2025 Festival Schedule is HERE!
Join us at historic and picturesque Timberneck on Machicomico State Park for the 2025 Festival Kickoff!
Gloucester, VA – The Gloucester Arts Festival returns in 2025 with an extraordinary lineup of events that blend artistic excellence, delicious locally sourced flavors and cuisine, and community spirit. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Virginia’s Middle Peninsula, this highly anticipated festival runs from June 6 through June 28, promising unforgettable experiences for art lovers, families, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Festival Kickoff: Brews, Brine, and Wine at Machicomico State Park Start the festivities on Friday, June 6, with Brews, Brine, and Wine at Machicomico State Park from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Savor Gloucester Brewing Company’s festival special ale, "Perennial Daze," along with oysters, food trucks, and live music by RaJazz. Attendees will also enjoy Blenheim Vineyards wine and free tastings from Copper Fox Distillery. Oysters are provided exclusively by Gloucester’s own Cappahosic Oyster Company, delighting all who enjoy the bivalve delicacy. Tickets are $30 and include six oysters (raw or roasted) and a beverage of choice.
Paint Main: A Plein Air Spectacle On Saturday, June 7, Gloucester Main Street transforms into a vibrant hub for the Quick Draw Competition from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Watch 30 nationally recognized plein air artists and local talents capture the essence of the historic district. Enjoy interactive exhibits from the VMFA Artmobile and Chrysler Museum’s Mobile Glass Blowing Unit.
Symphony Under the Stars Later that evening, join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for a magical Symphony Under the Stars at Main Street and Walter Reed Way, presented in partnership with Riverside Walter Reed Hospital. This free concert, celebrating its 19th year, is a highlight of the festival.
Additional Festival events to add to your calendar:
June 10: Mathews Paint Out & Reception at the Bay School Community Arts Center, Mathews, VA. Free and open to the public.
June 12: Patrons Preview Party – a ticketed Patrons' exclusive event showcasing new works by the 30 acclaimed artists.
June 14: Heart of the River Plein Air Gala at the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester. Gala Tickets are $150. Patron Tickets begin at $500, and include two tickets to the Gala, exclusive access to the Patrons Preview Party, and a $500 voucher towards the painting of your choice.
June 19: Arts at Abingdon features Soma, an award-winning saxophone quartet, at Abingdon Episcopal Church.
June 21: The English Channel at Flat Iron Crossroads, a tribute to classic British rock, sure to delight music enthusiasts.
June 28: Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos with Ron Holloway at Flat Iron Crossroads, a powerful blend of blues and rock to close out the festival with a bang.
June 28: Arts in the Village elevates the artisan market experience, the festival culminates with our It’s a Wrap Reception at the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester.
Celebrate the Heart of the River Collection The festival culminates with the unveiling of the 2025 Heart of the River Collection, a breathtaking exhibition of plein air works capturing the region’s charm. The collection will be displayed at the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester from June 15 through July 3, Mondays through Friday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays 11:00AM - 4:00 PM for the Festival only. The museum is free and open to the public, year-round, open Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and for Special Events.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and creativity that define the Gloucester Arts Festival. For details on the tickets and event, visit www.gloucesterartsfestival.com. To learn more about the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester, and visit our current exhibit: EVERYDAY PEOPLE: Through Freedom's Lens, please visit: https://www.fineartsmuseumofgloucester.org/