Southwest Virginia Events

credit: Virginia Lake Festival

Anyone looking for food, crafts, entertainment, sports or wine events will find plenty of options in southwest Virginia.

The area is known for its natural beauty, history and culture. It also has historic sites, parks, sports arena, golfing, concerts, festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

Whether visitors are planning a day trip, weekend trip or lengthy vacation in advance, they will find plenty of events to enjoy year round. While the list goes on for pages, here are some of the favored choices in the region.

Virginia Lake Festival – Clarksville’s Annual Virginia Lake Festival has been named “One of the Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society. Tethered hot air balloon rides, sand sculptors, live music and vendors fill the streets during the July weekend.

Spencer-Penn Bar-B-Que Cookoff – Spencer-Penn Centre is the locale for this popular Pig Cookin’ Contest held in April. Some of the best cooks in Virginia and North Carolina gather for this whole pig cooking competition. Judged by the NC Pork Association, you can partake of the barbecue by the plate, sandwich or pound. There’s live music, vendors and activities for all ages.

Ridgeway Springfest – A day filled with fun for all, Springfest offers music, food and vendors, and children’s activities. There is also a one-mile fun run. Held in downtown Ridgeway in May, it is a great day to escape the daily grind and have some fun.

Clarksville Lake Country Wine Festival – The lawns of historic Clarksville are filled with the samples of almost 100 wines from 15 Virginia wineries. Virginia’s only lakeside town is filled with delicious food, talented artisans and live music for the Saturday in April.

Noland Country Day Fair – Step back in time with antique machinery, classic cars, arts and crafts, homemade Brunswick stew and homemade desserts in Nathalie. The one day event is held on a Saturday in May, and offers a look into days gone by. Proceeds go toward the upkeep of the oldest Presbyterian church in the county.

Frederick County Fair – For a week every summer, the fairgrounds come alive with traditional fair activities, such as a demolition derby, beauty pageants, and agricultural exhibits. Of course there is plenty of food and other activities.

Peach Festival – Marker Miller Orchards in Winchester offers everything peaches on the hot Saturday in August. With peach cobbler, pie and turnovers, there is plenty of music, food, and children’s activities to enjoy.

Tomato Fest – Celebrating the tomato and all things related to it. A community recipe contest, chef demos, children’s activities and other activities are held at Harrisonburg’s Turner Pavilion on the Saturday in August.

Mountain Jamboree at Massanutten – Live music, fireworks, plenty of food, activities for the kids plus a beer and wine garden provide a fun-filled day at the Massanutten Ski Area in McGaheysville every August. Various bands perform and make the day memorable.

Mountain Magic in Fall Bluegrass, Antiques and Crafts Festival – Downtown Buchanan hosts the festival that was voted a “Top Community Event” by readers of the Roanoake Times Boutetourt View. Celebrating heritage through music, crafts, history and architecture, there is a full-day of free bluegrass music. There are more than 100 vendors plus dozens of antique vehicles and tractors on display.

Regardless of their interest, visitors will find an event offering entertainment, food, and fun that will make your visit to the region much more memorable and enjoyable. Plan a special visit to Southwest Virginia.