Arts & Culture

James Madison’s Montpelier Jams Out for Fourth of July

On July 3, bask in the bright July sun and beautiful grounds of Montpelier at the Orange County Music Fest—a celebration of music, summer, history, and America. After you explore the Madisons’ home and gardens, rock out to country music favorites, including Chris Cagle, The Kentucky Headhunters, James Tamelcoff, and more lively acts all night […]

by Abby Borgeson

Wayne Theatre Celebrates its 100th and 10th Anniversaries

The Wayne Theatre has been a fixture in Waynesboro since 1926, when it first opened its doors as a vaudeville venue. The theatre shut down in 1999, and to prevent the demolition of the iconic structure, the Wayne Theatre Alliance was founded out of a passion for the community. The Wayne reopened in 2016 and […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Inside Ken Burns’ Documentary with David Schmidt and Sarah Botstein

David Schmidt spent his childhood doing more than reading about history in textbooks: He lived it. Growing up in James City County, Schmidt’s mother enrolled him in programs at Colonial Williamsburg, and by age 7, he was participating in the living history museum; at 10, he joined the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps, performing […]

by Madeline Mayhood

A Conversation with Best-Selling Author David Baldacci

From reading thrillers in downtown Richmond to becoming one of the biggest names in the genre, author David Baldacci makes Virginia proud. It all started with a confident letter to an agent pitching his debut book: “I’m David Baldacci, an attorney in Washington, D.C. This is about the President, a murder, a burglar, and a […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Imagining Best Products at The Branch Museum of Design

The imaginative, one-of-a-kind Best Products retail buildings of the 1970s and 1980s are getting their moment in Richmond. Imagining Best Products (May 7–June 21) at The Branch Museum of Design traces the visually radical retail experiments led by Richmonders Francis and Sydney Lewis—Best’s owners and passionate art collectors—who partnered with architects James Wines, Malcolm Holzman, […]

by Elizabeth Cogar

Art Festivals Happening Across Virginia

Spring is prime time for outdoor arts and crafts markets throughout the Commonwealth—most days, the weather is just right for a leisurely look at work made by artisans statewide and beyond. Along with food and drinks, you’ll find an interesting variety of items ranging from jewelry, woodwork, and woven baskets to paintings, photographs, clothing, and […]

by Elizabeth Cogar

Celebrating AAPI Month at Fairfax’s Asian Festival on Main

Old Town Fairfax’s Asian Festival on Main returns on May 17 to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For one day only, attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse range of Asian cuisines, including Thai, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Indian dishes, along with live music and dance performances. Since its inception, Asian […]

by Abby Borgeson

Roanoke’s Taubman Museum of Art Celebrates 75 Years

Roanoke’s Taubman Museum of Art turns 75 this year—and is celebrating the milestone in a big way. The diamond jubilee kicked off with a New Year’s bash, but the celebration is all year long. The festivities include commemorative exhibitions and a slew of special events intended to highlight the museum’s ongoing impact in the region. […]

by Eric J. Wallace

Inside David Baldacci’s Newest Thriller, Nash Falls

What happens when a man is stripped of everything—career, family, reputation, and life as he knows it? Best-selling author and Virginian David Baldacci explores this question in his latest thriller, Nash Falls. In the November 2025 release, readers meet Walter Nash, a fair-minded family man with innate intelligence and a high-level position at Sybaric Investments. […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Virginia’s 15 Must-Visit Christmas Markets

Virginia’s Christmas markets bring holiday magic to life. From meeting Santa to finding the perfect gift, these festive destinations create unforgettable memories. Explore the Commonwealth’s best Christmas markets this season. Staunton — Art for Gifts 20 S. New St., Staunton Nov. 21–Dec. 28: The Staunton Augusta Art Center galleries transform into the perfect Christmas market […]

by Abby Borgeson

Bookstore Cafés in Virginia

Few things are more satisfying than a good latte paired with an even better book. These coffee shops got the memo: Meet the shops around the Commonwealth that marry a cup of Joe and a bookstore. Abi’s Books & Brews, 1212 1/2 W. Cary St., Richmond AbisBooksAndBrews.com This is a charming nook in River City, […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

The Richmond Folk Festival Returns for 2025

The Richmond Folk Festival returns to Downtown Richmond’s riverfront Oct. 10–12, celebrating over two decades as one of the state’s most cherished events. This festival brings a cultural wonderland to Brown’s Island and the city’s riverfront, welcoming 200,000 people to experience the roots, richness, and diversity through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and food. Six […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Where to Eat, Drink, & Stay in Staunton During Queen City Mischief & Magic

