Outdoor community festival with tents and families in a Virginia park
What's Happening

Events

There's always something going on in New Kent County. From farmers markets to live horse racing to vineyard concerts, here are the events worth putting on your calendar.

Market
Saturdays, 9 AM – 12 PM (May 2 – Aug 29, 2026)
Farmers Market Pavilion, 7589 New Kent Hwy, New Kent
New Kent

New Kent Farmers Market

A popular producers-only market featuring local farms, artisans, and makers. Stock up on fresh summer produce, farm-raised meats, local honey, farm-fresh eggs, handcrafted goods, and fresh-baked treats. Live acoustic music and local food trucks make it a weekly community hub.

Learn More
Festival
Saturday, June 6, 2026 · 9 AM – 5 PM
Randolph-Macon College Campus, Ashland
Regional

44th Annual Ashland Strawberry Faire

A cherished regional tradition just a short drive from New Kent. Celebrate the strawberry harvest with over 300 artisan and food vendors, fresh local strawberries in every dessert imaginable, live entertainment across multiple stages, a pet pageant, and extensive family activities. Perfect summer kickoff event!

Learn More
Military Family
June 12 – 14, 2026
Dock Street Park & James River Riverfront, Richmond
Providence Forge

Virginia 250 Maritime Heritage & Richmond SailFest

Celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary at this historic maritime celebration. Tour spectacular tall ships, participate in maritime history exhibits, and enjoy live concert performances by the renowned U.S. Fleet Forces Band. A magnificent family-friendly experience celebrating our rich coastal history, located just 30 minutes west.

Learn More
Military Family
Saturday, June 13, 2026 · Gates open at 3 PM
Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach
Regional

Flying Proms Symphonic Air Show

An extraordinary patriotic and military family favorite. Witness vintage World War I and II warbirds in flight, meticulously choreographed to a sweeping live performance by a full symphony orchestra, concluding with an epic grand finale fireworks display. Pack a picnic, low-back chairs, and experience aviation history under the stars.

Learn More
Community
June 18 – 21, 2026 (Free Museum Admission on June 19)
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, Williamsburg
Regional

Colonial Williamsburg Juneteenth & Bray School Dedication

An impactful community commemoration highlighting Black history. Experience the official dedication of the restored Williamsburg Bray School, the 5th Annual Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony, specialized historic programs, and live musical and theatrical performances. Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums and sites offer free admission on Friday, June 19.

Learn More
Military Family
June 18 – 23, 2026
Hampton Roads Waterways & Norfolk Harbor
Regional

Sail250® Virginia Maritime Festival

One of the largest international maritime celebrations in U.S. history! Over 60 historic tall ships, sleek naval flagships, and military training vessels from across the globe gather for public tours, high-altitude naval air demonstrations, crew parades, and military appreciation ceremonies. A once-in-a-lifetime family-friendly spectacle.

Learn More
Military Family
Recurring throughout June 2026
USO Mid-Atlantic at Fort Eustis, 833 Monroe Ave, Fort Eustis
New Kent

Fort Eustis USO Family Outings

Special program of events for active-duty service members, military dependents, and veterans. June features include Double Dog Fridays (June 5 & June 26, 11:30 AM), a military family Paint & Sip Night (June 17, 5:30 PM), and a children's summer reading club kickoff. Pre-registration on the USO calendar is required.

Learn More
Entertainment
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Colonial Downs Racetrack, 10500 Colonial Downs Pkwy, New Kent
New Kent

Colonial Downs Summer Meet – Opening Day

Live thoroughbred racing returns to New Kent County! Opening day of the summer racing season features highly competitive turf racing, premium food vendors, and trackside drinks. Families and racing enthusiasts alike gather to kick off the expanded 48-day summer meet running through Labor Day.

Learn More
Music & Wine
June 25 – 28, 2026 · Gates open 5:30 PM
Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg
Regional

Williamsburg Live Outdoor Music Festival

The Virginia Arts Festival's marquee outdoor music series is expanded for 2026 to four nights. Gather on the spacious lawn of the Art Museums to experience spectacular live concerts from acclaimed national artists, enjoy gourmet local food trucks, and sip local craft beer and premium wines in a majestic, historic setting under the summer stars.

