Iconic summer music festivals are set to close out summer in a big way, and you’ll definitely want to be a part of it. If you have not yet purchased tickets, this is your sign to do so. Let’s go!
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival | Orkney Springs
Celebrating its 60th year, the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival has arranged a diverse line-up you won’t want to miss.
Spread across multiple weekends through September 3, SVMF has already welcomed to the stage Three Dog Night, Don McLean, The Doo-Wop Project, and 1964 – The Tribute. Left to go are exciting sets from Forever Motown (August 18), Steep Canyon Rangers with special guest Larry & Joe (August 19), Legends of Country Rock featuring Pure Prairie League and Firefall (September 2) and Hot Strings & Cool Breezes Americana Minifest featuring The Steel Wheels, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, and Wicked Sycamore (September 3).
For some, this is an annual pilgrimage for summer family fun in quiet Orkney Springs. They enjoy the stay at Shrine Mont, have favorite menu items at local eateries, and often check out area must-sees like Meems Covered Bridge. Why not add your name to the list of repeat festival goers?
Check out the all-inclusive Music Lovers Getaway package, which includes festival tickets.
Tickets for the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival are available at MusicFest.org. Pricing varies between shows and your preference of lawn or pavilion seating. Group rates are available.
Staunton Music Festival | Staunton
Robust with intricacy, rich in music history, and overflowing with mastery is the Staunton Music Festival, “Virginia’s world-class music festival,” per Travel + Leisure. Join in the 25th anniversary celebration in 2023.
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Ten days and nights in Staunton are filled with incredible chamber, symphonic, and vocal concerts presented by more than 90 musicians from across the globe. It’s an annual gathering of renown talent showcasing a range of creation from ancient works through world premieres, and a must for any classical music junkie.
August 11-20 are the dates of note, and the schedule is overflowing. Nearly 30 concerts – free daytime events and ticketed formal evening events – will be held at various venues across downtown Staunton. Purchasing a summer pass will save you 10% on regular ticket rates and permit your entrance to 12 evening events. Two special events – Nightcap: from Camerata to Broadway and Nightcap: Baroque Bash – require separate tickets.
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This year’s Composer-in-Residence is Zachary Wadsworth, who will premiere a new composition alongside chamber music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Catch what is sure to be a memorable moment August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Blackfriars Playhouse.
Other Upcoming Late Summer Festivals of Interest
ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival is August 26 at Massanutten Resort. Though beverage is the key draw, the bands are worth a glance. Music starts at noon with cover artist Mike Davis, followed by 90s and 00s band, Totally Stoked at 1:30. Vertigo Red, a party rock cover band, will take the stage at 3:15 ahead of headliner, The Barons, out of Charlottesville. With 12 singles to their credit, The Barons are making waves on the college music scene, appearing with acts like Judah and the Lion.
September 9-10 is Stoney Creek Freedom Fest, a music festival benefiting Wounded Warrior Project. It’s held at the Stoney Creek Campground & Resort in Greenville, and of course, camping is available. The musical line-up is headlined by award-winning country music band, Little Texas.
Header image courtesy of Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.