Staunton might be a small town, but during the annual Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival, the last week of September, it’s larger than life. The festival draws tens of thousands of witches, wizards, warlocks, ghouls, and more to the Shenandoah Valley—and they fill up the local hotels, restaurants, and bars quickly. To plan ahead […]

by Hope Cartwright

Révéler Creates a Grown-Up Playground in Richmond

Amid the home furnishings, eateries, chocolatiers, specialty apparel, and curated gift shops that define Richmond’s eminently walkable Carytown, Révéler Experiences and its live music venue Orbital Music Park remain a hidden curiosity. Perhaps the two striking 7-foot gold skeletons (“Flora” and “Fauna”) and the mysterious velvet curtains at the entrance are designed to be intentionally […]

by Chuck Taylor

Chestnut Creek School of the Arts Enlivens Southwest Virginia

How does a manufacturing town move forward when most of its plants have closed? For Galax, the answer is economic diversification—and Chestnut Creek School of the Arts is a crucial part of that plan. “When most businesses closed or moved overseas, the city formed CCSA as a vehicle to stimulate growth in the economy,” says […]

by Erica Jackson Curran

The Fantastical Sea Cores of Artist Alison Sigethy

There’s no way to adequately describe Alison Sigethy’s work. Entering her Torpedo Factory studio in Alexandria is like meeting the love child of JK Rowling and Neptune, the Roman god of the seas. The name—Fantastical Glass—is the first clue, and then the assortment of clear cylindrical sculptures comes into focus. They are of varying sizes […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Celebrating Jane Austen’s Birthday in Virginia

That handflex. It’s taken on a life of its own. Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie created an iconic moment in cinema history with a powerful and oh-so-subtle gesture after helping Elizabeth Bennet into her carriage. It’s become a cultural phenomenon, sparking endless debate among Janeites worldwide. Was it […]

by Kinsey Gidick

Duke Riley’s Art Exhibition at the MOCA in Virginia Beach

Just over by the sea in Virginia Beach, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is showing Duke Riley’s O’er the Wide and Plastic Sea exhibition through Aug. 31. The Brooklyn artist’s two decades of multimedia work look at nature through today’s eyes. For the exhibition’s namesake piece, Riley took an interesting approach—creating eye-catching art from […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Bay School: A Hidden Art Powerhouse in Mathews County

Tucked away among the rivers and creeks of the Chesapeake Bay, Mathews County packs an artistic punch that belies its small size: just 8,500 souls call its winding roads and fertile fields home. But this isn’t just another rural community—it’s an unexpected creative hotspot. At its core is the Bay School Community Arts Center. But […]

by Madeline Mayhood

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Buc-ee’s Opens Its First Virginia Location

If you happened to be standing near the I-81 exit for Mt. Crawford in the early morning hours of this past June 30, you’d have witnessed a spectacle. Shoppers flooded into the parking lot and shuffled into block-long lines in hopes of being among the first through the doors of Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s travel station. […]

by Eric J. Wallace

Sail250 Virginia Brings Tall Ships From Around the World

When more than 60 tall ships and military vessels from 30 countries glide into Virginia waters this June, they’ll carry centuries of seafaring history—and usher in one of the most ambitious celebrations America has ever staged. Sail250 Virginia, the Commonwealth’s landmark commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, runs June 12–23, transforming Norfolk and 11 affiliate […]

by Madeline Mayhood

All Aboard: Virginia’s Summer of Steam Celebrates America250

This summer, the legendary Norfolk & Western 611 steam locomotive is firing up her wheel—and she’s bringing history along for the ride. Built in 1950 in Roanoke, Virginia, the 611 is the last surviving member of the “J-Class” fleet, widely regarded as the pinnacle of steam technology. With her iconic bullet-shaped nose, Tuscan Red stripe, […]

by Abby Borgeson

Arts & Culture

James Madison’s Montpelier Jams Out for Fourth of July

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Buc-ee’s Opens Its First Virginia Location

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Arts & Culture

James Madison’s Montpelier Jams Out for Fourth of July

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Buc-ee’s Opens Its First Virginia Location

Sail250 Virginia Brings Tall Ships From Around the World

All Aboard: Virginia’s Summer of Steam Celebrates America250

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weekly newsletter: VL Today

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