Delaware
Firefly Music Festival
June 14–17
Dover Three days of amazing fun for music lovers of all ages at The Woodlands International Speedway. Campsites available. For details, ticket prices, and more details visit fireflyfestival.com.
District of Columbia
Giant National Capital BBQ Battle
June 23-24
11 AM – 9 PM Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM Sunday
Washington, DC
This unique music and food festival pays tribute to everything BBQ. Cooks from across the country compete for cash, prizes, and the title of National BBQ Champion. Find out details about eating and competing at bbqindc.com/about-the-bbq-battle.
Maryland
Music in the Mountains Summer Festival
June 14–17
8 AM
Cumberland, MD
Renaissance, Baroque and Classic musical performances. Art galleries, historic tours, and pop-up music presentation. For ticket prices, performance information, and other details, visit www.mountainsidebaroque.org/festival.
PEX Summer Festival
June 29–July 2
8 AM Friday – 12 PM Monday
Darlington, MD
Camp, listen to music, check out art, and watch performances at Ramblewood. Event open 24-hours a day for the duration of this festival. Ticket prices, camping details, and event information available at pexsummerfestival.com/.
Virginia
McLean Day
May 18 (McLean Day Preview: Large Rides Only)
2 PM – 7 PM
May 19
11 AM – 5PM
McLean, VA
Join the fun! Bring the family and enjoy McLean’s biggest annual event. This event draws approximately 13,000+ patrons throughout the day. Vote for your favorite MCC candidate, Enjoy the free live entertainment, exhibitors, food trucks, sponsors, ticketed large and small carnival rides, amusements, games, balloon animals, tennis clinic, free shuttle parking and more. Visit www.mcleancenter.org/special-events/upcoming/cat.listevents/2018/05/03/- for more information.
Purcellville Music and Arts Festival
May 19
10 AM – 7 PM
Purceville, VA
Celebrate Purcellville’s community, diverse culture, and history at this free music and art festival at Fireman’s Field. Visit www.purcellvillemusicandartsfestival.com for details.
Herndon Festival
May 31–June 3
Times vary
Herndon, VA
Free entertainment, carnival, fireworks, art and crafts, and more for the whole family in downtown Herndon. For more information, visit www.herndonfestival.net.
Clinch River Days Festival
May 31–June 2
Saint Paul, VA
A weekend of fun in the mountains. Civil war reenactments, river and railroad lore and history, photography, music, games, carnival rides, and more. Costs associated with some events. Camping close by. Find out more at www.clinchriverfest.com.
Graves Mountain Music Festival
May 31–June 2
Syria, VA
Bluegrass, Americana, and Roots music. Tickets $115 for all three days. Campers require a three-day ticket. Daily tickets available. For more information, visit www.gravesmountain.com/events-calendar/festival-of-music.
Blackbeard Pirate Festival
June 1–3
Times vary each day
Hampton, VA
Immerse yourself in the early 1700s and celebrate Hampton’s maritime heritage and relationship with the notorious Blackbeard with live entertainment, pirate encampment, children’s activities, sea battles, fireworks, and more. Pirate’s Ball requires tickets. For details, check out www.hampton.gov/2008/Blackbeard-Pirate-Festival.
The Bodacious Boardwalk Bazaar & Wine Festival
June 1–3
10 AM – 7 PM Fri & Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM Sun
Hampton, VA
More than 300 crafters, vendors, artists, wineries ad food vendors at Hampton Roads Convention Center. Free admission for those who donate blood to the American Red Cross’ Bloodmobile. Purchase tickets on site: adults $7 for one day, $10 for two. More information available at bodaciousbazaar.com/spring.
Alleghany Highlands Heritage Day & Railway Festival
June 2
10 AM – 5 PM
Clifton Forge, VA
Celebrate Alleghany Highlands heritage and railway history downtown. Food, music, historic displays, and more. For more information, visit visitcliftonforgeva.com/events-june.
Rock the River FXBG
June 2
11 AM – 8 PM
Fredericksburg, VA
Free admission; beer garden and races have an entry fee. Multi-sport river and foot races as well as the enjoyment of great beer, tasty food, kid-friendly activities, local art, and live music throughout the day. For more information, visit rocktheriverfxbg.com.
