Tasteful Celebrations

Five Faves

The Richmond Black Restaurant Experience brings culture and cuisine together in a vibrant celebration. What began as a dedicated week to spotlight Richmond’s thriving Black culinary scene has grown into a multi-event experience that deepens appreciation for the city’s rich food culture. Mobile Soul Sunday (March 9) promises delicious bites, lively music, and high-energy fun, while a week later (March 16), the Stick A Fork In It Block Party keeps the festivities going.

Gather some friends in your poshest pink attire for Daze of Rosé in Keswick (April 5). This collaboration between Castle Hill Cider and Harmony Wine, a Black-owned business focused on making wine accessible and approachable for all, has resulted in a fabulous celebration of community, art, music, and creative culinary concepts. As you enjoy the bounty, cast your vote in the people’s choice competition to crown Virginia’s best rosé.

When the food is just as memorable as the wine, you know you’re in for a treat. The Virginia Classic Food & Wine Festival in Strasburg (April 5) showcases northern Shenandoah County’s wine, cuisine, and agriculture. Guests will sip on regional wines paired with gourmet small bites, all while engaging with local winemakers and farmers. A VIP Tasting Pass includes intimate winemaker meet-and-greets, special wine tastings, and a VIP grazing board.

If you can’t make it to Kentucky, the next best place to be on Derby Day is Virginia Beach’s Cavalier Resort. Their signature Derby Day celebration on May 3 invites guests to wear their fanciest race day hats and enjoy a Tarnished Truth Distilling Company mint julep to kick off an afternoon of live entertainment, prizes, raffle horse betting, delectable bites, and the viewing of the Kentucky Derby.

Honoring the rich culture of Southwest Virginia, the Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon (July 25–Aug. 3) offers a deep dive into Appalachian food and history, guided by experts eager to share their knowledge. Beyond its vibrant arts and entertainment, the festival delivers an unforgettable culinary experience that’s not to be missed.

A Taste of Tradition

One of the best ways to celebrate Virginia’s rich culinary heritage is by attending an event dedicated to its signature flavors. The Maple Festival in Highland County (March 8–9 and 15–16) welcomes visitors to experience the magic of maple syrup-making with sugar camp tours and seasonal treats like pancake and buckwheat cake meals, plus the ever-popular maple doughnuts. When summer arrives, nothing beats the refreshing taste of watermelon, and the Carytown Watermelon Festival (Aug. 10) is the perfect place to indulge. Start with a bowl of freshly cubed watermelon before diving into live music, food vendors, and a lively beer garden. For another sweet summer celebration, head to the Virginia Cantaloupe Festival in Halifax (July 25), where Berry Hill Resort sets the scene for an evening of live entertainment, fresh cantaloupe, and plenty of local beer, wine, and seltzers.

Sip a Bit

With wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia offers no shortage of opportunities to raise a glass. The Smithfield Wine & Brew Fest (April 12) brings together wine enthusiasts and beer lovers for unlimited tastings, live music, and shopping.

Craft beer fans can gather at the Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival (May 3) for an afternoon of local brews, great food, and live music, all supporting area nonprofits.

The Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival in Norfolk (May 3–4) pairs a fabulous selection of wine with gourmet foods and merchants, all along the backdrop of the Elizabeth River. Take advantage of the rare opportunity to sip wine on the grounds of James Madison’s Montpelier during the Orange Uncorked Wine Festival (June 7–8) featuring samplings of wines and ciders. The festivities include a Most Marvelous Hat competition and a contest for the best beard and mustache.

Coastal Indulgences

One of the best things about Virginia’s seafood festivals is that you can enjoy them without heading to the coast — though that’s always an option. The Rockbridge Bull & Oyster Fest (April 5) in Lexington pairs barbecue and oysters with live music and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If she-crab soup is your specialty, don’t miss the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic (April 5) at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, where you can sample and vote for your favorite.

For a true taste of the Shore, the Chincoteague Seafood Festival (May 3) serves up littleneck clams, raw oysters, steamed shrimp, clam chowder, and more.

Delightful Dinners

A multi-course dinner in a wildflower meadow beneath twinkling lights? Say less. The Celeste Dinner Experience returns on April 12, inviting guests to enjoy a multi-course meal complete with a seasonal mocktail and property tour that offers insights into sustainable growing practices employed at the Henrico County farm. Additional dinner experiences are planned for May 10 and June 7. The Summer Supper Somm dinner series is a delicious celebration of Virginia’s heirloom tomatoes featuring regional chefs. The 2025 event series will feature dinners at leading wineries across the commonwealth, alongside restaurant-hosted experiences.

Sweet Escapes

Combine all your favorite indulgences into one event at the Chesapeake Bourbon, Bacon, BBQ & Chocolate Showcase (March 15). The unique event invites guests to sip a variety of bourbons alongside irresistible bacon, barbecue, and chocolate, plus a live DJ and VIP area. Celebrate Virginia’s sweeter side at the Chocolate Walk in Harrisonburg (April 25). Simply visit participating businesses and organizations to indulge in rich flavors donated by local chocolatiers.