#HolidayInVirginiaSBlueRidgeMountains

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/celebrate-national-trails-day-in-virginias-blue-ridge-mountains-june-1-2019/

Celebrate National Trails Day in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains – June 1, 2019

One of these stunning parks is the perfect destination for National Trails Day this Saturday, June 1, 2019!

Grayson Highlands State Park

Located near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. 

  The inhabitants of Grayson Highlands--a herd of wild ponies that roam freely.

The following guided hikes are planned throughout this year's National Trails Day. 

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Hike on the Appalachian Trail to Mt. Rogers, meet at Massie Gap

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Trail maintenance on Rhododendron Trail, meet at Massie Gap

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Trick Your Stick at the Campground Amphitheater

8 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Salamander Meander at the Visitor Center

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands New River Trail State Park

New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the historic New River for 39 miles and the scenery is magnificient. The trail is relatively flat and appropriate for all skill levels. A trail entrance is located in Fries, VA at 323 Firehouse Drive.  From Route 94, go south to town.  Parking is available near the town park.

Untamed beauty along the trail.

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail

Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper trail is a 34.3-mile rail-to-recreation trail, traversing through two counties from Abingdon, Virginia, through Damascus, and ending just past Whitetop Station in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, at the Virginia-North Carolina border.  Cycling the Creeper Trail is perfect for riders of varying ages and fitness levels due to it's slight decline.  

To get to the Whitetop Station trailhead, follow US 58 east from Abingdon into Grayson County. Turn right on State Route 726 and head south toward the North Carolina border. You will see the parking area off of 726.

To get to the Abingdon trailhead, head south on Main Street/US 11 in Abingdon and turn left onto Pecan Street. There is a large locomotive engine on display by the trailhead, which you can see to the left of the parking lot.

https://www.vacreepertrail.org/

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Tune in to "Live From A Living Room" with Luke Morris & Madison Elmore! --Tuesday, March 24th @ 6 PM EST

Music is the perfect way to lift your spirits during these challenging times!  Luke Morris & Madison Elmore are performing a special live concert via FaceBook  tonight at 6 PM EST.  https://www.facebook.com/lukeandmadison.duo/ Please consider making a donation as you listen tonight to support this talented young couple.

Staying true to their Blue Ridge Mountain roots, Luke and Madison play traditional Appalachian music.   Luke is a multi-instrumentalist, playing mostly the mandolin and guitar.  As an accomplished songwriter, he released his first album “Further Down the Line” in 2018.  He is a member of the blue grass band, “Shadow Grass” singing and playing the mandolin.  Madison, also a multi-instrumentalist, specializes in playing the fiddle, guitar and piano.  She has had the opportunity to perform at venues such as the “Grand Ole Opry,” the “Country Music Hall of Fame,” and the “Station Inn.”

Have a listen to their music here:

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It's A New Year's Celebration in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains

Ring in the New Year with a bang at Roots At Grayson Bistro & Tavern 203 N. Independence Ave, Independence VA!  Dinner will be served from 4:00 to 9:00 PM.  A sneak peak of the some of the menu choices include:  prime rib, bourbon glazed salmon, lobster bisque and scallops.  Live music will be provided from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM by the band--Black Market Ammo.  A complimentary glass of champagne will be served at midnight.  Reservations are recommended, but not required.  1-(276) 768-1766

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First Day Hike in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains

Start 2020 off on a healthy track with a hike on New Year’s Day. An interpretive ranger will be your guide on the Rhododendron Trail as it meanders along the rocks and mountain meadows, or balds, of Wilburn Ridge. The views along the trail are breathtaking with snowcapped mountains, and you may even see the local residents, the wild ponies, of Grayson Highlands. This moderate hike will be a total of 2 miles, so be sure to dress warmly, as the highlands experience particularly cold, windy, and sometimes snowy weather during the winter months. You may want to bring a water bottle, snacks, binoculars, a camera, your family, and/or your dog. Parking fees are waived for the day.  As an added enticement, you can participate in the “New Year Challenge” contest. Find out about the photo contest and New Year Challenge here: https://vasp.fun/2020firsthike

Date: 01/01/20

Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Parking: Massie Gap Parking Area

About Grayson Highlands

Located near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. The park hosts a number of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and backpacking. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

Park Hours

8 a.m. – 10 p.m

Location

The park is on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus and is reached from I-81 at Exit 45 in Marion; turn south on Route 16 and travel 24 miles to US 58 in the community of Volney. Turn right onto US 58. Travel eight miles to the park’s entrance. Latitude, 26.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

From I-77, take Hillsville Exit 14 to U.S. 58. Travel west on U.S. 58, 40 miles to Volney. Turn left to stay on U.S. 58 and go eight miles to the park entrance.

