The Top 5 Food Events in Virginia This May
Last Updated on April 23, 2026 by Liz Thomson
Spring in Virginia is when things get really good. Farmers’ markets are overflowing, food festivals are in full swing, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to eat your way across the state (purely for research purposes, of course). If you’re planning a weekend outing or just looking for an excuse to try something new, here are five Virginia food events worth adding to your May calendar.
Virginia Wine Festival at Bull Run
Centreville – May 30th–31st, 2026
This wine festival is one of the largest gatherings of wineries in the state. With dozens of Virginia wineries pouring samples, this is a great opportunity to explore everything from bold reds to crisp spring whites.
In addition to wine tastings, you’ll find food vendors serving everything from barbecue to artisan snacks, plus live music throughout the day. It’s a lively, social event—perfect for a group outing or a relaxed afternoon of sipping and snacking.
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Williamsburg – Runs Thursday – Sunday, Apr. 23 – June 21
This one technically has wine in the name, but the real draw is the food booths. Busch Gardens transforms into a global tasting experience with small plates inspired by cuisines from around the world. We went last year, and you can read about it here.
Think street corn, empanadas, noodle dishes, and desserts you wouldn’t expect to find in a theme park. It’s especially great for families or anyone who wants a low-pressure way to try a bunch of different foods in one place. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting much from the food but it was actually really great!
Strasburg Mayfest
Strasburg – May 8–9, 2026
This is a classic small-town festival in the Shenandoah Valley, with a strong presence of food vendors. Mayfest draws crowds with local food stands, homemade baked goods, and casual festival eats.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll find kettle corn, BBQ, funnel cakes, and maybe something unexpected from a local vendor testing a new idea. Bonus: it’s walkable, low-key, and doesn’t require a full-day commitment.
Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Norfolk – May 2–3, 2026
Set along the waterfront at Town Point Parll, this wine festival combines beautiful views with a curated selection of Virginia wineries. You can sample wines while enjoying live music and browsing food vendors offering everything from light bites to more substantial fare. Some of our favorite wineries, like Barboursville Winery, will be there!
The relaxed, scenic setting makes this one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a spring weekend in Coastal Virginia, especially if you’re looking to pair your wine with a little fresh air.
¿Qué Pasa? Festival
Richmond – May 30, 2026
This free, family-friendly event celebrates Hispanic and Latin American culture with a huge lineup of food vendors serving everything from tacos and arepas to empanadas, desserts, and more. Plus, it’s a chance to explore the new Carmax park!
Hosted by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the festival has been running for over two decades and has grown into one of the largest cultural events in the region. Expect a full day of live music, performances, artisanal vendors, and plenty of incredible food representing different Latin American cuisines.
Pro tip: Go with a group, share everything, and treat it like a tasting tour.
Looking for more? Check out our full list of 2026 Food Festivals! If there’s a local food event you’re looking forward to, let us know in the comments!
