Fun things to do in Virginia

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Tidewater Virginia.

We Shall Overcome: A Williamsburg Black History Experience

Ongoing Explore the bravery and resilience of African Americans in 18th-century Williamsburg while touring important locations like the Mary Stith House, Williamsburg Bray School, and Historic First Baptist Church. During this 2-hour walking tour, guides will share inspirational stories of the escaped slaves and influential leaders who helped create a better future for Virginia and the nation. Tickets, $25. Williamsburg. 

TGIF Summer Concerts

FREE! Through August 16 Put on your dancing shoes and bring a lawn chair or blanket to these free summer concerts every Friday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Food and beverages are available for purchase on-site. Featured bands include The Deloreans (July 26), Roberta Lea (August 2), Slap Nation (August 9), and Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos (August 16). Bennett’s Creek Park, Suffolk.

Groovin’ by the Bay

FREE! Through August 25 Every Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m., dance the night away to the sounds of Motown, rock, pop, oldies, swing, and surf music. Food vendors will be on-site and there is free parking in the Hampton University garage. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Mill Point Park, Hampton.

“A Grand Menagerie: The Sculpture of Anna Hyatt Huntington”

FREE! Through October 6 Nearly 100 sculptures from 32 museums across the United States will showcase the work of Anna Hyatt Huntington, a 20th-century sculptor best known for her realistic sculptures of animals ranging from domestic to exotic and mythological. Huntington also created the Lions Bridge sculptures at the Mariners’ Park in Newport News. Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center, Newport News.

“Trolls: Save the Humans”

Through January 20 Get outside and be inspired to take care of the earth by locating six whimsical trolls crafted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo from recycled materials. You’ll find the colossal sculptures hugging trees, planting flowers, and making necklaces out of trash on the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center’s Nature Trail. Garden admission for adults, $29.95; children 4 and under are free. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach.

Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival

August 16–17 Listen to the smooth sounds of jazz along downtown Norfolk’s Elizabeth River at the area’s longest-running outdoor jazz festival. Top international artists include Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown, Rebecca Jade, Bob James, Larry Carlton, and Four80East. Tickets start at $35. Town Point Park, Norfolk.

Funk Fest Beach Party

FREE! August 23–24 Get down on the oceanfront with this festival full of funk-inspired music, food, and eclectic vendors. General admission is free; preferred viewing seats are available for purchase. 24th Street, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach.

Seawall Art Show

FREE! August 24–25 Stroll historic High Street while viewing a juried art show where more than 80 artists display paintings, jewelry, sculpture, tapestries, wood, glass, and other mixed media. Also enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, and a student art show. Olde Towne Portsmouth.

Crabtown Seafood Festival

FREE! August 31–September 1 Honoring Hampton’s seaside history, this annual festival features fresh catches from seafood vendors, nautical art, live music, kids’ games, sand activities, and educational exhibits highlighting the Chesapeake Bay. Riverfront walkway from Mill Point Park to downtown, Hampton.

Soundside Summer Market

FREE! September 1 Shop a waterfront market for one-of-a kind treasures crafted by local artists on Wednesdays. Handmade items include jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, photography, candles, and other crafts. You can also buy baked goods, local apparel, and vintage items. Soundside Event Site, Nags Head, North Carolina.

Symphony Under the Stars

FREE! September 1 Unwind while listening to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on the Bagley Stage. Pack a picnic or enjoy cuisine from a variety of food trucks. Bring your own chair or blanket. Free on-site parking and admission. Chesapeake City Park, Chesapeake.

Denbigh Day Parade and Festival

FREE! September 14 A fun day filled with fanfare starts with a 10 a.m. parade including marching bands, decorated floats, dance teams, and decked-out vehicles. Afterward, a festival features live music, games, arts and craft vendors, children’s train rides, educational displays, and a petting zoo. Courthouse Way Community Center, Newport News.

Taste of Suffolk

FREE! September 14 Take a culinary stroll down Main Street and taste Suffolk’s best cuisine while enjoying live music, vendors, eating contests, and a children’s area. There will also be a beer garden and an after-party with the band Wonderland. Downtown Suffolk.

Surfalorus Film Festival

September 16–18 Watch the year’s best surfing movies from first-time filmmakers and award-winning veterans during the Eastern Surf Championships. Each festival evening begins with snacks, beverages, and live music. Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head, North Carolina.

Tour de Fort

FREE! September 29 Explore historic Fort Monroe, Phoebus, and Buckroe by bike on one of 5 guided rides ranging from 3 to 20 miles. Tours start and end at Fort Monroe. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Helmets are required for those under 14. Fort Monroe, Hampton.

Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival

October 19–20 Sample from among more than 200 types of vino from Virginia wineries while enjoying picturesque views of Norfolk’s waterfront. Snack on eats from food trucks, purchase bottles of premier wines, browse creative crafts, and listen to live entertainment. General admission, $30 for Saturday and $25 for Sunday; tasting tickets, $40 for Saturday and $35 for Sunday. Town Point Park, Norfolk.    

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

October 22–27 Immerse yourself in wildlife through birding, paddling, art, photography, and history-themed hikes. Other activities include taking familyan open-air tram ride, a sunrise kayak tour, or a hike in the maritime forest. Festival trips and tours take place at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, national wildlife refuges, an Audubon bird sanctuary, and other preservation areas in the greater Outer Bank. Prices range from $20 to $40; registration required. Various locations, Outer Banks, N.C.

Historic Candlelight Ghost Tour

October 26 Take a guided candlelit stroll along a historic battlefield while learning about the British captain who was fatally shot at the Battle of Great Bridge and listening to Great Dismal Swamp ghost stories. Cookies and cider will be served. Adults, $20. Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, Chesapeake.

Bodacious Bazaar

November 8–10 This three-day shopping event features more than 250 vendors, artists, crafters, and Virginia wineries. Shop for furniture, clothing, jewelry, lawn decor, and gourmet foods including fudge and pickles. Tickets, $TBD. Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton.

WinterLights

November 22–December 28 (select dates) Walk through 10 acres of illuminated gardens with festive deécor and an open-air fire. Check the website for entertainment and activities including live music, carolers, face painting, and visits with Santa. Shop for holiday gifts and seasonal plants in the gift shop and nursery. Reserve timed-entry tickets online. Adults, $22; children under 2 are free. Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo, N.C.

Grand Illumination Parade

FREE! November 23 Kick off the season with a holiday parade along Ddowntown Norfolk’s Main Street. The parade—themed this year to “Retro Wonderland”—includes festive floats from community organizations across the region, dance teams, marching bands, giant balloons, and, of course, Santa. Downtown Norfolk.

Festive Fridays

FREE! November 29 and December 6, 13, and 20 Visit the Historic District’s blocked-off streets for family-friendly evenings on select Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. Entertainment includes a balloon artist, a juggler, a magician, a face painter, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and wandering gingerbread men. Also enjoy live entertainment, carriage rides, seasonal sales, and a holiday movie starting at 8 p.m. Historic District, Cape Charles.

Whalehead Candlelight Christmas Tour

November 29–December 21 Take a guided tour through a 1920s cottage decorated with items from nature that were local to Corolla at the time. Learn about the decade’s Christmas traditions and gather around the 1903 Steinway piano for caroling. At the end of the tour, you’ll receive a cookie and a petit four along with recipes to re-create the historic sweet treats at home. Tours are on Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets, $20. Historic Corolla Park, Corolla, N.C.  

Jurassic Quest

December 6–8 See life-size, realistic dinosaurs like T. Rex, Spinosaurus, and Apatosaurus. Dig for fossils, ride an animatronic dinosaur, watch a raptor- training experience, meet adorable hatchlings and their handlers, and hunt for clues on an interactive challenge. Tickets for ages 11 and over start at $22; children under 2 are free. Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton.

Phoebus Holiday Illumination and Market

FREE! December 7 Historic Phoebus transforms into a holiday wonderland with a street festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The celebration includes crafts for sale from more than 50 local artisans, kids’ activities, Santa, a DJ, local food vendors, and a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Phoebus.

Christmas Past and Present

December 14 Celebrate holidays from the Colonial era, the Victorian era, and modern day with museum staff dressed in period attire. Make crafts to represent each time in history and receive a stamp in your traveler’s passport. Visit Santa and drop a letter to the North Pole in the English-style mailbox. Adults, $8; children 5 and under are free. Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, Chesapeake.

Historic Cape Charles Cookie Trail

FREE! December 14 Tour historic homes decorated for the holidays while enjoying freshly baked cookies at each stop. Participate in an ornament hunt at the Bay Haven Inn stop, where there’s a variety of Christmas trees on display, including one dedicated to White House ornaments.” Bring a nonperishable food item for free admission. Registration at Hotel Cape Charles, Cape Charles.

Santa, S’mores, and More

December TBD Bring the family for festive fun that includes pony rides, a petting farm, and an adventure through netted bridges, treehouses, and slides. Roast s’mores over a bonfire, take a selfiephoto with Santa, and make a craft with the elves. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Tickets, $18. Hunt Club Farm, Virginia Beach.