Guide to Summer Festivals in Hampton Roads

It's summer. Time to enjoy the outdoors after a drizzly, cold winter. With warmer weather, summer provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the best of what Hampton Roads, VA has to offer. One great way to do this is through summer festivals. Hampton Roads offers a variety of festivals that celebrate the culture and cuisine of the area. The best part: admission to these events is free. These festivals provide the perfect way to celebrate Hampton Roads unique history.

Patriotic Festival (Virginia Beach, VA)

The summer festival season kicks off the first weekend in June with the Patriotic Festival, celebrating the men and women serving in the United States military. The Virginia Beach oceanfront provides the ideal backdrop for a tribute to military service members and their families. The festival features live music, military displays, and demonstrations. The 2011 festival will feature musical performances from Steel Pulse, The Beach Boys, and Darius Rucker. The festival is free and open to the public, including the concerts. (Seating is first come, first serve unless you purchase a VIP ticket for preferred seating). (Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 5th Street & Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA; Admission: Free and open to the public; Dates: Friday June 3, 2011 '" Sunday June 5, 2011). (Festival is typically held the first weekend in June).

American Indian Festival (Chesapeake, VA)

Celebrate the heritage and history of Hampton Roads original inhabitants with the American Indian Festival. The event features Native American storytelling, traditional dancing, and demonstrations. Native American vendors will be on hand with jewelry, crafts, and food. The highlight of the event is the spiritual "Grand Entry." Presented by the Nansemond Indian Tribal Association and Chesapeake Parks and Recreation, this event has been a favorite for nearly fifteen years. (Dates: June 4, 2011 '" June 5, 2011; Hours: 10:00 am '" 6:00 pm; Admission: Free; Location: Chesapeake City Park, 900 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake, VA)

Blackbeard Pirate Festival (Hampton, VA)

The Hampton waterfront is taken back in time to 1718 as Blackbeard the Pirate and his crew fights their final battle against Lt. Maynard of the Royal Navy. The Blackbeard Pirate Festival has been an annual event commemorating Hampton's maritime history for twelve years. The weekend is packed with family fun and activities featuring sea battles, tall ships, treasure hunts, historical reenactments, a pirate camp, and entertainers. (Location: Mill Point Park, Downtown Hampton and Hampton Waterfront, 756 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA; Dates: June 3, 2011 '" June 5, 2011; Hours: Friday 5:00 pm '" 11:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am '" 11:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm '" 6:00 pm; Admission: Free; Parking: Free parking is available in the public parking garage on Settlers Landing Road).

Norfolk Harborfest (Norfolk, VA)

Norfolk Harborfest is Hampton Roads largest dock party. Featuring the majestic Parade of Sail and the largest fireworks display on the east coast, Harborfest has entertained families for nearly 35 years. Enjoy fun, food, and music along the Elizabeth River. (Location: Town Point Park, Norfolk, VA; Dates: June 10, 2011 '" June 12, 2011; Admission: Free)

Boardwalk Art Show & Festival (Virginia Beach, VA)

Fathers Day weekend features the oldest outdoor fine arts show on the eastern seaboard. The Boardwalk Art Show & Festival features the works of nearly 300 artists. Sponsored by the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, the Boardwalk Art Show is fun for the entire family. Enjoy fine art, music, and shopping along the Virginia Beach oceanfront. (Location: Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 100 24th Street, Virginia Beach, VA; Dates: June 16, 2011 '" June19, 2011; Times: 10:00 am '" 6:00 pm; Admission: Free)

Smithfield Olden Days (Smithfield, VA)

Enjoy old-fashioned family fun in Smithfield's downtown historic district. An annual tradition that began in the 1980s, Smithfield Olden Days has become one of the most popular community events in the region. Activities that the whole family can enjoy include historical reenactments, Pagan River Raft Race, Ghost Walk, music, food, and local crafts. (Location: Historic Downtown Smithfield, 319 Main Street, Smithfield, VA; Dates: June 24, 2011 '" June 25, 2011; Admission: Free)

Hampton Cup Regatta (Hampton, VA)

Summer fun revs into high gear with the Hampton Cup Regatta, the oldest continuously run hydroplane boat race in North America. The Mercury Boulevard Bridge offers a tremendous view of the action. Even if you aren't into boat racing, the Hampton Cup Regatta offers fun for the entire family with music, food, and exhibits from local and national organizations focusing on the environment and Hampton's rich history. (Location: Mill Creek, E. Mercury Boulevard Bridge, Hampton, VA; Dates: August 5, 2011 '" August 7, 2011; Admission: Free)

Summer festivals in Hampton Roads offer a way to celebrate the regions unique history and culture. Have a safe and happy summer!

Sources

American Indian Festival: http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/services/depart/park-rec/events/american_indian_festival.shtml

Blackbeard Pirate Festival. http://www.blackbeardpiratefestival.com/facts.html

Hampton Cup Regatta. http://www.hamptoncupregatta.org/faqs.php

Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival. http://www.patrioticfestival.com/about.html