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| east coast travel events calendar |
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The Chesapeake Bay
Bridge-Tunnel will save motorists 90 miles or more versus using I-95 as they
travel from points north of Wilmington, Delaware to Virginia Beach, Virginia and the Outer Banks in North Carolina. As you plan your travels, be sure to utilize this calendar of events for things to do in the surrounding areas, all within a tankful of gas! |
| January through December | 55th ANNUAL VIRGINIA SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT. Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Citation Program for State Awards and Plaques. 36 different species. No entry fee. 757.491.5160 www.mrc.state.va.us |
| Jan. 5 - March 18 | WINTER WILDLIFE BOAT TRIPS. Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet. Virginia Beach, VA. Here's a chance to see some of the most magnificent creatures on earth in their natural habitat! Whale watchers will search for humpback and fin whales off the coast of Virginia Beach. A unique, exciting opportunity for entire families to experience. 757.385.FISH www.virginiaaquarium.com |
| January 20-22 | VIRGINIA FLOWER & GARDEN EXPO. Virginia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, VA. This show features over 100 garden vendors, exhibitors and displayers, spectacular floral displays, a European-style flower market, guest speakers and demonstrations, art show, children's activities and much more. Admission. 757.284.6139 www.visitvirginiabeach.com |
| February 10-12 | MID-ATLANTIC SPORTS & BOAT SHOW. Virginia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, VA. It's not just a boat show, it's a BOAT SALE! If you've been thinking of buying a boat or upgrading what you currently have, NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY! Bring the family and learn how easy and affordable boating can be. A day on your boat is a relaxing way to reconnect with your family and is more affordable than you might think. 757.222.5377 www.vaboatshow.com |
| February 17-19 | SEASIDE BOAT SHOW. Ocean City Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. See over 300 boats, including sail canoes, kayaks, inshore and offshore boats Boat accessories, crafts, insurance and finance representatives available. 410.632.3676 www.ocboatshow.com |
| February 25-26 | GREENBERG'S TRAIN AND TOY SHOW. Virginia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, VA. All aboard! Enjoy a day of fun for the whole family as the country's best train and toy show returns to Virginia Beach! Hundreds of tables of trains for sale; huge operating model train layouts; free seminars; activities for kids; and much more. 757.385.2000 www.visitvirginiabeach.com |
| March through May | SPRING! AT MAYMONT. Maymont Park. Richmond, VA. Families know there's no better time to visit Maymont than in the spring, and now the reasons to visit are multiplying as fast as their baby bunnies. Every weekend from March through May, new experiences await as Maymont presents a whirlwind of programs and events showcasing every facet of the park and Victorian estate. Fees vary; some activities are weather-dependent. 804.358.7166 www.maymont.org |
| March 4-11 | PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW. Pennsylvania Convention Center. Philadelphia, PA. This year's show will introduce visitors to a tropical experience that blends next-stage digital technology with the natural beauty and rich culture of Hawaiian Islands. Guests will have fun, learn, and be wowed by real-time floral competitions, the world's largest lettuce wall, internationally-renowned speakers and a new layout of displays. Gardeners of all skill levels will find an ocean of ideas in the 150 free presentations held throughout the week, as well as dozens of educational displays that explore the latest gardening techniques and trends. Shoppers will find an array of take-home products to get the garden started and wonderful gifts in the Marketplace, Meadowbrook Farm Store, and Flower Show Shoppe. A Hawaiian Village will offer authentic crafts and products from the islands. Admission. 215.988.8899 www.theflowershow.com |
| March 9-11 | 27th ANNUAL MID-ATLANTIC HOME & GARDEN SHOW. Virginia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, VA. Find inspiration for the inside and outside of your home with beautiful outdoor living areas and designer showcase rooms. Get energy-efficient on a Green Building Council "Walkabout." Find out what's hot in home trends at the New Home Expo. Visit nearly 500 exhibits of products and services for the inside and outside of your home, from flooring to roofing and much more! Admission. 757.420.2434 www.midatlantichomeshows.com |
| March 9-11 | HOME, CONDO & GARDEN SHOW AND ART & CRAFT SHOW. Ocean City Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. Fresh ideas on decorating, remodeling, accessorizing or building your home all under one roof. Come see what's new, compare products, and find bargains at your leisure. Artists and crafters will complement the Home and Garden show by showcasing their most creative unique craft and gift items, decor and accessories with practical as well as fun items for your home and lifestyle. Admission. 410.213.8090 www.oceanpromotions.info |
