16 Virginia Summer Activities You Can't Miss

Now that summer is officially here, you can enjoy countless events and activities across Virginia. From mountain music festivals, to pirates, and a pony swim, the Commonwealth has an endless supply of cultural, musical, and sporting events each summer. Below is a list of some of my summer favorites, but I'm always looking for more. Share your favorites with me in the comments section below!

1. Hampton Jazz Festival

Hampton, Virginia

June 27-29

This event is hosted at the Hampton Coliseum. Now in its 47th year, the Hampton Jazz Festival includes a variety of jazz, blues, soul and other performers for a music-filled weekend. Performances this year will include Charlie Wilson, Jaheim, Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers, The O'Jays, Spyro Gyra, Babyface, Richard Elliott and Toni Braxton, among many others!

2. Hampton's Afrikan American Festival

Hampton, Virginia

June 27- 29

Hampton's Afrikan American Festival is an annual outdoor, family-oriented event with nonstop entertainment. More than 70 street market vendors will be on site selling authentic and original African American art, artifacts, handmade crafts, and more. I'll be enjoying the festival myself this Saturday, if you see me please come say hello!

3. Virginia Lake Festival

Clarksville, Virginia

July 17-19

Named "One of the Top 20 Events" by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Annual Virginia Lake Festival has something for everyone to enjoy, including hot air balloon and helicopter rides, sand sculptures, antique cars, live bands, delicious food and a fireworks show.

4. FloydFest

Floyd, Virginia

July 23-27

FloydFest features more than 50 musicians on 7 stages! Performers for this summer will include Lauryn Hill, Ben Harper and Charlie Mussel White.

5. Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

July 25-27

This festival comes complete with family entertainment, an arts and crafts fair and endless blueberries in Chincoteague, named #1 Happiest Seaside Town for 2014 by

Coastal Living!

6. Hogging Up BBQ & Music Festival

Clear Brook, Virginia

June 27-29

This festival is more than BBQ and Music – it is also a chance for you to give back to the community. Bring your friends and family out to help raise money for local nonprofits and enjoy some friendly BBQ competition!

7. Chincoteague Pony Swim

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

July 30

This year, tens of thousands of spectators from Virginia and around the country will gather on Chincoteague Island to celebrate the 89th Chincoteague Pony Swim. After the pony swim, the ponies are auctioned off in a fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. This is one of my personal favorite summer events!

8. Carter Family Traditional Music Festival

Hiltons, Virginia

August 1-2

This festival is held in honor of "the first family of country music" in celebration of their debut following the 1927 Bristol Recording Sessions.

9. Filipino Festival

Richmond, Virginia

August 8-9

The delicious, authentic Filipino food and dance make this event a must-see. Admission to the festival is free, and all proceeds go to local outreach programs.

10. Annual Smith River Fest

Martinsville - Henry County, Virginia

August 9

With 20 miles of trails, a 4.8 mile long river race, a 5K Mud Run, and countless other opportunities to get on the water, adults and kids alike can come and enjoy the Smith River. New to the event this year is the Martinsville Speedway Duck Race 5000 to support the Boys and Girls Club – complete with 5,000 bright yellow rubber ducks!

11. Rockingham County Fair

Rockingham County, Virginia

August 11-16

For more than 60 years the Rockingham County Fair has been bringing family and friends together for fun-filled weekends. This year the fair will include live music from The Old Crow Medicine Show, a farm museum and numerous food stands run by local civic organizations.

12. Verizon Wireless American Music Festival

Virginia Beach, Virginia

August 29-31

The American Music Festival is the largest outdoor musical event hosted on the East Coast, which is no surprise since the event draws local and national performers of every genre to perform on one of Virginia's most popular beaches.

13. Shenandoah County Fair

Woodstock, Virginia

August 22 - 30

Don't miss this year's Shenandoah County Fair with performances by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Trace Adkins. Make sure to stick around for the famous Shenandoah County Harness Racing!

14. Latino Festival

Manassas, Virginia

September 21

Join your community for a day of dance and song, all in the Latino spirit! The 2014 Manassas Latino Festival will be hosted at the Harris Pavilion. Vendors, musicians and dancers will be in attendance, and there will plenty of fun activities for kids.

15. 79th Annual Old Fiddler's Convention

Galax, Virginia

August 4-9

Don’t miss the Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax, Virginia - the oldest and largest fiddlers' convention in the world!

16. Bristol Rhythm & Roots

Bristol, Virginia

September 19-21

Bristol, the birthplace of Country Music, is the ideal place to enjoy the rich musical and cultural history that the Commonwealth has to offer. Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion brings dozens of acts together to celebrate music from past, present and future. I'll never forget playing the harmonica with a great Virginia band, Folk Soul Revival, at Rhythm and Roots in 2012.