Virginia is set to host an exciting lineup of events and festivals in 2025, celebrating music, arts, culture, and entertainment. From world-renowned music festivals to pop culture conventions and historic traditions, the state offers a variety of experiences for locals and visitors alike. Here is a list of the top 7 upcoming events and festivals in Virginia in 2025 that you won’t want to miss.
1. MarsCon 2025: Galactic Empires & Epic Interstellar Legends
- Dates: January 17–19, 2025
- Location: Holiday Inn Virginia Beach – Norfolk, Virginia Beach, VA
- Highlights: Sci-fi panels, cosplay, workshops, gaming events
MarsCon 2025 marks the 35th edition of this beloved science fiction and fantasy convention. This year’s theme, Galactic Empires & Epic Interstellar Legends, will feature renowned authors, gaming experts, artists, and musicians. Sci-fi fans can participate in panels, cosplay contests, and immersive storytelling experiences.
Why Attend?
✔️ Meet top sci-fi and fantasy authors
✔️ Participate in interactive cosplay and gaming events
✔️ Engage with a vibrant fan community
2. GalaxyCon Richmond 2025
- Dates: March 27–30, 2025
- Location: Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA
- Highlights: Celebrity guests, anime screenings, artist alley, cosplay contest
GalaxyCon Richmond is one of the biggest pop culture conventions in the region, drawing fans of comics, anime, movies, and video games. Expect celebrity panels, interactive workshops, and meet-and-greet sessions with your favorite artists and actors.
Why Attend?
✔️ Get autographs and photos with famous celebrities
✔️ Shop for exclusive comics, collectibles, and merchandise
✔️ Experience live entertainment and cosplay competitions
3. Metallica Concert at Lane Stadium
- Date: May 7, 2025
- Location: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
- Highlights: Legendary rock performance, Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies as opening acts
Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium will host Metallica as part of their M72 World Tour in 2025. This event is particularly exciting for Hokies fans, as “Enter Sandman” has been the team’s entrance anthem for decades. With Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies as the opening acts, this concert promises to be an unforgettable night for rock and metal enthusiasts.
Why Attend?
✔️ Witness one of the most iconic rock bands live
✔️ Experience a historic performance at Lane Stadium
✔️ Enjoy an electrifying atmosphere with thousands of fans
4. Something in the Water Festival
- Dates: April 2025 (Exact dates TBD)
- Location: Virginia Beach, VA
- Highlights: Multi-genre music performances, cultural exhibits, community events
Curated by Pharrell Williams, Something in the Water is one of Virginia’s most popular music festivals. Featuring a mix of hip-hop, pop, R&B, and electronic music, this festival brings together top global artists, celebrating diversity, creativity, and community engagement.
Why Attend?
✔️ Enjoy performances from top-charting artists
✔️ Experience immersive art and cultural exhibits
✔️ Celebrate Virginia Beach’s vibrant music scene
5. FloydFest 2025: Aurora
- Dates: July 23–27, 2025
- Location: Near Floyd, VA
- Highlights: Live music, outdoor adventures, workshops, wellness activities
Set against the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, FloydFest 2025: Aurora is a five-day music and arts festival featuring an eclectic lineup of artists. In addition to live performances, attendees can enjoy camping, hiking, yoga sessions, and interactive workshops.
Why Attend?
✔️ Experience music in a stunning natural setting
✔️ Participate in outdoor activities and wellness programs
✔️ Enjoy a family-friendly festival atmosphere
6. Old Fiddlers’ Convention
- Dates: August 4–9, 2025
- Location: Felts Park, Galax, VA
- Highlights: Bluegrass and old-time music competitions, jam sessions, cultural heritage
Celebrated as the world’s oldest and largest fiddlers’ convention, this event attracts musicians and fans of traditional bluegrass and old-time music. The Old Fiddlers’ Convention features instrument competitions, live performances, and spontaneous jam sessions throughout the festival.
Why Attend?
✔️ Experience authentic Appalachian folk music
✔️ Enjoy live competitions featuring top musicians
✔️ Participate in jam sessions and cultural celebrations
7. Opening of Atlantic Park
- Date: Summer 2025
- Location: Virginia Beach, VA
- Highlights: Wavegarden surf lagoon, shopping, dining, entertainment venues
Developed by Pharrell Williams, Atlantic Park is a $565 million project set to become one of Virginia’s top entertainment destinations. Featuring a 2.6-acre Wavegarden surf lagoon, shopping centers, residential spaces, and world-class dining and nightlife, this new attraction will bring a fresh wave of excitement to Virginia Beach.
Why Visit?
✔️ Surf on an artificial wave lagoon
✔️ Explore high-end shops and restaurants
✔️ Enjoy year-round entertainment and events
Conclusion
Virginia’s 2025 event calendar is packed with music festivals, pop culture conventions, concerts, and historic celebrations. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy rock concert, an immersive sci-fi experience, or a scenic outdoor music festival, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable year of entertainment and cultural celebrations.
For more updates on upcoming events, visit CarVata.