The address of the park is 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; Latitude, 36.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

Drive time: Northern VA, 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Tidewater, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours; Winston-Salem, NC, 1.5 hours; Charlotte, 1.5 hours; Raleigh, 4 hours

Park Size

4,502 acres. Various elevation: Entrance – 3,698 feet; Visitor Center – 4,953 feet; Little Pinacle – 5,089 feet.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/first-day-hike-in-virginias-blue-ridge-mountains-2__trashed/

[Duplicated:32500] First Day Hike in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Start 2020 off on a healthy track with a hike on New Year’s Day. An interpretive ranger will be your guide on the Rhododendron Trail as it meanders along the rocks and mountain meadows, or balds, of Wilburn Ridge. The views along the trail are breathtaking with snow capped mountains, and you may even see the local residents, the wild ponies, of Grayson Highlands. This moderate hike will be a total of 2 miles, so be sure to dress warmly, as the highlands experience particularly cold, windy, and sometimes snowy weather during the winter months. You may want to bring a water bottle, snacks, binoculars, a camera, your family, and/or your dog. Parking fees are waived for the day.  As an added enticement, you can participate in the “New Year Challenge” contest. Find out about the photo contest and New Year Challenge here: https://vasp.fun/2020firsthike

Date: 01/01/20

Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Parking: Massie Gap Parking Area

About Grayson Highlands

Located near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. The park hosts a number of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and backpacking. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

Park Hours

8 a.m. – 10 p.m

Location

The park is on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus and is reached from I-81 at Exit 45 in Marion; turn south on Route 16 and travel 24 miles to US 58 in the community of Volney. Turn right onto US 58. Travel eight miles to the park’s entrance. Latitude, 26.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

From I-77, take Hillsville Exit 14 to U.S. 58. Travel west on U.S. 58, 40 miles to Volney. Turn left to stay on U.S. 58 and go eight miles to the park entrance.  

Park Hours

8 a.m. – 10 p.m

Location

The park is on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus and is reached from I-81 at Exit 45 in Marion; turn south on Route 16 and travel 24 miles to US 58 in the community of Volney. Turn right onto US 58. Travel eight miles to the park’s entrance. Latitude, 26.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

From I-77, take Hillsville Exit 14 to U.S. 58. Travel west on U.S. 58, 40 miles to Volney. Turn left to stay on U.S. 58 and go eight miles to the park entrance.

The address of the park is 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; Latitude, 36.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

Drive time: Northern VA, 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Tidewater, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours; Winston-Salem, NC, 1.5 hours; Charlotte, 1.5 hours; Raleigh, 4 hours

Park Size

4,502 acres. Various elevation: Entrance – 3,698 feet; Visitor Center – 4,953 feet; Little Pinacle – 5,089 feet.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/?p=257056

[Duplicated:32500] First Day Hike in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Start 2020 off on a healthy track with a hike on New Year’s Day. An interpretive ranger will be your guide on the Rhododendron Trail as it meanders along the rocks and mountain meadows, or balds, of Wilburn Ridge. The views along the trail are breathtaking with snow capped mountains, and you may even see the local residents, the wild ponies, of Grayson Highlands. This moderate hike will be a total of 2 miles, so be sure to dress warmly, as the highlands experience particularly cold, windy, and sometimes snowy weather during the winter months. You may want to bring a water bottle, snacks, binoculars, a camera, your family, and/or your dog. Parking fees are waived for the day.  As an added enticement, you can participate in the “New Year Challenge” contest. Find out about the photo contest and New Year Challenge here: https://vasp.fun/2020firsthike

Date: 01/01/20

Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Parking: Massie Gap Parking Area

About Grayson Highlands

Located near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. The park hosts a number of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and backpacking. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

Park Hours

8 a.m. – 10 p.m

Location

The park is on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus and is reached from I-81 at Exit 45 in Marion; turn south on Route 16 and travel 24 miles to US 58 in the community of Volney. Turn right onto US 58. Travel eight miles to the park’s entrance. Latitude, 26.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

From I-77, take Hillsville Exit 14 to U.S. 58. Travel west on U.S. 58, 40 miles to Volney. Turn left to stay on U.S. 58 and go eight miles to the park entrance.

