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Music & Crafts Festivals in VA

As the first American state to be settled, Virginia is often called the "Mother of States." Some might say Virginia is the mother of festivals, too. Take time out of your weekend and enjoy the many popular music and craft festivals in the state.
  1. Spring

    • Spring craft festivals in Virginia include the Harrisonburg and Virginia Beach Craft Shows, the Craftsman Classic and the 2nd Saturdays Arts And Crafts Show of Goochland County. Designated as one of "Top 20 Events" by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Classic is held in three Virginian cities annually.

      Festival-goers like to celebrate springtime with music at the the Chesapeake Jubilee. According to the Chesapeake Jubilee, Inc., the festival hosts three crafts tents and the largest 4-H show and sale in Virginia.

    Early- to Mid-Summer

    • Choose from a number of summertime festivals. If you miss Dr. Stanley's Memorial Bluegrass Festival, the Hampton Jazz Festival, or the Abingdon Blues Festival, you can still make the the Oak Leaf Bluegrass and Mountain Festival. As the promoters state, this Independence Weekend event features "bluegrass, gospel, an old-time string band, traditional country, Piedmont blues and mountain ballads."

      Summer craft festivals span from Lee county to the coast of the Atlantic. Crafters continue to enjoy the Crafts in the Meadows Festival held annually in the beautiful Blue Ridge Highlands, usually the first weekend in July. The Hungry Mother Arts and Crafts Festival, a juried show in Smyth County, follows later in July.

    Late Summer

    • Virginia is known as the "Old Dominion."

      Many Virginians ring in the dog days of summer at a regional festival -- including FloydFest, a huge, four-day music event. The festival features over 50 entertainers performing on multiple stages. Attendees often camp at the event, located deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia. If you prefer to mix music with crafts, you won't want to miss the Virginia Highlands Festival. Located in Abingdon, this event features bagpipers, performing artists, an antiques market, art and photography competitions, workshops by published writers, and a juried arts and crafts show.

    Fall

    • Autumn is a time for the sight of brightly-colored leaves, the taste of pumpkin pie and harvest-time fests. Located in the heart of Appalachia, the Bluefield Jamboree is a free event featuring soul, blues and boogie music, as well as crafts and fireworks. Blackstone Arts & Crafts Festival takes place the second weekend in September and is not just for crafters. Besides the viewing of handmade goods, visitors can enjoy blacksmith demonstrations, a kids' tractor pull, a hay wagon and pony rides, a petting zoo, and a variety of band concerts.

Music Festivals

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