New Kent County doesn't try to compete with Richmond or Williamsburg on big-city events. Instead, the community calendar here is built around the things that make this area special — local wine, small-town festivals, the Saturday farmers market, and the kind of gatherings where you run into neighbors you haven't seen in months.
Summer is the busiest season for events in New Kent. The weather cooperates, the wineries and breweries are in full swing, and the annual A Taste of New Kent festival draws visitors from across the region. Here's what's happening this summer, how to plan your calendar, and what to expect at each event.
A Taste of New Kent Festival
A Taste of New Kent is the county's signature summer event. Held annually in August at Colonial Downs (10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy, New Kent), this festival brings together local wineries, breweries, and distilleries for an afternoon of tastings, live music, artisan vendors, and food trucks from across the region.
Organized by the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, the festival typically runs from noon to 6 p.m. and features free tastings from participating beverage producers, plus food available for purchase from local food trucks and vendors. It's a family-friendly event with activities for kids, live music on the main stage, and arts and crafts vendors showcasing local talent.
The 2024 edition marked the 15th annual festival, and the event has grown steadily each year. For 2026, the Chamber is expected to announce details in late July. Admission is generally free, with tasting tickets available for purchase.
Plan ahead: A Taste of New Kent draws a large crowd. Arrive early (before 1 PM) for the best parking and the longest selection of tasting options. Bring cash for vendors and tasting tickets — some vendors also take cards, but cash is more reliable. Designate a driver or plan to stay local; the festival is 30 minutes from both Richmond and Williamsburg.
New Kent Farmers Market
The New Kent Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, May through August, at the NKFM Pavilion (7589 New Kent Highway, at the intersection of New Kent Highway and Vineyards Parkway). It's a producers-only market, which means the person selling you the tomatoes is the same person who picked them that morning.
You'll find fresh seasonal produce, baked goods, artisan breads, local honey, farm-fresh eggs, cut flowers, and handcrafted items. The market is small but well-curated — every vendor is vetted, and the quality is consistently high. It's the kind of Saturday morning tradition that makes you feel connected to where your food comes from.
Local tip: Arrive at 9 AM for the best selection. The early birds get the freshest produce and the most popular baked goods. Bring cash — not all vendors accept cards. The market is a quick stop before heading out to explore the rest of the county for the day.
Colonial Downs Summer Racing Season
Colonial Downs in New Kent hosts its summer thoroughbred racing season from late June through early September. The 2026 season runs from June 25 through September 7, with live racing every Thursday through Sunday. Post time is generally 12:30 PM, and general admission is free on most race days.
The season features 35 stakes races, including the Virginia Derby, the Virginia Oaks, and the Festival of Racing. Colonial Downs is one of the largest turf courses in North America, and the grandstand has been renovated to offer a comfortable, modern experience. Themed race days, family-friendly activities, and food and drink options make it a fun summer outing even if you've never placed a bet.
Winery & Vineyard Events
Summer is the high season for New Kent's wineries and vineyards. Most of them host regular weekend events — live music on the patio, food truck pop-ups, sunset wine tastings, and seasonal festivals. Here's what to look for:
New Kent Winery
Located on the edge of the county, New Kent Winery hosts live music on weekends throughout the summer, with food trucks on site most Saturdays and Sundays. The vineyard views from the patio are some of the best in the area. Check their events calendar for summer concert series dates and special release parties.
Visit WebsiteSaudé Creek Vineyards
A Lanexa favorite with a lakefront tasting room and outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard. Saudé Creek hosts live music on weekends, regular food truck appearances from The Scottish Pig and others, and seasonal events like their summer sunset series. The lakeside setting makes it one of the most scenic event venues in the county.
Visit WebsiteJolene Family Winery
A family-owned winery in New Kent known for its relaxed atmosphere and regular live music lineup. Jolene hosts food trucks on weekends and has a spacious patio with vineyard views. Summer weekends often feature acoustic sets and wine slushies that are a hit with regulars.
Visit WebsiteLive Music & Community Concerts
Summer evenings in New Kent County are made for live music. Beyond the winery events, several local venues and community spaces host regular music nights throughout the warm months:
- Cooper's Tavern & Taproom in Quinton hosts live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, with a mix of acoustic sets, covers bands, and local originals. The outdoor patio is the place to be on a summer night.
- Old School Cider House in Providence Forge has live acoustic music on Friday evenings and Saturday-Sunday afternoons, plus Music Bingo on Thursday nights. The renovated schoolhouse setting adds a unique atmosphere.
- Strantz Pub at Brickshire Golf Club occasionally hosts live music on the patio overlooking the course. Summer evenings here are relaxed and scenic.
- New Kent County parks sometimes host community concert series and movie nights — check the county events calendar and the New Kent Parks & Recreation page for seasonal programming.
Family-Friendly Summer Events
For families with kids, summer in New Kent offers a mix of structured events and laid-back community activities that don't require a lot of planning:
- New Kent County Public Library runs summer reading programs, story times, and craft sessions for children throughout the summer. Check their calendar for weekly events — they're free and air-conditioned.
- Treetop Zoofari at Kings Dominion (about 30 minutes away) offers zipline and adventure park experiences that are popular with school-age kids and teens.
- Colonial Downs race days are family-friendly, with free general admission on most days and a fun, casual atmosphere that's appropriate for all ages.
- Local parks and playgrounds — Pine Fork Park in Quinton, the New Kent County parks, and Diascund Reservoir Park near Lanexa all have playground equipment and open space for running around.
- Farmers market Saturdays are a low-key family outing. The kids can pick out fruit, sample baked goods, and meet the farmers who grow their food.
Tips for Making the Most of Summer Events
A few things to keep in mind as you plan your summer event calendar in New Kent County:
- Check before you go. Small-town events can change dates, times, or locations. Always check the organizer's website or social media before heading out, especially for vendor markets and food truck appearances.
- Bring cash. Many smaller vendors at farmers markets, festivals, and food truck stops prefer cash. ATM availability can be limited at rural venues.
- Arrive early for parking. A Taste of New Kent and Colonial Downs race days draw large crowds. Parking lots fill up by early afternoon for the biggest events.
- Hydrate and pack sunscreen. Summer events in Virginia are hot. Most festivals and outdoor concerts have shaded areas, but you'll want water and sun protection for the midday hours.
- Involve the kids. Most New Kent events are family-friendly by design. The farmers market, winery grounds (with supervision), and library programs are all welcoming to children.
- Follow the wineries on social media. Food truck schedules and musician lineups change week to week. The most reliable way to know what's happening is to follow your favorite wineries and venues on Instagram or Facebook.
For military families new to the area, summer events are one of the best ways to get to know the community. New Kent is a small county where people notice new faces and welcome them. Show up at the farmers market or a winery's music night and you'll likely leave with a handful of recommendations for everything from the best barbecue to the best place to board a horse. That's the kind of community this is.
