Events and Holidays in Virginia

Throughout Virginia you can expect to encounter at least a dozen or so special events going on at any time of the year. From Virginia Beach events to Virginia State holidays, a Virginia arts festival, or Virginia music festivals, there's always plenty to do in the "Old Dominion."

Virginia Beach events are very popular with coast visitors. You can take in the Monsters on the Beach Truck Expo, or enjoy the Beach Music Weekend all in the month of May. Other Virginia Beach events include concerts by famous musical headliners such as Big Bag Voodoo Daddy and others, available at the Cavalier Beach Club in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach events such as the NAS Oceana Air Show are available in fall complete with flight demonstrations and military aircraft exhibits.

An annual event in Virginia not to miss is the Historic Cemeteries Tour in Fredericksburg. This tour will take you through three of Fredericksburg's most historic cemeteries--St. George's Episcopal Church, the Masonic Cemetery and the Washington-Gordon Cemetery near Kenmore. If you don't care for cemeteries, try an event in Virginia like Jamestown Day, a commemoration of the anniversary of the founding of the first permanent English settlement in North America, located in historic Jamestown.

Virginia State holidays are also wonderful opportunities for visitors to take in a little Virginia culture. The Memorial Day Festival and Parade in the town of Shenandoah, Virginia is the perfect place to start. Virginia State holidays come to a feverish climax in this sleepy town, especially when commemorating Virginia's many war heroes. You can also experience Virginia State holidays such as the Civil War Memorial Luminaria at Fredericksburg, where more than 500 members of the community light a single candle for each man or woman buried in the National Cemetery at Fredericksburg. Interpreters around the Cemetery are also available to tell the story of those buried there.

When in Virginia please take time to experience the Virginia Arts Festival also, a six-week celebration filled with world-class performances of music, theatre, dance and family entertainment from Williamsburg to the Eastern Shore. The Virginia Arts Festival is open to the public late April through early June. Take the opportunity to explore the wonderful musical and dance offerings, including more than 800 musical performers in the Virginia Tattoo that hail from several countries.

Lastly, you'll want to take part in Virginia music festivals such as the Hampton Jazz Festival, one of Virginia music festivals' most popular events. Enjoy jazz, R&B and blues artists on tour during the time of the festival at the Hampton Roads Coliseum. Available two days only during the month of June, so buy tickets early as soon as they go on sale.

For more event in Virginia offerings, check with a travel advisor or the Virginia Visitor's Bureau. Keep in mind that special events tend to sell out quickly due to their limited nature, so plan ahead accordingly and buy your tickets before leaving on your vacation.