Rock, country, bluegrass and jazz: Virginia Arts Festival announces lineup for expanded Williamsburg summer music event

WILLIAMSBURG – The Virginia Arts Festival will return to the heart of Colonial Williamsburg this summer with a lineup of well-known rock, bluegrass, jazz and country artists. 

The annual outdoor music festival is set to expand to four days this year and will be held June 25-28, with a Thursday night performance added to the schedule for the first time. 

The addition of the extra day, according to event coordinators, is a testament to both the popularity of the event and a unique partnership with Colonial Williamsburg, the City of Williamsburg and Visit Williamsburg.

“Williamsburg is pulling out all the stops in their celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said Virginia Arts Festival’s Artistic Director Robert W. Cross. “It’s the perfect place and time to celebrate great music that is defined by our country’s diversity and continues to make the United States an arts superpower.”

In 2025, Williamsburg Live drew visitors from 30 states and the District of Columbia. Guests traveled from near and far to enjoy live performances by their favorite artists, which included Grammy award-winning country group The Band Perry and the iconic Beach Boys.

This year’s program is expected to draw record numbers.

“With so much to see, do, taste and discover in this historic region, and such an array of Grammy-winning, critically acclaimed artists from bluegrass to rock to jazz and beyond, Williamsburg Live is the place to be this summer,” Cross added.

Celebrated artists Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna Judd will headline the show for the event’s kickoff on Thursday evening. Judd and Etheridge are currently embarking upon a 23-date national tour, “Raised on Radio,” which celebrates childhoods spent with an ear to the radio.

Etheridge, an award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist, made a mark on the rock world in the 90s with hits like “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One.” Etheridge will also perform songs from her new album, Rise, which is set for release later this month.

Wynonna Judd, a five-time Grammy winner, first rose to prominence in the country music realm as half of the legendary duo The Judds. She went on to launch a chart-topping solo career marked by anthems like “No One Else on Earth” and “To Be Loved by You.”

The Friday, June 26 show will feature jazz/funk icons Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and special guest Dumpstaphunk. Born Troy Andrews, Trombone Shorty got his start in music at the age of four, when he debuted at the New Orleans Jazz Fest alongside Bo Diddley. By the age of six, he was already leading his own brass band.

Dumpstaphunk has earned a reputation as one of the most respected New Orleans musical groups. The funk-fusion group features vocalist and keyboardist Ivan Neville and guitarist Ian Neville, sons of R&B hitmaker Aaron Neville, alongside original bassist, guitarist and vocalist Tony Hall.

Saturday night’s concert will feature bluegrass and roots music, headlined by Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. A musician, fiddler and producer, Krauss’s recording career began when she was just 14 years old. Since then, she has sold over 12 million albums and earned a staggering 27 Grammy wins. 

Jerry Douglas is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top dobro and steel guitar players. Special guest Theo Lawrence, a French-Canadian singer-songwriter, will also perform.

The festival will close out on Sunday with singer-songwriter Grace Potter. Often compared to Bonnie Rait, Potter is known for her powerful voice. She has collaborated with the likes of Allman Brothers Band, the Rolling Stones and Kenny Chesney. Her music spans a variety of genres, including blues, rock, country and soul.

In addition to showcasing world-renowned musical talent, the festival features local food trucks, regional wines and craft beers. The event is organized by the Virginia Arts Festival, the largest performing arts organization in Southeastern Virginia.

“As America commemorates 250 years of independence, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome visitors to experience four nights of world-class live music in the destination where America’s journey began,” said Visit Williamsburg President & CEO Edward Harris. “Visit Williamsburg is proud to support this year’s incredible lineup of artists.”

Want to go? Tickets are on sale now and are available online at vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822 or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office at 440 Bank Street in Norfolk.