Happy birthday america featuring wilson fairchild
July 3 -4
Celebrate America’s Birthday with two-days of festivities! This family-friendly party kicks off on July 3rd with an opening ceremony and an evening of entertainment. The party continues on July 4th with the Firecracker 5K (7:30 am), followed by the Happy Birthday America Parade (10 am) and the Official Welcome and Posting of the Colors (12 pm) along with activities, performances, and concessions for all ages.
When & Where:
Tuesday, July 3rd and Wednesday, July 4th
Gypsy Hill Park
FREE and open to the public
Must See: The headline performance by homegrown, country group, Wilson Fairchild—sons of Harold and Don Reid of the Statler Brothers—starts at 8 pm. The evening ends in grand fashion with fireworks. This event is FREE and open to the public. See the complete schedule.
Heifetz Institute’s Festival of Concerts
June 30 – August 10
The Heifetz Institute’s Festival of Concerts kicks off a summer of music making with their Opening Concert and Convocation on June 30, and the music doesn’t stop until August 10. The six-week festival consists of over 40 events including daily concerts, outdoor events, “Heifetz Happy Hours” featuring local wine and artisan food, and special performances featuring their world-renowned faculty and guest artists.
Fan Favorite: The ever-popular Heifetz Hootenannies happen every Saturday night under the big tent; you never know who might just show up and play! Enjoy great food and brews during the show.
When & Where:
Saturdays: 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4
Page Terrace, Mary Baldwin University
$10 and kids under 13 are free
Must See: Heifetz Celebrity Series: Anything Goes is a fun Friday night tradition! Experience Heifetz Institute faculty members performing entertaining 75-minute programs. The concerts begin at 6, preceded by a 5 p.m. “Happy Hour” under the Page Terrace tent featuring wine from local vineyards and artisan foods from local eateries.
When & Where:
Fridays: 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3
Happy Hour Receptions: 5 p.m., Page Terrace
Concerts: 6 p.m., Francis Auditorium
Mary Baldwin University
$30
Have a Listen:
Check out this video of Heifetz students playing Tchaikovsky during the 2017 Grand Finale performance:
Before You Go:
- Several free performances; All other concerts range from $8 to $50
- 2018 Season passes are SOLD OUT, but tickets to individual events are available
- For lodging and to plan your trip to Staunton, click here
Red Wing Roots music Festival
July 13-15
Set against the towering limestone formations known as The Natural Chimneys, the Red Wing Roots Music Festival music festival, now in its sixth year, features the best of both worlds: great music in the great outdoors. Spend the weekend listening to the music of The Steel Wheels, Trampled by Turtles, Josh Ritter, and many more while immersed in outdoor activities including daily hikes, morning yoga, fun runs and activities for kids. A new event this year is a pick-along jam session at the Kinfolk Stage, led by Red Wing Academy staff and teachers from The Front Porch in Charlottesville. Bring the entire family and set up camp for the weekend or come for the day. Either way you’re guaranteed to have fun!
Must See: Folk/rock band Trampled by Turtles, female folk trio I’m With Her, singing and songwriting duo The Secret Sisters, and blues singer Charley Crockett are all great bets.
Have a Listen: Check out The Secret Sisters and the track “He’s Fine” from their upcoming new album, You Don’t Own Me Anymore (Available 6/9).
Fan Favorites: The Steel Wheels‘ sets, particularly the Tribute Set on Sunday where they are joined by many other artists performing Red Wing are fan favorites. Also popular is the Judy Chops‘ high-energy blend of blues, swing, rock-a-billy, and country.
Before You Go:
- Camping at Natural Chimneys is SOLD OUT, but there are plenty of campgrounds in the area with availability. Also check out the lodging options in Staunton, which run the gamut from B&Bs, to Inns and full-service hotels
- Be sure and check out the group bike rides, Red Wing Fun Runs, hiking, yoga and all the other outdoor amenities available during the festival
- Click here for kid-friendly activities
- Bring your reusable bottle to fill with free water
- To reduce the festival’s carbon footprint, drinks, beer and cider will only be served in Klean Kanteen stainless steel cups. Purchase one in the beer garden, or re-use your cup from last year
- Bring your dancin’ shoes!
All the Details:
Staunton Music Festival
August 10-19
The Staunton Music Festival celebrates 21 years of music with a 10-day festival. One of the most popular music events of the summer, the festival includes multiple daily performances with music ranging from the Middle Ages to commissioned world premieres. It takes place throughout historic downtown Staunton in a variety of locations.
Fan Favorite: The Baroque Inside/Out concert is a program of music by Bach and Vivaldi, all performed on period instruments. The experience will also include roaming madrigal singers in the courtyard during intermission.
When & Where:
Friday, August 17, 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
Must See: Hercules, a masterpiece of Baroque opera by Handel, has rarely been performed since it premiered in the mid-1700s. This performance will be staged by prominent and cutting-edge opera director from NYC, Ethan Heard.
When & Where:
Friday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
Another big event is the all-Mozart finale, Sublime Mozart, on Aug 19th. This concert will feature Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony and Requiem, two of his final works.
When & Where:
Sunday, August 19, 4 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
Have a Listen: Jean Philippe Rameau’s “Suite” from Les Indes Galantes is performed at the 2017 Staunton Music Festival.
Before You Go:
- Free daily concert; All other concerts range from $10-22 (not including college and youth ticket prices)
- For lodging and to plan your trip to Staunton, click here; the festival will announce new dining and lodging deals as the season gets closer Check the Staunton Music Festival website or social media pages for the latest info
All the Details:
2018 SUMMER PASSES include general admission at a 10% discount to all performances in the regular August series