The address of the park is 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; Latitude, 36.628322. Longitude, -81.496889.

Drive time: Northern VA, 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Tidewater, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours; Winston-Salem, NC, 1.5 hours; Charlotte, 1.5 hours; Raleigh, 4 hours

Park Size

4,502 acres. Various elevation: Entrance – 3,698 feet; Visitor Center – 4,953 feet; Little Pinacle – 5,089 feet.

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Dust off your dancing shoes! The 84th Annual Galax Fiddler’s Convention begins 08-05-19!

The 84th Annual Fiddler’s Convention is being held August 5 – 10, 2019 in Galax, VA.

During the 2nd week of August of each year the City of Galax has the world tapping its feet as the Old Fiddlers’ Convention takes place in Felts Park. The convention is presented by the Galax Moose Lodge #733.

Musicians and fans from around the world travel to Galax to perform and hear the music that defines the sound of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Galax has been designated the Worlds Capital of Old time Mountain Music and is proud to be identified as hosting the worlds oldest and largest fiddlers convention which has taken place consistently since 1935.

Event Details

Date: August 5 – 10, 2019

Venue:  601 S Main Street, Galax, VA

Website:  https://www.oldfiddlersconvention.com/default.htm

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Grayson Landcare Rocks The River -- July 28, 2019 -- Fries, VA

LandCare Rocks the River, held on the banks of the New River in Fries, features rock, soul, and folk music, craft brews, great food, a festival atmosphere with craft vendors and kids fun activities, the event has something for everyone! Bring a blanket or chair and hang out at the River!

Bands for 2019: Urban Soil, Kind Theives, & FutureNature. Food by Creek Bottom Brews, Taco Trolley, and Grayson Natural Beef.

Grayson LandCare is a community of farmers, landowners, and residents working together to advocate solutions for the community of Grayson County, practice sustainable management of our natural resources and the environment, and increase the productivity and expand economic opportunities for local farmers, forest owners, and other citizens.

Bring a Blanket or Chair & JOIN US @THE RIVER! Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM Firehouse Drive Fries, VA

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Grayson Landcare Rocks The River -- July 28, 2019 -- Fries, VA

LandCare Rocks the River, held on the banks of the New River in Fries, features rock, soul, and folk music, craft brews, great food, a festival atmosphere with craft vendors and kid’s fun activities, the event has something for everyone! 

Bands for 2019: Urban Soil, Kind Theives, & FutureNature. Food by Creek Bottom Brews, Taco Trolley, and Grayson Natural Beef.

Grayson LandCare is a community of farmers, landowners, and residents working together to advocate solutions for the community of Grayson County, practice sustainable management of our natural resources and the environment, and increase the productivity and expand economic opportunities for local farmers, forest owners, and other citizens.

Bring a Blanket or Chair & JOIN US @THE RIVER! Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM Firehouse Drive Fries, VA

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Take A Break From The Interstate - A 100 Mile Road Market - July 26 - 28, 2019

Take A Break From The Interstate is a 3 day road market along Historic Highway 21 from Wytheville, VA to Harmony, NC.

Experience peaceful leisure along 2 way roads as you……

Discover Quaint Small Towns, Southern Charms & History

Taste Home-cooked Meals at Local Restaurants

Stop along U.S. Highway 21 to Enjoy Panoramic Long-range Views

Explore 8 State & National Parks

​Delight in Special Finds at Unique Shops & Antiques Stores

Taste North Carolina Wines in beautiful Vineyards & Craft Beer at Breweries

Event Details

Dates: July 26 – 28, 2019

Directions: From I-77 or I-40 take Exit 54 North to Hwy. 21 which will take you to Harmony, NC. From I-81 or 77 take 21 South Exit which will take you to Wytheville, VA. I-77 runs parallel to US Hwy. 21.

Website:  https://www.takeabreakfromtheinterstate.com/

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Rock The River 14 & Under Fishing Tournament - Grayson County, VA

Grayson County Tourism is pleased to announce the first annual "Rock the River" 14 & Under Fishing Tournament. Come with the family to enjoy a day on the New River and win some great prizes!

