Exciting events and openings are happening statewide
There are always big happenings in Virginia and this year is no different. From museum expansions to hotel openings, the Old Dominion State has an exciting 2024 on tap. Here are some of the top events and openings this year.
Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail celebrates 20 years (Southwest Virginia)
The Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024 with special concerts, programs, and square dances across Southwest Virginia throughout the year. The Crooked Road is also joining in the celebration of the Carter Family Fold’s 50th Anniversary.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Virginia
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden celebrates its 40th anniversary (Henrico County)
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden kicks off its 40th anniversary in 2024 with a year-long celebration featuring exquisite horticultural displays, art exhibits, community events, live music and more, including: Contemporary American multi-disciplinary artist Kyle Epps as an artist-in-residence from April-September 2024. Epps’ work will explore the landscape and history of the Garden through a variety of mediums.
New Caesars Virginia resort casino (Danville)
Caesars Virginia, a $650 million premier destination resort casino, is coming to Danville in late 2024. Property plans include a 320-room hotel and a world-class casino gaming floor with more than 1,300 slots, 85 live table games, 24 electronic table games, a WSOP poker room and a Caesars Sportsbook. In addition, the resort will feature a full-service spa, pool, high-quality bars and restaurants, a 2,500-seat state-of-the-art live entertainment theater and more than 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.
Live music in Virginia
New Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol (Bristol)
With a projected opening in Summer 2024, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol will feature a 300-room hotel, five restaurants, four bars and lounges, new entertainment options, wedding and convention facilities, top-notch retailers, and an indoor and outdoor concert venue. The casino will feature 1,500 slots, 55 tables, and a sportsbook.
Norfolk Botanical Garden building Garden of Tomorrow
In 2023, the Norfolk Botanical Garden began construction on The Garden of Tomorrow – the largest expansion in the Garden’s history. The Garden of Tomorrow includes the Brock Parking Garden, Brock Entry Pavilion and the two-story 26,000 ft. Perry Conservatory featuring a second-story Skywalk. The Perry Conservatory will house and protect the most threatened plants around the world, allowing the Garden to expand conservation efforts. It is expected to be ready in 2025.
State Park in Virginia
Sweet Run State Park opening (Loudoun County)
Opened in September 2023, Sweet Run State Park is Virginia’s newest state park, an 844-acre greenspace nestled between the Blue Ridge and Short Hill mountains in far western Loudoun County. The park features 11 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of equestrian trails, two streams, dense forest and a rugged stretch of the world-famous Appalachian Trail. There is also a picnic pavilion, a “nature play area” for children and a fishing pond stocked with sunfish and largemouth bass.
Professional disc golf coming to Virginia (Lynchburg)
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Professional Disc Golf World Championships are coming to Lynchburg, August 21-25, 2024. This will be the first ever PDGA World Championship held in Virginia.
The Rose Gaming Resort to open mid-2024 (Dumfries)
The Rose Gaming Resort, a $400 million gaming and entertainment complex destination, will be located alongside I-95 in Dumfries. Along with exciting gaming action, The Rose Gaming Resort will include a luxury hotel, eight bars and restaurants, a cultural venue, a space for meetings and events, and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose Gaming Resort will generate an estimated $35.5 million in annual tax revenues and have more than 500 team members.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center expansion (Virginia Beach)
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s newly renovated and expanded facility offers a variety of immersive experiences with interactive exhibits, kids’ play areas, touch pools, an observable veterinary care center, interactive water quality lab and more. After a $28.9 million renovation and expansion, the South Building features more than a dozen new species of animals, along with longstanding favorites, the North American River Otters.
Virginia Beach Neptune Festival celebrates 50th anniversary (Virginia Beach)
2024 marks the 50th anniversary for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. Celebrate the 50th Annual Boardwalk Weekend, September 27-29, with concerts scattered along 30+ blocks of the boardwalk, an Art & Craft Show with 200+ vendors, magnificent sand sculptures created by world-renowned international sculptors, an 8k race, a grand parade, and more.
Virginia Tour Group
Virginia celebrations (statewide)
The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of the former colonies and future states, where much of this history took place. The celebrations run through 2024 and the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026.
Virginia Living Museum expansion (Newport News)
After recently breaking ground on a $4.3 million expansion to its 23-acre campus, the Virginia Living Museum is constructing a 5,000 sq. ft. Wild Care Center along the museum’s outdoor boardwalk trail. The Care Center will create a literal window into the world of veterinary and preventative animal care, nutrition, and the connection between humans and the environment. Expected opening Summer 2024.
Williamsburg Bray School to open (Colonial Williamsburg)
In September, the Williamsburg Bray School will open as a public site for the first time. Learn more about Ann Wager, the headmistress of the school, hear stories of her students, and learn about Colonial Williamsburg’s process to preserve and restore this original 18th-century building.
For more information on new and upcoming attractions, visit Virginia Group Tours Website.
