Spending time with friends and family is important, but so is listening to good music. Festivals provide the perfect opportunity to do both. With a wide span of genres and on-site activities, there’s a festival for everyone in Virginia. Here are the 10 best music festivals in the state.
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1. FloydFest
Floyd, Virginia
When: July (five days)
The festival’s charm lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains setting and plays various music genres like bluegrass, folk, cajun, Yiddish, and reggae. The event offers on-site camping and RV parking, as well as a variety of food and drinks vendors.
Every year, Floydfest sets a theme that is reflected in the music lineup, art installations, and workshops. If you want a chill, family-friendly outdoor festival that is good for a weekend getaway, Floydfest has got you covered.
2. Shenandoah Valley Music Festival
Orkney Springs, Virginia
When: July-September (eight days)
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival is a series of festivals that features various genres of music such as country, bluegrass, rock, Americana, and symphonic music set in the pavilion of Shrine Mont. The location of the event is breathtaking because of the natural beauty The Great North Mountain offers.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back festival experience where you can enjoy the music and scenery, Shenandoah Valley Music Festival is great for you.
3. Hampton Jazz Festival
Hampton, Virginia
When: June (three days)
Jazz is the main focus of this music festival with a lineup of both established and up-and-coming artists. The festival takes place at the Hampton Coliseum, which is one of the largest arenas on the East Coast. R&B, soul, and lots of jazz can be enjoyed throughout the three-day event.
4. Rooster Walk Music Festival
Axton, Virginia
When: May (four days)
The great outdoors meets great music at Rooster Walk Music Festival. The festival is known for being one of the best bluegrass and roots music festivals in Virginia.
There will also be on-site camping, hiking, food and drink vendors, as well as a Kid’s Coop with plenty of activities for children. Parking is not included on-site so you might want to plan accordingly, set camp, or set hotel accommodations partnered with the event to fully enjoy the festival.
5. Red Wing Roots Music Festival
Mount Solon, Virginia
When: June (three days)
Feel the festival vibe with a lineup of great bluegrass, Americana, rock, and country artists. This family-friendly event also offers on-site camping, local campgrounds, RV parking, plenty of food options, and activities for all ages to keep everyone entertained.
6. Lockn’ Festival
Arrington, Virginia
When: September (four days)
If you’re a music lover who enjoys jam bands and improvisation, Lockn’ Festival is the event for you. For four days, attendees can enjoy nonstop live music performances from their favorite artists until late into the night.
You can keep the party going all weekend by camping on-site. Drinks, food, merchandise, and fun activities are also available to make your festival experience even better.
7. Devils Backbone Hoopla
Roseland, Virginia
When: October (three days)
Beers and music go hand-in-hand at Devils Backbone Hoopla. The event is a celebration of the craft beer brewed at the Devils Backbone Brewing Company as well as live music performances from local and regional bands.
There’s also plenty of food and drinks to enjoy, so come hungry! On-site camping and outdoor activities are available for those who want to make a weekend out of it.
8. Blue Ridge Rock Festival
Alton, Virginia
When: September (five days)
Blue Ridge Rock Festival is known for having some of the biggest headliners in rock and metal. This year’s lineup includes Slipknot and I Prevail, who made an amazing show. With a lineup of heavy hitters, this festival is perfect for those who want to mosh and headbang to their favorite songs.
The event is accessible to people with needs so that everyone can have an inclusive experience. On-site camping is available for those who would like to stay overnight.
9. Richmond Folk Festival
Richmond, Virginia
When: October (three days)
Richmond Folk Festival is a free folk festival that features a diverse lineup of musicians from all over the state who perform traditional and contemporary music.
The festival is also family-friendly with crafts, activities, and food that reflect the culture of Virginia. You can camp on-site to make the most of your festival experience.
10. Appaloosa Music Festival
Front Royal, Virginia
When: September (two days)
Celebrating roots music and culture, Appaloosa Music Festival will have you dancing all weekend long. The event will showcase music from some of the most promising talents in bluegrass, Americana, Celtic, and other genres. Bringing people together, the festival touches an evangelical chord with its attendees through music.
Conclusion
The best music festivals are the ones that offer fun and memorable experiences for all attendees. These festivals reflect what Virginia has to offer in terms of music, culture, and cuisine. If you get the chance, be sure to delve into the festival scene in Virginia and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival Featured Image by: Lhalsted, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
