Looking for a list of the best Virginia music festivals in 2024? Well, look no further, because I’ve got all of them covered!
“Virginia is for lovers.” – That’s the well-known slogan the gorgeous state of Virginia has claimed as their own since 1969. And it’s true.
Virginia is for lovers. Lovers of soul-stirring food. Lovers of beautiful landscapes. Lovers of small towns full of friendly locals. Lovers of big cities with so much to offer. And of course…lovers of music and festivals.
With its own deeply entrenched cultural and musical identity, Virginia boasts an impressive number of music festivals, both big and small. And it’s a state that offers every setting you could hope for to act as a backdrop to your favorite tunes. Coastal festivals at Virginia Beach, bluegrass jams in the Blue Ridge Mountains or city parties in Richmond. And everywhere in between.
Be sure to add my shortlist of the best 23 music festivals in Virginia to your ever-growing U.S bucket list.
And check out my articles on Festival Hydration Backpacks, Festival Camping Packing List, Festival Shoes, and Festival Gadgets to enhance your experience by having all the best gear!
1) FloydFest 2024
When: July 24-28, 2024
Where: Floyd, Virginia
Genre: Rock / Bluegrass / Reggae / Folk
https://www.facebook.com/FloydFestVA/
“FloydFest is a 5-day celebration of music & art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia featuring over 100 performers across 8+ stages. The event began in 2002, and spans five days each year with on-site camping and multiple stages featuring rock, bluegrass, reggae, folk, Yiddish, Cajun, or Zydeco, African, Appalachian, and world music performers.”
2) Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival 2024
When: May 23-26, 2024
Where: Martinsville, Virginia
Genre: Various
https://www.facebook.com/roosterwalk/
“Making the most of a tragic situation, that’s how Rooster Walk came about. The Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival was created in memory of two of our best childhood friends who passed away while still in their 20s: Edwin “the Rooster” Penn and Walker Shank.
This festival celebrates life and the notion that you shouldn’t waste a moment of it. When Edwin died in a dirt-bike accident in November 2007, and Walker passed from heart trouble while asleep in his apartment in December 2008, close friends decided a music festival was a fitting way to tribute. Rooster Walk was created, with the idea that proceeds from the festival go toward a college scholarship fund at their alma mater, Martinsville High School.”
3) Red Wing Roots Music Festival
When: June 21-23, 2024
Where: Mt Solon, Virginia
Genre: Roots
https://www.facebook.com/RedWingRootsMusicFestival
“Three days, five stages, and 40+ bands at the beautiful Natural Chimneys Park and Campground in Mt Solon, VA, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The towering limestone chimneys, reaching more than 120′ in the air, provide a spectacular backdrop for you to lounge in the Music Meadow and hear some great music in the great outdoors.
Red Wing focuses on the whole experience: an incredible variety of food, craft vendors, kids activities, camping, swimming, organized bike rides, yoga, runs, hiking adventures, and much, much more!”
4) Blue Ridge Rock Festival
When: September 5-8, 2024
Where: Alton, Virginia
Genre: Rock
https://www.blueridgerockfest.com/information
https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeRockFest/
Featuring the LOWEST GA Ticket, Camping, & Drink Prices of Any Major Rock Festival
Featuring one of the largest line-ups and camping sites in the state, Blue Ridge Rock Festival is a fan-favorite! Their recent editions sold-out within 4-days of their line-up announcement, and I know their return in 2024 will be bigger and better than ever!
5) Shenandoah Valley Music Festival
When: July – September, 2024
Where: Orkney Springs, Virginia
Genre: Various
“Shenandoah Valley Music Festival is a series of live-concert performances that take place over July, August and September at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, Virginia. Dating back to 1963, the Festival has a long history of bringing quality music to the Shenandoah Valley. The Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, is held in the secluded town of Orkney Springs, Virginia. A rustic, open-air pavilion on the grounds of a historic mineral springs spa and resort hotel, is home to the Festival’s summer concert series.”
6) Richmond Jazz & Music Festival
When: August, 2024
Where: Richmond, Virginia
Genre: Jazz
https://richmondjazzandmusicfestival.com
“One of the largest music festivals on the East Coast, the 9th Annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont boasts a lineup of Grammy Award-winning international and national talent. The Richmond Jazz Festival is an interactive and sensory driven journey into music and culture, featuring some of the most talented and iconic artists of the time.”
7) Virginia Beach Oceanfront Concert Series
When: June-July, 2024
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Genre: Various
https://www.facebook.com/OceanfrontConcertSeries/
“The largest outdoor music event on the East Coast, it brings together national, regional, and local acts to play on a giant stage on the beach at 5th Street, as well as stages in all the parks along the boardwalk. With just about every music genre, there’s “something for everyone.”