Peace Love RVA
June 2
10 AM – 4 PM
Richmond, VA
All day music, food, and community yoga at Maymont Park. Admission is free, but donations appreciated. For tickets or more information, visit www.peaceloverva.com.
Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show
June 2–3
10 AM – 6 PM Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM Sun
Occoquan, VA
A free weekend of art, fun, food, music, and shopping at this annual arts and crafts show. Shuttle from satellite parking $5. Visit www.occoquanva.gov/arts-and-crafts-show.html.
Arts in the Middle, A Juried Fine Arts Festival
June 2–3
Urbanna, VA
Free, two-day art, history, local cuisine, and music festival at the Hewick Plantation where more than 100 juried artisans set up along the oak tree-lined plantation driveway. For details, visit www.artsinthemiddle.com.
Houstonfest
June 8–9
12 – 11:30 PM & 10 AM – 10 PM
Galax, VA
Keep the memory and legacy of 18-year-old Houston Kyle Caldwell alive. His family and friends honor him with old-time mountain music and bluegrass. Daily advance tickets $25; two-day advance tickets $40; and $30 each day at the gate. Tent and RV camping available on site. Learn more at www.houstonfestgalax.com.
Blooming Hill Lavender Festival
June 8–9
10 AM – 5 PM
Purcellville, VA
Teas, tours, lectures, wine and spirits tasting, crafters, and more. Admission and parking $5. Costs apply to Yoga classes and wine and mead tastings. Visit bloominghillva.com.
Annual Norfolk Harborfest
June 8–10
12 – 11 PM Fri & Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM Sun
Norfolk, VA
This free, historic waterfront festival includes tall ships and the Parade of Sail, regional entertainment, fireworks, and other activities. Visit festevents.org/events/2018-season-events/norfolkharborfest/ for more information.
Mountains of Music Homecoming
June 8–16
12 – 11:59 PM
Abingdon, VA
Annual, nine-day, region-wide celebration of cultural and natural assets of Southwest Virginia featuring music, jam sessions, and festivals at various venues along the “crooked road.” Camping facilities and State Parks located along the route. Check out mtnsofmusic.com for more information.
Claytor Lake State Park Festival
June 9
10 AM – 9 PM
Dublin, VA
Free admission. Food, arts and crafts, wine tasting, car show, live entertainment, and fireworks at dusk. Parking is $10 or $5 with five cans of food. Handicap parking is $5 or free with five cans of food. For details, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-event-info?id=CL180003-00.
Louisa Street Festival
June 9
10 AM – 4 PM
in historic Louisa, VA
Music, food, and kids activities in historic Central Virginia. Free admission. For more information, visit louisastreetfestival.com.
Relay for Life Mecklenburg County
June 9
South Hill, VA
Help raise money for the American Cancer Society. Food, games, walk the track, music and more. To join, visit main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY18SER?pg=entry&fr_id=88908.
Annual Southwest Virginia Antique Farm Days
June 15–17
8 AM – 5PM
Rocky Mount, VA
Celebrate agricultural heritage, culture, and old-fashioned family fun at the Franklin County Recreation Park. The event is dedicated to restoring and preserving farm machinery. Admission is $6 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Check out www.svapf.org for details.
Ashland Strawberry Faire
June 16
10 AM – 5 PM
Ashland, VA
Arts and crafts festival, food, and antiques at Randolph-Macon College. Kid welcome and pet friendly. Free admission. For more information, visit ashlandstrawberryfaire.com.
Summer Solstice Fest
June 16
10 AM – 10 PM
Blacksburg, VA
Community celebration featuring a beer garden, live music, dancing, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Join the 5K run that benefits Blacksburg High School Track and Field. For more information, visit downtownblacksburg.com.
Chautauqua Festival
June 16–23
Wytheville, VA
Free admission. This eight-day arts and music festival at Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park kicks off with a parade on Saturday and each night has different musically themed performances. For more information, visit www.wythe-arts.org/chautauqua.
Funhouse Fest
June 22–23
Williamsburg, VA
Renowned musicians headline this bluegrass festival held on the lawn of the art museum of Colonial Williamsburg. Tickets available at www.funhoutsefest.com.
