Dover, Del.
Firefly Music Festival
The first large-scale music festival in Dover history, Firefly’s inaugural lineup has something for everyone. The three-day, 47-band event extends across a variety of genres, including alternative rock, bluegrass and R&B. A solid list of heavy-hitting rock headliners includes alternative bands the Killers and the Black Keys, as well as Jack White, who will share a stage with R&B superstar John Legend and electronic performers Bassnectar and Passion Pit. Attractions include an air-conditioned brewery, wine garden and hot-air balloon rides.
The festival is Friday-Sunday, July 20-22, at the Woodlands of Dover International Speedway. Tickets are $68 for Friday, $88 for Saturday-Sunday. Camping fee not included. For full lineup and schedule, go to fireflyfestival.com.
Norfolk, Va.
Norfolk Jazz Festival
Enjoy a weekend of jazz under the stars at the 30th Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival, featuring two days of live outdoor performances on the scenic downtown waterfront. This year’s festival has concerts by local and national recording artists, including Steve Cole, Marcus Anderson, Jeff Kashiwa, Peter White, Gerald Albright and Rick Braun.
Concerts are at Town Point Park on Friday and Saturday, July 20-21. General weekend admission is $38. Visit festevents.org for more information.
Easton
Plein Air-Easton
Art creators, collectors and lovers are invited to enjoy the work of regional and national artists this competition and arts festival. This summer’s festival features a large gallery of paintings available for purchase, quick-draw competitions, cash prizes, exhibits, workshops and demonstrations. On Friday, July 20, art enthusiasts can attend a collectors’ sneak preview party, where art from some of the nation’s top emerging artists will be displayed and available for purchase. On Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22, visitors can enjoy a gallery exhibit and sale, as well as national quick-draw contests featuring over 150 artists.
Admission to most events is free. Preview party admission is $150, which can be used to make gallery purchases.
For more information, call 410-822-7297 or visit pleinaireaston.com.
Manheim, Pa.
Blues & Brews
Who says only Baltimore knows crabs? Get a taste of Maryland at the Third Annual Blues & Brews, hosted by Pennsylvania’s Mount Hope Estate & Winery on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in northern Lancaster County. Highlights of the festival include an all-you-can-eat crab feast, beer from the Swashbuckler Brew Pub and live music by slide guitarist Angelo M.
Event is rain or shine. Admission is $49.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 5-11. Tickets, available online until July 19, include entry to feast grounds and unlimited food and drink. Pets are not permitted. For more information, call 717-665-7021 or visit parenfaire.com.
Fairfax, Va.
Asian Festival: “The Year of Dragon”
Take a cultural tour from India to the Philippines, across China and through Thailand — all without a passport. On Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22, George Mason University will host D.C.’s ninth annual Asian Festival, the largest Asian heritage event in the Mid-Atlantic region. Celebrate diversity while enjoying music, cultural performances, cuisine and a multicultural marketplace.
Admission is free. The festival is, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday on the George Mason University main campus. Free parking is available. Visit asianfestivaldc.com for more information.
