Get Downtown

Find some of the best events and festivals right in your city. 

Virginia’s downtowns, like few other commercial activity centers, must simultaneously celebrate their rich past, address their current social and economic challenges, and plan for the horizon in an ever-changing marketplace. Festivals and events play a large part in the local and regional economy—and localities in the Commonwealth recognize these opportunities.

Volunteers having a good time at the annual Fall Arts & Crafts Show in Historic Occoquan. 

More than 30,000 attendees visit the three largest festivals in Historic Manassas each year, bringing foot traffic to the retail shops downtown. “Our largest events are Railway Festival, Celebrate America, and our Fall Jubilee,” says executive director Debbie Haight. At the Celebrate America event, festivalgoers can participate in community contests like bicycle decorating, bubblegum blowing, and watermelon eating. Fireworks and food vendors are also present.

Historic Occoquan, located 20 minutes south of Washington, D.C., is known for its annual Fall Arts & Crafts Show, which features hundreds of vendors and draws thousands of people to the streets every September. This year, the town is adding a new event to its calendar, RiverFest. Planned for late September, the festival will include a juried artisan’s walk and a vendor marketplace dedicated to conservation and outdoor water sports. Other activities include a shrimp boil, two food courts, a beer garden, and river sports. 

Every September, Old Town Alexandria hosts the King Street Arts Festival (now known as the Old Town Art Festival). More than 200 artists display their handmade goods. In December, the historic city joins together for the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, featuring a holiday homes tour, wreath and garland sale, a Taste of Scotland event with wine, beer, spirits, and food, and a popular parade; proceeds from all the events benefit The Campagna Center.

VisitManassas.org, OccoquanVa.gov, FB/KingsStreetArtsFestival