DETAILS This is a 14 & under fishing tournament with no entry fee held in conjunction with LandCare Rocks the River designed to get families outdoors in Grayson County enjoying the New River at Fries, VA.

REGISTRATION Preregistration runs through July 12. Participants may register up until the morning of the tournament, but only those who have preregistered are guaranteed a tournament Tshirt.

Preregister by sending a message to Grayson County Virginia Tourism. Please be sure to include: CHILD'S NAME CHILD'S AGE PARENT NAME TSHIRT SIZE

Preregistration can also be completed on paper at any of our sponsor locations. Sponsors will be announced as they are received.

LOCATION Meet at Fries Park on July 27 at 9:00 AM

FISHING Fries Dam to Dixon Ferry Bridge (Low Water Bridge in Fries)

PARTICIPATION Participation is open to anyone 14 and under with a parent/guardian present.

GENERAL RULES 1. NO ENTRY FEE! 2. Wading only. 3. No fish are to be kept on stringers. 4. Any one fish may only be submitted one time. 5. Kids must net fish with MINIMAL ADULT ASSISTANCE! 6. Follow all state rules and regulations. 7. Parents/guardians must have a valid fishing license for the state of Virginia. 8. Everyone must be present at check-in at the end of the tournament. If you choose not to attend, please give us a courtesy call at 276-768-9458 or 276-768-0834. 9. 100% of prizes will be distributed to all winners. 10. A general liability waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian prior to the tournament.

CATCH-PHOTO-RELEASE FORMAT 1. Identifier must be clearly visible in the photo. 2 Any digital camera or cell phone is acceptable for use. 3. A yard stick is the standard measuring device and will be provided for you the morning of the tournament. 4. The length in inches of 3 total bass will be used to determine winners.

PHOTO CRITERIA Each fish phot MUST include all of the following: 1. The whole fish tip to tail 2. Fish must be measured in a natural position. 3. Fish must be held up to the yard stick, belly to stick. 4. Assigned identifier must be visible in the photo or fish will be disqualified. 5. Identifier will be released day of tournament. 6. One shot only, belly to yardstick, not at an angle 7. Fish must be clear with no obstructions to qualify. 8. The identifier must be in view on the photo 9. No blurry photos will be accepted 10. The mouth must be closed and the tail must be natural (penalty 1 inch deduction)

JUDGING 1. Competitor photos will be reviewed by Tournament Directors: Timothy Dixon and Will Crawford. 2. Photos that do not meet the above criteria will be disqualified. 3. Winners will be declared and prizes/awards be announced by the directors.

SCORING Each competitor will be provided a unique identifier for the event. Your 3 longest verified lengths will be totaled for your score. The competitor with the highest total score is the winner. Next highest score will place second and so on. Prizes will be based on how many participants enter.

CHECK-IN A check-in will take place at Fries Park, 329 Firehouse Drive, Fries, VA at 9:00 AM the morning of the tournament. During check-in rules will be explained and identifiers will be issued. After rules have been discussed, competitors may head off to fish in the desired location within the identified boundaries.

IDENTIFIER A unique identifier will be announced at check in and must be included in all photos.

LENGTH-IN We will meet back at Fries Park at 1:00 PM. Competitors must be in line to present photos for judging by 1:00. Please be on time for length in.

TIES In the event of a tie, the following criteria will decide the winner: 1. Biggest Fish 2. 2nd biggest fish 3. 3rd biggest fish 4. and so on until there are no more fish to compare. 5. coin toss

RESCHEDULING Inclement weather may delay or cancel the tournament. We will NOT RESCHEDULE. Decisions will be made by tournament directors and be announced on Grayson County Tourism's page as soon as possible.

PRIZES Grand Prize: Longest 3 bass totaled 2nd & 3rd prizes will be awarded Other prizes and categories will be announced as they are received.

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Go With The Flow Brewfest – June 22, 2019 – On The New River in Fries, VA

Creek Bottom Brewing is kicking off the summer by hosting over a dozen breweries at the 2nd Annual GO WITH THE FLOW MUSIC & BREWFEST at the Fries Park on THE NEW RIVER in Fries, VA on Saturday, June 22 from 12 - 8 pm.  Come out and sample some fantastic brews, savor delicious food, dance to the music of some great entertainers, play corn hole and water pong, run a 5K, and visit some cool vendors.

