10 Virginia Events In September 2026 You Won’t Want To Miss

September in Virginia is a sweet spot. The summer heat starts to fade, the leaves begin to turn, and the calendar fills with events that celebrate the season.

This list has ten Virginia events in September 2026 that you won’t want to miss, gatherings that bring communities together and showcase the best of the state. I have made it to several of them in past years, and each time I have left feeling like I had experienced something special.

Some are food festivals, with local chefs showcasing the harvest. Others are music events, with live performances that keep the energy high.

A few are cultural celebrations, with art, crafts, and history woven into the experience. Virginia knows how to welcome fall, and these events are a big part of that.

Pack your calendar and your sense of adventure.

1. 18th Century Trades Fair at Fair Lawn Farm

Picture a crisp September morning in the Allegheny Highlands, where the air smells like wood smoke and history feels close enough to touch. The 18th Century Trades Fair at Fair Lawn Farm in Monterey is one of those rare events that makes you genuinely forget what century you’re living in.

Juried artists from seven states gather here each year to demonstrate colonial-era trades with astonishing skill and authenticity.

Watching a blacksmith coax glowing metal into a finished tool, or a weaver build fabric thread by thread on a hand loom, is nothing short of mesmerizing. These aren’t reenactors going through the motions.

These are master craftspeople who have spent years perfecting techniques that once built a nation, and their passion is absolutely contagious.

Fair Lawn Farm sits beautifully against the mountain landscape, giving the whole event a cinematic quality that no indoor venue could replicate. The outdoor setting means you wander freely between demonstrations, soaking up both the knowledge and the scenery at your own pace.

Kids and adults alike find themselves completely absorbed, asking questions and marveling at how much human ingenuity existed long before electricity. This event is educational without feeling like a classroom, which is a genuinely rare achievement.

Virginia’s mountain communities have always had a deep respect for heritage, and this fair captures that spirit perfectly.

Fair Lawn Farm is located at 3118 Mill Gap Rd, Monterey, VA 24465. Mark September 4, 2026 on your calendar and make the drive.

The Highlands reward every mile.

2. Virginia Beach Handmade and Vintage Expo

Mount Trashmore Park has one of the most gloriously unexpected names in Virginia, and on September 4, 2026, it becomes home to one of the most delightful outdoor markets on the coast. The Virginia Beach Handmade and Vintage Expo kicks off at 9:30 AM, filling the park with the kind of creative energy that makes you want to linger for hours.

Handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind ceramics, lovingly restored vintage furniture, quirky art prints, and treasures you genuinely cannot find anywhere else crowd the vendor tables. Every piece has a story, and the makers are right there to tell it.

That direct connection between creator and buyer is what separates a market like this from any ordinary shopping experience.

The park itself adds a lovely layer to the whole outing. Wide open green spaces, a scenic lake, and easy walking paths mean you can browse at a leisurely pace without feeling cramped or rushed.

Bring a tote bag, because you will absolutely find things you need to take home.

Virginia Beach in early September still carries that warm coastal glow without the peak-summer crowds, making it an ideal time to enjoy everything the area offers. After exploring the expo, the beach is just minutes away for a late-morning stroll along the shoreline.

Mount Trashmore Park is located at 310 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Arrive early to catch the best selection before savvy shoppers snap up the most coveted finds.

This one is a genuine morning well spent.

3. The Marquis Crossing Ladies Society’s First Attempt at Murder

Comedy-mystery theater doesn’t get more gloriously unhinged than this. “The Marquis Crossing Ladies Society’s First Attempt at Murder” runs at Trackside Theater in Luray from September 4 through September 13, 2026, with curtain at 7:30 PM each night. Just reading the title out loud is enough to earn a laugh, and the show itself delivers on every ridiculous, clever promise that title makes.

The premise centers on an over-the-top community theater project that spirals into delightful chaos, blending whodunit suspense with sharp comedic timing. Expect plot twists that genuinely surprise you, characters you’ll quote for weeks afterward, and the kind of ensemble chemistry that only comes from a cast that clearly loves what they’re doing.

Trackside Theater is an intimate venue, which means there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The closeness between audience and performers makes every punchline land harder and every dramatic moment feel more immediate.

Luray itself is a charming Shenandoah Valley town worth exploring before or after the show, with great dining options and the famous Luray Caverns nearby.

This production is the perfect antidote to a stressful week. Nothing resets the mood quite like ninety minutes of well-crafted absurdity performed with genuine theatrical skill.

Virginia’s smaller theater companies consistently punch above their weight, and Trackside is a prime example.

Trackside Theater is located at 32B East Main Street, Luray, VA 22835. Grab your tickets early because intimate venues fill up fast, especially for shows this entertaining.

