Annual Events
January
Celebrity Waiter Dinner: Annual benefit dinner, with costumed local-celebrity wait staff whose antics are meant to raise money, like the dinner itself, for the Rappahannock County Benevolent Fund..
April
Fodderstack 10k Classic Race: The annual 10k race course follows the historic hills between the towns of Flint Hill and Washington and has been held for more than 35 years, drawing hundreds of runners of all levels from the region. Usually coincides with art festivals in Washington and elsewhere around the county. Register online at fodderstack10k.com.
Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Races: Held at historic Ben Venue Farm, on Route 729 at U.S. 211. Visit theolddominionhounds.com for more information.
Rappahannock Historical Society Antiques Appraisal: Annual fundraiser for the historical society features appraisers who will tell you what you have (from the item you brought, or some good photos of it); with food and refreshments. More information at rappahannockhistsoc.org.
Sperry Fest: Annual street festival & duck race down the Thornton River. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sperryville’s Historic Main Street. Find out more at sperryfest.org.
June
Amissville carnival and parade: This annual event benefits the Amissville Volunteer Fire and Rescue squad. Usually in late June. For information, see amissvillevfr.org.
July
Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks: Held at Ben Venue Farm on U.S. 211. Proceeds benefit the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department. Lots of food, live music, games and displays. Fireworks start at dusk.
September
Rappahannock County Farm Tour & Festival: This two-day, free event showcases farms and businesses producing the very best in local food, award-winning wines and artisanal products, set against the backdrop of the county’s extraordinary beauty, along with an artisans center at the visitors center. For more information visit rappfarmtour.org.
Rappahannock Rough Ride: Multiple bicycle races and events for all levels of fitness and skill. This outdoor challenge benefits the Rappahannock and Fauquier Free Clinics. Visit rappahannockroughride.org to sign up.
October
RAPPtoberfest: Rappahannock County’s Own Oktoberfest: An annual community Oktoberfest providing fun for the whole family. Hosted at Wakefield Country Day School, the event features authentic German food and bier, an antique car show, live music from the Edelweiss Band, and other activities such as pony rides, axe throwing, hair braiding, and a moonbounce. Visit wcdsva.org/rapptoberfest for tickets and more information.
Headwaters Harvest Festival: Activities for people of all ages. A celebration of our community’s rural heritage and commitment to fostering educational excellence. The funds raised will directly support Headwaters’ programs and operations, and continue benefitting the young people in Rappahannock County Public Schools. See headwatersfdn.org/headwaters-harvest-festival/.
Trinity Floral Art Sale and House Tour: For more than half a century, the women of Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington have held this charitable tour of three distinctive and/or historic homes in Rappahannock County. Ends with an Evensong service, concert and reception at the church, which is headquarters for the tour. Call 540-675-3716 or visit trinwash.org for more information.
November
Artists of Rappahannock Studio & Gallery Tour: Sponsored by the Rappahannock Association for the Arts and the Community (RAAC), the tour draws hundreds of art lovers to Rappahannock County. This self-guided driving tour begins at the Washington School, which is set up as an art gallery for the event, with samples of artists’ work. Tour attendees receive a map that directs them to the participating artist’s studios and the county’s many fine art galleries. For further information, visit raac.org or call 800-695-6075.
December
Christmas in Little Washington: This annual event is held the first weekend in December and includes a Christmas parade, artisan’s markets, a visit from Santa and activities and open houses by local businesses and churches. For more information about the day, one of Rappahannock County’s most popular family-friendly events, visit washingtonva.gov.