STAUNTON – Festival of Concerts
June 26–Aug. 2: The stunning strums and resounding chords of classical music echo through Staunton’s mountain landscape as Heifetz International Music Institute students from around the world take the stage, with new concerts every day. HeifetzInstitute.org
GLOUCESTER – Food Truck Frenzy
July 13: Virginia’s most mouthwatering food trucks descend on Gloucester’s Old Page Grounds in a nautical-themed palooza, with a boat show, live music, local vendors, and kids’ activities. GloucesterVa.gov
CLARKSVILLE – Virginia Lake Fest
July 18–19: Touch the sky with a hot-air balloon ride, shop from more than 90 vendors, and marvel at the fireworks and towering sand sculptures at this Southern Virginia blowout summer event. ClarksvilleVa.com
PURCELLVILLE – Wine & Food Festival
July 19: Spend a lush summer day lounging at Fireman’s Field Park, sipping Loudoun County’s award-winning wines, ciders, and brews amid Virginia wine country.
Live tunes and comfort foods round out the experience. PurcellvilleWineAndFood.com
CHECK – FloydFest
July 23–27: This well-loved music fest has outdone itself again, with headliners The Black Crowes, Mt. Joy, Gov’t Mule, and JJ Grey & Mofro—rock legends ready to shake the mountains. FloydFest.com
ABINGDON – Virginia Highlands Festival
July 25–Aug. 3: Discover the best that the highlands have to offer, from outdoor adventures to history, small-town charm, and down-home cooking. Highlights include the Antiques & Vintage Market and 10 days of concerts. VaHighlandsFestival.com
VIRGINIA BEACH – Water Lantern Festival
Aug. 2: Hundreds of lights drift across Lake Trashmore as water lanterns, each bearing personalized drawings or messages, casting a serene glow. Food and festivities flow, and staff collect all lanterns afterward. WaterLanternFestival.com
FREDERICKSBURG – Fredericksburg Nationals Vs. Salem Red Sox
Aug. 12–17: Two of Virginia’s favorite minor league teams face off in six nights of rivalry, revelry, and summer fun, featuring $2 Tuesday, Goodwill Wednesday, Harry Potter Night, and more at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. MiLB.com/Fredericksburg
WINCHESTER – Hungry For History
Aug. 23–Sept. 1: Celebrate 10 days of the Shenandoah Valley’s finest: food and history. From wine and cider to apples, coffee, and historic treats, savor the region’s rich history at museums and landmarks around town. VisitWinchesterVa.com
THE PLAINS – Virginia Scottish Games
Aug. 30–31: Scottish heritage is alive and well in Virginia, with clansmen and clanswomen coming together for traditional highland dancing, fiddling, terrier races, whisky tastings, and more in a rolling, rural landscape. VaScottishGames.org
This article originally appeared in the August 2025 issue.