4. Come From Away Preview at Virginia Stage Company

Some musicals leave you applauding. “Come From Away” leaves you completely undone in the best possible way. The Virginia Stage Company brings special preview performances of this extraordinary show to Norfolk’s Wells Theatre, running September 4 through September 20, 2026, at 7:30 PM nightly.

Getting to see a preview run means witnessing something electric, a show finding its full voice in real time.

The story is rooted in an astonishing true event. When airspace closed on September 11, 2001, nearly forty planes were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.

The residents of that tiny community welcomed thousands of stranded strangers with extraordinary warmth, feeding them, housing them, and simply being human together during an unimaginable moment.

The musical tells this story through an ensemble cast playing dozens of characters, weaving together individual experiences into a tapestry that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. The score is rousing, Celtic-influenced, and impossible to shake once it gets into your head.

You’ll find yourself humming it on the drive home.

The Wells Theatre is a stunning venue, a beautifully preserved architectural landmark that adds a layer of grandeur to every performance it hosts. Norfolk has a thriving arts scene, and the Virginia Stage Company sits at the heart of it.

Arriving early to appreciate the theater’s interior is genuinely worthwhile.

Wells Theatre is located at 108 E. Tazewell Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.

Preview performances often carry special energy that full runs sometimes lose. Catch it early and you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

5. 59th Annual Arts and Crafts Show at Colonial Beach Boardwalk

Fifty-nine years of continuous tradition is not something you stumble across every day, and the Annual Arts and Crafts Show at Colonial Beach Boardwalk has earned every single one of those years. On September 5, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM, more than 100 vendors line the boardwalk with an impressive spread of handcrafted jewelry, home decor, textile art, and intricate wood pieces that showcase real artisanal skill.

Colonial Beach itself is one of Virginia’s most underrated waterfront towns, sitting where the Potomac River meets Monroe Bay. The boardwalk setting gives the show a breezy, relaxed character that bigger city markets simply cannot replicate.

You browse with water views on one side and a parade of creative talent on the other.

Wood crafts at this show tend to stop people mid-stride. The level of detail in hand-carved pieces, turned bowls, and custom furniture is the kind of craftsmanship that reminds you why handmade objects hold so much more meaning than mass-produced alternatives.

Jewelry makers here work in everything from sterling silver to sea glass, giving shoppers an enormous range to explore.

Early September in Colonial Beach carries a lovely late-summer sweetness. The crowds are manageable, the weather is typically gorgeous, and the whole town takes on a festive atmosphere around the show.

Local restaurants and shops benefit from the foot traffic, making it a great day for the whole community.

The Colonial Beach Boardwalk is located at 301 Beach Terrace, Colonial Beach, VA 22443. Bring cash, comfortable shoes, and plenty of time to browse properly.

6. Elvis Tribute Artist David King at Highland County Fair

There is something undeniably joyful about hearing Elvis classics performed live under an open mountain sky. On September 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM, David King takes the stage at the Highland County Fair in Monterey, delivering a two-set tribute that covers the full arc of Elvis Presley’s legendary career.

Early rock-and-roll energy flows straight into the big-stage showmanship of his concert years, and the effect is genuinely thrilling.

David King is widely regarded as one of the most committed and technically accomplished Elvis tribute artists on the circuit today. His attention to vocal nuance and stage presence goes well beyond imitation.

Watching him perform feels like a legitimate celebration of the music itself rather than a novelty act.

The Highland County Fair adds a perfect rustic backdrop to the whole experience. Surrounded by some of Virginia’s most dramatic mountain scenery, the fairgrounds have an atmosphere that makes outdoor performances feel larger than life.

The Highland County area is famously beautiful in early September, with the first whispers of autumn color beginning to appear on the ridgelines.

Arriving early gives you time to explore the fair itself before the show begins. County fairs in this part of Virginia carry a genuine community warmth that is increasingly rare and worth savoring.

Plan to stay after David King’s performance, because the evening atmosphere at the fairgrounds is wonderful.

The Highland County Fairgrounds are located at 386 Myers Moon Road, Monterey, VA 24465. This is one of those events that ends with everyone grinning from ear to ear.

7. County Fair Week at the Pig, Whistle Pig Country Store

Ewing, Virginia is not a place that shows up on most tourist itineraries, and that is precisely what makes County Fair Week at the Pig such a special discovery. Hosted by the beloved Whistle Pig Country Store from September 8 through September 12, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM daily, this event celebrates the kind of regional heritage that big-city festivals can only dream of replicating.

The Whistle Pig Country Store is already a local institution, the kind of place where the shelves are stocked with regional goods and the atmosphere feels like stepping into a community living room. During County Fair Week, the whole property transforms into a celebration of Appalachian traditions, complete with classic fair food favorites that bring serious nostalgia with every bite.

