12 Best Performing Arts Venues in Virginia, USA

Background Illustration for Performing Arts

We've compiled the best of the best in Virginia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Blue Ridge Music Center

The center's outdoor amphitheater is the site of an ambitious concert series of regional and national musicians that has included the likes of Ricky Skaggs and Doc Watson. Impromptu jam sessions often break out in the center's plaza area.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

This theme park hosts popular song-and-dance shows (country, gospel, opera, German folk) in several theaters; in the largest, the 5,000-seat Royal Palace, pop stars often perform.

1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, VA, 23185, USA
757-253–3350
Performing Art Details
included in park tickets. Parking $15 per vehicle

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Carter Family Fold

At this 1,000-seat auditorium, live music is performed on Saturday night; a two-day festival is held each August. A museum in an adjacent building displays memorabilia from the Carter Family; descendants often perform in the shows.

3449 A P Carter Hwy., Hiltons, VA, 24258, USA
276-386–6054

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Floyd Country Store

What were once just sessions have evolved into a Friday Night Jamboree attended by local folks and visitors from afar. In summer, music often breaks out all around the store. "Granny Rules" are in effect: "no smokin', no cussin', and no drinkin'." But clogging on the dance floor is encouraged.

206 S. Locust St., Floyd, VA, 24091, USA
540-745–4563
Performing Art Details
$5

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Garth Newel Music Center

Open year-round, this chamber music venue in the heart of Virginia's Allegheny mountains also offers lodging in the Manor House and gourmet meals paired with live music.

403 Garth Newel La., Hot Springs, VA, 24445, USA
540-839–5018

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The National Theater

This concert venue hosts everything from the Richmond Symphony to alt-rock and alt-country bands, with a full schedule of performances throughout the year.

708 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
804-612–1900

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Old Fiddlers Convention

Hundreds of musicians and thousands of fans gather at Felts Park the second week of August for performances, contests, and jam sessions.

Phi Beta Kappa Hall

Well-known artists on tour play at this 10,000-seat hall at the College of William and Mary.

601 Jamestown Rd., Colonial Williamsburg, VA, USA
757-221–2674-box office

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Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center

The Ralph Stanley Museum opened in 2004 to preserve traditional mountain music. Focusing on the life and career of local legend Ralph Stanley, the exhibits allow visitors to hear the music of Stanley and other artists.

249 Dickenson Hwy., Clintwood, VA, 24228, USA
276-926–8550
Performing Art Details
$5

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Rex Theatre

Bluegrass, country, and gospel music is broadcast from here each Friday night on WBRF, FM–98.1.

113 E. Grayson St., Galax, VA, 24333, USA
276-236–0329

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Richmond Symphony

Founded in 1957, the symphony often features internationally known soloists during performances, holding shows in various venues from the Carpenter Center to the Altria. The Richmond Symphony All-Star Pops hosts popular guest acts.

Virginia Opera Company

Some of the best operatic talent in the nation performs in season (September through April) at Norfolk's elegant Harrison Opera House, which is known for its excellent acoustics. Their schedule includes the most popular operas of Europe and the United States.

160 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA, USA
757-623–1223

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