8) Richmond Folk Festival
When: September 27-29, 2024
Where: Richmond, Virginia
Genre: Folk
http://richmondfolkfestival.org
“The Richmond Folk Festival is one of Virginia’s largest events, drawing visitors from all over the country to downtown Richmond’s historic riverfront. The Festival is a FREE three-day event that got its start as the National Council for the Traditional Arts’ National Folk Festival, held in Richmond from 2005-2007. The Richmond Folk Festival features performing groups representing a diverse array of cultural traditions on seven stages.”
9) Supernova International Ska Festival
When: September, 2024
Where: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Genre: Ska
https://supernovaska.bandcamp.com
“The Supernova International Ska Festival is dedicated to a fully DIY festival that brings people together through ska music.”
10) Stuart Beach Music Festival
Credit: Stuart Beach Music Festival Virginia
When: June 6-8, 2024
Where: Stuart, Virginia
Genre: Beach music
http://www.beachfestival.com/location/
https://www.facebook.com/beachmusicfestival
Follow the Music, We’ll be Waiting for You!
Beach Music Festival — Hot Fun in the Summertime!
“Held the second Saturday in June each year, this is our 38th year providing entertainment to folks near and far. The club brings new energy, fresh ideas, and volunteers to help make this the BEST time you’ll ever have… ’til next year. We have a great lineup with award winning performers of the beach music genre, on-site camping at Wayside Park, friendly faces to welcome you to beautiful Patrick County.”
11) The Festy
When: September 2024 (TBC)
Where: Charlottesville, Virginia
Genre: Various
FESTY is an Outdoor, Concert Series beginning in September.
Relax in the Meadow and listen to the melody. Join us for our “backyard music and friends” Festy gatherings at Chisholm Vineyards. The peaceful 2 acre outdoor GA meadow site with a gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop is a one-of-a-kind venue that provides ample space for you and your friends to comfortably enjoy an evening of music. Bring your chairs and your blankets and we will have all the tunes ready for you!
12) Devils Backbone Hoopla
When: September, 2024 (TBC)
Where: Roseland, Virginia
Genre: Various
https://www.facebook.com/DevilsBackboneHoopla/
“COME JAM WITH US IN NATURE. With music, food, and beer. Join us in September for live music, award-winning beers, camping, and fun for the whole family. The weekend includes pop-up beer tastings, outdoor adventures, property tours, crafts, great eats, and tons of incredible live music!”
13) The Patriotic Festival
When: May 24-26, 2024
Where: Norfolk, Virginia
Genre: Various
http://www.patrioticfestival.com
“The mission of the Patriotic Festival is to honor and celebrate all branches of our Armed Forces and promote Patriotism. With the US Navy support and the steadfast support of our Corporate Sponsors and Artists. The Patriotic Festival is the most popular military celebration in the region.
14) Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
When: September, 2024
Where: Bristol, Virginia
Genre: Rhythm / Roots
https://www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/festival/
https://www.facebook.com/bristolrhythm/
“Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival is an electrifying music experience that features the very best roots music. Held annually the third weekend in September in historic downtown Bristol TN/VA, the three-day music is amped to the beat of Appalachia’s past, present, and future. The Festival digs down deep into the roots of the traditional Appalachian sound and lifts its branches to new heights. It all happens in the heart of the Birthplace of Country Music.”
15) Virginia Chili, Blues & Brews Festival
When: September, 2024
Where: Waynesboro, Virginia
Genre: Blues
“Join us for an evening of chili tasting, amazing blues and micro and mega brews. Event benefits Waynesboro Arts & Culture Initiative (WACI).”
16) Appaloosa Festival
Credit: Rob Laughter
When: September, 2024 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Front Royal, Virginia
Genre: Bluegrass / Americana / Celtic
“Every Labor Day Scythian hosts its own festival, Appaloosa, which features the rising stars in Bluegrass, Americana and Celtic Music. Located in Alex and Dan’s hometown of Front Royal (Just 1 hour from DC) Appaloosa takes place on a horse ranch campground nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. We’re celebrating 15 years as a band in conjunction with the 5th Annual Appaloosa Festival, so it’ll be an event you don’t want to miss!”
17) Graves Mountain Festival of Music
When: May 30-June 2, 2024
Where: Syria, Virginia
Genre: Bluegrass / Roots / Americana / Country
https://www.gravesmountain.com/events-calendar/festival-of-music/
Music in the Blue Ridge of VA – Living LOCAL Music Making, Learning, Jamming, and Festival
“3 Days. 21 Bands. Bluegrass, singer songwriter and country in the Blue Ridge of VA. 1100 acres by a mountain stream and camping on 70 acres. Fish, hike, horseback ride, pick up a banjo or just sit by the stream and listen to the echo of the valley. Performances running from late morning through to 10:30 PM, when festival goers pull out their own fiddles and banjos back at their RVs.”
