16 Epic Virginia Music Festivals in 2020 That Rocked the Commonwealth
Virginia's musical legacy spans country, blues, and contemporary stars like the Dave Matthews Band, shaping America's soundscape. Relive 2020's vibrant live music scene with these 16 standout festivals, showcasing diverse genres and emerging talent.
Something in the Water—Virginia Beach
April 20-26, 2020
Launched in 2019 by Virginia native Pharrell Williams, this beachfront festival featured A$AP Rocky, Banks, Beck, Chance the Rapper, Foo Fighters, Post Malone, and Leon Bridges. Complementing the music were events on culinary arts, technology, media, and wellness.
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Rooster Walk—Axton
May 21-24, 2020
Hosted at Pop’s Farm near Martinsville, Rooster Walk offered funk, rock, bluegrass, country, blues, reggae, jazz, Americana, and more. Enjoy on-site camping, top-tier food, arts, crafts, and healing vendors. Family-friendly with kids’ activities.
Graves Mountain Festival of Music—Syria
May 28-30, 2020
Bluegrass enthusiasts gathered amid the Blue Ridge Mountains for over 15 bands like Hogslop String Band, Carolina Blue, and Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys. Free camping with 3-day passes (first-come, first-served).
Houstonfest—Galax
June 12-13, 2020
Honoring musician Houston Caldwell, this event packed 45 bluegrass and old-time bands across three stages. Features local crafts, food, youth scholarships, Camp Houston for kids, and camping at Felt Park.
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Mountains of Music Homecoming—Abingdon
Dates TBA
A nine-day Crooked Road celebration highlighting Southwest Virginia's musical heritage with 200+ cultural events, 70 concerts in bluegrass, folk, gospel, and old-time. Includes meals, tastings, hikes, and more across 20+ communities.
Hampton Jazz Festival—Hampton
June 26-28, 2020
For 53 years, this iconic event drew global crowds for blues, soul, and jazz. Past headliners: Gladys Knight, Trombone Shorty, Charlie Wilson.
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Red Wing Roots Festival—Mt. Solon
July 10-12, 2020
Family-focused with regional/national acts, kids’ activities, fishing, hiking, and camping. Music from 11am to midnight in the Shenandoah Valley; explore Grand Caverns nearby.
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Shenandoah Valley Music Festival—Orkney Springs
July 17-September 6, 2020
Mid-Atlantic's longest-running outdoor festival at Shrinemont, featuring LeAnn Rimes, Bruce Hornsby, and symphonies. Affordable tickets ($59 front row), free parking, picnics welcome.
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FloydFest—Floyd
July 22-26, 2020
Five days of music, arts, and Blue Ridge culture on 80 acres. Global Village workshops, 100+ artisans, diverse foods, sports like kayaking, kids’ area, and babysitting.
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Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention—Galax
August 3-8, 2020
World's oldest/largest old-time fiddlers’ event since 1935 in the Old-Time Music Capital. Affordable, family-friendly Blue Ridge mountain sounds.
Tickets Sold at the Door
Richmond Jazz Festival—Richmond
Dates TBD
11th annual at Maymont Park: 20 jazz, R&B, neo-soul bands on two stages for 10,000+ fans. Local foods, wines, free entry.
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Staunton Music Festival—Staunton
August 14-23, 2020
60 world-class musicians perform Bach to modern composers. Free noon concerts; evenings $8-$28.
Lockn’ Music Festival—Arrington
June 19-21, 2020
Beyond music: camping, hiking, yoga, local foods at Blue Ridge foothills. Past stars: Tom Petty, Santana, Willie Nelson.
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American Music Festival—Virginia Beach
Dates TBA
Labor Day beachfront event with rock, jazz, country, blues across four stages. Past: Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller Band.
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Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion—Bristol
September 11-13, 2020
22 stages celebrate Birthplace of Country Music. Past: Dr. Dog, Steve Earle. Camping options available.
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Richmond Folk Festival—Richmond
October 9-11, 2020
Free festival with 30+ groups on 7 stages, dances, crafts, folklife demos, kids’ activities, local foods/beers.
These 16 festivals highlight Virginia's timeless music passion. Explore our music site for artist spotlights and streams—perfect for live music lovers.
