Festivals
& Events
Experience the thrill of horse racing and entertainment at Shenandoah Downs at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock. Throughout several weekends in the spring and fall, you can enjoy live harness racing, where skilled drivers guide their horses to victory. Feel the crowd's energy as the horses sprint down the track and indulge in concessions and amenities that enhance your experience. With a festive atmosphere, family-friendly activities, and the excitement of wagering, Shenandoah Downs offers a unique blend of sports and entertainment for all to enjoy.
Apple Blossom Festival
(April-May, Winchester)
A family-friendly festival that includes more than 30 events: band competitions, dances, a Firefighter’s Parade, a Grand Feature Parade, a 10K race, a carnival, celebrities, Weekend in the Park, and much more!
If you’re looking for a new family tradition, visit Strasburg in the springtime. During this three-day annual party on the street, the city’s downtown comes alive with countless artisans, food vendors, and exciting games. A festive street parade, kids' zone, and competitive duck race add to the festivities.
Newtown Heritage Festival
(May, Stephens City)
A free family festival that celebrates the town of Stephens City’s heritage and includes wagon rides, a parade, a craft show, and fireworks.
On the slopes of Massanutten Resort! Enjoy live music, beer, wine, food vendors, and more!
New Market’s annual food truck fest is held in the New Market Community Park. There will be a selection of food trucks, live music, vendors, fun things for the kids to do. Admission is FREE. There is overflow parking at the New Market Fire Department. Bring chairs/blankets for comfort. Pets are allowed on leashes only and not in the food truck area.
A 7-hour Adventure Race at Seven Bends State Park with a Post Race Wine Social at Muse Vineyards only 4 minutes from the Start/Finish line.
Hop Blossom is a fundraiser supporting the efforts of animal welfare volunteers and organizations. We care deeply for our four-legged friends and are excited that we can help with the effort to find forever homes for wonderful animals. Over the past six years, Hop Blossom has donated over $80,000.00 to GoodDogz.org and other animal welfare organizations.
Every 4th of July, Middletown, Virginia comes alive with a full day of small-town charm and patriotic fun. The annual celebration kicks off in the town park with food and craft vendors, tournaments, games, live music, a magician, skydivers, and the area’s only Independence Day parade. The evening wraps up with a concert and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk. Bring a blanket, some chairs, and enjoy a classic American holiday in the heart of Route 11.
Experience the vibrant spirit of Bryce Fest at Bryce Resort in Basye every Fourth of July. This exciting event celebrates community and culture, featuring various local food and crafts showcasing the region's rich heritage. With live music filling the air, attendees can groove to the rhythm while enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere. Bryce Fest offers a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation, making it a cherished annual tradition.
Orkney Springs hosts the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, which highlights a diverse lineup of classic and contemporary artists and bands. Relish in the catchy melodies under the open sky for an unforgettable experience blending music, nature, and community.
Get ready for the ultimate treasure hunt during the annual Route 11 Yard Crawl. Spanning over 40 miles along the U.S. Route 11 between New Market and Stephens City, this massive yard sale extravaganza features countless vendors selling unique finds, antiques, crafts, and more. Explore charming towns and picturesque landscapes as you hunt for hidden gems. Whether you're a dedicated collector or a casual shopper, the Route 11 Yard Crawl offers something for everyone.
Join us for this exciting event that explores our area’s history, but also celebrates something that EVERYONE loves – food!
Museums and historic sites in our community will offer a variety of programs and special events such as presentations, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, historic recipes, agriculture related programs and more. Topics will span our area’s history from many eras!
For over a century, the week-long Shenandoah County Fair, held at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, has brought people together for summer fun. Expect agricultural exhibitions, thrilling amusement rides, live entertainment, tractor pulls, kids' activities, and an assortment of mouthwatering fair food. The annual event provides a platform for showcasing local agricultural accomplishments and fosters a sense of community. From exciting shows to classic experiences, the Shenandoah County Fair delivers a memorable time for everyone.
Held annually for over 40 years, this festival celebrates apples! Arts and crafts show, live music, apple pie eating contest, apple butter making, bingo, inflatables, face painting, and craft beer and hard cider tastings.
Fiddles & Fifths is an annual bluegrass and bourbon festival in the heart of Old Town Winchester, VA.
The Edinburg Ole Time Festival is a three-day annual event that captivates visitors with its nostalgic charm. Expect historical reenactments, antique displays, and traditional crafts. Savor delectable treats, explore local artistry, and revel in live music performances. With its focus on preserving heritage and fostering community spirit, the Edinburg Ole Time Festival offers an immersive experience celebrating the town's rich history and culture.
Experience a delicious culinary adventure at WoodsTACO in Woodstock, VA. This street taco competition gathers amateur and professional teams to craft extraordinary dishes. Dive into the taco showdown, where attendees turn into judges, savoring and casting their votes for the top creations. Join us for a day filled with flavorful camaraderie, creative culinary feats, and an exuberant celebration of all things taco at WoodsTACO.
Get ready for a spine-tingling experience at American Fright Night in the American Celebration on Parade float museum on the grounds of the stunning Shenandoah Caverns. Every weekend in October, the 40,000-square-foot museum invites all to its haunted house experience.
Woodstock Autumnfest is a vibrant celebration of the season's splendor, where the charm of Woodstock, adorned in its autumnal hues, comes to life. This event unites locals and visitors in a tapestry of art, music, and family fun at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds. Expect live music performances, a barbecue-tasting garden, food trucks, art vendors, a log-splitting competition, craft brews, wine, and spirits. The Shenandoah Downs typically coincide with this event.
As autumn arrives, Ravenwood is abustle, gathering in the fall harvest and preparing to celebrate the birthday of the Queen. The Baron and Baroness of Ravenwood will have nothing but the best for Her Majesty and invite one and all to be part of the festivities! The other baronies of Ravenwood, Terranor, Windemere, Emberon, and Aquitaine, will be there to help make it the best birthday ever! There is word that there is some discontent between some of the baronies – who knows what will happen? Come marvel at the fine wares presented for your consideration by skilled artisans and craftsmen. Savor the flavor of meads, ales, and delicacies purveyed by the kingdom’s best brewers and cooks. Delight in the songs and revelry of the known world’s most talented musicians. And watch closely as the feuding baronies do their best to impress the Queen and try to win her favor. Join Baron Robert and Baroness Adela and the Ravenwood Players at the Ravenwood Faire! Let them bring the story and the baronies of Ravenwood to life around you. Make ready the feasts, the games, the songs! Let the festivities begin! Huzzah!
The Edinburg Ole Time Festival is a three-day annual event that captivates visitors with its nostalgic charm. Expect historical reenactments, antique displays, and traditional crafts. Savor delectable treats, explore local artistry, and revel in live music performances. With its focus on preserving heritage and fostering community spirit, the Edinburg Ole Time Festival offers an immersive experience celebrating the town's rich history and culture.
The Strasburg Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Festival is a savory gathering celebrating comfort food with a twist. This one-day culinary event in downtown Strasburg celebrates the delicious namesake duo–classic grilled cheese and tomato soup. Taste various sandwiches and soups, and vote for your favorite combo. The foodie event also features plenty of vendors, as well as face painting and balloons for the kids.
This small, hometown parade features horses, floats, bands and more leading the way for Santa and Mrs. Claus to travel down Main Street. Early December.