For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.
January
Whale-Watching Boat Trips, Virginia Beach. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center sends cruise boats out looking for whales. Sightings are not guaranteed. Call tel. 757/437-2628, or go to www.vmsm.com. January 2 to mid-March.
Open House at Stratford Hall, on the Northern Neck, Lee's birthplace. Call tel. 804/493-8038, or go to www.stratfordhall.org. January 15.
Lee Birthday Celebrations, Alexandria. Period music, plus house tours at Lee-Fendall House. Call tel. 703/548-1789, or go to www.leefendallhouse.org. Fourth Sunday in January.
February
George Washington Birthday Events, Alexandria, Mount Vernon, Fredericksburg. Old Town Alexandria puts on the dog to celebrate GW's birthday: walking tours; symposia; black tie or Colonial costume Saturday-evening dinner, followed by a birthnight ball at Gadsby's Tavern; a parade on Monday (tel. 800/388-9119 or 703/838-4200; www.visitalexandria.com). George's home at Mount Vernon also gets in on the act. Call tel. 703/780-2000, or go to www.mountvernon.org. Down in Fredericksburg, special activities are held at Mary Washington House and George Washington's Ferry Farm. Call tel. 800/678-4748 or 540/373-1776 (www.visitfred.com). Presidents' Day weekend.
Maymont Flower and Garden Show, Richmond. A breath of spring, with landscape exhibits, vendors, and speakers at the Greater Richmond Coliseum. Call tel. 804/358-7166, or go to www.maymont.org. Late February.
March
James Madison's Birthday, Montpelier. Ceremony at cemetery and reception at house. Call tel. 540/672-2728, or go to www.montpelier.org. March 16.
Highland Maple Festival, Monterey. See maple syrup produced, pour it over pancakes, and visit one of the state's largest crafts shows. Call tel. 540/468-2550, or go to www.highlandcounty.org. Second and third weekends in March.
Patrick Henry Speech Reenactment, St. John's Episcopal Church, Richmond. "Give me liberty or give me death" resounds once again. Call tel. 804/648-5015, or go to www.historicstjohnschurch.org. Closest Sunday to March 23.
April
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday Commemoration, Monticello, Charlottesville. Wreath-laying ceremony at gravesite, fife-and-drum corps, and a speaker. Call tel. 434/984-9822, or go to www.monticello.org. April 13.
Virginia Arts Festival, Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach. Famous performers appear at venues from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach during this month-long festival. Call tel. 757/282-2800, or go to www.virginiaartsfest.com. Mid-April to mid-May.
Virginia Fly-Fishing Festival, Waynesboro. Anglers gather beside the South River for demonstrations, lectures, casting instruction, live music, and wine tasting. Call tel. 703/403-8338, or go to www.vaflyfishingfestival.org. Third weekend in April.
Norfolk's International Azalea Festival, Norfolk. The brilliant beauty of azaleas in bloom is the backdrop for ceremonies in the Norfolk Botanical Garden saluting NATO countries, including the crowning of a queen who reigns at a parade and other festivities. Also features a military display that includes an air show, visiting of ships, and aircraft ground exhibits. Call tel. 757/441-1852, or go to www.azaleafestival.org. Last week in April.
Historic Garden Week in Virginia, statewide. The event of the year for garden lovers -- a celebration with tours of the grounds and gardens at more than 250 Virginia landmarks, including plantations and other sites open only during this week. For information, contact the Garden Club of Virginia, 12 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219 (tel. 804/644-7776 or 804/643-7141; www.vagardenweek.org). Last full week in April.
May
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, Winchester. Acres of orchards in blossom throughout the valley, plus 5 days of music, band competitions, parades, the coronation of the queen, footraces, arts and crafts sales, midway amusements, and a carnival, with a celebrity grand marshal. Call tel. 540/662-3863, or go to www.thebloom.com. Usually first weekend in May.
Virginia Gold Cup Race Meet, Great Meadow Course, The Plains. Everyone dresses to the nines for the state's premier steeplechase event. Call tel. 800/697-2237 or 540/347-1215 (www.vagoldcup.com). First Saturday in May.
Seafood Festival, Chincoteague. All you can eat -- a seafood lover's dream. Get tickets in advance from Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 460, Melfa, VA 23410 (tel. 757/787-2460; www.chincoteaguechamber.com). First weekend in May.