| March 16-18 | 26th ANNUAL VIRGINIA BEACH SPRING CRAFT SHOW. Virginia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, VA. Featuring 150 fine artists and craftspeople from across the nation, this show offers fine arts, handcrafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, clothing, toys, folk art and specialty foods. Exhibitors introduce new lines and special accessories for the home and garden including wrought iron, welcome wreaths, garden statuary, birdhouses, outdoor furniture, pottery and wind chimes. Meet the artisans, learn the stories behind their work and shop for the best in fine arts and crafts - from simple to lavish - you'll find one-of-a-kind creations for every budget. 757.385.2000 www.emgshows.com |
| March 17-18 | YUENGLING SHAMROCK MARATHON, HALF-MARATHON AND 8K SPORTSFEST. Oceanfront. Virginia Beach, VA. One of the most popular road-race competitions on the international racing circuit, celebrating 40 years this year, the Shamrock Marathon Sportsfest Weekend features a world-class marathon, 8K race, children's marathon, Operation Smile Final Mile, a sports/fitness expo and a half-marathon. 757.412.1056 www.shamrockmarathon.com |
| March 17-18 | MILITARY THROUGH THE AGES. Jamestown Settlement. Jamestown, VA. Re-enactment groups depicting soldiers and military encounters throughout history join forces with modern-day veterans and active units to demonstrate camp life, tactics and weaponry. The weekend event features a children's parade on Saturday, and a military pass-in-review on Sunday. 888.593.4682 www.historyisfun.org |
| March 22-25 | VIRGINIA CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL. Norfolk, VA. From a delicacy for kings to everyone's favorite treat...from a sacred and revered health food to a modern scientific wonder; the history of chocolate is rich, varied, and never boring. Long before chocolate bars, even before Columbus found the New World, people began their own love affair with the cacao bean. Learn to appreciate chocolate's sophisticated subtleties with its unique flavor notes that will surely captivate your palate...discover the Art of Chocolate! 757.282.2822 www.vafest.org |
| April through October | DOLPHIN WATCHING BOAT TRIPS. Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet. Virginia Beach, VA. Experience a chance to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and learn about the latest research studies. 757.385.0332 www.virginiaaquarium.com |
| April 6-7 | 33rd ANNUAL EASTER DECOY SHOW & ART FESTIVAL. Chincoteague Combined School. Chincoteague Island, VA. Local and national carvers and artists of all kinds exhibit and sell their works, with special awards given in various categories. 757.336.6161 www.chincoteaguedecoys.com |
| April 11-15 | 65th ANNUAL NORTH CAROLINA AZALEA FESTIVAL. Wilmington, NC. This festival is a celebration of Wilmington's exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture during its five days of entertainment that includes a parade, street fair, circus, concerts, pageantry, and all that is Southern. 866.266.9690 www.ncazaleafestival.org |
| April 14-15 | THE CHINCOTEAGUE DAFFODIL FESTIVAL. The Chincoteague Center. Chincoteague Island, VA. The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival brings the excitement of an annual, family-friendly event that showcases flowers, plants, garden art, garden and landscaping exhibitors, unique products, yard equipment, landscaping ideas, pools and spas, national, regional and local services and businesses, product demos, house and home improvement exhibitors, home decor, and more to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This annual flower, home, and garden show shares the limelight with the Eastern Shore's most popular Spring Fine Arts and Crafts event, now in its 11th year. 757.894.2334 www.ChincoteagueFestivals.com |
| April 16-June 6 | 16th ANNUAL VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL. Various locations throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia. Truly a regional collaboration, festival events now take place in ten cities across Hampton Roads in concert halls, performing arts centers, opera houses, theaters, museums, outdoor stages, and historic churches, all within a 60-mile drive. Now in its sixteenth year, the Festival has established itself as one of the premier cultural events in the Mid-Atlantic US. The Virginia Arts Festival hosts top-flight artists from around the world in classical music, dance, theater, world music and jazz, along with the annual Chamber Music series. The Virginia International Tattoo, a signature festival event, features more than 850 performers, including military bands, massed pipes and drums, dancers, acrobats, and more. Come out and experience the arts! 757.282.2800 www.vafest.org |
| April 20-22 | 9th ANNUAL PORK IN THE PARK BBQ FESTIVAL. Winterplace Park. Salisbury, MD. Follow your nose and the pig signs off Route 50 to this family-friendly event. More than 130 barbeque competitors compete for prizes while festival-goers enjoy live entertainment, tasty barbeque, craft vendors and amusements for the kids. Admission. 800.322.TOUR www.porkinthepark.org |
