RICHMOND – Dominion Energy Riverrock
May 16–18: The James River turns into an adrenaline-filled playground at this outdoor bash. Watch kayakers face whitewater, climbers scale boulders, slackliners defy gravity, and dogs take flight in the high-flying Air Dog competition—all set to a live music lineup. RiverrockRVA.com
SMITHFIELD – Smithfield Arts Festival
May 17: This Pagan River outpost transforms into an open-air art gallery, where painters, potters, authors, chefs, and musicians showcase their creative talents in a grand affair along the charming Main Street. GenuineSmithfieldVa.com
MARTINSVILLE –Rooster Walk 15
May 22–25: Music drifts through the trees, campfires glow, and the festival spirit runs wild at this beloved roots and jam festival at Pop’s Farm. Enjoy six stages, a stellar band lineup, artsy vendors, kid-friendly fun, and even glamping. RoosterWalk.com
SHENANDOAH – Shenandoah Memorial Day Festival & Parade
May 23–24: Small-town charm meets big-time patriotism in this celebration honoring our veterans. Two parades, a classic car show, a book sale, and a petting zoo set the scene for a weekend of family fun, perfect to kick off summer’s start. PageValley.org
HILLSBORO – Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon
May 31: Run, sip, repeat! This scenic race winds through rolling vineyards in NoVa’s wine country, rewarding runners with a post-race wine and music festival packed with local pours, live music, and serious summer vibes at Doukenie Winery. VirginiaWineCountryHalf.com
CHESAPEAKE – Symphony Under the Stars
June 6: Lay out a blanket and let the Virginia Symphony Orchestra sweep you away with a stunning outdoor performance at Chesapeake City Park. Bring the pup, stop by the food trucks, and settle in for a night of symphonic bliss. VirginiaSymphony.org
ASHLAND – Ashland Strawberry Faire
June 7: Everything comes with a strawberry on top here! This sweet summer tradition at Randolph-Macon College bursts with berry-filled treats, plus local arts and crafts, live music, and family fun. AshlandStrawberryFaire.com
DUBLIN – Claytor Lake Festival
June 14: Mark National Get Outdoors Day with this annual lakeside celebration of a beloved state park—complete with live music, food, wine tasting, a car show, nature exhibits, and fireworks at dusk. ClaytorLakeFestival.org
MOUNT SOLON – Red Wing Roots Festival
June 20–22: Camp under towering rock formations and jam out to roots, folk, and Americana greats at Natural Chimneys Park. With Hurray for the Riff Raff, Joy Oladokun, and The Del McCoury Band headlining, it’s a nature-meets-music escape. RedWingRoots.com
MOUNT VERNON – Independence Fireworks
June 27–28: Who says history can’t sparkle? Fireworks light up the sky over George Washington’s estate in this early Fourth of July celebration packed with history, music, and patriotic flair as the National Concert Band sets the soundtrack. MountVernon.org
This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue.
