Check out these killer music festivals that will be happening in Virginia this summer!
In conversations about best places in the country to experience live music, many people fail to list Virginia at the top of their list. And while it still may be a little-known fact, Virginia really is becoming a fantastic place for music-lovers to live. Not only are there thriving music scenes all around the state, but there is also a fair amount of music festivals that happen every summer. See what kind of music you can catch this year at these upcoming music festivals!
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Image courtesy of facebook.com/roosterwalk[/caption]
This festival, held Memorial Day weekend (May 24–27), is celebrating its 10th year of bringing amazing music to southern Virginia. The musical acts mostly belong in the country/bluegrass/roots genre, and the quality lineup consists of acts such as Billy Strings (Lansing, MI), Yarn (New York City), Town Mountain (Asheville), and the Trongone Band (Richmond). Besides music, Rooster Walk will have a healing arts village, slackline workshops, and guided hikes and bike rides. There will also be a kids' area, where younger festival-goers can do arts and crafts, participate in drum circles, see music on the kids' stage, and play on slip 'n' slides. It's a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy music and art together!
Funhouse Fest | Williamsburg | June 22–23
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Image courtesy of jambase.com[/caption]
Hosted by Bruce Hornsby and featuring nationally recognized artists such as Alison Krauss, The Wood Brothers, and Amos Lee, Funhouse Fest will be held June 22–23 on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. This year's full lineup is yet to be announced, but past years have featured big names such as Sheryl Crow, Railroad Earth, and Lake Street Dive, so Funhouse Fest 2018 is guaranteed to be equally as impressive. Unlike many of the other music festivals, this event does not offer the option to camp for the weekend, so one-day tickets are an affordable option for those on a budget!
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Image courtesy of facebook.com/RedWingRootsMusicFestival[/caption]
Happening in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between July 13 and 15, the sixth annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival focuses on folk, Americana, and bluegrass music. The beautiful limestone chimneys at Natural Chimneys Park will provide a breathtaking backdrop for this three-day event that will feature four stages and over 40 bands. Music-goers will come for the big-name headliners, such as Trampled by Turtles and Josh Ritter, and stay for the local talent. Virginia-based acts, such as Dori Freeman of Galax, The Judy Chops of Staunton, and Dharma Bombs of Richmond, among others, will provide the soundtrack to this incredible weekend of music, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Floyd Fest | Floyd | July 25–29
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Image courtesy of facebook.com/FloydFestVA[/caption]
Between July 25–29, the tiny mountain town of Floyd, Virginia, will transform into a tent city, positioned around the eight music stages, and inhabited by enthusiastic festival-goers. Headliners this year include Foster the People, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Gov't Mule. Virginia music will be represented by some hometown acts, such as Keller Williams of Fredericksburg, Charlottesville's Erin and the Wildfire, and South Hill Banks of Richmond. And though there is a seemingly overwhelming amount of music to catch during Floyd Fest, there will also be plenty of non-music activities, such as bike tours, a 5k, canoeing, hiking, disc golf, and more.
Buy your tickets now and get ready for an awesome summer of experiencing some great music in the great outdoors. What other music festivals are happening in Virginia this year? Let us know in the comments!