| April 21-28 | 79th ANNUAL HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IN VIRGINIA. Statewide throughout Virginia. Presented by the Garden Club of Virginia. Visitors will have an opportunity to get behind the gates and doors of Virginia's finest homes, gardens and historic landmarks during "America's Largest Open House." 804.644.7776 www.VAGardenweek.org |
| April 24-28 | NORFOLK NATO FESTIVAL. Norfolk, VA. Every April, when the azaleas are in full bloom, the citizens of Norfolk, VA roll out the red carpet to honor the North Atlantic's Treaty Organization (NATO) with a week-long celebration. This gala event is one of Norfolk's oldest and grandest. Activities are varied and include a Parade of Nations, food, culture and entertainment for all ages. 757.282.2820 www.azaleafestival.org |
| April 27-29 | 42nd ANNUAL WARD WORLD WILDFOWL CHAMPIONSHIP CARVING COMPETITION AND ART FESTIVAL. Ocean City Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. See the World's best wildfowl art! From highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys, more than 1200 different wildfowl carvings representing more than 150 species from around the world can be viewed at the premier, most prestigious competition in the world. This multi-day event offers educational classes, seminars and workshops for all skill levels on the multiple aspects of carving and carving-related topics. The Kids' Corner offers children a hands-on carving experience and includes many make and take projects. Admission. 410.742.4988 www.wardmuseum.org |
| April 27-29 | VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO. Scope Arena. Norfolk, VA. Inspirational music...majestic massed pipes and drums...show-stopping drill-team maneuvers...colorful and elegant dancers...ALL give reasons for the crowd to roar! The Virginia International Tattoo features over 850 performers from around the world, filling the Scope arena with awe-inspiring sights and sounds. Admission. 757.282.2800 www.vafest.org |
| April 28 | EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA'S HISTORIC GARDEN TOUR. Various locations throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore of Virginia Garden Club. Discover hidden treasures and delight in an impressive collection of gracious homes and blooming gardens. History buffs, architects and designers will be fascinated by the stories told through original woodwork, valuable antiques and artifacts. Horticulturalists and flower lovers will be thrilled by stunning arrangements and elaborate landscapes. Let history and hospitality embrace you on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Rain or shine. Admission. 757.787.7626 www.esgardentours.com |
| May 3-6 | SPRINGFEST. Inlet Parking Lot. Ocean City, MD. Four dynamic days of delicious food, live entertainment and unique arts and crafts under four huge big-top tents as festival-goers celebrate spring and the upcoming summer season. 800.626.2326 www.ococean.com |
| May 5 | CHINCOTEAGUE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL. Tom's Cove Campground. Chincoteague, VA. It's a tradition...a spring seafood festival has been held on Chincoteague for more than four decades. Providing a venue to sample the best-of-the-best local seafood, this spring tradition on Virginia's Eastern Shore, with live entertainment, is one you don't want to miss! Advance tickets. 757.336.6161 www.chincoteaguechamber.com |
| May 11 | PANORAMA CARIBBEAN MUSIC FESTIVAL. Oceanfront. Virginia Beach, VA. This festival's casual atmosphere appeals to the island community and people of all ages who are intrigued by the unique sounds and style of steel drum music. Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great Caribbean food, the breathtaking Virginia Beach Oceanfront becomes an "island paradise" for the weekend. 757.425.3111 www.beachstreetusa.com |
| May 11-13 | MONSTERS ON THE BEACH. Oceanfront. Virginia Beach, VA. Thrills and chills are brought to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront as Monster Trucks battle for ultimate sand domination! This family-targeted event is loud, fast and exciting! 757.425.3111 www.beachstreetusa.com |
| May 12 | 18TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD CELEBRATION. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Chincoteague, VA. Celebrate the wonder of migration with workshops, lectures, birdwalks, activities, and more. 757.336.6122 www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco |
| May 12 | 6TH ANNUAL AT&T SPRING TOWN POINT PARK VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL. Town Point Park. Norfolk, VA. Festival guests will enjoy a blissful afternoon of sampling a wide selection of Virginia wines in Town Point Park. The day offers premier wine vintages and live musical entertainment, in addition to gourmet foods and specialty wares for purchase. Admission. 757.441.2345 www.festeventsva.org |
| May 12 | JAMESTOWN DAY. Jamestown Settlement. Jamestown, VA. Maritime demonstrations, military drills, archaeology, and programs on English and Powhatan Indian contact, exploration and discovery mark the 405th anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown, America's first permanent English colony. Separate admission to Jamestown Settlement & Historic Jamestowne. 888.593.4682 www.historyisfun.org |
