The Virginia Highlands Festival is an annual summer art and culture event that is held every July in Abingdon, southwest Virginia (most events at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and some at the Barter Green on Main Street). Often named one of the best art festivals in the state, it offers live music, antiques, arts and crafts exhibits, historical re-enactments, performing arts, and other entertainment for the whole family. The festival showcases talented musicians from all over the state. A musical tent at Farmer’s Market showcases a different genre every day: Celtic, country music, beach music, gospel music, and more. The grand finale of the festival features a large concert.
A juried arts and crafts show “Best in Virginia” is one of the main highlights of the festival. Dozens of vendors from Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina occupy Barter Square to display their one-of-a-kind goods. There is also a Quilt Show where Holston Mountain Artisans display new and old quilts by Wolf Hills Quilters.
The Antique Market is another attraction of the festival. Located at the Washington County Fairgrounds, it presents a unique opportunity to dig up real treasures: collectibles, furniture, art, clothes, jewelry, glass, and much more.
