From small mountain towns to coastal Virginia, here are several fun festivals and events to add some extra fun to your August visit. Events including food festivals, family fun and more are listed chronologically.
The Virginia Highlands Festival
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Virginia Highlands Festival
Abingdon, Virginia - July 25 - August 9, 2009
One of the top tourist events in North America, the Virginia Highlands Festival features an antiques market, juried art and photography competitions, a juried arts and crafts show, and family fun, plus nationally-known writers, lecturers, and visual and performing artists providing lots of entertainment. This annual festival takes place in historic Abingdon, located in southwestern Virginia in the Appalachian foothills, west of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina border. For additional information, visit the Virginia Highlands Festival Web Site.
One of the top tourist events in North America, the Virginia Highlands Festival features an antiques market, juried art and photography competitions, a juried arts and crafts show, and family fun, plus nationally-known writers, lecturers, and visual and performing artists providing lots of entertainment. This annual festival takes place in historic Abingdon, located in southwestern Virginia in the Appalachian foothills, west of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina border. For additional information, visit the Virginia Highlands Festival Web Site.
Friendship Firehouse Festival
Alexandria, Virginia - August 1, 2009From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., enjoy craft booths displays by local merchants and live music in addition to seeing one of the country's best collections of early firefighting equipment and memorabilia in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria. Children will receive free fire helmets and food and beverages will be available. For additional information, visit the Friendship Firehouse Web Site or call 703-838-3891. Also see, information about the Friendship Firehouse on my Walking Tour of Alexandria.
Manassas African-American Heritage Festival
Manassas, Virginia - August 1, 2009Over 125 exhibitors, including arts and crafts dealers, retailers of African Wares, youth groups, colleges and school exhibits, a Health Fair, Business and Job Expos, a Classic Car Show and great food vendors will take part in this annual festival in its 18th year, always held the first Saturday in August. Attendees are asked to bring can food items to be donated to local shelters. For additional information, visit the Manassas African American Heritage Festival Web Site or call 703-369-2475.
Dog Days Sunflower and Peach Festival
Bluemont, Virginia - August 15 - 16, 2009Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer with family fun for all, including your canine family members, at Great Country Farms in Northern Virginia. Romp in the sunflower and berry fields before cooling off in the misting tunnel, take a hayride or cow train ride, visit the Farm Animal Barnyard or test your dog's skills on the Dog Obstacle Course and much more. Also, ice cream and berries plus freshly baked pies will be featured during the festival. Please note that dogs must be on a leash and be wearing their rabies certification tags. For additional information, visit the Great Country Farms Web Site.
Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
Bealeton, Virginia - August 15 - 16, 2009Gates open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day for this annual air show and hot air balloon festival. Hot air balloon launches are scheduled to take place each day in the morning from 6 - 7 a.m. and late afternoon from 5 - 7 p.m. Rates apply. For additional information, visit the Flying Circus Web Site.
East Coast Surfing Championships
Photo Credit: Courtesy of ECSC
Virginia Beach, Virginia - August 27 - 30, 2009
North America's oldest running surfing competition and the second oldest continuously-run surfing contest in the world takes place annually in Virginia Beach. In addition to about 250 professional surfers and hundreds of amateur surfers, there will be live beachfront entertainment, skim boarding, volleyball, skateboarding and a 5K run.
More about the East Coast Surfing Championships
North America's oldest running surfing competition and the second oldest continuously-run surfing contest in the world takes place annually in Virginia Beach. In addition to about 250 professional surfers and hundreds of amateur surfers, there will be live beachfront entertainment, skim boarding, volleyball, skateboarding and a 5K run.
More about the East Coast Surfing Championships
