Chincoteague Island may be famous for its wild ponies, but blueberries are the star of the show at the annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival, which celebrates the versatile fruit that’s high in antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber and equally delicious raw or in baked goods. Alongside the blueberries, the festival will also boast live entertainment, pony rides, an arts and crafts fair and much more.
A few major festival attractions are the largest indoor-outdoor fine arts and crafts event on the Eastern Shore, magic shows, live music from bands such as The Reasoners and Blue Crab Crossing and, of course, an abundance of blueberries in ice cream, muffins and beyond. There will also be the option to pre-order fresh blueberries before July 20, as blueberries may sell out quickly at the festival.
The festival will be held at the Chincoteague Center July 22-24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Daily tickets for children 12 years old and younger are $1, daily adult tickets are $5, a two-day pass is $8, and a three-day pass is $10.
While you’re there, make sure to:
Eat fresh blueberries and blueberry-infused pastries and desserts at the festival. There will also be food vendors offering salad dressings, honey, homemade jam and barbecue, and Over the Moon, Funtastic Foods and Laughing Crab Catering will cater the festival.
Shop for one-of-a-kind jewelry, handmade soaps and bath products, sculptures and paintings at the festival’s many crafts booths. Find a full list of participating vendors right here.
Watch a variety of live entertainment, including performances by Jamal the Magician and a series of musical acts. The band lineup includes The Reasoners on Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by Blue Crab Crossing from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, Hemlock Hollow and Blind Wind will serve as the musical entertainment. And finally, on Sunday, check out a showcase featuring Deedra Ervin, Jessica West and Emily Gumemple, three local singer-songwriters who will take the stage between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.
