For More Than 60 Years, This Small Town Has Hosted The Longest-Running Music Festival In Virginia
By Beth|Published August 22, 2023
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Virginia hosts countless music festivals throughout the year, and we believe each one is worth attending. But, the record for the longest-running music festival in the state belongs to the much-loved Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. Since 1963, this local festival has brought some incredible live music to the Shenandoah Valley, and it’s a lineup that somehow keeps getting better and better. So, whether you consider yourself a music fan or simply love taking part in traditions, you’ll agree that this small-town music festival in Virginia is one you’ll want to attend!
This year’s event runs until September 3rd, 2023. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival website or calling 540-459-3396.
Tucked away in western Shenandoah County awaits a secluded and stunning location for a long-standing Virginia tradition: the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.
The festival is held at Shrine Mont, which is a 1,000-acre retreat and event center owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.
Each year, the event draws thousands of music fans from across Virginia and even the mid-Atlantic. Visitors share that their favorite part about the concert, in addition to the music, of course, is the relaxed, outdoor atmosphere.
These workshops would transform the otherwise sleepy town into a lively event filled with world-class music. The rehearsals would draw the attention of locals and hotel guests alike, who were thrilled by the live performances.
So how did this retreat turn into the music festival we know and love today? According to local legend, one brave audience member who was getting impatient with the orchestra rehearsal's constant starts and stops yelled out a request that they play a full song from beginning to end. The rest, as they say, is history!
Through the years, different styles of music were performed, in addition to the original symphonic concerts held in the first few years.
Have you ever attended the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival? What did you think about this small-town music festival in Virginia? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! And be sure to check out some places to stay near Orkney Springs, Virginia.
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