Celebrating Appalachian Heritage Since 1949
About the Virginia Highlands Festival
The Story Behind the Virginia Highlands Festival
What began as a small community gathering in Abingdon has grown into one of Southwest Virginia’s most beloved cultural traditions. Since 1949, the Virginia Highlands Festival has brought together art, music, history, food, storytelling, and Appalachian craftsmanship to celebrate the spirit of the region and the people who call it home.
Founded by Robert Porterfield, founder of the historic Barter Theatre, the Festival was created to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of the Virginia Highlands. More than seven decades later, that mission still guides everything we do.
Today, the Festival welcomes visitors from across the country while continuing to serve as a gathering place for the local community through performances, educational programming, culinary experiences, workshops, tours, exhibitions, and family-friendly events.
Rooted in Appalachian Culture
The Virginia Highlands Festival was built on the idea that the traditions, creativity, and stories of Appalachia deserve to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.
From traditional music and handcrafted arts to regional foodways and historic tours, the Festival highlights the culture and character that make Southwest Virginia unique. Every event, performance, and experience is designed to connect people to the region’s history while continuing to inspire new generations of artists, makers, musicians, and storytellers.
The Festival has evolved over the years, but its purpose has remained the same: bringing people together through culture, creativity, and community.
Our Mission
To produce diverse artistic and cultural activity by showcasing the creative, historical and natural resources of the Appalachian region. We do this by building local and regional partnerships that engage and strengthen community participation.
Our Vision
The vision of the Virginia Highlands Festival is to continue to be the premier festival that highlights the diverse art, culture and history of Appalachia.
Powered by the Community
The Virginia Highlands Festival would not exist without the support of volunteers, sponsors, artists, performers, local organizations, and community partners who help bring the Festival to life each year.
From behind-the-scenes planning to welcoming guests during Festival events, hundreds of individuals contribute their time and passion to help create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike.
That shared community involvement is what continues to make the Festival feel personal, authentic, and deeply connected to Abingdon and the surrounding region.
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.
Get Involved
Experience the Festival Today
While the Festival honors the past, it continues to evolve with new programs, seasonal culinary experiences, live performances, youth programming, artisan showcases, and interactive events designed for all ages.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning as part of a long-standing tradition, the Virginia Highlands Festival invites you to experience the creativity, hospitality, and culture of Southwest Virginia.