Experience the vibrant pulse of Chesterfield County throughout the year, where seasonal festivals and community gatherings transform the natural wonders of Chesterfield into dynamic celebration spaces. From the rhythmic beats of summer concert series at Pocahontas State Park to the enchanting winter light displays at the Cultural Center, our calendar brims with family-friendly adventures and outdoor festivities. Whether you’re seeking artisan craft fairs in spring, autumn harvest celebrations, or weekly farmers’ markets bursting with local flavors, Chesterfield’s diverse event lineup caters to every interest and age group. Mark your calendar for signature events like the Chester Wine Festival, Heritage Days, and the Fourth of July spectacular at the fairgrounds – where community spirit meets seasonal splendor in the heart of Virginia.

Spring Awakening Events

Spring Maple Festival

Celebrate the sweet tradition of maple syrup making at Chesterfield’s beloved Spring Maple Festival, held annually in early March when the sap starts flowing. This cherished community event transforms the historic Rockwood Farm into a bustling hub of activity, where visitors can witness the fascinating process of turning maple sap into liquid gold.

Watch as skilled craftsmen demonstrate traditional maple syrup production methods using both modern equipment and historic techniques. Kids and adults alike delight in the hands-on experiences, from tapping maple trees to sampling fresh syrup straight from the evaporator. The festival features guided nature walks through the sugar bush, where naturalists explain the science behind maple sugaring and its deep roots in Virginia’s agricultural heritage.

Don’t miss the famous pancake breakfast, where locally produced maple syrup takes center stage. Browse artisan craft stalls, enjoy live bluegrass music, and warm up with hot maple-infused beverages. For the adventurous, try maple cotton candy or participate in the beloved maple syrup tasting contest. The festival offers free parking and runs rain or shine, making it a perfect early spring outing for the whole family.

Earth Day Outdoor Celebration

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Mother Earth at Pocahontas State Park this Earth Day! This family-friendly festival combines environmental education with outdoor fun, featuring interactive exhibits, eco-friendly workshops, and guided nature walks led by local environmental experts. Kids can participate in hands-on activities like butterfly garden planting, recycling crafts, and wildlife identification games.

Throughout the day, local conservation groups will demonstrate sustainable practices and share tips for protecting our natural resources. Don’t miss the popular bird watching sessions, where experienced naturalists help visitors spot and identify native species. The celebration also includes tree planting ceremonies, environmental art displays, and live music performed with eco-friendly instruments.

Pack a picnic and make a day of it! Food vendors will offer locally-sourced, sustainable treats, and water stations will be available for refilling reusable bottles. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and your enthusiasm for nature. This free community event runs from 10 AM to 4 PM, rain or shine, making it perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental stewardship.

Summer Fun Under the Sun

Lakeside Music Series

As the sun sets over Spofford Lake, the enchanting sounds of live music fill the air during the beloved Lakeside Music Series. Every Friday evening from June through August, locals and visitors gather on the grassy shores to enjoy free concerts featuring talented regional artists. The natural amphitheater setting creates perfect acoustics, while the backdrop of shimmering water and mountain views adds a magical touch to each performance.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to create the perfect summer evening. The diverse lineup includes everything from classic rock and country to jazz and blues, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Local food vendors often set up shop during concerts, offering tasty treats and refreshments to complement your picnic spread.

The series kicks off at 6:30 PM, giving families plenty of time to settle in before the music begins. Early arrival is recommended to secure prime viewing spots, especially during holiday weekends and special performances. The spacious lawn area provides plenty of room for children to dance and play while parents relax and enjoy the show.

For those seeking a unique experience, consider arriving by boat and anchoring near the shore to enjoy the concert from the water. Remember to bring bug spray and light layers, as evening temperatures can cool down considerably once the sun sets over the lake.

Summer Markets and Fairs

Summer in Chesterfield brings a vibrant array of markets and fairs that showcase the best of local produce, artisanal crafts, and community spirit. The Chester Farmers Market, running every Saturday from May through October, transforms the Village Green into a bustling marketplace where local farmers display their fresh seasonal produce, homemade baked goods, and artisanal cheeses.

Don’t miss the popular Chesterfield Arts & Crafts Fair, held annually in July, featuring over 50 local artisans displaying handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodwork, and textile arts. This two-day event includes live music performances, food trucks, and hands-on crafting demonstrations that keep visitors entertained throughout the day.

