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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! |
| Jan. 1 - Dec. 31 | 52nd ANNUAL VIRGINIA SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT. Statewide, VA. Virginia citation program for State Awards and Plaques. 36 different species. No entry fee. 757.491.5160 www.mrc.state.va.us |
| Weekly through the year | DINNER EXCURSION ON THE NO. 316. Bay Creek Railway. Cape Charles, VA. Enjoy a four-course meal aboard the nation's only Interurban Dining Car as you enjoy rail travel through the rural Eastern Shore. Reservations required. 757.331.8770 www.baycreek.net |
| Jan. 2 - Mar. 15 | WINTER WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIPS. Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet. Virginia Beach, VA. Your family will learn what brings whales so amazingly close to our shores, and what is being done to protect them. Just believing you're in the midst inspires the kind of awe that none of us ever forget. 1.866.599.4253 www.vbfun.com |
| Feb. 4-8 | MID-ATLANTIC SPORTS & BOAT SHOW. Virginia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, VA. The 2009 show, themed Gardens for All Seasons, raises the curtain. Gardens for All Seasons promises beautiful and stimulating displays that provide color and interest all year long. Each winter, Virginia's most creative designers create masterful landscape and floral displays to inspire the audience. Live demonstrations and educational classes entertain adults, while magicians, puppets and clowns entertain the kids. A European Flower Market offers the freshest and most exotic flowers available while vendors display and sell a wide range of horticultural-related items from plants, fountains, outdoor furniture, tools, birdhouses, lawn ornaments and gift items such as jewelry and hand-made soaps. 757.481.2041 www.vafgs.org |
| Feb. 13-15 | SEASIDE BOAT SHOW. Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. The "Boat Show that Works for Kids," featuring fishing boats, electronics, clothing, sailboats, kayaks, pottery and art, plus insurance and financing information. Admission. 410.632.3676 www.ocboatshow.com |
| Feb. 26-Mar. 1 | MID-ATLANTIC QUILT FESTIVAL XX. Hampton Roads Convention Center. Hampton, VA. Explore an American art that has developed and grown with the nation. In its 20th year, this festival is a compilation of quilting, fiber arts, and wearable arts. It's the perfect place for quilt enthusiasts and textile artists to meet, shop, learn and explore their art. Admission. 757.315.1610 www.quiltfest.com |
| Feb. 27-Mar. 1 | 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.vbfun.com |
| March through May | SPRING! AT MAYMONT. Maymont Park. Richmond, VA. Richmond families know there is no better time to visit Maymont than in the spring, and now the reasons to visit are multiplying as fast as our 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. Admission. 804.358.7166 www.maymont.org |
| Mar. 1-8 | PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW. Pennsylvania Convention Center. Philadelphia, PA. The landscapes, gardens, and culture of Italy, which have enchanted visitors and artists for centuries, will serve as inspiration for the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show theme, "Bella Italia." The Entrance Garden of the 2009 Show will capture the majesty of ancient Rome with its formal gardens of statuary, topiary, manicured hedges and tiered plantings. The country's top landscape and floral designers will expand on the Italian theme with a variety of gardens and creations that evoke the Italian way of life, complete with cypress and palm trees, courtyard containers and cascading urns. Gardening know-how and ideas are at the forefront of what the Show does best, and exhibitors will provide attendees with an endless array of tips and techniques to create their own dream garden at home. 215.988.8800 www.theflowershow.com |
| Mar. 14-15 | OCEAN CITY HOT ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW. Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. Premier indoor car show showcasing some of the top feature cars in the Mid-Atlantic along with special attractions and live entertainment. Admission. 410.798.6304. www.oceancitycarshows.com |
| Mar. 20-22 | HOME, CONDO & GARDEN SHOW and ART & CRAFT FAIR. Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. Fresh ideas on decorating, remodeling, accessorizing or building your home all under one roof. Exhibitors display new products and services for home and garden, complemented by artists showcasing their most creative crafts and gift items. Admission. 410.524.7020 www.oceanpromotions.info |
