Nautilus earrings by Katrin Wolf, available at the Leesburg Fine Art Festival.
Photo courtesy of Paragon Fine Art Festivals
“Here’s Lookin at You” by Jane Axman, available at the Leesburg Fine Art Festival.
Photo courtesy of Paragon Fine Art Festivals .
“Shapes of Gold” by Domenico Belli, available at the Leesburg Fine Art Festival.
Photo courtesy of Paragon Fine Art Festivals
It’s officially festival season, and in Virginia we’re not missing a beat. Check out these weekend events around the state that celebrate everything from bluegrass and whiskey to watersports and fine arts.
State of the Art
Leesburg, Sept. 24-25
Ever thought about starting your own art collection? Get started this weekend at the fifth annual Leesburg Fine Art Festival. Located at the intersection of Market and King streets in historic downtown Leesburg, the two-day fair will feature creations by painters, sculptors, photographers, fiber artists, jewelers and mixed media artists. The event, hosted by the local nonprofit art advocacy group Friends of Leesburg Public Arts, is free to the public. Artists from all over the country will be in attendance, including Virginia artists like Paula Brown-Steedly of Charlottesville, Lisa Ashinoff of Virginia Beach and Shanti Yard of Floyd. ParagonArtEvents.com/LeesburgFineArtFestival
Rollin’ on the River
Hopewell, Sept. 24
It may be fall, but it’s still warm enough to spend a Saturday on the water. Register now for the ninth annual Paddle or Battle on the Appomattox River, hosted by Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, and take advantage of these last days of sweet summer heat. Kayakers, canoers and stand-up paddleboarders of all skill levels are all welcome. This 10-mile event takes place on flat water, beginning at the Hopewell City Marina and ending at Historic Pocahontas Island in Petersburg. Registration is $25 in advance for adults, $15 for active military and under 18. Prices increase day of. Registration includes a t-shirt, continental breakfast, and a picnic lunch. FOLAR-VA.org/Events
High on the Hog
Norfolk, Sep. 24
Foods, brews and music crews? Count us in. Get in on this finger-lickin’ good time on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront at the annual Ribtoberfest. The 12:00-8:00 p.m. event will feature live blues music, barbecue, beers from all over and the Speakeasy Bourbon Bar, where guests can sample up to three bourbons each. Barbecue joints represented at the fest will include Ronnie’s BBQ from Henrico, Belmont House of Smoke from Norfolk and Smoke BBQ Restaurant and Bar from Newport News. And don’t miss out on the Speakeasy Bourbon Bar’s signature cocktail, the Peach Sweet Tea Punch, featuring sweet tea, Jack Daniels, peaches and lemon juice. Festevents.org/Ribtoberfest2016
The Fairest of Them All
Doswell, Sep. 23-Oct. 2
Chocolate-dipped corn. Bacon iced tea. Do we have your attention yet? With items like that on the menu, this year’s State Fair of Virginia is sure to be one you won’t want to miss. Whether you prefer to keep your feet on the ground and stick to the food and games or you’re a thrill-seeker who can’t get enough of the rides, the state fair has something for everybody. This two-week long event features live entertainment, interactive demonstrations, giant pumpkins, carnival rides, games and a demolition derby. Ticket prices range $8-12 for general admission. StateFairVA.org
A Taste of Tradition
Mouth of Wilson, Sep. 24-25
Nothing beats good ol’ mountain culture in the fall. This weekend head to Grayson Highlands State Park for the 30th annual Grayson Highlands Fall Harvest Festival, hosted by the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department. Featuring bluegrass music, demonstrations of pioneer living, a crafts fair and a wild pony sale sponsored by the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association, the festival runs 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. Admission $10 per car. GHFallFestival.50megs.com
