Northern Virginia

See Pancho Sanchez at The Reston Festival!

Manassas - Jul 11 & 25- Fabulous Films of '58 - Enjoy the free movie series under the stars on the Museum lawn. July 11-IT! The Terror From Beyond Space; July 25-Tom Thumb

Woodbridge - Jul 12 - Music at the Marina - Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees - Waive combines his no-pick, percussive style on guitar with some of the most compelling lyrics in honky tonk. His smoky voice delivers songs laden with fervor and heart. Catch a glimpse of his Tidewater roots in the fire and brimstone melodies.

Reston - Jul 12 & 13- The Reston Festival - Come, bring your family and friends to celebrate Reston's Birthday!! Birthday Cake cutting ceremony, Live entertainment ALL weekend, Hands-On Children's Activities, Local Arts and Craft exhibits, Business and Community Organization Expo. Fun for ALL and FREE to the public.

Warrenton - Jul 17-20 - Fauquier County Fair - Features livestock, rabbits, poultry, produce, homemade arts and crafts, animal shows, contests, games, demonstrations, homegrown dinner and great music.

McLean - Jul 18 - Non-Profit Benefit Show - Comic Pain Relief 08 Virginia - If you haven't had a good laugh lately, then check out Comic Pain Relief presented by the Power of Pain Foundation. This is the second annual show benefiting chronic pain patients. Comedians: Big Al, Jasper Reed, Marby Ingle. Our Foundation’s programs assist Neuropathy Pain patients and caretakers with disorders such as Diabetic Neuropathy, Post Cancer Pain and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy(RSD).

Alexandria - Jul 19 - Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society Caribbean Night - Join in for some summer fun at the Fifth Annual Caribbean Night. Enjoy two flavors of margarita while you bid on fantastic silent auction items to benefit the preservation of the City Tavern ice well. Cost is $30 GTMS member price, $40 non-member price advance sale, $50 at the door and $75 event sponsor. Reservations are required so please call 703.838.4242 or visit us online at www.gadsbystavern.org.

Spotsylvania - Jul 21 - Summer Fun - Join the festivities to celebrate summer with "Billy B" Brennan. "Billy B" is a popular singer-songwriter who has produced songs and videos that have entertained and educated thousands.

Occoquan - Jul 27 - Occoquan River Festival - Taste of Occoquan, live music, family fun walk and other events focusing on the 400th anniversary of John Smith’s initial journey on the Occoquan River with a re-enactment of his landing and culminating with a parade of lights along the Occoquan River.

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Chesapeake Bay

Let's get medieval at the Renaissance Festival!

Lancaster - Jul 12 - Music by the River - Honeywind Bluegrass Boys - The Honeywind Bluegrass Boys bring their music to the Belle Isle for the first time. They play a variety of traditional bluegrass, country and gospel music. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket or lawn chairs.

Gloucester - Jul 19-20 - Renaissance Festival - Medieval adventures. Martial arts demonstrations, human chess, jousting, games for all ages. Merchants and food vendors. FREE.

Mathews - Jul 26 - Mathews Community Yard Sale - Last Saturday of each month May thru October, 8 am-1 pm. Sellers reserve now, just $10 per space. Buyers attend free! Join the treasure hunt among the antiques, furniture, clothing, books, electronics, power tools, jewelry...you name it, we've got it!

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Eastern Shore

Enjoy homemade blueberry ice cream at
the Blueberry Festival!

Machipongo - Jul 5 - Art in the Park Celebration - This annual celebration of our heritage and handicrafts will feature original work by local and regional artists. Enjoy food, wine, musical entertainment and live demonstrations that will be offered along with artists showing and selling their work. For more information, contact Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce or visit the website.

Wachapreague - Jul 9-12, 16-19- Wachapreague Town Carnival - Experience an authentic old fashioned small town carnival with rides, food, Miss Wachapreague contest, funnel cakes and famous clam fritters. Live family friendly entertainment nightly. Runs June 25 through July 19, Wednesday-Saturday only. Sponsored by the Wachapreague Volunteer Fire Department.