| May 17-20 | BEACH MUSIC WEEKEND. Oceanfront. Virginia Beach, VA. Blending the best of the "oldies" with dancing under the stars in a jam-packed blast to the past, music lovers can settle into the sand as the top Beach Music bands from up and down the East Coast descend on the Virginia Beach oceanfront in a nostalgic salute to the "good old days" of cool cars and hot tunes. 757.425.3111 www.beachstreetusa.com |
| May 17-20 | CRUISIN' OCEAN CITY. Ocean City Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. Popular car show features over 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars and more. Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions, boardwalk parades, manufacturers, vendor midway and more. Admission. 410.798.6304 www.cruisinoceancity.com |
| May 19 | 11TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA BEER FESTIVAL. Town Point Park. Norfolk, VA. This popular festival promises to be a day full of good beer, good friends and good fun with live music, great food, and of course, great beer. Spend the day sampling beer from all over the world. International premium beers, hand-crafted domestics and local brews comprise a selection of over 125 tap handles. 757.441.2345 www.festeventsva.org |
| May 26 | 24TH ANNUAL CBES PIG ROAST. Cherry Grove Farm. Eastville, VA. It's a down-on-the-farm good time at a beautiful vintage bayside farm. Literally pig-out on smoked pork barbeque with all the fixings, enjoy hayrides, antique farm equipment displays and local music. Relish a place where family farms are still part of the American fiber. 757.678.7157 www.cbes.org |
| May 26-27 | 29TH PUNGO STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. Pungo, VA. This annual celebration held in a farming community features plenty of plump, fresh strawberries, a parade, musical entertainment on three stages, 4-H displays, a large carnival, a children's activity area and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. 800.822.3224 www.pungostrawberryfestival.info |
| May 27 | CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND BLESSING OF THE FLEET. Robert Reed Waterfront Park. Chincoteague, VA. Local ministers give blessings to protect the watermen from harm and ensure a good fishing season. The finale is a boat parade with private as well as commercial fishing boats joining in the celebration. 757.336.6861 |
| June 1 - August 23 | 75TH SEASON OF THE LOST COLONY. Roanoke Island. Manteo, NC. America's oldest running outdoor drama. For ticket and show information, call 252.473.3414 www.thelostcolony.org |
| June 1-3 | PATRIOTIC FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF OUR MILITARY. Oceanfront. Virginia Beach, VA. Remember the men and women of the United States Military and Armed Forces for their heroism and the sacrifices they make for Americans by being a part of this salute to our troops, serving now and in the past, as you experience three days of national recording artists along with Military Display & Demos and a live Air and Sea Show, including performances by the Blue Angels! 757.671.8100 www.patrioticfestival.com |
| June 2 | 16TH ANNUAL BENEFIT BY THE BAY. Cape Charles, VA. A unique and grand affair alfresco alongside the Chesapeake Bay. Champagne dinner and dancing under the stars with live music. One of the Eastern Shore's most elegant affairs. Advance tickets required. 757.331.ARTS www.artsentercapecharles.org |
| June 6-12 | OPSAIL 2012. Various ports of call in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Port of Virginia will once again host an impressive fleet of tall ships, navy and military war ships representing the world. OpSail Virginia is planned to illuminate the community with spectacle and festivity, and will place our Commonwealth front and center on the world stage. 757.441.2345 www.festeventsva.org |
| June 8 - 10 | 35TH ANNUAL NORFOLK HARBORFEST. Town Point Park. Norfolk, VA. Enjoy three explosive days of free entertainment, electrifying fireworks display, and the biggest outdoor dock party and picnic in Norfolk's history! 757.441.2345 www.festeventsva.org |
| June 9 - 10 | OCEAN CITY AIR SHOW. Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk. Ocean City, MD. The popular OC Air Show returns for its fifth year. This show features a dazzling line-up of military aircraft demonstrations, civilian aerobatic performers and close formation flying teams. 800.OC-OCEAN www.ocairshow.com |
| June 21 - 24 | 23rd ANNUAL BAYOU BOOGALOO & CAJUN FOOD FESTIVAL. Town Point Park. Norfolk, VA. This popular festival delivers the heart and soul of Louisiana to visitors of Town Point Park in true Cajun and Creole style. 757.441.2345 www.festeventsva.org |
| June 22-24 | HAMPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL. Hampton Coliseum. Hampton, VA. Since 1968, this outstanding annual musical weekend attracts the nation's top blues, soul, pop and jazz performers. Admission. 757.838.4203 www.hamptonjazzfestival.com |
The above information is a small selection of events happening along the East Coast and the events listed were scheduled as of January 1, 2012. If a trip is being planned around a specific event, please check the contact in advance.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel publishes a Travel Events Brochure twice a year. To get your free brochure, write to:
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Dept. WS12
32386 Lankford Highway
Cape Charles, VA 23310
or call 757. 331.2960
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