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Virginia Highlands Festival

Daily Schedule

Juried Fine Art Exhibition
Juried Fine Art

Juried Fine Art Exhibition
Art Intake
Jul 18 - Jul 19 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Free The Abingdon Arts Depot For: Juried Fine Art Submissions
Art Intake
Jul 20 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Free The Abingdon Arts Depot For: Juried Fine Art Submissions
Juried Fine Art Exhibition
Jul 24 – Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free The Abingdon Arts Depot 2026 Theme: Beauty & History: Celebrating 250 Years of Appalachia
Juried Fine Art Exhibition
Jul 26 & Aug 2 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Free The Abingdon Arts Depot 2026 Theme: Beauty & History: Celebrating 250 Years of Appalachia
Photography
Arts & Crafts

Photography
Photography Intake
Jul 18 – Jul 19 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Free Abingdon Train Station For: Photography Exhibitions
Photography Intake Copy
Jul 20 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Free The Abingdon Arts Depot For: Photography Exhibitions
Photography Exhibition
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free Abingdon Train Station 2026 Juror: Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Photography Exhibition
Jul 26 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Free Abingdon Train Station 2026 Juror: Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Photography Exhibition
Jul 27 – Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free Abingdon Train Station 2026 Juror: Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Photography Exhibition
Aug 2 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Free Abingdon Train Station 2026 Juror: Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Culinary Arts
Culinary

Culinary Arts
Appalachian Supper Goes Retro!
Jul 23 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM $150 SWVA Higher Education Center – Grand Ballroom Capacity: Limited to 85 Guests
Horticulture Club Plant Sale
Jul 24 & 25 | 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Free Treadwell-Jones Greenhouse Features: Culinary Herbs, Vegetables & Garden Plants
Abingdon Farmers Market
Jul 25 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Free Abingdon Farmers Market Features: Local Produce, Baked Goods & Artisan Vendors
Summer Wine Tasting
Jul 25 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM $25 at site (ages 21+) Katbird's Wine & Gourmet Shoppe Host: Katherine Rose
Curated Farm Tour: Food. Flowers. Fish.
Jul 26 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM $20 Wyndale Aquaponic Gardens Stops: Red Tail Grove, Wyndale Gardens & Blue Door Garden
Local Hard Cider Tasting
Jul 27 – Jul 29 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM $15 at site (ages 21+) The Taproom at Abingdon Commons Ages: 21+ Only
Local Hard Cider Tasting
Jul 27 – Jul 29 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM $15 at site (ages 21+) The Taproom at Abingdon Commons Ages: 21+ Only
Coffee Tasting
Jul 28 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM $15 at site Wolf Hills Coffee
Coffee Tasting
Jul 28 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM $15 at site Wolf Hills Coffee
Abingdon Farmers Market
Jul 28 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Free Abingdon Farmers Market Features: Local Produce, Baked Goods & Artisan Vendors
Chop. Carve. Cook!
Jul 28 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM $55 Abingdon Culinary Kitchen Includes: Specialty Knife & Whole Chicken
Dreamland Alpacas: Tour and Feed
Jul 29 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Feed $1 Per Bag Dreamland Alpacas Features: Meet & Feed Alpacas
Behind the Scenes with Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
Jul 29 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Free Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards Includes: Greenhouse, Garden & Vineyard Tour
Coffee Tasting
Jul 30 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM $15 at site Wolf Hills Coffee
Coffee Tasting
Jul 30 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM $15 at site Wolf Hills Coffee
Horticulture Club Plant Sale
Jul 31 & Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Free Treadwell-Jones Greenhouse Features: Culinary Herbs, Vegetables & Garden Plants
Farm. Fungi. Feast.
Jul 31 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM $30 Pick N Grin Farms Includes: Farm Tour & Lunch
Tumbling Creek Cider Orchard Tour
Jul 31 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Free Kelly Ridge Farms Features: Orchard Tour & Cider Tasting
Abingdon Farmers Market
Aug 1 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Free Abingdon Farmers Market Features: Local Produce, Baked Goods & Artisan Vendors
Coffee Tasting
Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM $15 at site Wolf Hills Coffee
Coffee Tasting
Aug 1 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM $15 at site Wolf Hills Coffee
Magic. Medicine. Place.
Aug 1 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM $30 Appalachian Apothecary at Phoenix Springs Farm Capacity: Limited to 30 Participants
Farm to Table Brunch at Stormbrew Farm
Aug 2 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM $45 Stormbrew Farm Features: Farm-Fresh Brunch Buffet
Community Events
Community