Wachapreague - Jul 25-27 - Billfish Release Tournament - Tell a good fish story. The 27th annual Billfish Release Tournament, sponsored by the Eastern Shore Marlin Club takes place out of Wachapreague, VA. Tournament days Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call the Wachapreague Marina.

Chincoteague Island - Jul 25-27 - Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival - Celebrate Nature's Tastiest Gift: The Blueberry! Experience a "Christmas in July" Shopping Extravaganza at the Largest Fine Arts & Crafts Event on the Eastern Shore of VA at the Chincoteague Center. Visit 115+ artists, crafters, decoy carvers, unique exhibitors & specialty food vendors. Breakfast & Lunch avail. Sample Fresh Blueberries, Homemade Ice Cream, Shortcake & other Blueberry Foods!

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Hampton Roads

Chesapeake - Jul 11-13 - Chesapeake Horseshoe Tournament - Saturday is the sanctioned tournament that features male and female champion pitchers from the Mid-Atlantic region. The open tournament will be held Friday evening and Sunday Morning. The open tournament championship will be held Sunday at 12 noon.

Newport News - Jul 12 - Beat the Heat - Celebrate the summer, take a break from the heat, and enjoy music, great summer treats and lots of family fun. Free. Market Stage. City Center at Oyster Point, Town Center Drive.

Norfolk - Jul 12 - Cingular Wireless "Norfolk Latino Festival" - This 8th annual event, known as the largest outdoor dance floor in Hampton Roads, will heat up with the hottest salsa, meringue, and guaguanco dancing on the East Coast with live music by local, regional and national recording artists and will also feature authentic Latino food, beverages.

See the horses run at the Virginia Derby.

Virginia Beach - Jul 12 - Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge - This event is fun for the whole family! Featuring the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant,where hermit crabs are presented in their own unique decorated displays and judged on creativity and beauty. Hermit crab preliminary races lead to the Crustacean 500, where the winner is crowned and awarded the Order of the Mercury Claw trophy. No entry fees; pre-registration is not required.

Yorktown - Jul 18-25 - "Shagging on the Riverwalk" Beach Music Concert - “Shagging on the Riverwalk” Beach Music Concert Series, 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Join us for the 3rd annual concert series featuring a variety of beach music suited for all ages. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. Sponsored by York County. Riverwalk Landing. Free.

New Kent - Jul 19 - $1,000,000 Virginia Derby - The $1 million Virginia Derby (Gr. II) is Colonial Downs' marquee event. The Derby is for 3-year-olds and is contested at a mile and a quarter over the Secretariat Turf Course.

Virginia Beach - Jul 19 - SHOUT From the BEACH - Come sing along at the 3rd Annual Shout From The Beach Music Fetival. Free and fun for the whole family. Open to all. Music, food, rides, amusements and door prizes. Climb the rock wall, clap and sing with music, register kids with the DARE unit, or just sit and relax and watch the fun. Walk and shop the craft tables and win a cake at the cake walk. Don't miss July 19th, so come SHOUT with us.

Surry - Jul 19-20 - Pork, Peanut and Pine Festival - Celebrate the three main industries of Surry County at Virginia State Park's largest arts and crafts festival featuring more than 150 artisans, live music on two stages, exhibits, children's activities, tours of the mansion and Farm and Forestry Museum, and great food including fresh cooked pork barbecue, grilled pork chops, pork rinds, ham, sausage, peanuts of every variety and more.

Virginia Beach - Jul 20 - Dog Days of Summer at First Landing State Park - Enjoy a fun-filled day for you, your family and your four-legged best friend. Take in a demonstration by the Virginia Beach Police canine unit, a dog fashion show, kids' crafts, exhibits and much more. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet while in the park.

