Virginia Highlands Festival

The Virginia Highlands Festival is one of the better known and most popular festivals in the state.

Since 1948, the festival has been a commonplace event in historic Abingdon, Va. The one-week festival was created by Robert Porterfield, founder of the Barter Theatre, to showcase Appalachian arts and crafts. The festival is so big, it takes hundreds of volunteers to make the festival a success.

The festival offers a little of something for everyone. Visitors can take in the antiques market, photography exhibits, juried arts and crafts, creative writing, storytelling, vendors, plenty of food, musical performances, living history demonstrations, home and garden events, children’s activities and more.

They will learn about the history and heritage of the region plus they get to see arts and crafts created by artisans and craftspeople who have learned their craft from family members. These are arts and crafts that have been passed down for generations.

Performers from all around the globe are brought to the area for the event, resulting in even larger crowds and less common experiences.

In the hills of Southwest Virginia, historic Abingdon offers plenty for visitors, ranging from theatrical performances and cultural events to fine dining and elegant places to stay, such as the Martha Washington Inn. Abingdon itself is a Virginia Historic Landmark.

Because thousands make their way to Abingdon for the festival each year, free shuttles are available to festival sites and the historic district of Abingdon from I-81’s Exit 14, where the Antiques Market is located, or Rose’s parking lot off I-81’s Exit 19 at Wolf Hills Shopping Center.

Ample parking is available at both of those stops. First aid is also available at a station located at the Antiques Market and at the Juried Arts and Crafts Show off Remburg Drive.

The living history events pertaining to the festival include a visit to Sinking Spring Cemetery, a walking tour of historic Abingdon, historic log cabin tours, historic White’s Mill and Norfolk and Western Steam Locomotive.

Music varies from beach music to Celtic selections, classical music, bluegrass and country performers and more. The music takes to the stage at Abingdon Market Pavilion.

Well known Appalachian authors and nationally known writers will be featured in programs, seminars and at book signings during the festival. Topics they have covered range from local history and travel writing to poetry. Literary workshops are scheduled throughout the week.

With plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds as well as the great outdoors, there is something for everyone at the Virginia Highlands Festival.