What events happen in
New Kent County every year?
Summer is rolling strong across New Kent County. We are in late July now and the next few weeks are packed. Colonial Downs is running live thoroughbred racing every Thursday through Sunday through Labor Day. Coming up this week: the Festival of Racing on August 1 with the Grade 1 Arlington Million and Teacher Appreciation Day on August 2, followed by the wildly popular Wiener Dog Racing on August 15 and Princess and Tractor Day on August 16. Steeplechase Races return on August 13. The New Kent County Fair runs August 14-16 with a parade, 5K, and classic fair food. Bier Fest Brews & BBQ kicks off at Busch Gardens on July 31 and runs every weekend through Labor Day with 80+ craft brews and 38 specialty BBQ dishes. New this season: Cannon Country Fest at New Kent Winery on August 23, a Nashville-to-New Kent experience with live country music presented by Cannon Country 107.9FM. The farmers market is loaded with peak tomato and peach season every Saturday morning through August 29, with two bonus fall markets on September 26 and October 31. Vineyard concerts and lakeside tastings run every weekend from Quinton to Lanexa, and the Virginia Capital Trail Summer Challenge is in full swing through September. Looking ahead, the NAS Oceana Air Show returns September 19-20 with the Blue Angels, the region's premier military air show. Here is what is happening across New Kent, Quinton, Providence Forge, Lanexa, and the surrounding region.
Last updated: July 27, 2026
New Kent Farmers Market
A producers-only market featuring local farms, artisans, and makers every Saturday morning through summer. Stock up on fresh seasonal 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 gathering spot. Peak season brings tomatoes, peaches, sweet corn, and hand-picked blueberries through August. The market also returns for two bonus fall dates: Saturday, September 26 and Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Learn MoreFort Eustis USO Family Outings
Active-duty service members, military dependents, and veterans can enjoy free programs at Fort Eustis all summer. Late July and August highlights include beach day outings at Yorktown Beach, family movie nights, craft workshops, and Lunch with Therapy Dogs. Pre-registration on the USO calendar is required — check the full schedule for the latest dates and activities.
Learn MoreColonial Downs Summer Racing Season
Live thoroughbred racing runs every Thursday through Sunday through Labor Day — a record-setting 45-day meet. The season features 35 stakes races worth over $6.5 million on the legendary one-mile turf course, one of the largest in North America. General admission is free on most race days, making it an easy, affordable way to spend a summer afternoon in New Kent.
Learn MoreBusch Gardens Summer of Wonder
Just 25 minutes east, Busch Gardens' Summer of Wonder runs daily through July 30 with world-class thrills, live entertainment, and culinary events. Saturday night fireworks light up the sky through July 30. The Summer Concert Series brings free live music on select Saturday evenings through September 5, including Flo Rida on September 5. Military families: the Waves of Honor program offers complimentary admission for active-duty members and discounted tickets for veterans — register with ID.me in advance. Coasters After Dark offers nighttime ride access on select Fridays through August 28.
Learn MoreBusch Gardens Bier Fest Brews & BBQ
Virginia's largest craft beer and BBQ festival takes over Busch Gardens every weekend from late July through Labor Day. Sample over 80 craft brews and cocktails from 60 breweries — including 39 local Virginia favorites — alongside 38 specialty BBQ dishes and live local bands. Just 25 minutes east of New Kent, it's a perfect summer weekend outing. Included with park admission.
Learn MoreOld School Cider House Live Music & Cider Flights
A beautifully renovated 1920s schoolhouse turned restaurant and tap house, featuring Virginia craft ciders, beer, and wine alongside soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, and sharable plates. Live acoustic music fills the taproom on Friday evenings and Saturday–Sunday afternoons, and Thursday nights bring music bingo. The shaded outdoor patio is ideal for summer dining — try the rotating hard cider flights with a flatbread in the evening breeze. A Providence Forge gem.
Learn MoreMilitary Aviation Museum Summer of Flight
Narrated flying demonstrations of historic World War I and World War II aircraft every Saturday through September at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Watch vintage warbirds take to the sky including P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchells, and F4U Corsairs — all flown from the museum's own airfield. Docents explain the history and aerodynamics of each aircraft as they fly. This is a must-see for military families, aviation enthusiasts, and history buffs stationed at or near Fort Eustis and Langley AFB. The museum itself houses one of the world's largest collections of flyable vintage military aircraft. About 60 minutes from New Kent County via I-64 east.
Learn MoreNew Kent Winery Summer Concert Series
Enjoy fantastic live music on the winery grounds every Saturday evening through summer. The calendar features events on July 18, 20, and 27, with additional dates throughout the season. Pair your night with a glass of award-winning estate wine or fresh craft beer from Talleysville Brewing Company, which expanded its distribution statewide in late 2025. Relaxed outdoor seating, local food trucks, and beautiful sunset views over the vineyard.
Learn MoreJolene 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 brings weekly "Summer Nights by the Lake" on Wednesdays (4–9 PM) with live music, food trucks including 191 Smokery, and wood-fired pizza ovens. Weekends add local acoustic musicians, pop-up artisan shops, and yoga sessions on the lakeside. Open Sun, Mon, Thu–Sat (11 AM–6 PM, Fridays until 9 PM; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays except Summer Nights). Quiet, scenic, and welcoming.