Local, regional, and national breweries represented.

Food trucks -- Brick oven pizza and smoked wings.

Corn-hole & water hole tournaments.

Live music all day:  Ray Martin, Matt Mullins & the Bringdowns, Will Jones Band, & One Side Missing.

The festival is being held by the scenic New River in Fries, VA, which is in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Held rain or shine.  Don't forget your lawn chair.

Please visit https://www.gowiththeflowbrewfest.com/ to learn all about the festival.

Take a listen to The Will Jones band here:

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Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival & Guitar Competition - June 15, 2019

On the third Saturday of every June at Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition features some of the region’s best traditional musicians. From time to time, they have shared the stage with bluegrass bands from Europe.

The event takes its name from National Heritage Award recipient Wayne C. Henderson, a musician and instrument maker who lives in nearby Rugby, Virginia. Henderson’s top-notch finger-picking is a source of great pleasure and pride to his friends, family, and neighbors in Grayson County, Virginia. His guitar playing has also been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of Masters of the Steel-String Guitar and in seven nations of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Wayne and many of his musical friends are featured performers at the festival, with bluegrass and old-time music dominating the program. The Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition was established in 1995 to express appreciation for this living legend. A portion of the proceeds from the festival are placed into a scholarship fund to aid local young musicians in continuing their educations. More than $237,950 has been awarded through the 2018 festival.

This year’s event schedule includes Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Redd Volkeart and Bill Kirchen, Shadow Grass, The Harris Brothers, The Sea Cruisers and of course Wayne C Henderson himself. For schedule times, click here.

Wayne C Henderson and Friends, are scheduled to take the stage at 5:45 p.m. Concessions will also be available throughout the day. You can find answers to more frequently asked questions online.

Grayson Highlands State Park is located in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Drive Time: Northern Va., 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Virginia Beach, 7.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours; Winston-Salem, 1.5 hours; Charlotte, 1.5 hours; Raleigh, 4 hours. Click here for Google map directions.

Because of the high elevation the weather can be cooler than you might expect in June. This event is rain or shine so you may want to bring a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt or jacket.

The festival is from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is held at the park's picnic area. Festival tickets are $20 for everyone 13 years old and older. Children under 12 are free with paid adult admission to the festival. The regular parking fee does apply to all vehicles entering the park. The festival is also part of the Mountains of Music Homecoming series sponsored by The Crooked Road.

If you love bluegrass and old-time music, then you won't want to miss this fantastic festival in the mountains of Virginia.

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HoustonFest – A music festival in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

HoustonFest, a music festival that features multiple regional and national bands ranging in style from Bluegrass to Old Time, is being held June 7 & 8, 2019 at Felts Park in Galax, VA.  Artisans from Galax and the surrounding area demonstrate and sell their crafts, while food vendors serve up local dishes.  The festival, which honors local musician Houston Caldwell who passed away in 2010, raises money for scholarships that go to musical training and education for youth.

The Grammy Award winning band, Shenandoah, is performing on June 7th!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29n4qcdSklo

One of my favorites, ShadowGrass, is performing on June 8th!

https://youtu.be/GkOsXop3U_M

And many more talented artists are performing throughout the two day festival!  You can see the full lineup here:  https://www.houstonfestgalax.com/lineup.html

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HoustonFest – A music festival in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

HoustonFest, a music festival that features multiple regional and national bands ranging in style from Bluegrass to Old Time, is being held June 7 & 8, 2019 at Felts Park in Galax, VA.  Artisans from Galax and the surrounding area demonstrate and sell their crafts, while food vendors serve up local dishes.  The festival, which honors local musician Houston Caldwell who passed away in 2010, raises money for scholarships that go to musical training and education for youth.

The Grammy Award winning band, Shenandoah, is performing on June 7th!

One of my favorites, ShadowGrass, is performing on June 8th!

And many more talented artists are performing throughout the two day festival!  You can see the full lineup here:  https://www.houstonfestgalax.com/lineup.html

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[Duplicated:124668] 2019 Music Festivals in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

The musical history of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia dates back to the European settlers who brought their music to the new world. The musical legacy continues today and can be enjoyed at the many festivals which are held through the summer months.