Norfolk - Jul 25-26 - Norfolk Jazz Festival - Enjoy the dramatic setting of the downtown Norfolk skyline and Elizabeth River while enjoying the best of legendary jazz as renowned artists visit Town Point Park for this popular musical tradition. Tickets and packages available in advance.

Norfolk - Jul 25-27 - Disney High School Musical - The Hurrah Players Virginia's Leading Family Theatre Company production of Disney High School Musical Hurrah brings the Disney Channel's smash hit musical to life on stage!

Williamsburg - Jul 26 - Virginia Indian Heritage Day - Intertribal dancing and drumming, panel discussions, themed museum tours and hands-on children's activities honor Virginia Indian cultures and their important legacy in America. Presented in partnership with the Virginia Indian community.

Courtland - Jul 26-27 - Cheroenhaka Nottoway Indian Pow Wow - July 26-27 Courtland, VA Six Annual Cheroenhaka(Nottoway)Indian Tribe Powwow and Gathering, Southampton County Fairgrounds, “Green Corn Dance Celebration” with Drums, American Indian Dancers, Flint Knapping; Craft & Food Vendors; Tribal Artifacts; Children Activities. Hear the Tribal History of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indians "Special Guest: Luis Salinas & the Aztec Dancers"

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Central Virginia

Mechanicsville - Jul 5 - Hanover Tomato Festival - The Hanover Tomato Festival will be held Saturday, July 5 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville.

Big Island - Jul 12 - Sedalia Blues Festival - The James River Blues Society of Sedalia presents BluesFest 2008, featuring the Blues Competition. Following the competition will be performances by various headliners. Food, beer, wine, beverages and food for sale. Wine garden by Virginia wineries. Held rain or shine in our covered pavilion. RV and rough camping available. No coolers or pets, please. Fast becoming the most popular Blues festival in Virginia! For additional information, please see the website.

Lynchburg - Jul 11-13 - Honk! Jr. The Musical - Enjoy the results of this summer's Encore! program at the Academy of Fine Arts with the presentation of Honk! Jr. -The Musical. This family friendly musical is based on Hans Christian Anderson's "The Ugly Duckling". Three performances will take place at the Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre in Historic Downtown Lynchburg on the corner of 5th and Commerce St. $8/Children $11/Adults

Gladstone - Jul 19 - James River Raft Race and Summer Festival - This event promises fun for the whole family. Activities include a fishing clinic, kids fishing derby, game station, river races, car show and live music. Festivities continue throughout the day. The adventurous two-mile race has a variety of categories - canoe, kayak, inflatable craft, and homemade river vessels.

Bedford - Jul 19 - National D-Day Memorial - Family Day - July 19th from 10AM-5PM, join the Memorial for a day of programs, activities, displays, and more. Dress up in 1940s fashion, check out vintage vehicles, & get your hands dirty in the Victory Garden. Talk with a veteran or visit with the 29th Division Association living historians. Authors will be on hand signing books and the 1/6 Scale Expeditionary Force will set up the biggest D-Day model display you’ve ever seen!

Ladysmith - Jul 19-20 - Blue Christmas in July with Elvis - Put on your blue suede shoes and join The Virginia Bazaar as it celebrates a Blue Christmas in July with Elvis. Rock and shop around our market while Elvis Tribute Artist Joe Searles entertains you! Great music, fun shopping, and terrific bargains--you might even find a peanut butter and banana sandwich in our food court! Some lucky shoppers may even win Blue Suede Bazaar Bucks, good with any vendor at The Bazaar. Free.

Charlottesville - Jul 19, 20, 23, 25, 30 - Bizet's Carmen - This French opera set in Spain tells the story of a beautiful gypsy with a fiery temper. Carmen’s incomparable and sensual allure entices the upright Don Jose into her world in this tale of intrigue, adventure, love, jealousy, and, ultimately, tragedy. The timeless opera classic never fails to mesmerize its audience.

