It seems like every August someone asks me “Hey, do you want to go fiddling next week?” And no, I don’t play the fiddle, but it’s always fun to get a group of friends together and head to this annual event which is celebrating it’s 75th year.

If you have never been then you may wonder what to expect.

First of all, this is an actual week long competition. Starting on Monday with the youth fiddler’s competition and culminating Saturday night with Blue Grass Band and Old Time Band competitions, you will see some of the best amateur musicians in the nation.

But the music is not just relegated to the grandstand stage. With thousands in attendance it would be impossible to everyone to have a seat for the competitions. But that’s alright, because some of the best music can be heard out in the fairgrounds. Many musicians and bands will wander around the campsites playing here and there with crowds gathering all around. This will last into the wee hours of the morning.

I might not listen to bluegrass and old time music all the time, but every time I hear it, it warms my heart and soul. The Old Fiddler’s Convention showcases the culture and musical history of this area in the best way.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit the Old Fiddler’s Convention’s website.

Who wants to go Fiddling?

For the 30th year, Blacksburg VA will be closing downtown Main Street for the Steppin’ Out street festival. Here are the basics you need to know about festival.

Who – Residents of Blacksburg and surrounding areas

What – 30th annual Steppin’ Out festival

When – August 6 & 7 10 Am – 10 PM

Where – Downtown Blacksburg

Why – There are many reasons to come to Blacksburg for Steppin’ Out. There will be live music, arts and crafts, food, sales from downtown vendors, and of course all of the friendly faces of the community.

This is one of the best times to find shopping deals in Blacksburg. For example, 310 Rosemont, a fashion boutique on Main Street, rented the store next door just to bring in merchandise for this weekend and is offering clothing at as much to 60% off, and new children’s clothing (which they are only selling this weekend) starting at $3.

The local restaurants will also be out on the streets, providing food for festival-goers.

Besides the great deals from local merchants, you will also be able to see the work of many local artists and craftsmen selling their wares. With all of the talented artists in the area there will be many wonderful works of art to see.

And finally, the music. There seems like few things more enjoyable than to listen to live music outside with friends and family on a sunny weekend like this one.

Hope you enjoy it, and click here for more detailed information

Most people who know of Floyd Virginia know that it a wonderfully unique place. One of the reasons is because of events like Floyd Fandango. Brought to you by the same group that organizes the nationally renowned FloydFest , Floyd Fandango promises to be a Fourth of July weekend to remember.

In addition to beer and wine tastings, there is a bevy of wonderful musicians including Grammy award winner Sam Bush, Goose Creek Symphony, and Missy Raines & the New Hip. Click here for the complete list of Floyd Fandango performers.

Tickets for Floyd Fandango are available online through July 2nd. If you plan on camping but are only going to the festival for one day, then you will need to get an overnight camping pass in addition to your ticket. If you are attending the whole weekend then overnight camping is free.

Also included with your tickets is a choice of either a wine glass with free tastings or a beer glass with four beer tasting pogs. There will be a wide variety of micro-breweries and wineries for you to sample from.

Hope everyone has an enjoyable Fourth of July weekend, and can experience one of the events that makes Floyd such a great place to live.

Approximate Floyd Fandango location-

View FloydFest Location in a larger map