Learn More
Military Family
Friday, June 26, 2026 · 10 AM
Virginia War Memorial, 621 S Belvidere St, Richmond
Regional

Virginia War Memorial "Hill of Heroes" Ceremony

A moving, patriotic flag-planting ceremony and tribute honoring Virginia's fallen heroes. Walk the Memorial grounds adorned with over 12,000 American flags, hear patriotic musical performances, and experience a special military appreciation program. Open to the public and a deeply meaningful visit for military families and veterans.

Learn More
Family Fun
Saturday, June 27, 2026 · Post time 12:30 PM
Colonial Downs Racetrack, 10500 Colonial Downs Pkwy, New Kent
New Kent

Colonial Downs Corgi Race Day & Family Fun Day

A beloved family-friendly tradition combines the thrill of live turf racing with the hilarious, fast-paced Colonial Downs Corgi Races. Enjoy kids' lawn games, face painting, bounce houses, and petting zoos alongside live thoroughbred action. Only $5 general admission; kids 12 and under are free.

Learn More
Festival
Friday, July 3, 2026 · 7 PM – 10 PM
New Kent High School, 7365 Egypt Rd, New Kent
New Kent

New Kent County Independence Day Celebration

The county's premier community festival. Celebrate America's birthday with a spectacular selection of local food trucks, children's backyard games, a pie-eating contest, a classic car show, and energetic live music, culminating in a brilliant fireworks display. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this beloved local tradition.

Learn More
Military Family
Sunday, July 19, 2026 · Post time 12:30 PM
Colonial Downs Racetrack, 10500 Colonial Downs Pkwy, New Kent
New Kent

Colonial Downs Military Appreciation Day

A special afternoon of racing dedicated to honoring active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Highlights include specialized military tributes, color guard ceremonies, discounted concession items, and complimentary general admission for service members with military ID. A wonderful community-wide celebration.

Learn More
Music & Wine
Every Saturday, June – August 2026
New Kent Winery, 8400 Old Church Rd, New Kent
New Kent

New Kent Winery Summer Concert Series

Enjoy fantastic live music on the winery grounds every Saturday evening. Pair your summer night with a glass of award-winning estate wine or fresh craft beer from Talleysville Brewing Company. Relaxed outdoor seating, local food trucks, and beautiful sunset views over the vineyard.

Learn More
Music & Wine
Thursdays – Mondays, June – August 2026
Jolene Family Winery, 2750 Pocahontas Trail, Quinton
Quinton

Jolene Family Winery Lakeside Tastings

Sip award-winning estate wine, local hard cider, and craft beer on the scenic shores of Quinton's 18-acre private lake. Summer weekends bring an incredible lineup of local acoustic musicians, wood-fired pizza ovens, and rotating regional food trucks on the lakeside veranda. Quiet, scenic, and welcoming.

Learn More
Music & Wine
Select Weekends, June – August 2026
Saudé Creek Vineyards, 16230 Cooks Mill Rd, Lanexa
Lanexa

Saudé Creek Vineyards Riverview Performance Nights

Gather for live musical performances set against a scenic backdrop of the Pamunkey River. Savor exceptional wine, local cider, and delicious bites from rotating food truck vendors on the large chalet-style deck or the beautifully manicured hillside terrace. A Lanexa summer staple.

Learn More
Food & Wine
Select Fridays, June – August 2026
Gauthier Vineyard, 5000 Farmers Dr, Barhamsville
New Kent

Gauthier Vineyard Farm Pizza Nights

Wood-fired gourmet pizza, exceptional Virginia wines, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Gather at this veteran-owned estate and working equestrian center for relaxed Friday nights featuring live acoustic performances and beautiful rolling countryside views.

Learn More

Know about a local event?

This page is community-powered. If there's an event, festival, or gathering in New Kent County that should be listed here, let us know.

Contact Shannon