Lynchburg - Jul 26 - Academy Children's Theatre: Fabulous Fables - Enjoy the Academy of Fine Arts theatre camp's presentation of Fabulous Fables. Local 8-12 year olds spend two weeks participating in the Academy's in-depth theatre experience mastering the basics of auditioning, creating sets and costumes, and rehearsing before presenting a two show production to the community. Tickets $5

Charlottesville - Jul 26 - Summer Saturdays: DinoRock's Dinosaurs Forever - STORYBOOK TALES COME TO LIFE ON ASH LAWN OPERA'S STAGE Come sing and laugh with Tootsie the tap dancing Triceratops, Big Bad Baby Rex, and many more dinosaur friends in this delightful musical revue.

Ladysmith - Jul 24-27 - Caroline Agricultural Fair 2008 - The Virginia Bazaar proudly hosts The Caroline County Fair for the 7th year. Enjoy two great attractions at the same location! Rides, games, community exhibits, Civil War encampment, Caroline's Barn and live music will be hightlights during the fair.

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Shenandoah Valley

Enjoy a evening of entertainment at The Yellow Barn!

Swoope - Jul 12 - Polyface Farm - Gather the family, load up the car, and head for the hills this summer — the hills of the Salatin’s Polyface Farm — for a day of family fun and learning that could change your life. Beyond the fun and learning on the farm, the Shenandoah Valley of Virgina is rich in history and family fun is everywhere. Make this the centerpiece of your vacation — you’ll be glad you did.

Raphine - Jul 12 - Summer Breeze Fete - Cool breezes, cool times and cool wine. Bring a picnic and a friend and spend an afternoon at the picturesque Rockbridge Vineyard relaxing to live acoustic music and sampling award winning Rockbridge wines. $5 includes vineyard tour, wine tasting, and souvenir glass.

Waynesboro - Jul 12-13 - Summer Extravaganza 2008 - Summer Extravaganza is the City of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation Department's largest festival held in Ridgeview Park July 12 - July 13. We have a variety of activities for all ages including firework show, arts and crafts, bands and much more. We are currently taking registration for vendors for the arts and craft portion of the show. Contact the Parks and Recreation office at 540-942-6735

Roanoke - Jul 18-20 - Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia - Feel the competition or cheer on your favorite player or team at the 2008 Coventry Commonwealth Games in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas July 18-20. With fifty different sports venues in 80 various locations, you are sure to find your favorite game at this Olympic style sports festival. Never too young or too old to play games, this event is open to all ages and skill levels for amateur athletes across Virginia. Produced by Virginia Amateur Sports, a non profit organization.

Fishersville - Jul 19-20 - Daylily and Wine Festival - If your idea of a great time is enjoying fine food and spirits, learning about gardening, listening to music and relaxing in a beautiful setting with family and friends, then put these two days on your calendar! Join horticultural and culinary experts in the seminar tents and learn new tips on landscaping, gardening, and cooking. Taste wines from many of Virginia's award winning wineries.

Shenandoah Caverns - Jul 24 - The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns Evening of Fun! - Enjoy a dinner buffet with an evening of hand clapping, foot stomping, strumming and drumming in the Valley’s newest attraction and event venue The Yellow Barn. The Yellow Barn offers a look at our agricultural heritage with historical displays, restored antique farm wagons, carriages and vehicles, indoor beehive, & a country theme gift and wine shop.

Orkney Springs - Jul 25 - Fairfax Symphony Orchestra "Gypsy Nights" at the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival - Gather your friends this summer, come out to our breathtaking venue, and surround yourself with the mountains and beautiful sounds of music at the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. Located on the grounds of the historic Shrine Mont Hotel in Orkney Springs, Virginia, it's the perfect way to enjoy your precious summer weekends! And remember, "We're so close - even your gas tank will love it!"

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Heart of Appalachia

Duffield - Jul 5, 26- Lighting of the Tunnel - Take a seven-minute chairlift ride to the mouth of the tunnel to take in the splendor of this unique natural wonder. Also enjoy a wide range of performances by cloggers, dancers, singers, guitar players and others.

