Film festivals have a rich history in Virginia. One of the oldest and most well-known festivals is the Virginia Film Festival, which was founded in 1988 by the University of Virginia. Over the years, the festival has featured a diverse range of films, including international films, documentaries, and classic cinema. Another prominent festival is the Richmond International Film Festival, which was established in 2010 and has quickly become a popular event in the city. Other festivals in Virginia include the Northern Virginia International Film Festival, and the Williamsburg International Film ..read more

Music festival season is in full swing, and many big-name musicians will be performing at festivals and venues around Virginia during June. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, catch your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. NOTE: This is not a complete list of shows and certain schedules may change. Please check with the individual venues for the most up to date details. VIRGINIA MUSIC FESTIVALS The Red Wing Roots Music Festival is held June 23-25 at the scenic Natural Chimneys Park in Mt. Solon, is a family-friendly event that blends blue ..read more

Virginia offers a treasure trove of family vacation experiences for all types of families. Whether you’re seeking excitement or education, the multitude of historical landmarks, diversity of landscapes, and one-of-a-kind cultural and entertainment attractions make traveling in Virginia an adventure for all ages. From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy shores of Virginia Beach, every corner of the Commonwealth promises a unique and unforgettable experience for families seeking quality time together. Here’s our guide to some of the best places to visit for every type of family, from ..read more

There are a select few places in Virginia that, when mentioned in conversation with another Virginian, will result in the telling of a personal story or anecdotal experience. Most of these are historical sites or landmarks, but, occasionally, a community gem will stand out for another reason.  One such place is Waterman’s Surfside Grille, a landmark in its own right to the coastal city of Virginia Beach. The current iteration of the restaurant has graced the Boardwalk since 1981, but the site has been in owner Mike Standing’s family since the 1940s, when swinging big band performances wer ..read more

May 7-13, 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual tradition celebrating the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, and creating quality job opportunities. To celebrate Virginia’s tourism industry and its vital role in the quality of life for locals and visitors alike, we’re spotlighting some of Virginia’s most vibrant towns, cities, and neighborhoods. These are communities where you can get off the crowded highway, park the car and walk, ride a bike, or even kayak through d ..read more

Music festival season is coming back and many big-name musicians will be performing at festivals and venues around Virginia during the month of May. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, catch your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. NOTE: This is not a complete list of shows and certain schedules may change. Please check with the individual venues for the most up to date details. VIRGINIA MUSIC FESTIVALS Throughout May, the Virginia Arts Festival will be bringing hundreds of world-class performing arts in venues throughout Hampton Roads. M ..read more

Photo credit: Sarah Ann Atkins Spring is here and many big name musicians will be coming to Virginia during the month of April 2023. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, catch your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. On April 19-23, the Tom Tom Founders Festival takes over downtown Charlottesville with live music, block parties, food and drinks from local vendors, public art displays, workshops, and talks from innovators in a myriad of startup industries. Throughout April and running through June, the Virginia Arts Festival will be bringi ..read more

As a photographer who works for publications like National Geographic and spends more than half the year out of the country, I am often asked where I want to go next. People are often shocked by that answer, which comes as no surprise. But they shouldn’t be, because Virginia is where I grew up – and places, like music, have an extraordinary ability to help us recall memories and relive experiences. In fact, about three years ago, researchers from Dartmouth University and the University of North Carolina were able to show that our brains lock in memories by tying them to a location.­ Photo Cred ..read more

Virginia’s PRIDE season spans most of the year  –– MARCH through NOVEMBER –– with so many pride events we’ve had to extend and expand our statewide calendar beyond June’s recognized Pride Month. We have several, large-scale festivals, week-long socials, medium-sized weekend shows and smaller, day-long get-togethers. As you make your event and travel plans, use our statewide list of self-designated LGBT-friendly lodging, dining, shops, craft beverages, outdoors and attractions found at Virginia.org/LGBT. And, Virginians are finding and sharing more of our Queer history ..read more

March 2023 has no shortage of live music shows coming to Virginia. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, celebrate the season with your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. NOTE: This is not a complete list of shows and certain schedules may change. Please check with the individual venues for the most up to date details. RICHMOND CONCERTS At The National March 1 – Muscadine Bloodline March 4 – Niko Moon March 7 – They Might Be Giants March 16 – Rubblebucket March 17 – The Fighting Jamesons March 19 – The English Beat March 22 – Third Eye B ..read more