Whether it’s in your backyard or a few hours’ drive away, there’s an event calling you and your fellow fun-seekers. This year’s Summer Fairs & Festivals Guide gives you a meaningful reason to get busy with your calendar and GPS. This season’s fairs and festivals span the map, from the photogenic Balloons Over Rockbridge in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival on Chincoteague Island, Va. There’s almost no good reason to stay home this summer. So, here’s what you need to get up and go:
BALLOONS OVER ROCKBRIDGE | Lexington, Va. | July 4-5
This spectacle on the Oak Hill grounds of the Virginia Horse Center engages almost all your senses. The collection of hot-air balloons offers a magical display, and those who take one of the available tethered rides can experience the bliss of floating freely — or somewhat freely. Balloons over Rockbridge was created as a nonprofit festival to bring wonder and enjoyment to attendees while raising funds for local charities and other nonprofit organizations. Come watch the graceful hot-air balloon launches, enjoy live music, sample offerings from food vendors and check out kid-friendly family activities. Balloonsoverrockbridge.com
SHENANDOAH COUNTY CELEBRATES 1776 | Woodstock, Va. | June 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Immerse yourself in this all-day, multifaceted tribute to the founding days of the United States. Beginning with an opening ceremony on the steps of the historic Shenandoah County Courthouse, the day’s events include reenactments of Colonial-era characters and culture. Sponsored by the Shenandoah County Historical Society, the event offers something for everyone, including a kid-friendly scavenger hunt, history lectures, museums, art and artisans, local food vendors and Revolutionary War encampments. Shenandoahhistory.org
HOORAY FOR HOPEWELL HISTORY 250 CELEBRATION | Hopewell, Va. | June 27, noon to 7 p.m.
Situated on the Appomattox River at Hopewell’s City Point, Hopewell Manor makes the perfect setting for a festival spotlighting the nation’s 250th anniversary. Visitors are immersed in the spirit of the nation’s crucible at Historic Appomattox Manor, which witnessed key moments of the Civil War as a strategic riverfront location 25 miles south of Richmond. This free community event, sponsored by the Hopewell/ Prince George Chamber of Commerce, concludes with a fireworks finale over the river. Hopewellva250.org
VIRGINIA CANTALOUPE FESTIVAL | Berry Hill Resort & Conference Center, South Boston, Va. | July 24, 5-10 p.m.
It’s Lope Fest, for short, and this fruit-focused event, presented by the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce, honors the local variety of cantaloupe harvested from the rich soil along the Dan River. On this festive evening, you can indeed lope around the stately grounds of South Boston’s Berry Hill Resort & Conference Center while enjoying food from a variety of vendors and vibing to the music of headlining group Supafly Five, along with mixes by DJ Mike Brooks. Valopefest.net
MADISON COUNTY FAIR | Madison County, Va. | July 15-18
This action-packed, four-day event has a motto with a mission: “Give ‘em Something to Talk About.” Your head may spin trying to keep up with the attractions, including a daily reptile show, livestock exhibits, pro wrestling, an ax-throwing show, comedy hypnosis, monster truck rides, a rodeo, live music and a thunderbolt finale — the demolition derby. Add free admission for children 10 and younger as one more reason not to miss a minute. Madisoncountyfairva.com
SHENANDOAH VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL | Orkney Springs, Va. | July 17-18, July 24-25, Aug. 7-8, Sept. 5-6
Escape to the foothills of Great North Mountain for stellar live music under the stars. This summer, the beautifully restored Shrine Mont — a retreat center and National Historic Landmark — welcomes celebrated performers to its open-air concert venue. Come hear Little River Band, The Four Tops, Diamond Rio, Al Jardine & The Pet Sounds Band, The Bacon Brothers, Hotel California and more. Package deals offer discounted tickets and lodging at Shrine Mont. Musicfest.org
CHINCOTEAGUE BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL | Chincoteague Island, Va. | July 23-25
The Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival was tiny when it began in 1989, according to event organizer Sam Serio. Known as the opening act for the island’s world-famous Pony Swim, the annual event at the Chincoteague Center welcomes about 5,000 attendees. Now in its 38th year, he says, “It’s a well-oiled machine.” The July 23-25 event features about 100 exhibitors offering culinary creations, live music, arts and crafts and, of course, blueberries in many forms. Chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com
Destinations
DINOSAUR KINGDOM II | Natural Bridge, Va. | Daily, June 6-Labor Day; Weekends through October
If you’ve ever imagined a time-traveling battle between dinosaurs and Civil War soldiers — and even Abe Lincoln — you won’t have to anymore. Dinosaur Kingdom II, an immersive prehistoric experience 15 miles south of Lexington, offers plenty for adventurous visitors. Kids can feed a velociraptor, discover dinosaur bones at the Dino Dig or witness a triceratops bullfight. As the attraction promises, this is not your father’s dinosaur park. But find out for yourself. Dinosaurkingdomii.com
PATRICK HENRY’S RED HILL | Brookneal, Va.
At Red Hill in Brookneal, the Patrick Henry National Memorial offers a variety of experiences that transport visitors to the crucible of American democracy. Guests can take an in-depth, self-guided tour of the estate and museum, visit historic buildings, or participate in excavation work led by professional archaeologists. Catch one of the lantern tours, witness home educators’ living history days, attend “Oh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life” play and enjoy Red Hill’s annual Independence Day celebration. Redhill.org
VISIT MECKLENBURG COUNTY | Mecklenburg County, Va.
In Southern Virginia, Mecklenburg County offers a wellspring of discoveries and events all year long. In June, the Party at the Pavilion concert series opens on the second Saturday of the month and runs through September. Bluegrass in Boydton takes center stage June 27. July offers Sparks in the Park fireworks July 2 in South Hill; the Blueberry Festival July 11-12 in Skipwith; and the Virginia Lake Festival July 17-19 in Clarksville. The county’s summer concert series, Lake Life Live, takes place the first Saturday of each month from May through September at Clarksville’s Fifth Street Stage. Visitmeckva.com
DISCOVER HOPEWELL | Hopewell, Va.
Located just 20 minutes south of Richmond at the convergence of the James and Appomattox rivers. Come take in a show at the historic Beacon Theater. Explore the water on foot or Kayak at the Hopewell Riverwalk. Browse the shops in historic downtown, then break for coffee or lunch at one of our cafés or restaurants. Visit historic Weston Manor and Appomattox Manor to walk in the footprints of the nation’s founders. Enjoy drinks and dinner at the Boathouse at City Point overlooking the James River. Visithpg.com