Tazewell - Jul 11-13 - Tazewell County Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers' Convention - Join us in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains for a weekend of fun and traditional music for the entire family. Friday night performances, and Saturday instrument and band competitions.

Duffield - Jul 13, 27- Pickin' in the Park - Enjoy Sunday afternoon listening to local musicians. After the feature performance, there is an open mike session for those who would like to try their hand at performing. Come on out and enjoy the fun.

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Blue Ridge Highlands

See the cowboys fight it out in the street of Virginia City.

Floyd - Jul 5 - Windfall Concert at the Oak Grove Pavilion - Windfall, an acoustic quartet that specializes in Folk music, are at the Oak Grove Pavilion on July 5 at 7:30PM. They will perform the songs of artists like Tim O'Brien, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Gordon Lightfoot, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Nancy Griffith and many more. The event is free but a donation is collected and distributed to local charities. Pavilion events are drug and alcohol free.

Stuart - Jul 9-12- Wayside Bluegrass Festival - Wayside Park is home to the nationally known Beach Music Festival! Owners Danny and Patty Hazelwood bring a variety of events to the Blue Ridge Mountains via Wayside Park. Don't miss the Wayside Bluegrass Event. Sit back and enjoy the music of several renowned bluegrass bands. Camp out for the weekend and enjoy the fun!

Wytheville - Jul 12 - Virginia City's Cowboy Days - Experience our 1880 boomtown in all its authentic glory, when the cowboys come to town. Entertainment begins around noon with Wild West Re-enactors doing gunfights in the streets, which will continue at different intervals throughout the day, with bands preforming also. Takes place on the second Saturday of every month, June thru October.

Marion - Jul 18-20 - Downtown Days Festival - Always the third weekend in July, downtown Marion hosts its biggest festival of the year! Friday night, it's the Marion Downtown Chili Championship and the "Show 'n' Shine" Car, Truck, Motorcycle, and SUV Show beginning at 6pm. Live street dance featuring regional favorite "Phantom" from 7 til midnight. Saturday, live music on the Main Stage during the afternoon, and special guest musicians at venues across downtown. Sunday, it's the "Downtown Gospel Jubilee" from 12:30 til 5pm. Arts & Craft

Marion - Jul 18-20 - Hungry Mother Arts and Crafts Festival - Come to one of the largest juried craft shows in southwestern Virginia. More than 100 artisans display traditional and contemporary artwork, leather crafts, wooden crafts, pottery and other crafts. Also take in demonstrations, children’s activities, music and food. Visit www.hungrymotherfestival.com for more information.

Radford - Jul 20 - Cabin Days/Ingles Farm Opening - Visit Ingles Farm! This working farm will be open to the public on specific days from 10am-3pm. Routine work will be performed and explained. Come and explore the cabin of William and Mary Draper Ingles, learn about current preservation efforts, and trace the history of Ingles Ferry and its importance in history.

Wytheville - Jul 20 - Mountain Kids Day - Plan to bring your kids to the top of the mountain, and climb the 100 foot tower. Our artisans want to show and teach your kids about typical mountain life. They will be shown how to make balloon animals, homemade Chap Stick, and will be enthralled with story telling. Allow your kids to step back in time and begin to understand there is something more than video games in a childhood!

Floyd - Jul 24-27 - FloydFest - Celebrate music and culture in the mountains. The beautiful 80-acre venue off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest Virginia hosts the annual event FloydFest. Featuring three days of music, art, and entertainment for the whole family. Showcasing stages of Americana, Blues, Bluegrass and Cajun and family fun galore!

Bastian - Jul 25-27 - All Nations Green Corn Festival & Gathering - Bland County Historical Society Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum Presents The Bland County American Indian Heritage Weekend. Admission $5.00 Adults, Child Age 4-16 $3.00, Veterans & Seniors $3.00

Ararat - Jul 26 - Kibler Valley River Run - Kibler Valley River Run has an activity to match everyone's interests whether guiding a kayak through the roaring whitewater or simply taking in the scenery of the Blue Ridge. Several hundred people gather along the headwaters of the Dan River for this event sponsored by the Red Bank Ruritan Club in Patrick County.