| Mar. 21-22 | 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 21-22 | 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, the Shamrock Marathon Sportsfest Weekend features a world-class marathon, 8K race, children's marathon, boardwalk one-mile run for ages 7-13, a sports/fitness expo and a half-marathon. The Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest events are designed for the fitness enthusiast at every level. 757.412.1056 www.shamrockmarathon.com |
| Mar. 27-29 | SNEAK PEEK STUDIO TOUR. Various studios on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This annual art event provides art lovers a "first pick" opportunity by viewing what Eastern Shore artists have been creating for the upcoming exhibition season. Visit local artists at several exciting studio stops, plus a special exhibit of works by all participating artists. Perfect for "day-trippers," this open studio tour is free to the public as are the wine tastings at two award-winning Eastern Shore Wineries. Meet the artists, enter to win a featured art work and enjoy early spring on Virginia's Eastern Shore. 757.442.9537 www.sneakpeekstudiotour.com |
| Mar. 28-29 | 33rd ANNUAL MID-ATLANTIC "ARTISTRY IN WOOD" SHOW & COMPETITION. Abington, PA. Featuring the works of many carvers, woodcarving tool vendors and demonstrators. Admission. 215.766.3707 www.delvalwoodcarvers.com |
| Mar. 29-30 | DAFFODIL FESTIVAL. Gloucester, VA. This family-friendly, free event features great entertainment, good food and many opportunities to celebrate Gloucester's favorite flower. For a fee, you can take a bus to tour the daffodil fields at Brent and Becky's Bulbs. 804.693.1264 www.gloucesterva.info |
| April through October | DOLPHIN WATCHING BOAT TRIPS. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier 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 1-5 | 62nd 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 include a parade, street fair, circus, concerts, pageantry, and all that is Southern. 866.266.9690 www.ncazaleafestival.org |
| Apr. 3 | 2nd ANNUAL CAPE CHARLES BLESSING OF THE FLEET. Cape Charles Harbor. Cape Charles, VA. Commercial fishing boats from all over the Chesapeake Bay will converge at the quaint Cape Charles Harbor for the blessing of a safe season and good harvest for local fishermen. Share the bounty of the Bay, the freshest seafood brought to the dock by local watermen. The celebration includes beer and award-winning Eastern Shore wine. 757.787.8268 |
| Apr. 4-5 | THE DAFFODIL FESTIVAL. The Chincoteague Center. Chincoteague, VA. This annual festival provides fun, food, flowers, plants, fine arts and crafts, unique products for the home and garden and shopping galore! 757.336.0614 www.daffodilfestival2009.com |
| Apr. 10-11 | EASTER DECOY SHOW AND ART FESTIVAL. Chincoteague High School. Chincoteague, VA. Local and national carvers and artists exhibit their work with special awards given in various categories. 757.336.6161 www.chincoteaguechamber.com |
| Apr. 11-29 | 76th ANNUAL HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IN VIRGINIA. Statewide throughout Virginia. Presented by the Garden Club of Virginia. Visitors will have an opportunity to step 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 |
| Apr. 14-May 31 | 13th 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, theatres, museums, outdoor stages, and historic churches, all within a 60-minute drive. Now in its thirteenth season, the Festival has established itself as one of the premier cultural events in the Mid-Atlantic U. S. 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, led by Andre-Michel Schub. 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.vbfun.com |
| Apr. 17-19 | 6th ANNUAL PORK IN THE PARK BBQ FESTIVAL. Pemberton Historical Park. Salisbury, MD. More than 75 barbeque competitors are expected to compete for $11,000 in prizes while festival-goers enjoy live blues entertainment, tasty barbeque, cold beverages, craft vendors and rides for the kids. Admission. 800.332.TOUR www.porkinthepark.org |
| Apr. 18-25 | VIRGINIA BEACH HISTORIC GARDEN TOUR. Throughout Virginia Beach, VA. Visit some of Virginia Beach's loveliest residences and gardens, from charming oceanfront cottages to stately historic homes. This week-long tour is in conjunction with the popular statewide event. Admission. 800.446.8199 www.vbfun.com |