Learn MoreSaudé 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. Open Mon, Wed–Sun, 12–6 PM (Sat–Sun from 11 AM; Fri until 8:30 PM; closed Tuesdays). A Lanexa summer staple.
Learn MoreGauthier Vineyard Live Music Nights
Enjoy live music on this veteran-owned estate and working farm and vineyard in the rolling Barhamsville countryside. Expect jazz classics, movie themes, and popular songs on select Friday evenings through the summer. Open Monday, Wednesday–Sunday (closed Tuesdays; Fridays until 8 PM) with estate wines, charcuterie, and beautiful countryside views.
Learn MoreJolene Family Winery Summer Farmers Market
A rotating artisan and farm vendors market set on the beautiful 18-acre private lake at Jolene Family Winery. Browse local goods, enjoy live music, sip award-winning estate wines and craft beer, and savor wood-fired pizza and food truck fare on a Quinton summer afternoon. Check the winery's calendar for specific Sunday dates.
Learn MoreVirginia Capital Trail Summer Challenge
Walk, run, bike, or skate your way through the summer on the scenic 51.7-mile Virginia Capital Trail that runs right through New Kent County. This virtual challenge lets you log miles at your own pace toward distance goals all season long, with a new team competition adding a social element. Registration is open — sign up to join and log your miles through September 7. A great way for active families and fitness-minded newcomers to explore the area and stay connected with the trail community.
Learn MoreEd Allen's Weekday Bass Tournament
Largemouth bass fishing is at its peak on Chickahominy Lake right now. Ed Allen's Boats & Bait runs a Weekday Bass Tournament from early June through December — launch a pontoon or motorboat, grab live bait and tackle, and hit the water. Open daily from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Early mornings before 8 AM and evenings after 6 PM are best in the summer heat.
Learn MoreColonial Downs Festival of Racing
The marquee event of Colonial Downs' summer meet — the Festival of Racing features the season's biggest stakes races including the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 2 Beverly D. Stakes ($500,000 purse), and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes ($500,000 purse). A premium event with tickets required ($5 general admission, free for children 5 and under). A world-class racing card just minutes from home.
Learn MoreColonial Downs Family Fun / Teacher Appreciation Day
Colonial Downs wraps up a huge first week of August with a family-friendly Sunday honoring teachers. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, food specials, and live thoroughbred racing on the legendary one-mile turf course — a perfect back-to-school-season outing for families and educators across the New Kent area. General admission is $5; kids 5 and under always free.
Learn MoreColonial Downs Wiener Dog Racing
The dachshunds take over the track at this wildly popular, family-friendly race day. Watch teams of wiener dogs dash down the turf in one of the most entertaining events of the summer — a crowd favorite that draws smiles from kids and adults alike. Live thoroughbred racing rounds out the card. General admission is free on most race days.
Learn MoreColonial Downs Princess / Tractor Day
A fun-filled Sunday at the races featuring kid-friendly activities, princess meet-and-greets, and tractor displays alongside live thoroughbred racing on the legendary one-mile turf course. A wonderful late-summer family outing for the whole New Kent community. General admission is $5; kids 5 and under always free.
Learn MoreColonial Downs Steeplechase Races
A rare summer treat for racing fans — Colonial Downs hosts steeplechase racing on the legendary one-mile turf course, one of the only venues in the country to offer both flat and jump racing on the same card. With an earlier post time, it is a unique mid-week outing for the whole family. General admission is free on most race days.
Learn MoreOld Forge Sporting Clays Monthly Fun Shoot
A monthly fun shoot at one of the premier public sporting clays facilities in the region. Enjoy beautifully landscaped woodland courses for clay, skeet, and trap shooting — open to all skill levels. A highlight for outdoor enthusiasts in Providence Forge. Early morning sessions (before 10 AM) are best to beat the late-summer heat.
Learn MoreNew Kent County Fair
New Kent County's beloved annual fair returns with a parade, pageant, 5K race, Kid's Fun Run, local vendors, exhibits, demonstrations, live entertainment, and classic fair food. Friday hours 5–9 PM, Saturday 9 AM–8 PM, and Sunday 12–6 PM. A highlight of the late-summer calendar and a wonderful way to experience the heart of the community.
Learn MoreCannon Country Fest: A Nashville-to-New Kent Experience
The second annual Cannon Country Fest presented by Cannon Country 107.9FM brings Nashville-style country music to New Kent Winery. Enjoy an evening of live country music on the vineyard grounds, estate wine and Talleysville craft beer, local food vendors, and beautiful sunset views. General admission tickets available at the door or in advance — a fantastic late-summer addition to the New Kent events calendar.
Learn MoreFood Truck Palooza
A monthly community food truck gathering in Quinton featuring a rotating lineup of local food vendors serving everything from barbecue and tacos to desserts and specialty drinks. Bring the family, grab dinner from a different truck, and enjoy the relaxed community atmosphere. A wonderful way to meet neighbors and support small local food businesses.
Learn MoreHow do I find upcoming events in New Kent County?
This page is community-powered and updated regularly. If there's an event, festival, or gathering in New Kent County that should be listed here, let Shannon know.
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