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Southern Virginia

Family fun at Virginia Lake Festival!

Spencer - Jul 11 - Bluegrass Country Boys Appearing at Spencer-Penn Centre - Music Night at Spencer-Penn Centre is a guaranteed place to be for fine bluegrass music. July 11, the crowd will tap their toe to Highway 61, Chords of Faith, and Herbert Lawson and The Bluegrass Country Boys. Doors open at 5:00 for the delicious concessions; 5:30 open jam session and at 6:30 scheduled bands begin. Free admission but donations accepted for the historic building.

Clarksville - Jul 11, 18, 25- Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s Tavern presents “Live Music Under the Stars" - Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s Tavern presents “Live Music Under the Stars” Friday nights through the Summer . . . Join us on the outside patio for live music, drink specials, fine food, and the beautiful night stars!

Martinsville - Jul 16 - Martinsville Mustangs vs Asheboro Copperheads - The Asheboro Copperheads will see that they are no match for the Martinsville Mustangs. The Mustangs will run all over them when they meet at Hooker Field in Martinsville. You are invited to be the Mustangs special guest and to help "Marty the Mascot" cheer them on to victory. We hope to see you in the stands.

Clarksville - Jul 17-19 - Virginia Lake Festival - Visit Clarksville's 31st Annual Virginia Lake Festival. Children can ride in a teathered hot-air balloon on opening day, while everyone will enjoy browsing 200+ vendors, including a juried arts & crafts show. The weekend's festivities include live musical entertainment, great food, sand sculpture, antique cars, helicopter rides, fireworks over Buggs Island Lake/John H. Kerr Reservoir. Free.

Martinsville - Jul 18 - Golf for the Arts 2008 - Captain's Choice Tournament • Double Shotgun Start: 9 AM & 1:30 PM Golf for the Arts is a benefit golf tournament held annually in support of Piedmont Arts. The money raised from the tournament helps Piedmont Arts bring exciting programming into our schools and greater community. Golf for the Arts 2008 will be held on Friday, July 18, 2008 at Chatmoss Country Club in Martinsville, Virginia. The tournament is open to single players ($80) and teams of four ($320). Prizes.

Martinsville - Jul 18 - Luau for the Arts 2008 - Luau for the Arts is OPEN TO EVERYONE and features a Polynesian-inspired buffet dinner, tropical adult beverages and dance-worthy entertainment – and it's all included in the ticket price! So, come out and party for the sake of the arts! Luau for the Arts is an annual benefit luau in support of Piedmont Arts. All proceeds go to support arts in our community.

Martinsville - Jul 19 - Terrific Tomatoes Day - Uptown Martinsville Farmers' Market - Celebrate the delicious tomato today at the Uptown Martinsville Farmers' Market. Learn about products from VA, watch artisans demonstrate, and just enjoy being in Virginia. In season are plants, flowers, tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, gourmet lettuce, and much more. Also buy seafood, pork products, honey, eggs, and baked goods!

Martinsville - Jul 25 - TGIF Outdoor Concert Series - Uptown Martinsville - Come out and enjoy an evening of fun and music at Martinsville Uptown's Summer Outdoor Concerts held in the Bridge Street parking lot. Food and drinks sold, also kids' toys and lots of great music - from country to beach music. Admission is $4-$6 for adults, children 12 and under free.

Martinsville - Jul 26 - Reptile Day family festival presented by the Virginia Museum of Natural History - Join the Virginia Museum of Natural History for the popular Reptile Day family festival. Learn fun and interesting facts about snakes, lizards, turtles and more. See and touch these amazing animals and explore their world. Virginia Museum of Natural History. $7/Adults; $6/College Students and Senior Citizens; $5 Youth and Children 3-18; Free/Children under 3; Free/Members.

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