Virginia Summer Solstice Wine Festival
June 23
11 AM – 6 PM
Amhers, VA
10th Annual Virginia Summer Solstice Wine Festival at Lazy Days Winery. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the gate, and admission is free for children 12 and under. For tickets or more information, visit www.summersolsticefestival.com/#-home.
Annual Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival
June 29–30
7 – 11 PM
Chincoteague Island, VA
Food, fun, games, and rides; multiple dates in July leading up to the annual Poly Swim and Auction. Check out cvfc3.com/events.
Smithfield Olden Days
June 29–30
Smithfield, VA
A free, old-fashioned festival in the historic district that includes a car show and concert on Friday night and activities all day Saturday. Get details at www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/smithfield-olden-days-festival.html.
Red, White & Bram Festival and Tailgate
June 30
6 – 10 PM
Ashburn, VA
Sand sculpting, live music, games, fireworks, and more at the Brambleton Town Center. Tickets are $5 and free for children 2 and under. For more information, visit brambletonhoa.com/261/Red-White-BRAM.
An American Celebration
July 4
9 AM – 5 PM
Mt. Vernon, VA
Salute the first Commander-in-Chief, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, listen to roaring cannon fire during military re-enactments, eat free birthday cake (while supplies last), and check out the Red White and Blue concert. Prices vary. Buy tickets and get details at www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/an-american-celebration.
4th of July Celebration at Grave’s Mountain Lodge
July 4
4 – 10 PM
Syria, VA
Free admission. Live music. Picnic dinner 4 – 7 PM. Dinner at the lodge for $23.95/person. For more information, visit www.gravesmountain.com/events-calendar/fourth-of-july.
Virginia Bluegrass Festivals
Bluegrass music–or American roots music–is influenced by music of Appalachia, mixed with English, Irish, and Scottish traditional music, and influenced by African-American jazz. Central to the culture of Virginia, festivals throughout the region pay homage to the regions’ traditional tunes during festivals throughout the summer. Check the web for details or visit www.virginia.org/summerfestivals.
Graves Mountain Music Festival
May 31–June 2
Syria, VA
Bluegrass, Americana, and Roots music. Tickets $115 for all three days. Campers require a three-day ticket. Daily tickets available. For more information, visit www.gravesmountain.com/events-calendar/festival-of-music.
Houstonfest
June 8–9
12 – 11:30 PM & 10 AM – 10 PM
Galax, VA
Keep the memory and legacy of 18-year-old Houston Kyle Caldwell alive. His family and friends honor him with old-time mountain music and bluegrass. Daily advance tickets $25; two-day advance tickets $40; and $30 each day at the gate. Tent and RV camping available on site. Learn more at www.houstonfestgalax.com.
Annual Bees, Blooms & Bluegrass Festival
June 8–10
Time TBD
Castlewood, VA
Free festival held at the Old Historical Russell Count Courthouse focuses on local heritage, agriculture, and the environment. Food, fun, and workshops focused on environment. Entry fees for some shows. For more information, visit www.thecoalfieldprogress.com/coalfield_progress/homespun/bees-blooms-bluegrass-festival-on-tap-june/article_da3f42cb-8eaa-5536-bd7b-4fefe0dde02d.html.
Pickers and Fiddlers Bluegrass Gospel & Mountain Music Songfest
June 9
10 AM – 12 PM
Bassett, VA
This free event is held the second Saturday of every month at Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church. Guitar, banjo, and mandolin players welcome to join in. For more information, visit www.virginia.org/Listings/Events/PickersandFiddlersBluegrassGospelMountainMusicSongfest.
Funhouse Fest
June 22–23
Times vary
Williamsburg, VA
Renowned musicians headline this bluegrass festival held on the lawn of the art museum of Colonial Williamsburg. Tickets available at www.funhoutsefest.com.
Fun in the Sun Art Festivals
Summer sun, family fun, and lazy days of summer. Check out arts, crafts, music and more at these festivals that are perfect for the day or a weekend getaway.
