Signature Events in Abingdon, VirginiaThere's always something happening in Abingdon
From Spring Garden Faire events and downtown traditions to Appalachian music, arts & culture, family-friendly celebrations and Christmas traditions, Abingdon’s signature events offer plenty of reasons to plan a visit throughout the year.
Check the event calendar as you plan your trip, find an event that fits your schedule, and make a weekend of it with historic Main Street, local restaurants, independent shops, galleries, outdoor recreation and more.
Spring Events
Washington County Master Gardeners' Garden Faire2027 Dates TBA
Join the Washington County Master Gardeners for a celebration of spring at Garden Faire. Browse gorgeous plants, garden-themed shopping and delicious food during this annual spring event at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
Town Wide Yard Sale - SpringSpring - 2027 Date TBA
Discover hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind finds at Abingdon’s Townwide Yard Sale. This beloved community event brings locals and visitors together for a weekend of shopping, strolling and exploring throughout town. You never know what you’ll uncover, from antiques and collectibles to household goods and handmade items.
Plumb Alley Day2027 Date TBA
Plumb Alley Day is an annual Abingdon tradition and the largest fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon, with proceeds donated to children’s organizations throughout the area.
Held in the heart of Abingdon’s historic district, the event fills Plumb Alley with food, music, dance performances, children’s activities and a massive yard sale. More than 150 vendors offer pottery, art, photography, crafts, jewelry, antiques and more.
Summer Events
Abingdon Fiddlers' ConventionJune 18 - 19, 2027
The Abingdon Fiddlers’ Convention brings talented musicians, camping and good food together at the Washington County Fairgrounds for a weekend celebrating bluegrass and old-time music. What began as an idea among Washington County Fairgrounds board members, the Town of Abingdon, The Crooked Road and local bluegrass enthusiasts has grown into an annual gathering that welcomes competitors and spectators from across the region and beyond.
Independence Day CelebrationJuly 4, 2027
Celebrate Independence Day in Abingdon with an evening of fun at the Meadows Sports Complex. Enjoy a lineup of family-friendly activities before the grand finale, fireworks launching from Veterans Memorial Park.
Virginia Highlands FestivalJuly 23 - August 1, 2027
What began as a small community gathering in Abingdon has grown into one of Southwest Virginia’s beloved cultural traditions. Since 1949, the Virginia Highlands Festival has brought together art, music, history, food, storytelling and Appalachian craftsmanship to celebrate the spirit of the region. Today, the Festival welcomes visitors from across the country with performances, educational programming, culinary experiences, workshops, tours, exhibitions and family-friendly events throughout Abingdon.
Fall Events
Town Wide Yard Sale - FallFall - 2027 Date TBA
The Townwide Yard Sale returns in the fall, giving shoppers a second opportunity to discover hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind finds throughout Abingdon. Hunt for antiques, collectibles, household goods, handmade items and more while exploring town.
Abingdon Soap Box Derby2027 Date TBA
The Abingdon Soap Box Derby invites local businesses, individuals and educational groups to showcase their creativity and engineering skills by building and racing their own soap box cars. With races taking place on historic Main Street, the event brings an unusual kind of excitement to downtown Abingdon and makes for a fun family outing.
Washington County Fair2027 Dates TBA
From a small beginning, the Washington County Fair has grown into a permanent and well-recognized part of Washington County. For more than 68 years, hundreds of volunteers have helped promote agriculture, rural living and agribusiness while supporting the community through the Fair.
Today, the annual event brings together agriculture, livestock, exhibits, entertainment, food and family activities.
Plein Air AbingdonOctober 7 - 10, 2027
Plein Air Abingdon, produced by the Virginia Highlands Festival, highlights the arts and culture of Southwest Virginia and surrounding areas. Artists from across the nation come to capture Appalachian charm, painting outdoors throughout the area.
Art lovers can enjoy the beauty of fall in the mountains while visiting Public Sales Galleries to see and purchase paintings hot off the easel.
Main Street Trick or TreatOctober 24, 2026
One of Abingdon’s beloved fall traditions, Main Street Trick or Treat brings businesses and organizations together along historic Main Street for an evening of Halloween fun.
Costumed children and children at heart can visit trick-or-treat stations throughout downtown, with additional activities and candy stops at locations around town. It’s a fun and family-friendly way to experience Abingdon in the fall.
Holiday Season
Mistletoe MarketNovember 6 - 8, 2026
Mistletoe Market is an annual fundraiser for William King Museum of Art and a premier holiday shopping event in Abingdon. Shop local vendors, find unique gifts, take photos with Santa and spend time with family and friends.
With more than 100 booths featuring high-quality goods, Mistletoe Market offers plenty of opportunities to find something special for everyone on your holiday list.
Merchant Open House and Town Tree LightingNovember 21, 2026
Kick off the holiday season in Abingdon with the Merchant Open House and Town Tree Lighting. Local businesses throughout town open their doors for holiday shopping and festive activities, while the evening culminates with the lighting of the Town Pole Tree and sparkling trees across the Abingdon Visitor Center lawn. Enjoy community caroling, warm up with hot chocolate and watch as Santa lights the tree to officially begin the holiday season.
Festival of TreesNovember 21 - December 31, 2026
The Abingdon Festival of Trees brings the holiday spirit to the Fields-Penn lawn and inside the Abingdon Visitor Center. Local businesses and organizations decorate trees for the community to enjoy, with visitors invited to view the displays, vote for their favorites and make donations supporting local organizations.
Abingdon Christmas ParadeDecember 5, 2026
Gather along historic Main Street for the Abingdon Christmas Parade, a longtime holiday tradition that brings festive floats, music and community spirit to downtown. It’s a classic way to celebrate the season and experience Christmas in Abingdon.
