Music Festivals in Virginia

There are music festivals in Virginia for everyone that cover all genres from rock to EDM and everything in between. Virginia’s made major contributions to the American music industry in the past and is still rocking the music scene today.

This state’s been instrumental in the evolution of country and blues music. It’s also home to outstanding artists like the Dave Matthews band.

We hope this list of music festivals in Virginia helps you find the festival experience you are looking for. We are always adding to this list of festivals so be sure to check back from time to time. If there is a music festival we have missed, be sure to send us an email and we will get it added to the list.

Here’s a snapshot of the best musical events in the Old Dominion state:

Floydfest

It’s fitting that the founder of this wonderful event, Kris Hodges, is a long-time student of the psychological benefits of music. He’s put his knowledge to good use at Floydfest.

Floydfest’s marketed as the ideal blend of music, magic, and mountains and it certainly lives up to the hype. The festival takes place on an 80-acre plot just outside the town of Floyd just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Here you can look forward to five days of creativity at its best. Lap it all up while bopping to the tunes alongside one of the eight stages or ambling among the many stalls onsite.

This laid-back family event’s a hit with music lovers of all ages. It features a mix of reggae, rock, folk, bluegrass, Yiddish, Zydeco, Cajun, African, and world music.

Rooster Walk

Walk the walk at this four-day fun fest filled with art and music celebrations in the great outdoors. Rooster Walk takes place at beautiful Pop’s Farm, outside Martinsville.

Rooster Walk’s hailed as one of Virginia’s top five festivals, boasting four days of live performances across six different stages. The festival embraces a wide range of genres including rock, jam, ska, funk, bluegrass, jazz, and Americana.

Some of the things to look forward to at this get-together include amazing local eats, craft beer, disc golf, river floats, and curated kids activities. Memorial Day weekend’s the date to diarize for this one.

Houstonfest

Houstonfest is a wonderful example of how something great can arise from tragedy. This celebration of bluegrass and old-timey string-band music honors the memory of budding local musician Houston Caldwell, cut down in his prime by a motorcycle accident.

Uniquely, the festival has an instrument petting zoo where youngsters can try their hand at creating tunes against a backdrop of up-and-coming bands performing on four different stages.

It’s all happening in the lovely hamlet of Galax, nestled in a deep valley amid the mountains of southwest Virginia. Houstonfest is the ultimate more-chill-less-thrill answer for those who’re looking for something a little different.

Hampton Jazz Festival

The biggest names in jazz are regular performers at this popular Virginia music festival held at the Hampton Coliseum. Although the festival departs from pure jazz, featuring soul and blues performers too, it still attracts thousands of fans from all over the country.

Every year the Hampton Jazz Festival is like a family reunion for regular patrons. There hasn’t been a spare ticket available at the door for decades. You can look forward to a welcoming, jovial atmosphere as well as a sterling line-up at this festival every year.

You can enjoy these smooth sounds for two days at the end of every June, so start planning and book early if you don’t want to miss out.

Shenandoah Valley Music Festival

Another long-established shindig, the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, features eight different concerts hosted at the Shrine Mont retreat in Orkney Springs all summer long.

Each show focuses on different music genres, including reggae, rock, funk, bluegrass, and country. This intimate, upmarket festival offers a different vibe from the usual down-home feel of its peers.

Lockn’ Festival

Formerly known as Interlocken Music Festival, is annual four-day music festival nestled at Oak Ridge Farm in Arrington, Virginia.

Lockn’ Festival is also recognized as an optimal experience extending far beyond the stage.

Over the last few years, LOCKN’ ‘alumni have savored the sounds of artists such as: Tom Petty, Robert Plant, Phish, Carlos Santana, My Morning Jacket, Ween, Wilco, Zac Brown, Willie Nelson, Phil Lesh and so much more.

Lockn’ Festival gives you a blend of world-class music, local vendors, and community engagement. Grab your tickets and experience the ultimate LOCKN’ experience

Red Wing Roots Music Festival

Red Wing Roots Music Festival is a recurring music festival.

A three days, five stages, and over 40+ bands are held at the beautiful Natural Chimneys Park in Mount Solon, Virginia.

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 not only on the whole experience but with an incredible variety of food, craft vendors, kids activities, camping, swimming, organized bike rides, yoga, runs, hiking adventures, and much, much more!

The Festy

The Festy Experience is a music festival held in Arrington, Virginia usually begins in April.

FESTY currently has venues in three locations. Charlottesville, VA at Chisholm Vineyards in Earlysville, less than 10 miles from Downtown Charlottesville. Asheville, NC at Lake Eden Events & Lodging in Black Mountain, and Charleston, SC at Woodland Nature Reserve.

The Festy Experience team has worked hard to produce a diverse festival experience that illustrates its core values: a love of craft food & beer (they will be offering a variety of Virginia’s award winning craft beer), appreciation for the outdoors, and stellar music. A family-friendly atmosphere is key; along with a family camping area, there will be a large kids area, a teen zone, special programming, a kids instrument making workshop, as well as other family activities.

We have compiled this comprehensive list of music festivals in Virginia , if there are any that we’ve missed that you would like us to add please contact us.