Community Events
Abingdon Muster Grounds Activities
Jul 24 - Aug 2 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Free Abingdon Muster Grounds Features: Multiple Daily Events: Reenactments, Music & Craft Demonstrations
Tour of White's Mill
Jul 24 - Jul 26 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free White's Mill
William King Museum of Art: Exhibits
Jul 24 – Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free William King Museum of Art Exhibitions: Four Featured Museum Exhibits
Barter Theatre: History and Backstage Tour
Jul 24 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM $15 at site Barter Theatre Capacity: Limited to 25 People
Barter Theatre: History and Backstage Tour
Jul 24 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM $15 at site Barter Theatre Capacity: Limited to 25 People
Friends of the Library: "Festival Book Sale" Preview Night
Jul 24 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM $10 at site Washington County Public Library Special Event: Members Preview Night
Abingdon Spirit Tours
Jul 24 - Aug 2 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM $20 Cash Only Wolf HIlls Coffee Guided By: “Haint Mistress” Donnamarie Emmert
Friends of the Library: "Festival Book Sale"
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free Washington County Public Library Features: Thousands of Used Books
Sinking Spring Cemetery Tour
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM $5 Cash Only at site Russell Rd. at Valley St. (meet at cabin) Guided By: Historian Donnamarie Emmert
Sawdust Festival
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free Holston Mountain Artisans Features: Live Woodworking Demonstrations
Duncansville One-Room Schoolhouse Tour
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free Duncansville One-Room Schoolhouse Experience: Fully Restored 19th-Century Schoolhouse
Living History Tours: Historic Sinking Spring Cemetery
Jul 25 | 5:00 PM – 7:15 PM $5 Cash Only at site Sinking Spring Cemetery Features: Guided Living History Tours with Local Interpreters
Friends of the Library: "Festival Book Sale"
Jul 26 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Free Washington County Public Library Features: Thousands of Used Books
Duncansville One-Room Schoolhouse Tour
Jul 26 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Free Duncansville One-Room Schoolhouse Experience: Fully Restored 19th-Century Schoolhouse
Friends of the Library: "Festival Book Sale"
Jul 27 – Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free Washington County Public Library Features: Thousands of Used Books
St. Thomas Episcopal Church Luncheon
Jul 27 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Adults $14 • Children Under 10 $10 St. Thomas Episcopal Church Menu: Quiche, Salad, Dessert & Beverage
St. Thomas Episcopal Church Luncheon
Jul 29 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Adults $14 • Children Under 10 $10 St. Thomas Episcopal Church Menu: Quiche, Salad, Dessert & Beverage
Abingdon Downtown Walking Tour
Jul 29 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Free Washington County Courthouse Steps Guided By: Garrett Jackson & Donnamarie Emmer
Tour of White's Mill
Jul 31 - Aug 2 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free White's Mill
Barter Theatre: History and Backstage Tour
Jul 31 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM $15 at site Barter Theatre Capacity: Limited to 25 People
Barter Theatre: History and Backstage Tour
Jul 31 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM $15 at site Barter Theatre Capacity: Limited to 25 People
Heritage Day at White's Mill
Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Free White's Mill Features: Heritage Crafts, Story Walk, Music & Food Trucks
Duncansville One-Room Schoolhouse Tour
Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free Duncansville One-Room Schoolhouse Experience: Fully Restored 19th-Century Schoolhouse
William King Museum of Art: Exhibits
Aug 2 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Free William King Museum of Art Exhibitions: Four Featured Museum Exhibits
Friends of the Library: "Festival Book Sale" Bag Day
Aug 2 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM $5 at site Washington County Public Library Special Event: Bag Day
Duncansville One-Room Schoolhouse Tour
Aug 2 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Free Duncansville One-Room Schoolhouse Experience: Fully Restored 19th-Century Schoolhouse
Abingdon Downtown Walking Tour
Aug 2 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Free Washington County Courthouse Steps Guided By: Garrett Jackson & Donnamarie Emmer
Youth Events
Family & Youth

Youth Events
Wolf Pup Scavenger Hunt
Jul 24 – Aug 2 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Free Historic Abingdon & Festival Locations Prize: Earn a Toy Wolf Pup
Stream Discovery
Jul 24 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Free White's Mill Rain Date: July 31, 2026
Threads of Time: An 18th Century Market & Fair
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM $7 ($10 Combo Ticket with Antiques Show) VHCC Field Adjacent to SWVA Higher Education Center Features: Living History Demonstrations & Colonial Market
Threads of Time: An 18th Century Market & Fair
Jul 26 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM $7 ($10 Combo Ticket with Antiques Show) VHCC Field Adjacent to SWVA Higher Education Center Features: Living History Demonstrations & Colonial Market
Fresh Water Snorkeling
Jul 26 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM $25 Blue Ridge Discovery Center Capacity: Limited to 14 Participants
Fresh Water Snorkeling
Jul 26 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM $25 Blue Ridge Discovery Center Capacity: Limited to 14 Participants
Youth Arts & Crafts Tent
Jul 27 – Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Free Youth Tent on the Barter Green Features: Daily Hands-On Arts & Crafts Activities
Back to School Bash
Aug 2 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Free The Meadows Sports Complex Featured Entertainment: Tuatha Dea & National Night Out
Juried Antiques & Vintage Show
Antiques & Vintage