The Summer Night Market series, happening every third Friday from June through August, brings a magical evening atmosphere to the historic district. String lights illuminate vendor stalls offering everything from farm-fresh dinner ingredients to unique handmade gifts, while local musicians provide the perfect soundtrack for summer shopping.

For families, the Kid-preneur Market in August gives young entrepreneurs aged 8-16 a chance to showcase their creative ventures. Watch these budding business owners sell their handmade crafts, treats, and artwork while learning valuable business skills.

Remember to bring cash, reusable bags, and arrive early for the best selection – these popular summer markets often see their most unique items sell out quickly!

Fall Harvest Celebrations

Harvest Festival

Fall comes alive at Chesterfield’s beloved annual harvest celebration, transforming the historic Magnolia Grange grounds into a festive autumn wonderland. Every October, families gather to embrace the season’s bounty with traditional activities that capture the spirit of fall in Virginia.

Kids delight in selecting their perfect pumpkin from the sprawling patch, while hayrides wind through the colorful grounds offering picturesque views of fall foliage. Local farmers showcase their finest produce, bringing the farm-to-table experience right to visitors’ fingertips with fresh apples, squash, and seasonal treats.

The festival features hands-on activities like pumpkin decorating, corn husk doll making, and apple butter demonstrations that connect guests to Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage. Live bluegrass music fills the air as visitors explore artisan craft booths, sample fresh-pressed apple cider, and try their luck at old-fashioned games.

Don’t miss the popular scarecrow-making station where families create their own festive guardians using supplied materials and unlimited imagination. As evening approaches, the grounds transform with twinkling lights and crackling bonfires, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the autumn sky.

Fall Foliage Events

As autumn paints Chesterfield’s landscape in brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold, nature enthusiasts gather for some of the most spectacular leaf-peeping opportunities in Virginia. The Pocahontas State Park hosts guided fall foliage walks every weekend in October, where experienced naturalists share insights about native trees and their seasonal transformations.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the Swift Creek Fall Colors Kayak Tour offers a unique perspective of the autumn scenery from the water. These popular two-hour tours typically run twice daily during peak foliage season, usually mid-October to early November.

The Dutch Gap Conservation Area becomes a photographer’s paradise during fall, with special photography workshops scheduled throughout the season. Participants can learn techniques for capturing the perfect fall scenes while exploring the area’s extensive trail system.

Families particularly enjoy the annual Fall Festival at Magnolia Grange, where traditional harvest activities complement the natural beauty. Children can participate in leaf-collecting scavenger hunts, while adults appreciate the historic setting against the backdrop of fall colors.

Remember to check the weekly fall foliage reports posted by Chesterfield Parks and Recreation for the best viewing times and locations.

Winter Wonderland Events

When winter blankets Chesterfield in a glistening coat of frost, the county transforms into a magical destination filled with seasonal celebrations. The annual Winter Festival at Pocahontas State Park draws thousands of visitors with its enchanting light displays, festive music, and family-friendly activities. Bundle up for evening walks through the illuminated forest trails, where twinkling lights create a mesmerizing atmosphere perfect for holiday photos.

The Swift Creek Conservation Area hosts popular winter bird watching events, where naturalists guide visitors in spotting cardinals, woodpeckers, and other winter residents. For those seeking active adventures, the Winterfest at River City Sportsplex offers ice skating, sledding hills (weather permitting), and winter sports demonstrations.

December brings the beloved Holiday Market at Chester Village Green, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and live entertainment. Warm up with hot chocolate while browsing handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. The Chester YMCA’s Winter Wellness Series combines outdoor activities with health education, offering guided winter walks and cold-weather fitness classes.

Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Celebration at Henricus Historical Park, where historical reenactments, colonial games, and period-appropriate refreshments provide a unique way to ring in the new year. For indoor entertainment during particularly cold days, the Chesterfield County Library System hosts winter-themed storytelling sessions and craft workshops for all ages.

From vibrant spring festivals to cozy winter celebrations, Chesterfield’s outdoor events calendar offers something special throughout the year. The county’s dedication to creating memorable community gatherings has made it a destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Virginia experiences. Whether you’re exploring the food truck festivals in summer, enjoying the spectacular fall harvest celebrations, or participating in winter holiday markets, each season brings its own unique charm to Chesterfield’s outdoor scene. With its perfect blend of family-friendly activities, cultural celebrations, and natural beauty, Chesterfield continues to prove why it’s one of Virginia’s premier destinations for outdoor entertainment and community connection. Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and join us for the next exciting event under the Virginia sky.