Maryland
PEX Summer Festival
June 29–July 2
8 AM Friday – 12 PM Monday
Darlington, MD
Camp, listen to music, check out art, and watch performances at Ramblewood. Event open 24-hours a day for the duration of this festival. Ticket prices, camping details, and event information available at pexsummerfestival.com.
Virginia
27th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
May 18–20
10am – 5pm each day
Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190
Admission donation: $5 per adult requested to benefit GRACE, FREE garage parking all 3 days
Extended to 3 full days this year, the 27th annual event will present more than 200 artists from across the nation to show and sell their amazing works in 16 categories of fine art and craft, plus activities and entertainment over the weekend. Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is rated at #17 in the Top 50 Art Fairs in North America.
Presented by Greater Reston Arts Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Purcellville Music and Arts Festival
May 19
10 AM – 7 PM
Purceville, VA
Celebrate Purcellville’s community, diverse culture, and history at this free music and art festival at Fireman’s Field. Visit www.purcellvillemusicandartsfestival.com for details.
Herndon Festival
May 31–June 3
Times vary
Herndon, VA
Free entertainment, carnival, fireworks, art and crafts, and more for the whole family in downtown Herndon. For more information, visit www.herndonfestival.net.
The Bodacious Boardwalk Bazaar & Wine Festival
June 1–3
10 AM – 7 PM Fri & Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM Sun
Hampton, VA
More than 300 crafters, vendors, artists, wineries ad food vendors at Hampton Roads Convention Center. Free admission for those who donate blood to the American Red Cross’ Bloodmobile. Purchase tickets on site: adults $7 for one day, $10 for two. More information available at bodaciousbazaar.com/spring.
Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show
June 2–3
10 AM – 6 PM Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM Su
Occoquan, VA
A free weekend of art, fun, food, music, and shopping at this annual arts and crafts show. Shuttle from satellite parking $5. Visit www.occoquanva.gov/arts-and-crafts-show.html.
Arts in the Middle, A Juried Fine Arts Festival
June 2–3
Urbanna, VA
Free, two-day art, history, local cuisine, and music festival at the Hewick Plantation where more than 100 juried artisans set up along the oak tree-lined plantation driveway. For details, visit www.artsinthemiddle.com.
Regional Camping Festivals
Experiencing a camping festival is one of the best ways to intoxicate your senses, let go, and fully recharge without going far or spending a ton of money. Bask in fresh air and sunshine, listen to great tunes, dance without inhibition, hang out with friends and family, and relax to achieve the total benefits of this one-of-a-kind get away weekend. Enjoy great food, arts and crafts, and other activities. Grab your tent, sleeping bag, or conversion van or skoolie because awesome adventures, new friendships, and fun with friends and family await. Each event has a different vibe. Check websites for ticket prices and camping details. For more Virginia festival information, visit www.virginia.org/summerfestivals.
Delaware
Firefly Music Festival
June 14–17
Dover, DE
Three days of amazing fun for music lovers of all ages at The Woodlands International Speedway. Campsites available. For details, ticket prices, and more details visit fireflyfestival.com.
Maryland
PEX Summer Festival
June 29–July 2
8 AM Friday – 12 PM Monday
Darlington, MD
Camp, listen to music, check out art, and watch performances at Ramblewood. Event open 24-hours a day for the duration of this festival. Ticket prices, camping details, and event information available at pexsummerfestival.com.
Virginia
Clinch River Days Festival
May 31–June 2
Saint Paul, VA
A weekend of fun in the mountains. Civil war reenactments, river and railroad lore and history, photography, music, games, carnival rides, and more. Costs associated with some events. Camping close by. Find out more at www.clinchriverfest.com.
Graves Mountain Music Festival
May 31–June 2
Syria, VA
Bluegrass, Americana, and Roots music. Tickets $115 for all three days. Campers require a three-day ticket. Daily tickets available. For more information, visit www.gravesmountain.com/events-calendar/festival-of-music.
Mountains of Music Homecoming
June 8–16
12 – 11:59 PM
Abingdon, VA
Annual, nine-day, region-wide celebration of cultural and natural assets of Southwest Virginia featuring music, jam sessions, and festivals at various venues along the “crooked road.” Camping facilities and state parks located along the route. Check out mtnsofmusic.com/ for more information.