Juried Antiques & Vintage Show
Juried Antiques & Vintage Show
Jul 24 – Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM $7 Daily Admission SWVA Higher Education Center – Grand Hall Pass Options: Show Pass $30 • Three Day Pass $20
Antiques & Collectibles Lecture Series: Silver Lecture
Jul 27 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium Led by: JR Angevine
Antiques & Collectibles Lecture Series: Silver Identification & Appraisal
Jul 27 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM $5 One Piece • $10 Three Pieces SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium Led by: JR Angevine
Antiques & Collectibles Lecture Series: “Curating Your Story: Living Inside a Scrapbook”
Jul 28 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium Led by: Martha McGlothlin Bowman of “The Confetti Chronicles”
Antiques & Collectibles Lecture Series: Stained Glass Windows in Area Churches
Jul 29 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium Led by: Josh Huffman, “Sanctuaries in Stained Glass”
Antiques & Collectibles Lecture Series: The Role of Social Media & the Real Estate Industry in Preserving the Past
Jul 30 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium Led by: Daniel Shew
Juried Antiques & Vintage Show
Aug 2 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM $7 Daily Admission SWVA Higher Education Center – Grand Hall Pass Options: Show Pass $30 • Three Day Pass $20
Local History & Culture
History & Heritage

Local History & Culture
Virginia Highlands Quilt Show
Jul 24 - Aug 2 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free Holston Mountain Artisans Features: 100+ Quilts on Display
A Conversation with Thomas Jefferson and George Washington
Jul 26 & Jul 27 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM $25 • Children 12 & Under Free with Ticketed Adult Martha Washington Inn & Spa Ballroom Note: Cash Bar Opens at 5:30 PM
Historical Interpretation Workshop
Jul 27 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Presented By: Bill Barker & Kurt Smith
“By Nature Equally Free”: Life of the Free Black Populations of Washington County, Virginia, 1776–1865
Jul 29 | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium Presented By: Dr. Michael Puglisi
Abingdon Historic Homes & Buildings Tour
Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM $25 Downtown Abingdon Includes: Guided Martha Washington Inn Tours
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor & Recreation

Outdoor Adventures
Stream Discovery
Jul 24 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Free White's Mill Rain Date: July 31, 2026
Kayak on the Clinch
Jul 25 | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM $25 Clinch Life Outfitters Capacity: Limited to 15 Participants
Guided Rock Climbing Day
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM $10 Hidden Valley WMA Capacity: Limited to 12 Participants
Fresh Water Snorkeling
Jul 26 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM $25 Blue Ridge Discovery Center Capacity: Limited to 14 Participants
Fresh Water Snorkeling
Jul 26 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM $25 Blue Ridge Discovery Center Capacity: Limited to 14 Participants
Sunset Hike to Buzzard Rock
Jul 26 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Free Hidden Valley WMA Capacity: Limited to 20 Participants
Birding at Benhams
Jul 27 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM $5 Mendota Trail – Benhams Parking Lot Capacity: Limited to 20 Participants
Moths & Other Nighttime Insects
Jul 27 | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium Presenter: Lance Jessee
Moth Attraction Night on the Creeper Trail
Jul 27 | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Free Watauga Trailhead Parking Lot Features: Nighttime Insect Observation
Hike to Abrams Falls
Jul 28 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM $5 Mendota Trail – Benhams Parking Lot Age Requirement: Ages 18+ Only
Tree Identification Walk
Jul 29 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Free William King Museum of Art Guide: Mark Archibald
Bike the Mendota Trail
Jul 29 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM $25–$100 Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop Capacity: Limited to 14 Participants
Sunset Pontoon Cruise on South Holston Lake
Jul 29 – Jul 31 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Adults $35 • Children $10 Sportsman’s Marina Capacity: Limited to 10 Participants
Hike to the Great Channels
Jul 30 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM $5 Hayters Gap Community Center Distance: 6-Mile Round Trip Hike
Hike the Mendota Trail
Jul 30 | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM $5 Mendota Trail – Benhams Parking Lot Distance: 7-Mile Guided Hike
Meadows in Your Backyard
Jul 30 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium Presenter: Gail Justice Olson
Life in the Cemetery
Jul 31 – Jul 30 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Free Holston Conference–Emory & Henry Cemetery Features: Native Habitat & Pollinator Meadow Tour
Buzzard Rock Hike on Whitetop
Aug 1 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Free Whitetop Mountain Guide: Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club
Intro to Bouldering Clinic
Aug 2 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM $5 Hidden Valley WMA – Climbers Parking Lot Capacity: Limited to 18 Participants
Music & Performing Arts
Music & Performance

