Looking for more incredible Virginia festivals to attend this year? From live entertainment to local cuisine, here are more annual festivals to add to your 2020 calendar.
This is Part 2 of a series.
MAKER FAIRE NOVA — RESTON
2020 Dates TBD
If you’re interested in learning how things work, head to the Maker Faire in Reston. Engineers, artists, scientists, craftsmen, and many other skilled professionals gather to showcase their passions, teaching you unique hands-on skills such as soldering, welding, flying drones, and spinning yarn, to name just a few. Whether they consider these pursuits hobbies, experiments, or full-time projects, each demonstrator has extensive knowledge to share during the festival. Get Your Tickets
VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK — CHARLOTTESVILLE
March 18-22, 2020
The written word comes alive during the Virginia Festival of the Book, held annually in Charlottesville. Attracting audiences of more than 20,000 people, it is the largest community-based book event in the Mid-Atlantic region. Authors like Edgar Award-nominee Lyndsay Faye, Lisa Ko, Justin Spring, and Alisha Rai attend for live book readings and signings, as well as various other events including children’s programs and hands-on writing workshops. Find out more about individual events, most of which are free, on the festival website.
HEART OF VIRGINIA FESTIVAL — FARMVILLE
May 2, 2020
The 42nd Annual Heart of Virginia Festival brings together the best of the Commonwealth for one day in Farmville, with magic shows, local artwork, crafts, and all your favorite festival foods. Throughout the day, performers play a wide range of musical sets, from jazz and soul to rock and bluegrass. Start the day with the 10k run, then stop by the antique car show to view an impressive assortment of restored classic cars.
LOCKN’ — ARRINGTON
June 19-21, 2020
Some of the most influential jam bands gather each year to play Lockn’, a four-day festival held in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Previous acts include Willie Nelson, Phil Lesh, Robert Plant, and Tom Petty. This year’s lineup has not yet been announced, but stay tuned to the website as the festival nears to learn about the expected acts. Along with nonstop musical acts, the festival highlights outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, camping, and even yoga, as well as local artists, crafts, and regional foods. Get Tickets
VIRGINIA LAKE FESTIVAL — CLARKSVILLE
July 16-18, 2020
Now in its 43rd year, the Virginia Lake Festival attracts nearly 100,000 visitors, and has been named one of the top 20 events in July by the Southeast Tourism Society. Although waterfront activities play a big role in the festival, there is something for everyone, including an antique auto show, a 5k run, arts and crafts, and live music performances. Want to experience the lake in a fun and exciting way? Book a helicopter ride or hot air balloon tour for an extraordinary experience during the festival. When the sun goes down, attendees gather along the shoreline to watch the illuminating fireworks show over Buggs Island Lake and the Kerr Lake Reservoir.
FLOYDFEST — FLOYD
July 22-26, 2020
Spanning over 80 acres of mountain plateau land off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Floydfest combines music, arts, and local culture into five days of unforgettable fun. The festival celebrates Virginia’s Great Outdoors with kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and even disc golf courses throughout the festival grounds. Walk over to the “Global Village” to peruse goods from more than 100 artisans, learn crafts and unique skills in the ongoing workshops and demonstrations, and find every type of food imaginable, whether you prefer sushi, burgers, or barbecue. Bring along the kids and head to the children’s area, complete with youth workshops, puppet shows, playgrounds, and live stage performances. And with babysitting services available, you can attend the later shows without worrying about the kids. Get Tickets
GALAX OLD FIDDLERS CONVENTION — GALAX
August 3-8, 2020
The oldest and largest fiddlers’ festival in the world, the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention pays tribute to the region’s rich culture and mountain music roots. Since 1935, this festival has brought musicians and bluegrass fans from around the world to discover the sound that defines the Blue Ridge Mountains. After 84 years, the festival is still one of the most affordable, fun events anywhere on the east coast, providing a family-friendly vacation option for those looking to learn more about Southwest Virginia’s extensive musical background. Tickets Sold at the Door
What other festivals are you planning on attending this year in Virginia? Let us know in the comments below, and look for Part 3 of the 2020 Festival Series coming up soon on the blog!
This year’s line up for lockn is being released as we speak.
Railroad Festival in Appomattox in October!
Replenish Festival is taking place July 7, 8 and 9 in Floyd County. It is an incredible faith based festival with something for everyone. Plenty of music, food, vendors, duck races and other activities happening all weekend. Faith, family and fun for everyone!
Please add CHEERS TO THE WEEKEND in Lynchburg, VA (formerly known as Friday Cheers). The season will kick off every Friday beginning June 30th until August 18th. Over 2,000 attendees come out every Friday to enjoy live music, food, and atmosphere.