Summer Festivals in the Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley summer entices us to get outside and hike, bike, and paddle through postcard-worthy scenery. At the same time, the localities are putting finishing touches on plans for their annual outdoor festivals and events. Take your pick of live music, beer and wine festivals, and unique Valley entertainment. Here’s how to find this season’s summer fun.
Music Festivals
There’s nothing like live music under the stars to make you appreciate the moment and feel part of the community.
- For over 50 years the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival has been hosting big musical names in various genres on the scenic grounds of Shrine Mont (Orkney Springs). Attendees of the summer concert series have taken seats in the pavilion or spread their picnics on the lawn and enjoyed mountain scenery and clear, close-up views of the acts onstage. 2024’s eight-concert lineup features performances by the Oak Ridge Boys, Dionne Warwick, and Steve Earle. Buy food onsite or bring your favorite food and beverages from home or a local restaurant. Fill out the weekend with a visit to nearby Lake Laura, Shenandoah Caverns, or Route 11 Potato Chip Factory.

- Red Wing Roots Music Festival (June 21-23) is an immersive family-friendly musical experience. Held at picturesque Natural Chimneys Park & Campground (Mt. Solon), the festival showcases established and emerging folk, roots, acoustic, and Americana musicians performing on several different stages. The 2024 lineup showcases The Judy Chops, Kurt Vile & the Violators, Bonny Light Horsemen, Sierra Hull, Brent Cobb, The Steel Wheels, and many more. Along with the music, the festival hosts vendors, beer gardens, and lots of outdoor activities. Need a break from the sun? Head underground for a tour of nearby Grand Caverns or get a burger and an ice cream cone at Valley Pike Farm Market.

Beer and Wine Festivals
The Valley offers several opportunities to appreciate local beer and wine in beautiful locations. Add these festivals to your calendar.
A Taste of the Valley Wine, Beer, and Spirits Festival (June 15, at the Page Valley Fairgrounds in Luray)
Get a taste of Page Valley and Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley during the annual Taste of the Valley festival. Regional breweries, wineries, and distilleries will bring their best flavors. Food trucks will serve delicious local tastes, and attendees can shop vendor displays. Cazhmiere, a fun party band with a huge repertoire of popular covers will set the mood with live music. Did you know that Page County is Virginia’s Cabin Capital? Why not spend a weekend exploring Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns, and paddling on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River?

During the summer, Massanutten’s slopes are home to several beer and wine and music festivals. ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival kicks off the season on May 25 with live music, food trucks, and a wide selection of beer and wine. The “Original” Moonlighters, Ryne Brashear, “best local roots band” The Judy Chops, and indie rock trio Starting Early will perform. On June 1, Rock the Ridge will bring three main stage bands plus food, beverages, and fireworks. July 3rd’s Summer Jam at Massanutten will have beer, wine, and food from local food trucks. Face painting, crafts, and more will keep the younger set busy. Sing along to live music by Sandy B & The Allstars and The Parker Barrow Project. The night will end with a bang as an awesome fireworks display explodes overhead.

Unique Festivals
There’s nothing like a festival to bring out community spirit. These summer events are full of live music, food, vendors, kids’ activities, fireworks, and more.
- May 17-19: More than 200 of the best “vintage hip” vendors in the region are coming to the Clarke County Fairgrounds for the 24th annual Luckett’s Spring Show. Shoppers, often making “casual creative” fashion statements, can score crazy-good finds. Look for painted furniture, vintage home good items, antique furniture, garden gems, flowers/plants, architectural salvage, clothing, quilts, and antiques. Take a break from shopping for live music, a beer garden, food trucks, and a play area for kids. This event is hugely popular, and many attend all three days. Make a weekend of it with a flight of cider at Wild Hare Cider and a stay at Rosemont Manor or Waypoint Bed & Breakfast in nearby Berryville.
- Celebrate outdoor culture and the Appalachian Trail at downtown Waynesboro’s second annual Hiker Fest! (June 8). Everyone is welcome at this event, which will have live music, food, vendors, yoga sessions, henna tattoo artists, and more. Come out for the sounds of Hobojac, Who Shot John, and The Wilson Springs Hotel. Looking for an authentic experience? Why not hop on the AT and hike a few miles before the festival? You’ll also want to spend time in downtown Waynesboro, which has independent shops and restaurants, museums, and self-guided walking tours of urban street art and historical buildings.

- The Happy Birthday America (July 3-4) celebration in Gypsy Hill Park has been a Staunton community tradition since The Statler Brothers started it in 1970. Get ready for live music, a parade, fireworks, games, carnival rides, concessions, a beauty pageant, Vesper service, and more. Musical acts will be Wilson Fairchild with special guest Wade Hayes, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Jack & Davis Reid, and Spencer Hatcher & the Ol’ Son Gang. Set up your lawn chairs and don your red, white, and blue sun hat for a fun, patriotic day celebrating America’s independence!

- Balloons Over Rockbridge Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival (July 6-7) at Virginia Horse Center’s Oak Hill Property (Lexington) has something for everyone. Hang out and watch over 20 hot air balloons take to the sky and soar overhead. Take a piloted balloon flight or grab a spot on a tethered flight to see stunning Rockbridge County from a new perspective. There’s also a chance to meet balloon pilots and watch the nightly “balloon glow” at sunset. The festival will have live music, food, beer, vendors, and activities for kids. After the balloon show is over, catch a double feature at nearby retro-cool Hull’s Drive-In or a craft beer at Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen.
Other Fun
- May 18: EPIC Fest Beer & Wine Festival – Elkton

- May – July, last Wednesdays: Wayne on Main (Waynesboro)
- May – July, Thursdays: Groovin’ at the Greenway (Waynesboro)
- June 14-16 Maury River Fiddler’s Convention (Buena Vista)
- June 26 – September 11, Wednesdays: Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series (Harrisonburg)
- July 3: Freedom Food Festival (Lexington)

- July 4: Bryce Fest (Basye)
- July 4: Independence Day Concert & Fireworks (Lexington)
- July 5: Stargazing at Natural Bridge State Park
- July 23-27 Augusta County Fair
- July 26-27 Bank of Botetourt Beach Music Festival (Buena Vista)
- August 6-10: Bergton Fair (Rockingham County)
- August 12-17: Rockingham County Fair

- August 16-25: Staunton Music Festival
- August 17-24: Page Valley Agricultural and Industrial Fair (Luray)
The Shenandoah Valley provides a range of summer activities that get you outside to enjoy life and community under the sun and stars. Treat yourself to a summer of the Valley’s best music, beer and wine, and unique local events.
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