Seven Award Winning Events for 2016

Each spring, the annual competition begins for the prestigious American Bus Association (ABA) Top 100 Events for group travel in North America. Winners are chosen by a committee of ABA coach and tour operator members from hundreds of submissions of celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events and more, nominated by ABA members. From among the winners, ABA also names the Number One Event for both the United States and Canada. In 2016, Virginia is not only proud to be home to six of the Top 100 Events in the US but also to the Number One Event for the United States!

Bring your family and friends to experience these award winning events – an unforgettable Virginia journey to one of the seven Top 100 events below.

– Virginia International Tattoo (ABA 2016 Top US Event), Norfolk – April 21-24, 2016 –

There is a reason families and fans return year after year to be a part of the pageantry and grandeur of this uniquely inspiring experience, now a beloved Virginia tradition. Each year’s Tattoo is different, with new performers from across the globe, new themes of honor and patriotism, and state of the art technical effects that will leave you gasping in awe. Read more.

Virginia International Tattoo

– Norfolk’s Annual Harborfest Festival – June 3-5, 2016 –

Norfolk is host to the annual favorite, Norfolk’s Annual Harborfest Festival! Every June, Norfolk celebrates nautical history by displaying tall ships from all over the world, along with maritime events and children’s activities. Enjoy local, regional and national entertainment, delicious food and a spectacular fireworks display all along the downtown waterfront. Read more.

Norfolk Harborfest Festival

– Patriotic Festival: A Celebration of our Military, Virginia Beach – June 3-5, 2016 –

Virginia Beach is hosting the Patriotic Festival celebrating the military at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for three wonderful days. Head to the Oceanfront to feast on local foods, shop for hand-crafted items and view military expos while you dance and sing along to tunes by national musical artists. Read more.

Patriotic Festival: A Celebration of our Military

– NAS Oceana Air Show, Virginia Beach – September 10-11, 2016 –

The NAS Oceana Air show is a thrilling event for those who love aircraft and aviation. The show is a thrilling spectacle of both military and civilian flight demonstrations, parachute shows and pyrotechnics. The highlight is the United States Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team. The event takes place at Naval Station Oceana, the only time the Master Base is open to the general public. Read more.

NAS Oceana Air Show

– Christmas in Williamsburg, November 25 – December 31, 2016 –

For a month long holiday celebration, experience Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town, Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday celebrations and A Colonial Christmas at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. Enjoy fine holiday dining and shopping galore. The community comes together with festive holiday décor, special programs and events sure to please all ages. Read more.

Christmas in Williamsburg, Busch Gardens

– Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination, December 4, 2016 –

Colonial Williamsburg’s Christmas season officially begins with Grand Illumination, a spectacular evening where candles twinkle in the windows of historic area homes and buildings, and the heavens explode with fireworks! Enjoy music, holiday events, hot chocolate and apple cider and the many more festival activities on the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. Read more.

Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination

– Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, December 16-17, 2016 –

Explore Northern Virginia during the most wonderful time of the year, featuring a festive holiday evening at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This colonial inspired event is one to be remembered, as it finishes with fireworks choreographed to holiday music over the Potomac River. Read more.