Celebrate spring with the tradition of the Vinton Dogwood Festival from April 25-April 29. Kick-off for the celebration begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. with carnival rides, games, and food by Cole Rides.  Ticket prices vary on different days.

Music has always been part of our tradition and this year is no different.  Starting our lineup at the Carnival Stage on Wednesday evening, April 25, enjoy the music of the Faded Travelers Band; followed on Friday, April 27 by the Uptown Band and 5 Dollar Shake on Saturday, April 28.  Admission is free to the carnival and carnival stage concerts.

Saturday, April 28, is a jam-packed day of fun activities. Events include a full day and night of carnival rides and games as well as a craft show, business showcase, antique car show and live entertainment on two stages, at Vinton Baptist and the Vinton Farmers’ Market, that will include bluegrass, jazz, contemporary Christian, country, oldies and steel drums.

Festival foods include the return of Texas Tavern as well as funnel cakes, homemade ice cream, crab cakes, kettle corn, gyros, pork rinds, BBQ, candy apples and much more.

Our free Kids’ Zone will feature balloon storyteller Dennis Yeatts, large inflatables, a petting zoo, crafts, games and prizes with the theme of “Love”.

Keeping with tradition, the crowning of the Dogwood Queen will take place on the porch of the Vinton War Memorial at noon. One deserving William Byrd High School student will receive the coveted crown and the honor of riding along with her court in the 63nd Annual Dogwood Parade which will step off at 2:30 p.m.

Grand Marshal for this year’s parade will be Robin Reed—WDBJ News Anchor and “an anchor of the valley”.  Reed will have a “Meet and Greet” from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the AACA Antique Car Show located at Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church.

Kids and parents alike will also enjoy the William Byrd High Marching Terriers School Band, the William Byrd Alumni Band, the Staunton River High School Band, the Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums, Island Trio, a variety of floats, walking and novelty units, clowns, stilt walkers, vehicles, horses and much more during the parade.

Highlight concerts will include The WORX at the Vinton Farmers’ Market Stage on Thursday, April 26, from 6:30—10 p.m. and the Holiday Band at the Vinton Farmers’ Market Stage on Sunday, April 29 from 2-6:00 p.m.  Both concerts will include a beverage garden and food available for sale. Admission is only $5. Bring a lawn chair for seating. Children under 12 years old are admitted free.

The Dogwood Festival will conclude on Sunday, April 29th with the carnival from 12 – 6 p.m.

The 63rd Annual Vinton Dogwood Festival is full of fun for the whole family. Save the dates to come out and enjoy our spring celebration In Vinton.

The Vinton Dogwood Festival appreciates the support of major sponsors including the Town of Vinton, Cox Communications and BJ’s Wholesale Club.

For more information call (540) 983-0614 or visit www.vintondogwoodfestival.org to download a Vinton Dogwood Festival Schedule of Events or check Facebook.com/vintondogwoodfestival for updates.

 Vinton Dogwood Festival, April 25 – 29, Schedule of Events

Cole Shows Carnival, Free Admission, Wednesday through Sunday, on-site parking $2, located on the Old WBHS Field, 100 Highland Ave., Vinton

April 28 – Annual Parade, Free Children’s Area with inflatables, petting zoo, crafts; business showcase vendors, AACA Antique Car Show, Two Entertainment Stages.

Vinton Baptist Church Parking Lot Stage:

• World Tai Chi Day Demonstration–10:00-10:45 am
• Bluegrass Bands–11:00 a.m. to 1:30 pm

Vinton Farmers’ Market Stage

• WBHS Jazz Band–10:00 a.m.
• Valley Church Worship Center–11:00 a.m.
• Island Trio–12:00 noon
• Jerry and Terry Duo–1:00 pm

Entertainment during the five -day festival:

• Faded Travelers Band, April 25, 7-10 p.m., Carnival Stage
• The Worx, April 26, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m., Vinton Farmers Market Stage, $5 admission, food and adult beverages for sale
• Uptown Band, April 27, 7-10 p.m., Carnival Stage
• 5 Dollar Shake, April 28, 7-10 p.m. Carnival Stage
• Holiday Band, April 29, 2 pm – 6 p.m., Vinton Farmers’ Market Stage, $5 admission, food and adult beverages for sale