Music & Performing Arts
Tunes at Noon
Jul 24 – Aug 2 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Free Various Locations Features: Daily Regional Songwriter Performances
Kick-Off Concert featuring Club Rewind
Jul 24 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Free Delta Blues Outdoor Stage Features: 80's Tribute Band Performance
Threads of Time: An 18th Century Market & Fair
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM $7 ($10 Combo Ticket with Antiques Show) VHCC Field Adjacent to SWVA Higher Education Center Features: Living History Demonstrations & Colonial Market
Threads of Time: An 18th Century Market & Fair
Jul 26 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM $7 ($10 Combo Ticket with Antiques Show) VHCC Field Adjacent to SWVA Higher Education Center Features: Living History Demonstrations & Colonial Market
250 Years of Music in America
Jul 26 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Adults $10 • Youth 12 & Under Free Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church Features: American Music Through 250 Years
Comedy Night at The Barter
Jul 28 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM $30 online & at door Barter Theatre – Gilliam Stage Featured Performer: Hypnotist Doug Thompson & Blue Ridge Comedy
Film & Concert Series at the Moonlite Drive-In
Jul 29 | 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM Free Moonlite Drive-In Theatre & Venue Performers: Sam West & Jack Hinshelwood
Appalachian Fusion
Jul 30 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Adults $10 • Kids 12 & Under Free Abingdon Baptist Church Performers: Dave Eggar, Peter Ryan & Sean Claire
Film & Concert Series at the Moonlite Drive-In
Jul 30 | 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM Free Moonlite Drive-In Theatre & Venue Performers: Logan Fritz & McKenna Blevins
Blast From The Past featuring 90's Kids & Hot Air Balloon Glow
Jul 31 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Free The Meadows Sports Complex Features: 90's Tribute Concert & Hot Air Balloon Glow
Fly High featuring Y2K Kids & Hot Air Balloon Launch
Aug 1 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Free The Meadows Sports Complex Features: 2000's Tribute Concert & Balloon Launch
Back to School Bash
Aug 2 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Free The Meadows Sports Complex Featured Entertainment: Tuatha Dea & National Night Out
Highlands Writers Fair
Literature & Writing

Highlands Writers Fair
Highlands Writers Fair
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Pam Earley, David Sims, Karen Bruce, Victoria Sutton, Lynne Hutchins, Joe Tennis
Highlands Writers Fair
Jul 26 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Lynne Hutchins, Tracy Prater, Victoria Sutton, Donna Hankla, Joe Tennis
Highlands Writers Fair
Jul 27 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Pam Earley, David Sims, Nancy Wade, Aubrie Abernethy, Tim Fuller
Highlands Writers Fair
Jul 28 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Pam Earley, David Sims, Linda Behrend, Peggy Wolfe, Linda Hoagland
Highlands Writers Fair
Jul 29 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Tracy Prater, Victoria Fletcher, Linda Hoagland, Appalachian Authors Guild
Highlands Writers Fair
Jul 30 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Marsha Self, Tracy Prater, Linda Hoagland
Highlands Writers Fair
Jul 31 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: JC Schweingrouber, Damean Mathews, Donna Hankla, Linda Hoagland
Highlands Writers Fair
Aug 1 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Greg Lilly, Victoria Fletcher, Linda Hoagland
Highlands Writers Fair
Aug 2 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Stan/Sharon Williams, Damean Mathews, Appalachian Authors Guild, Linda Hoagland
Highlands Writers Fair
Aug 3 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Free SWVA Higher Education Center Featured Authors: Victoria Fletcher, Linda Hoagland, Appalachian Authors Guild
Plein Air Abingdon
Family & Youth

Plein Air Abingdon
Plein Air Abingdon
Oct 7 – Oct 10 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free Abingdon & Washington County, Virginia Audience: All Ages Welcome
Chop It Like It's Hot!
Youth Cooking Series

Chop It Like It's Hot!
Baking w/ Chef Bianca Pickle Past Event
Apr 28 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Free JJ's Restaurant Ages: 11-18
Past
Youth Cooking Competitions
TBD | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Free TBD Capacity: 30 participants

My Itinerary

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Get Involved

Join the Culinary Community

Interested in attending, volunteering, sponsoring, or partnering with the Virginia Highlands Festival culinary program?

We’d love to connect with chefs, growers, educators, local businesses, and community members who want to help celebrate and grow Southwest Virginia’s culinary culture.

Become a Sponsor
Contact the Festival Team

Our Leading Sponsors

We’re grateful for the partners who help make the festival possible.

Additional Sponsors & Community Partners

This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.