1) HoustonFest, June 7 – 8, 2019

HoustonFest, a music festival that features multiple regional and national bands ranging in style from Bluegrass to Old Time, is being held June 8 & 9, 2018 at Felts Park in Galax, VA.  Artisans from Galax and the surrounding area demonstrate and sell their crafts, while food vendors serve up local dishes.  The festival, which honors local musician Houston Caldwell who passed away in 2010, raises money for scholarships that go to musical training and education for youth.

One of my favorite musicians, Presley Barker, will perform again this year.

Visit https://www.houstonfestgalax.com/index.html for additional information.

2) Mountains of Music Homecoming, June 7 – 15, 2019

The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming is an annual nine-day, region-wide celebration of all the communities in Southwest Virginia – their traditional music, and all their many cultural and natural assets. The event includes Crooked Road marquee concerts in approximately 20 communities and many dozens of cultural events throughout the region.  You can learn more here:  https://mtnsofmusic.com/

3) Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival & Guitar Competition, June 15, 2019

On the third Saturday of every June at Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition features some of the region’s best traditional musicians. From time to time, they have shared the stage with bluegrass bands from Europe.

The event takes its name from National Heritage Award recipient Wayne C. Henderson, a musician and instrument maker who lives in nearby Rugby, Virginia. Henderson’s top-notch finger-picking is a source of great pleasure and pride to his friends, family, and neighbors in Grayson County, Virginia. His guitar playing has also been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of Masters of the Steel-String Guitar and in seven nations of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Wayne and many of his musical friends are featured performers at the festival, with bluegrass and old-time music dominating the program. The Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition was established in 1995 to express appreciation for this living legend. A portion of the proceeds from the festival are placed into a scholarship fund to aid local young musicians in continuing their educations. More than $237,950 has been awarded through the 2018 festival.

Visit  https://www.waynehenderson.org/ for additional information.

4) Grayson County Old-Time & Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention, June 28 – 29, 2019

 The Grayson County Old Time and Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention is always held the last full weekend in June. Cash prizes and rosettes in old time and bluegrass individual & band categories. Contestants register on-site. Camping on the grounds is available, and we now offer showers! Food and refreshments available for purchase. Bring your lawn chair or blankets and the whole family for two nights of great music and dancing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please visit http://www.ecvfd.net/home/grayson-county-fiddler-s-convention for additional information.

 5) Floydfest, Wednesday, July 24 – 28, 2019

 FloydFest features five days of Music, Magic, and Mountains, in a picturesque paradise at Milepost 170.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, VA. The festival takes place on 80 acres of mountain plateau land and features a “Global Village” area of progressive workshops and demonstrations, including a healing arts area, over 100 artisans, and a wide array of food options from sushi to barbecue.  Visit https://floydfest.com/ for additional information.

6) Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention, August 5 – 10, 2019

 The 84th Annual Fiddler’s Convention is being held August 5 - 10, 2019 in Galax, VA.  During the 2nd week of August of each year the City of Galax has the world tapping its feet as the Old Fiddlers’ Convention takes place in Felts Park. The convention is presented by the Galax Moose Lodge #733.

Musicians and fans from around the world travel to Galax to perform and hear the music that defines the sound of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Galax has been designated the Worlds Capital of Old time Mountain Music and is proud to be identified as hosting the world’s oldest and largest fiddler’s convention which has taken place consistently since 1935.

Learn more here:  http://www.oldfiddlersconvention.com/

7) Fries Fiddler’s Convention: August 16 – 17, 2019

The 53rd Annual Fries Bluegrass and Fiddlers Convention will be held Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17, 2019.  Admission is $10.00 for adults and children 12 and under are free with paying adult. Camping is $15 per spot.

Friday night’s competition will begin at 7:00 p.m. and include: Dulcimer, Old Time Fiddle, Dobro, Old Time Banjo, Mandolin, Autoharp, Flatfoot Dance, Bluegrass Bands, and Old Time Bands

Saturday’s Youth Competition will begin at 3:00 and include all adult categories.

Saturday’s Adult Competition will begin at 5:00 and include: Folk Songs (Vocals), Guitar, Bluegrass Fiddle, Bass Fiddle, Bluegrass Banjo, Flatfoot Dance, Bluegrass Bands, and Old Time Bands.

Flatfoot Dance, Bluegrass and Old Time Bands must compete both nights to be eligible for prizes. Bands typically play one song Friday night and two songs Saturday nights.  You can learn more here:  https://friesfire.com/fries-fiddlers-convention/