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When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Virginia  has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Virginia’s  celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.

Historic Garden Week

April  26 - May 3,  2014 in Statewide, Virginia

Every April, visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during "America's Largest Open House." This 8-day statewide event provides visitors a unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens at the peak of Virginia's springtime color, as well as beautiful houses sparkling with over 2,000 fabulous flower arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members.   Visit: www.vagardenweek.org/

Pony Swim and Auction

July 26-30, 2014  Assateague Island / Chincoteague Island, Virginia

For over 87 years now, we've been holding our Pony Penning and Carnival to the delight of visitors from around the world.  At "slack tide" on the last Wednesday before the last Thursday of every July, Chincoteague's "Saltwater Cowboys" herd the wild Chincoteague ponies across the Assateague Channel to move them from Assateague Island to neighboring Chincoteague Island.  After the swim, the ponies "parade" to the carnival grounds where the foals are auctioned on the last Thursday of July.  And then on Friday, the adult ponies will make the return swim to Assateague Island where they will live in the wild for another year.  Join us for the World Famous Pony Round Up and Swim. . Visit: www.chincoteague.com

Hot Air Balloon Rally

July 2-4, 2014   in Lexington City, Virginia

A Celebrating Independence Day, the Hot Air Balloon Rally features piloted and tethered hot air balloon rides, live musical entertainment, children's activities, antique appraisals, classic car show, lots of food and a dazzling firework display! A tradition for more than 16 years, this rally in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley takes place on the parade grounds at Virginia Military Institute. Visit: www.sunriserotarylexva.org

Old Fiddlers Convention

August 4-9, 2014 in Galax, Virginia

79th Annual Old Fiddlers' Convention will soon be here the Galax Old Fiddlers Convention is the granddaddy of all fiddling conventions. A tradition in country and  mountain musical circles, presenting tunes which have been handed down from generation to generation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this five-day event highlights mountain music, old timey, bluegrass and clogging and attracts contestants from across the state and from foreign countries.  Visit: www.oldfiddlersconvention.com

Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival

September  27 - 28, 2014   in Moneta, Virginia

This amazing weekend event includes 28 Virginia wineries participating offering their finest vintages. Try wine tastings, more than 85+ quality food and craft vendors plus live entertainment— it’s one of the lakes truly GRAPE events!The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is the perfect event for aficionados of wine as well as fans of outdoor concerts and craft festivals. Held at Southwest Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta on Route 122 across from the Lakewatch Plantation,  Visit: www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

Hampton Bay Days

September  5 -7, 2014  in Hampton, Virginia

Every September, the weekend after Labor Day, 250,000 people visit historic downtown Hampton to play and learn about the Chesapeake Bay. One of the largest family oriented celebrations on the East Coast, and a tradition for more than 25 years, Hampton Bay Days attracts over a quarter of a million festival seekers as they flood the historic streets and scenic waterfront of Downtown Hampton. In addition to all of the free musical entertainment presented on four outdoor stages, the festival also includes over 100 merchandise and craft vendors, fireworks display, food, a Kid’s Play & Learn About the Bay Entertainment Area, a Rockin’ Sock Hop Car Show, and a Family Carnival.

Visit: www.baydays.com

Richmond Folk Festival

October  10-12, 2014 in Richmond City, Virginia

Last year, more than 200,000 people visited downtown Richmond's riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance traditional crafts, storytelling and food. One of the largest events in Virginia, drawing visitors from across the country, the free, three-day, Richmond Folk Festival celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional craft and food.The Richmond Folk Festival features more than 30 performing groups on seven live music stages with continuous music and dance performances, along with a Virginia Folklife demonstration area, children's activities, a folk arts marketplace, regional and ethnic foods and more. Visit:

www.richmondfolkfestival.org

Virginia Wine Month

October  in Statewide, Virginia

Virginia is a “Commonwealth of Wine” – with more than 200 wineries that stretch across every region of the state, from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia is a wine destination unlike any other, with wineries surrounded by lavish scenery, breathtaking views, quaint small towns and monumental historic sites. In October some 15 million acres of Virginia foliage show off their brilliant colors and the winemakers harvest the grapes for crush. It is the month when Virginia celebrates the harvest at 160 wineries statewide with festivals and special events, barrel tastings, harvest dinners and wine-themed travel packages. Virginia is also home to 15 wine trails that traverse the state. Each wine region in Virginia has a personality and ambience all its own.  Visit: www.Virginia.org

International Gold Cup

October 18, 2014 in the Plains, Virginia

Please come enjoy the 76th running of the world famous International Gold Cup steeple chase race,  at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia.  One of the top 20 events of the Commonwealth's fall calendar, The International Gold Cup is scheduled for the peak of fall foliage color in Fauquier County. Crisp air, country tweeds and an elegant Hunt Country backdrop sets an outdoor stage for 30,000 guests to enjoy seven steeplechase races a Porsche Classic car display, seven nationally sanctioned races, Terrier and Pony Races. Visit:

www.vagoldcup.com/new/international

Holiday Lights at the Beach

December  in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Holiday Lights at the Beach display is quite an unusual treat. There are more huge lighting displays than you can imagine, and you get to drive on the boardwalk, which is very cool. The largest grand illumination display on the Atlantic seaboard, Holiday Lights at the Beach features animated nautical and holiday-themed light displays along the Virginia Beach boardwalk attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Features include 25 blocks of festive fish, jumping dolphins, and frolicking porpoises, sailboats gently rocking in the wind, and mermaids, surfing Santas, giant gift-wrapped packages, and a three-story Christmas tree. Visit:  www.hamptonroadsvisitor.com/