18) Hampton Jazz Festival
When: June 28-30, 2024
Where: Hampton, Virginia
Genre: Jazz / Pop / Blues / Soul
https://www.hamptonjazzfestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/HamptonJazzFest/
“Hampton Jazz Festival has brought the best of jazz, pop, blues, soul, and R&B for 50 years. Each year the event is more exciting than the last. The event is brought to you in partnership by Hampton University, the City of Hampton and the Santangelo Group, Inc. The annual Hampton Jazz Festival presents the opportunity for us to marvel and appreciate the many visitors who journey here to enjoy American music at its best. This annual gathering has become more of a reunion – a celebration a friends, family, culture, music, and life.”
19) Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention Festival
Credit: Donald Trausneck
When: August, 2024
Where: Galax, Virginia
Genre: Fiddle / Bluegrass
http://www.oldfiddlersconvention.com
“Before the second weekend in August each year, lovers of country and mountain music leave their homes in time to be in Galax, VA for the Annual Old Fiddler’s Convention. For some this means hundreds of miles of travel, while for others it will be a short trip from their nearby homes. Most of these people don’t play music, and come just for the listening and renewing old acquaintances. However, a few hundred come with their instruments to show their skill, and compete for the cash prizes which total thousands of dollars. But most of them would come without the prizes being offered. They want to see and be seen, and hear and be heard. The instruments vary from mouth harps in pockets to bull fiddles strapped on top of cars. Many of these musicians have played in most of the conventions since 1935, but this group is growing smaller by the year.”
20) Staunton Summer Music Festival
When: August 16-25, 2024
Where: Staunton, Virginia
Genre: Classical / Chamber
http://www.stauntonmusicfestival.org
“This year’s program will bring together over 100 incredible works of music performed by 80 world-class artists. Highlights include a staged presentation of Handel’s masterpiece, Theodora; world premieres by composers-in-residence; Bach’s St Matthew Passion on period instruments; music by everyone from Hildegard to John Hilliard and from Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony to Bernstein’s West Side Story. With 30+ concerts over 10 days, there is something for every music lover to enjoy. We invite to you to join us and RETHINK CLASSICAL!”
21) Rosslyn Jazz Fest
When: September, 2024
Where: Arlington, Virginia
Genre: Jazz
“Join us at Gateway Park for an afternoon of music, food trucks, yard games, community table experiences, and more. Jazz Fest is FREE and registration is not required, but encouraged, to help us produce the best experience for all in attendance, as there are capacity limits at Gateway Park.”
22) Watermelon Park Fest
When: September, 2024
Where: Berryville, Virginia
Genre: Americana & roots
“Watermelon Park Fest is a family-friendly music festival located on the Shenandoah River just outside of Berryville, VA. Festivities include Concerts, Dances, Workshops, Band & Pickin’ Contests, Kid’s Activities, Open Jams, Food & Craft Vendors, and more!”
23) FlowJam Festival
When: June 6-9, 2024
Where: Rixeyville, Virginia
Genre: Electronic / Various
“A 4 day experience fusing healing vibes, music, dance, and stimulating arts on a 55 acre property with a view of the blue ridge mountains.”
Am I missing any awesome Virginia music festivals…?
Wow! Virginia is quite an amazing state that is filled so many different fun-filled music festivals all summer long! This was such a fun post to put together, but I’m sure it’s possible that I missed one or two awesome festivals in Virginia! Please, let me know if you think I need to update this article with any new upcoming events!
Looking for more festivals in the U.S.A & around the world…?
My website is filled with articles just like this, so check out a few of my favorite blog posts below, and start planning your next music festival adventure! So many epic parties and festivals to choose from!!
- Top 20 Boston Music Festivals For the Bucket List
- 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- Top 20 San Diego Music Festivals | The Ultimate SD Festival Bucket List
- The Best 25 Music Festivals in Texas To Experience Before You Die
- The Top 25 Music Festivals in ARIZONA To Experience Before You Die
- The 30 Best Music Festivals in Australia To Experience Before You Die
- The Best 25 Music Festivals in FLORIDA To Experience Before You Die
- The 13 Best Music Festivals in New York to Experience Before You Die
- The Top 10 Music Festivals in Colorado To Experience Before You Die
- Top 14 Music Festivals in OREGON To Experience Before You Die
- Top 21 Music Festivals in LAS VEGAS To Experience Before You Die
- 15 Epic Music Festivals in MICHIGAN To Experience Before You Die
- 20 Vancouver Music Festivals To Add To Your BUcket List
Thanks for reading about these Virginia festivals in 2024!
Share this article with your Virginia festival squad!!
Ahhh DoahFest Part of me wants to tell the world and part of me wants to keep it a secret. My favorite festival ever because it’s small intimate but big and amazing. Late July during the day you float or sit in the shallows in a lawn chair in clear cool flowing South Fork Shanendoiah River and watch River sets. Great Bands mixing rock, bluegrass, folk, country, reggae. Then in the evening you move up to the big stage in the field or the bonfire for a more intimate setting and if your really feeling wild you can go to the silent disco area. Beautiful scenery, Wondedrful people. No Wifi No Politics. Great art and brotherhood. What a pleasure!!! maybe we should keep it a secret.
That’s an inspiring post, this festivals looks fun and amazing ended!!