Virginia-Highland Summerfest returns for its 39th year this weekend, June 8-9, with art, food, and live music headlined by rock groups The Whigs and The Vegabonds.
Summerfest takes place Saturday (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive and John Howell Park. The weekend begins with the Friday Night Kick-off Party June 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Known for its fine art market, Summerfest welcomes 200 artists working in a variety of mediums, such as clay, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography sculpture and more. There will also be a Makers’ Market, where vendors offer crafts and artisan products.
This year’s music line-up includes:
Saturday, June 8
1:30 p.m. The Mammoths
3 p.m. Illiterate Light
4:45 p.m. The Whigs
6:30 p.m. Mo Lowda & the Humble
Sunday, June 9
12:15 p.m. Kobanova
1:45 p.m. The Vegabonds
3:30 p.m. Stop Light Observations
Also happening on June 8 at 8 a.m. is the annual Summerfest 5K Run. Registration starts at $35. A Tot Trot will take place at 9:30 a.m. for kids 10 and younger.
Located in the field next to Virginia Highland Elementary, Kidsfest will feature games, hands-on arts and crafts, and kid-focused activities for the festival’s younger attendees. Many activities are free, and Kidsfest is open festival Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Because the festival is located in the thriving Virginia-Highland neighborhood, visitors can enjoy a wide range of fare from local restaurants. The festival site also includes an array of festival food vendors, as well as beverages, beer, wine and cocktails.