| Apr. 24-26 | 39th ANNUAL WARD WORLD WILDFOWL CARVING COMPETITION. Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. See the World's best wildfowl art! Over 150 varieties of bird carvings from highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys by 800 of the world's best carvers can be viewed at the premiere, most prestigious competition in the world. Attend seminars and workshops given by master carvers. Buy carvings at the Carver's Art Shop. Shop at over 120 exhibitors' booths selling fine art work, home decorating items, folk art, jewelry, sporting goods, and carving and art supplies. Admission. 410.742.4988 www.wardmuseum.org |
| Apr. 24-26 | SPRING CRAFT SHOW. Virginia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, VA. This show features over 200 fine artists and craftspeople from across the nation offering fine arts, handcrafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, clothing, toys, folk art and specialty foods. Admission. 757.417.7771 www.emgshows.com |
| Apr. 25 | 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. Tour some of the Eastern Shore's finest homes, gardens, and historic landmarks. Rain or shine. Admission. 757.678.7889 www.esgardentour.com |
| Apr. 25 | LOW COUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL. Cape Charles Museum. Cape Charles, VA. An annual small town shindig following the Garden Tour. Feast on the Eastern Shore's version of a delicious Low Country Shrimp Boil on the grounds of the Cape Charles History Museum. Explore the latest displays and enjoy a silent auction. Local Blue Grass Music. 757.331.1008 www.smallmuseum.org/capechas.htm |
| Apr. 25 | 8th ANNUAL VIRGINIA BEER FESTIVAL. Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center. Norfolk, VA. Raise a glass...a stein...a mug to the great art of beer! For connoisseurs, this popular festival favorite brings fine beers from nearly three dozen domestic and international breweries. And for friends seeking a sunlit Saturday full of fun, this beer- and music-filled celebration is the perfect spring celebration. Admission. www.festeventsva.org |
| Apr. 27-May 3 | 56th ANNUAL NORFOLK'S INTERNATIONAL AZALEA 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. Join the fun as this year's festival honors the Czech Republic. Activities are varied and include a Fashion Show, the Grand Parade of Nations, a coronation of Queen Azalea and her Court, the Queen's dinner and ball, a strongman challenge, museum exhibits, and much more. 757.282.2801 www.azaleafestival.org |
| May 1-3 | VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO. Scope Arena. Norfolk, VA. The beat of the drums, the call of the trumpets, the roar of the crowds, the mighty sounds of the Virginia International Tattoo return to Norfolk in May! The 2009 Tattoo is sure to set hearts racing with more than 850 performers from several countries joining forces, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, the Czech Republic, and Germany. The Tattoo thrills with music, majesty, and might. You have to see it to believe it! Admission. 757.282.2800 www.virginiaartsfest.com |
| May 6 | 41st ANNUAL EASTERN SHORE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL. Tom's Cove Campground. Chincoteague, VA. There will be great seafood and live music for everyone. The all-you-can-eat menu includes "Little Neck" steamed clams, oyster and clam fritters, fried fish, seafood chowder, chicken tenders, hush puppies, coleslaw and other seafood specialties. 757.787.2460 www.esvachamber.org |
| May 7-10 | SPRINGFEST. Ocean City, MD. Start the season enjoying live entertainment including local, regional and nationally known favorites. Crafters in big-top tents and food vendors of every variety. Springfest also serves up a continuous variety of musical performances on two stages. Admission to the four-day event is free! All entertainment is free with the exception of this year's headline acts. 410.250.0125 www.ococean.com |
| May 9 | 15th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD CELEBRATION. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Chincoteague, VA. Celebrate the wonder of migration with workshops, lectures, birdwalks, activities and more. 757.336.6161 www.chincoteaguechamber.com |
