Broadening the Story of Appalachia Since 1949
Join us for the 76th Celebration of our annual summer event. You don’t want to miss this!
July 25 - August 3, 2025
76 years ago, Robert Porterfield began a cultural experience unparalleled to our region. The Virginia Highlands Festival has continued to grow in size and scope to become a destination for tourists and a beloved regional cultural resource for the arts, history and culture of Southwest Virginia.
Experience the Virginia Highlands Festival
July 25 - August 3, 2025
With over 200 individual events, the whole family will find something to explore at the Virginia Highlands Festival. Uncover treasures at the Antiques & Vintage Market and shop for unique handcrafted items with our Arts & Crafts exhibitors. Join us for an Outdoor excursion at Hungry Mother State Park and take a walking tour of a local vineyard. Learn all about Appalachian food and history from experts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Cap it all off with amazing music and dance the night away!
With over ten areas of programming and events, the Virginia Highlands Festival is a celebration of Appalachia like no other. Be sure to explore each area to find your next treasure, experience, or culinary delight. Now…SCROLL!
Arts & Crafts Show
A staple of the Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon for over 70 years. Voted the “Best Art Show in Region” by Virginia Living Magazine readers in 2023, the Juried Arts and Crafts show is a free activity, open rain or shine!
Antiques & Vintage Market
Discover those special, hard-to-find items at the Juried Antiques Market & Vintage Show at the SWVA Higher Ed Center. We’re excited to build on the success of the 2023 festival. Treasures are waiting to be uncovered!
Music Concerts
You can’t have a festival without live music! With a return of the Festival Ball at The Martha, we have music curated for you. Enjoy the region’s best food trucks, plus beer and wine from some of your favorite summer bands.
Outdoor Adventures
Take an adventure during the Festival to the great outdoors. Wherever your wild heart wants to explore, we’ll have guided trips for adults and kids alike. Each year, our festival will focus on a different outdoor asset.
Local History
For over 200 years, Abingdon has been the cultural, political, and economic center of the entire region. People are drawn to Abingdon to hear the stories of this rich history via lectures, walking tours & more.
Culinary Arts & Traditions
Food lovers will find plenty to satisfy their palate throughout the Festival set in Abingdon, Virginia, the Best Small Town Food Scene (USA Today 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022)
Writers & Readers Days
Writers & Readers Days are a long standing tradition at the Virginia Highlands Festival, with each year dedicated to an immersive experience in telling your stories.
Celebrating 76 Years of Appalachia!
The Virginia Highlands Festival not only brings you a summer extravaganza, we bring you artsy-fun throughout the year.
Be sure to check our website regularly for added programming and events!
Plein Air Abingdon | October 3-5, 2024
Plein Air Abingdon is a three-day, open enrollment painting event now celebrating its 8th year. Not only is this an artists’ competition with cash prizes, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity for the public to witness creative action as artists remove the confinement of their studios’ four walls and paint in the open, drawing inspiration from the beautiful scenery in Abingdon, Virginia.
Eat.Drink. Love. Virginia Highlands 2025
We invite you to explore all our downtown and locally-owned restaurants, especially during our month long foodie celebration! Hands-on workshops, specialty nights, and opportunities to both tickle your taste buds and sharpen your own culinary skills are in the works. Details coming soon!
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