Fairs and festivals are summertime staples.
Whether it’s live music, bright lights, funnel cake and fireworks, or the allure of sorting through handcrafted items and watching live artisan demonstrations — these fairs and festivals have got you covered.
VISIT MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VA
Whatever busy highway life has you traveling, take the time to explore Mecklenburg County. Discover charming towns, splash around in Virginia’s largest lake, enjoy a craft brew and a gourmet meal, take a stroll through historic destinations and wineries, or dance the night away at an outdoor summer concert. You’ll find more of what matters in Mecklenburg County. For more information, visitmeckva.com.
VISIT WINCHESTER, VA
Winchester invites you to do summertime differently. Enjoy long nights under the stars. Visit the nostalgic Family Drive-In Theater. Wake up to coffee and pastries in Old Town Winchester. Take a stroll through the historic pedestrian mall downtown, while browsing shops, boutiques and galleries for truly unique finds. Enjoy new Appalachian cuisine at Vault & Cellar. Then experience any one of the intimate live music venues in and around the city. Make this year’s summer trip anything but traditional. For more information, visit visitwinchesterva.com.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL – Orkney Springs, Va. – July 21-Sept. 3
If you love music, this is the place to be. Enjoy great music under the stars at Shenandoah Valley Music Festival in Orkney Springs, Va. Feast your ears on the likes of Three Dog Night, Don McLean, The Steel Wheels, Pure Prairie League & Firefall, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Doo-Wop Project and more! Package deals include discounts on tickets and lodging. Walk to concerts. For tickets and more info, visit musicfest.org.
FILMS THAT MOVE – Cape Charles, Va. – July 24-Aug. 4 
Films That Move (formally Experimental Film Virginia) is an international artist residency culminating with a film premiere at the Historic Palace Theatre in Cape Charles on Friday, Aug. 4. Films That Move is a hybrid film festival that offers a peer-facilitated dance film creation experience on a professional level with production approached within a unique framework of exchange, collaboration and support. The goal is to make a film one would never have made at home. For the public, it is an international cultural event unlike any other. It is intense, challenging and beautiful.
FIELD DAY OF THE PAST – Amelia, Va. – Sept. 15-17
Field Day of the Past is held in Amelia County at Redfield Farm, 11404 Circle Drive. This is where you go for all the power-pulling action — tractor pulls and truck pulls. And, of course, live music, gold panning, carnival rides, heritage exhibits, animal exhibits, mechanical bull rides, educational exhibits, arts and crafts, and all the food and fun one can handle. For tickets and more information, visit fielddayofthepast.net.