What makes this event stand out is its authenticity. Nothing here feels manufactured or packaged for outside consumption.

The energy comes from a genuine community pride in its own history and culinary traditions. Conversations happen naturally, laughter is constant, and the pace is refreshingly unhurried.

The surrounding area around Ewing sits within the Cumberland Gap region, one of the most historically significant corridors in American history. Combining a visit to County Fair Week with some exploration of the broader landscape makes for an incredibly rich day trip or weekend getaway.

Whistle Pig Country Store is located at 6903 Wilderness Rd, Ewing, VA 24248. This is small-town Virginia at its most genuine, and spending a few hours here is genuinely good for the soul.

Don’t miss it.

8. Lynchburg Virginia Elvis Festival at Academy Center of the Arts

Four days. Multiple stages.

An official contest qualifier. The Lynchburg Virginia Elvis Festival is not a casual tribute show.

Starting September 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM and running through the weekend at the Academy Center of the Arts, this festival brings together some of the most talented Elvis tribute artists performing anywhere in the country today.

The Academy Center of the Arts is a spectacular venue for an event of this scale. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Lynchburg, it combines architectural grandeur with excellent acoustics and a layout that makes every performance feel intimate despite the crowd.

The building itself is worth a visit on any day.

What elevates this festival above typical tribute events is the competitive element. Because it functions as an official contest qualifier, performers bring their absolute best.

The vocal performances, the choreography, the costuming, and the stage presence all reach levels that genuinely impress even skeptical audiences who arrive expecting something campy and leave having witnessed something genuinely moving.

Lynchburg is a wonderful city to explore alongside the festival. The downtown area has excellent dining, interesting history, and a walkable energy that makes evenings between shows enjoyable.

The James River flows through the city, offering scenic views and outdoor spaces that complement the urban cultural offerings nicely.

Academy Center of the Arts is located at 600 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504. Four days of this level of entertainment goes by faster than you’d expect.

Book accommodations early because Lynchburg fills up during major events.

9. Summer of Flight Narrated Demonstrations at Military Aviation Museum

The sound of a vintage wartime engine overhead is unlike anything modern aviation produces. It’s rawer, louder, and somehow more alive.

Every Saturday through September 2026, starting at 11:00 AM, the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach hosts narrated flying demonstrations that put historic aircraft back into their natural element, the open sky.

The Military Aviation Museum is already one of the most impressive collections of its kind anywhere in the world. Flying examples of aircraft from both World Wars, carefully restored to airworthy condition, are maintained and operated here with extraordinary dedication.

Seeing these machines on the ground is impressive. Watching them fly is something else entirely.

The narrated format makes each demonstration genuinely educational without ever becoming dry. Context about each aircraft’s role in history, its technical specifications, and the pilots who flew it transforms a simple airshow into a layered storytelling experience.

Families with children find it captivating, and aviation enthusiasts find it deeply satisfying.

Virginia Beach in September offers ideal flying weather more often than not, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make standing outside for a demonstration genuinely pleasant. The museum grounds themselves are expansive and well-organized, with multiple hangars to explore before and after the flight demonstrations.

Military Aviation Museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457. Plan to spend at least half a day here.

The collection alone warrants extended exploration, and the flying demonstrations add a dimension that static museum displays simply cannot match.

10. LibertyFest at Abingdon Muster Grounds

Abingdon has always punched well above its weight when it comes to cultural significance, and LibertyFest proves exactly why. Beginning September 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM and running for four days at the Abingdon Muster Grounds, this VA250 historical commemoration marks Virginia’s essential role in the American Revolution with a scope and energy that is genuinely extraordinary.

Living history is the backbone of LibertyFest. Colonial-era interpreters bring the revolutionary period to vivid life through demonstrations, encampments, and interactive presentations that make eighteenth-century history feel urgently relevant rather than dusty and remote.

Watching a militia drill or a period cooking demonstration creates a connection to the past that no textbook can replicate.

The musical programming at LibertyFest runs the full spectrum from period-appropriate folk and fiddle music to more contemporary performances celebrating American heritage. Craft fairs woven throughout the event showcase artisans working in traditional techniques, connecting the creative traditions of the colonial era to skilled makers working today.

Abingdon itself is one of Virginia’s most beautiful small cities, with a historic downtown that includes the celebrated Barter Theatre and streets lined with well-preserved architecture. Spending four days here during LibertyFest means having evenings free to explore a town that rewards slow, attentive wandering.

Abingdon Muster Grounds is located at 1780 Muster Place, Abingdon, VA 24210. This event represents Virginia’s deepest commitment to honoring its founding history with creativity and community spirit.

Pack your curiosity, your comfortable walking shoes, and your sense of patriotic wonder. This one genuinely delivers.