Summer Festivals in Virginia

From history to the arts to wine, Virginia offers summer festivals for all tastes and interests. If you live in the state, or happen to be visiting this summer, try one of these fine festivals.

Labor Day weekend, August 31 - September 2, Virginia Beach comes alive with the American Music Festival. With three days of music, featuring beloved performers, such as KC & the Sunshine Band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Gloria Gaynor, Kool & the Gang, and 3 Doors Down, this festival, sponsored by Verizon Wireless, attracts visitors from all over the country. On Sunday, take part in the Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon.

Established in 1997, The Virginia Arts Festival is a regional cooperative effort. Events for the festival take place in the concert halls, theaters, museums and historic churches of eight different cities across Hampton Roads. All of the events are within an hour drive of the others. Artists from all across the world join regional arts' organizations in a lineup of music, theater, and dance unlike any other. If you are a lover of the fine arts, this event is one of the premiere cultural events in the United States. Find out more at http://www.virginiaartsfest.com/index.php.

Looking to step back in time this summer instead? Would you like to try archery or learn to swing a sword, or have your child knighted by a queen? How about doing it at the Virginia Renaissance Faire in Spotsylvania, Virginia from May 19 through June 17. Music, dance, and a cast of over one hundred townspeople in period costume, the Renaissance Faire is a walk through the days of jousting and royalty. Enjoy a meal or shop the town merchants. Find the information at http://www.varf.org/.

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, which takes place in Winchester, Virginia, in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, May 1 - May 6, includes more than thirty events. Dances, parades, a circus, and band competitions, the festival draws a two hundred and fifty thousand attendees each year, and is a festival the entire family can enjoy. Virginia history is a big focus of the festival, with homage paid to the blooming of Virginia's famed apple trees. Find out more about this exciting festival at http://www.thebloom.com/.

There is no better time to see George Washington's home of Mount Vernon than during Gardening Days at Mount Vernon (http://www.mountvernon.org/). The annual event includes an outdoor garden and gift sale, including gardening tools, books, seeds, and plants. This year the event takes place April 16-May 7, every day from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. rain or shine.

The Birds, Blossoms, and Blues Festival takes place at the Norfolk Botanical Garden (http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/) May 10-May18, 2007. One of Virginia's premiere birding events is combined with a plant sale and live blues and bluegrass.

If you live in Norfolk, and you are looking for a place to unwind after work on Fridays, Downtown Cheers, brought to you by 94.9 The Point, is returning to the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront for the summer 2007 season. With free admission and performances by local bands, such as The Connells and The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Downtown Cheers is a great place to be this summer.

These festivals are enough to keep your summer packed full of fun things to do. Whether you live in Virginia or just plan on passing through for a few days, you should be able to find something fun to do at one of these festivals.