them to Chincoteague Island where they rest before heading down Main Street. On the second day, foals born this year are sold at auction. chincoteaguechamber.com
July 29
2nd annual Jamestown Lecture on Representative Government - Richmond - Lecturers in the series will reflect on American traditions of self-governance that began with the first meeting at the Jamestown church of the oldest repres www.historicjamestowne.org
July 30
Bluefield Downtown Street Fair- Bluefield - held downtown Bluefield; Great fun for the entire family- downhill derby, auction, music, vendors and much more! Information: (304) 327-9686 www.visitmercercounty.com
Daily August 01-August 31
Pastimes of Colonial Virginia Theme Month - Williamsburg - Games, storytelling and other diversions of 17th-century Virginia are shown through hands-on activities and interpretive programs at Jamestown Settlement. Eighteenth-century games are presented at the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution. Visitors can play corncob darts, ninepins, quoits, mancala and nine-men's morris. Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center, Games, storytelling and other diversions of 17th- and 18th-century Virginia are shown through hands-on activities and interpretive programs. Visitors can play corncob darts, ninepins, quoits, mancala and nine-men’s morris. www.Virginia.org
August 6-8
Hull's Drive-In Movie Theater Birthday Bash- Lexington - Family fun like the good ‘ole days. Double feature movies each night in addition to classic cars, 1950’s costumes, limbo and hula hoop contests, and 25 cent refreshments. http://www.hullsdrivein.com
August 7
9th Annual Classics at Lee Hall Car Show- Newport News - Whether you’re a classic car owner or a classic car show-goer, this show is for you! Spectator parking and admission free; Lee Hall house tours available for separate fee. Open to all makes, models and years of vehicles, the first 100 pre-registered vehicles receive goody bags, dash plaques and a complimentary lunch. Food and beverage vendors, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and much more. Participant’s Choice judging for 30 awards to be presented at 2:30 p.m. To register a vehicle, call 757-247-8523 or 804-824-9198. $20 per vehicle registration fee. Proceeds benefit the continued restoration of Lee Hall Mansion. Lee Hall Mansion, Newport News. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 757-888-3371, www.leehall.org.
August 13-15
84th Annual Hampton Cup Regatta- Hampton - This is North America's oldest continuously-run hydroplane boat race! Enjoy a children's area, food vendors, Bay Education and environmental exhibits. The event will take place on the East Mercury Bridge at Fort Monroe. The bridge opens to pedestrians at 10am and racing is Noon to 5pm daily. The event is free of charge. For more information call (757) 870-5020 or (757) 727-8311.
August 20
Lions Club Food Festival- Appomattox - Sponsored by the Lions Club, this year's annual food festival is slated to be "the largest food festival ever" and will take place in Courtland Field in downtown Appomattox. The expanded menu features lots of menu items to please everyone (chicken, pork chops, ribeye steaks, hamburgers, hotdogs, shrimp, lots of assorted veggies and salads, fresh fruit, and numerous desserts), plus your choice of cold beverages (tea, soft drinks, or beer). Live music entertainment will be provided by a band to be announced at a later date. RAIN OR SHINE EVENT! Lawn chairs are welcome! 4:30 pm until dark.
September 10-12
Hampton Bay Days- Downtown Hampton - Highlighted as a 400th Anniversary Feature Event this year Hampton Bay days is celebrating its 28th year. This annual festival is a combination of free entertainment on two stages, a family friendly area with a children’s stage, rides for kids under twelve, 40 booths of interactive educational fun that encourages stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay, 100 Arts & Crafts booths, 35 food vendors, and one of the longest fireworks displays in the area. The event will take place Friday, Noon to 11p.m.; Saturday, 10a.m. to 11p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m. For more information call (757)727-1641 or visit www.baydays.com.
September 18
The Native American Fesival: Thunder on the Bay- Hampton - Held on at Buckroe Beach Park. A 400th Anniversary Signature Event, Thunder on the Bay is a drumming and dancing pow-wow, focusing on the continued Native American presence in our community, with educational exhibits, food vendors, and craft vendors. For more information on this event call (757) 726-5437.
October 9-10
Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival- Appomattox - Held the second full weekend in October, the annual Appomattox Railroad Festival commemorates the Norfolk & Southern railroad's donation of the Appomattox Depot to the Town of Appomattox. The two-day festival is held on Main Street and the surrounding downtown area. Festival highlights include a parade, craft vendors, live bands, train exhibits, food, fireworks and lots of activities for the entire family.
Third Saturdays 7-11am
Pancake & More Breakfast- Front Royal - Broad menu ($), 540-635-6759 www.discoverfrontroyal.com
Fourth Fridays
Front Porch Style Pickin' Party- Front Royal - www.discoverfrontroyal.com
Third Fridays 6-10pm
Blue Grass Jam Session- Front Royal - Front Royal Fire Dept. Acoustic instruments only, All levels of musicians welcome, Donations accepted for the Fire Dept, Food available for sale www.discoverfrontroyal.com