| May 9 | 3rd ANNUAL AT&T SPRING TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL. Half Moone Cruise & Convention Center. Norfolk, VA. Guests will be able to sample newly released vintages and past favorites from Virginia's premier wine-makers. Perfectly paired gourmet foods and specialty wares will also be available in the park for purchase throughout the day. Admission. www.festeventsva.org |
| May 15-17 | 3rd ANNUAL BLACK DRUM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FISHING TOURNAMENT. Bay Creek Marina. Cape Charles, VA. Anglers from New York to Alabama, and as far west as West Virginia and Ohio find fishing heaven at the luxurious Bay Creek Resort & Club in Cape Charles. Enjoy world-class black drum fishing Saturday and Sunday with cash prizes. Entry fee. 757.787.2460 www.esvachamber.org |
| May 16 | JAMESTOWN DAY. Jamestown Settlement. Jamestown, VA. Maritime demonstrations, military drills, archaeology, and programs on English and Powhatan Indian contact and exploration and discovery mark 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 14-17 | CHESAPEAKE JUBILEE. Chesapeake City Park. Chesapeake, VA. This festival features national and regional entertainment, a 4-H livestock show and sale, arts and crafts, food, fireworks and more. 757.482.4848 www.chesapeakejubilee.org |
| May 14-17 | CRUISIN' OCEAN CITY. Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. Popular car show features 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars & more. Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions, boardwalk parades, commercial vendors, midway and more. Admission. 410.798.6304 www.cruisinoceancity.com |
| May 23 | 21st 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 BBQ 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 23-24 | 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 23-24 | VIRGINIA BEACH BIG FLEA MARKET. Virginia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, VA. The largest antique and collectibles show in Hampton Roads! Antiques and collectibles of all eras at affordable prices with treasures from $1 to $1,000. Admission. 757.430.4735 www.damorepromotions.com |
| May 24 | 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 |
| May 29-31 | 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 two days of national recording artists along with Military Displays and Demos and a live Air and Sea Show. 757.671.8100 www.patrioticfestival.com |
| May 29-Aug. 19 | 72nd 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 |
| Jun. 6 | 13th ANNUAL BENEFIT BY THE BAY. Cape Charles, VA. A unique and grand affair alfresco alongside the Chesapeake Bay. Champagne dinner, dancing under the stars with live music, One of the Eastern Shore's most elegant affairs. 757.331.ARTS www.artsentercapecharles.org |
| Jun. 12-14 | OCEAN CITY AIR SHOW. Ocean City Beach & Boardwalk. Ocean City, MD. The popular Ocean City Air Show returns for its second year. This new event was a huge success in its inaugural year and is back even bigger! The Ocean City Air Show features a dazzling line-up of military aircraft demonstrations, civilian aerobatic performers and close formation flying teams. www.ocairshow.com |
| Jun. 18-21 | 54th ANNUAL BOARDWALK ART SHOW & FESTIVAL. Oceanfront. Virginia Beach, VA. The Boardwalk Art Show & Festival is one of the oldest and best outdoor fine art shows on the Eastern Seaboard and it is ranked as one of the top fine art shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. This four-day festival features fine art, great shopping, and live entertainment for the entire family. 757.422.5000 www.cacv.org/events/boardwalk.asp |
| Jun. 19-21 | OCEAN CITY BEACHFEST. Convention Center. Ocean City, MD. A celebration of the beach lifestyle featuring action sports, surfing, skateboarding, BMX, bodyboarding, sprint triathlon, entertainment, vendors and more. Admission. 410.798.6304 www.oceancitybeachfest.com |
| Jun. 24-Jul. 18 | WACHAPREAGUE CARNIVAL. Carnival Grounds. Wachapreague, VA. An authentic, old-fashioned Southern carnival with rides, the Miss Wachapreague contest, funnel cakes and the Shore's famous clam fritters. Live family-friendly entertainment. Sponsored by the Wachapreague Volunteer Fire Department. Wednesdays - Saturdays. |
| Jun. 26-28 | 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. 800.487.8778 www.hampton.gov/coliseum/jazzfestival |
The above information is a small selection of events happening along the East Coast and the events listed were scheduled as of January 1, 2009. 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. WS09
32386 Lankford Highway
Cape Charles, VA 23310
or call 757. 331.2960
This Website current as of
