
Blackbeard Pirate Festival
June 2-3
Once a year, Hampton turns over to the pirates. Led by the infamous Blackbeard, pirate re-enactors usher in a time of history and legends of the early 1700s, turning the seaport into what it was when pirates ruled the seas. Ships will line the coast and there will be sea battles, children activities, live music, fireworks, arts and crafts and period vendors along the waterfront. // Hampton
Broad Appetit
June 3
For just $3 a plate you get to indulge in the dishes from the best restaurants in downtown Richmond. Broad Street turns into a foodie’s playground with numerous restaurants participating plus offerings of Virginia wine and beers. There will be a farmers market and music and art to round out the event. // Richmond
Hot Fun in the Summertime Beach Music Festival
June 7-9
For 37 years, Wayside Park in Stuart has turned over to a summer festival that has music, food, games and a good time. Camp out for the weekend so you don’t miss a thing and take in the beach-themed tunes as you relax on the sandy beaches, trucked in for the full effect. // Stuart
Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival
June 10-17
The sounds of Bach will fill the air of Eastern Mennonite University during this annual week-long event that puts the focus on the composer’s work along with a spotlight on a featured composer. There are three featured concerts along with youth programs. // Harrisonburg
Evergreen Lavender Festival
June 16
Families can enjoy a day among the lavender fields at Evergreen Lavender Farm that doesn’t just focus on the herbs they grow. Musicians scheduled to play are Tin Can Fish Band, which combines both acoustic and electric elements for the bluegrass, folk, rock and roots music they are inspired by, and Bryan Elijah Smith and the Wild Hearts, an alternative Americana band out of the Shenandoah Valley. There is also plenty of food vendors and activities too, and, of course, area vendor and lavender products for sale. // Appomattox
Funhouse Fest
June 22-23
Summer is a time to relax under the warm sun and listen to the tunes of great artists. Bruce Hornsby is back with the Funhouse Fest in Williamsburg that brings award-winning artists to the grounds of the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. This year hosts Alison Krauss, Hornsby and the Noisemakers, The Wood Brothers, Deva Mahal, Amos Lee and more to be announced. // Williamsburg
Hampton Jazz Festival
June 22-24
Three nights bring some of the top jazz artists to Hampton. Friday night Charlie Wilson, formerly of Gap Band, Grammy-winner Gregory Porter and Jazmine Sullivan take the stage along with Hampton group Kustom Made. Saturday hosts favorites Maze with Frankie Beverly, Boyz II Men, Avery Sunshine and Lakeside. Then the festival wraps Sunday with Kenny G, Xscap3, Lalah Hathaway and Con Funk Shun. // Hampton
VA Summer Solstice Wine Festival
June 23
There’s nothing better than ringing in the summer solstice with a sampling of wines as you listen to live music in the country, right? The 10th annual Virginia Summer Solstice Wine Festival is an event for the whole family with live music on two stages, foods, arts and crafts and plenty of wine from six area wineries and vineyards. // Amherst
Mount Airy Bluegrass Festival
June 30
Bluegrass has its roots in Virginia and this festival celebrates the musicians who keep it alive. Six bluegrass bands will take to the stage at the Mount Airy Bluegrass Festival, including Grammy Award-winning artists Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, followed by another Grammy winner, The Seldom Scene. The festival, on the sprawling grounds of the historic Mount Airy estate, will also have barbecue, Virginia peanuts, Virginia craft brews and more. // Warsaw