Planning to travel around Virginia this August? The month brings dozens of music festivals, craft beer tasting events, and seasonal celebrations that are perfect for weekend getaways.
If you’re looking for things to do in Virginia this August, look no further; we’ve put together a collection of the top festivals and events happening throughout the Commonwealth this August!
Night Sky Festival in Shenandoah National Park—Luray
When: August 11-13, 2023
While hiking and other outdoor sports allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature, Shenandoah National Park wants to give you the chance to experience its beauty after dark. Attend the Night Sky Festival in Shenandoah National Park this August to view the clear dark skies over the park through constellation tours, solar scope and telescope viewings, audio-visual exhibits, and presentations by astronomy experts, Astronaut Tom Jones, a representative from NASA, and the National Park Service Rangers.
The festival will take place at various locations throughout Shenandoah National Park and there are several lodging options for guests, including primitive and standard campsites with water and electrical hookups, Big Meadows Lodge, Skyland, and Lewis Mountain Cabins. Book your lodging quickly, as these options fill up fast during the Night Sky Festival weekend.
The Smith River Fest—Axton
When: August 1, 2023
The Smith River Fest is a celebration of all things associated with the scenic Smith River. Held each year in Martinsville at the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex, this free festival has guided paddle trips including on-site rentals and free shuttles, live demonstrations in fly fishing skills like fly-tying and casting, and all sorts of activities for kids such as a petting zoo and a Kid’s Village with inflatable bounce houses.
Enjoy the great outdoors during the festival with a 5K Mud Run or the 4.8 mile river race, bike the nearly 20 miles of shared-use trails that run alongside the Smith River, or bring your pup along to try Puppy Yoga on the river. The festival will also have live music, a beer garden for the 21 and up crowd, and vendors selling all sorts of river-inspired gear.
Virginia State Peach Festival—Stuart
When: 2023 Dates TBD
A time-tested tradition for over 30 years, the Virginia State Peach Festival pays tribute to the fresh locally grown peaches of Patrick County with all sorts of peach-themed foods and drinks, including peach ice cream, pie, and peach-flavored drinks. In addition to eating, the festival offers live music concerts, an arts and crafts fair, historical demonstrations, and tons of entertainment for kids. The festival has no entry fee, but parking is $5 per car. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit to cool off during this annual August festival in the on-site pool!
For even more peach-based celebrations, Northern Virginia also hosts the Peach Daze Fuzztival on August 5-6 and 12-13, 2023 in Loudoun County, which begins with a peach pancake breakfast, followed by a peach-eating contest, family-friendly games, and live music.
Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival—Bealeton
When: August 19-20, 2023
During the Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival, the skies of Northern Virginia are filled with dozens of colorful balloons. This once-in-a-lifetime event is not only a stunning spectacle, but also a chance for you to experience the views from up above, as individual licensed pilots offer guided rides throughout the weekend. If you plan on attending the Hot Air Balloon Festival, arrive early, as gates open at 6am and lines to enter the field can stretch back to Route 17 in the afternoon hours.
As with any flight activities, this festival is dependent on the weather and may be cancelled or rescheduled in the event of rain or extreme winds, so check the website for more details as the festival dates draw near.
Music Festivals in August
August is a month for music lovers in Virginia, with many other festivals and music performances happening in every corner of the state. For some toe-tapping bluegrass, attend the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention (August 7-12, 2023). If you’re looking for live music on the shores of Virginia, get tickets to the Oceanfront Concert Series in Virginia Beach (select dates throughout August 2023).
The month also boasts two big jazz festivals, The Richmond Jazz Festival on August 12-13 and the 40th annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival on August 18-19, where you’ll get to hear some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, and R&B.
Neptune’s Coastal Craft Beer Festival—Virginia Beach
When: August 26, 2023
Virginia Beach brings together the best of Virginia craft beer (and some national favorites, as well) during Neptune’s Coastal Craft Beer Festival. Now in its fifth year of operation, the festival features over 65 craft brews from 30+ breweries, nonstop live music, and local food trucks. Your ticket includes a commemorative beer-tasting glass and tastings throughout the day. Get Tickets
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Bier Fest
Photo Courtesy of Busch Gardens Williamsburg
When: Weekends between August 12 – September 5, 2023
Pair excellent beer with thrilling roller coaster rides at Busch Gardens Bier Fest, happening on weekends from August 12 – September 5, 2023. Try craft beers from around the world, sample hearty German dishes, and experience the spectacular Bavarian tradition of Oktoberfest right here in Virginia this August during Bier Fest.
Floyd Yoga Jam—Floyd
When: August 31-September 3, 2023
Head to the beautiful mountains of Floyd County for the Floyd Yoga Jam, a four day outdoor and yoga festival held over Labor Day weekend each year. You don’t have to be a yoga master to attend this event; seasoned yoga instructors offer classes tailored to all skill levels and ages at the Yoga Jam. Your weekend pass provides access to all of these classes, as well as workshops, dancing lessons, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Children under 13 get in free and can spend time in KidsVille, on the festival playground, or learning a wide variety of crafts and hobbies in the Arts Village. Showers and primitive camping are also free, while car, RV, or glamping sites are available for an additional fee. Get Your Tickets
Find even more August events to add to your calendar, and look ahead to September and October to make more future vacation plans!
What is happening in Nov.?
Got you covered, Dave! https://blog.virginia.org/2019/10/november-2019-events/