Jamestown Landing Day, Jamestown. Militia presentations and sailing demonstrations celebrate arrival of the first English settlers in 1607. Call tel. 888/593-4682 or 757/253-4838 (www.historyisfun.org). Early May.
Reenactment of Battle of New Market, New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, New Market. Call tel. 866/515-1864 or 540/740-3101 (www.vmi.edu/newmarket). Weekend closest to May 15.
New Market Day, Virginia Military Institute Campus, Lexington. Annual roll call for cadets who died in the Battle of New Market. Call tel. 540/464-7000, or go to www.vmi.edu. May 15.
Virginia Hunt Country Stable Tour, Loudon County. A unique opportunity to view prestigious Leesburg, Middleburg, and Upperville horse farms and private estates. Sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville. Call tel. 540/592-3711, or go to www.middleburgonline.com/stabletour. Memorial Day weekend.
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, Orkney Springs. Music from classical to country fills the mountain air. Call Orkney Springs Hotel at tel. 800/459-3396 (tickets only) or 540/459-3396 (www.musicfest.org). Concerts start Memorial Day weekend and run on weekends through August.
Vintage Virginia Wine Festival, Great Meadows Steeplechase Course, The Plains. Taste the premium vintages from 35 wineries at this Hunt Country festival. Arts and crafts displays; food; and jazz, reggae, and pop music. Call tel. 800/277-2675, or go to www.vintagevirginia.com (for information about this and many other wine festivals statewide). Last weekend in May.
June
Harborfest, Norfolk. Tall ships, sailboat races, air shows, military demonstrations, and fireworks. Call tel. 757/441-1852, or go to www.festeventsva.org. Mid-June.
Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival, Oronoco Bay Park, Old Town Alexandria. Fundraiser carnival features bands, fireworks, and views from atop a Ferris wheel to Washington, D.C. Call tel. 703/549-8300, or go to www.waterfrontfestival.org. Third weekend in June.
Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach. Works in all mediums, between 14th and 28th streets on the Boardwalk. Call tel. 800/822-3224, or go to www.vbfun.com. Mid-June.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival, Charlottesville. James Monroe's home is one of several Charlottesville settings for opera, musicals, and concerts. Call tel. 434/293-4500, or go to www.ashlawnopera.org. End of June to August.
July
Independence Day Celebrations, statewide. Every town parties and shoots fireworks in honor of the nation's birthday. Contact local tourist information offices. July 4th.
Pony Swim and Auction, Chincoteague. Famous wild horses swim the Assateague Channel and are later herded to carnival grounds and auctioned off. Return swim to Assateague on Friday. Call tel. 757/336-6161 (fax 757/336-1241; www.chincoteaguechamber.com). The carnival-like festival is last 2 weeks in July; swim on last Wednesday in July.
August
Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon. Appalachian Mountain culture showcase for musicians, artists, artisans, and writers. Area's largest crafts show has an antiques market and hot-air balloons. Call tel. 800/435-3440 or 276/676-2282 (www.vahighlandsfestival.org). First 2 weeks in August.
Old Time Fiddlers' Convention, Galax. Dating to 1935, one of the largest and oldest such conventions in the world. It also coincides with the Fiddlefest street festival. Call tel. 276/236-8541, or go to www.oldfiddlersconvention.com. Early August.
September
American Music Festival, Virginia Beach. Top entertainers perform on the sand. Tickets are first-come, first-served. Call tel. 800/822-3224, or go to www.vbfun.com. Labor Day weekend.
The Irvington Stomp, Irvington. Guests actually stomp grapes in the European fashion during this fun-filled event at White Fences Vineyard & Winery. Call tel. 804/438-5559, or go to www.irvingtonstomp.com. Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
State Fair of Virginia, Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond. Rides, entertainment, agricultural exhibits, pioneer farmstead, and flower shows. Call tel. 800/588-3247 or 804/228-3200 (www.statefairva.org). Ten days in late September.
October
Chincoteague Oyster Festival, Chincoteague. A feast of oysters -- but for advance ticket holders only. Call tel. 804/336-6161, or go to www.chincoteaguechamber.com. Early October.
Waterford Homes Tour and Crafts Exhibit, Waterford Village. This tiny Quaker town grows to some 40,000 on this one weekend. Call tel. 540/882-3018, or go to www.waterfordva.org. First weekend in October.
Virginia Film Festival, Charlottesville. University of Virginia pays tribute to all things celluloid. Call tel. 800/882-3378, or go to www.vafilm.com. Mid-October.
Yorktown Day, Colonial National Historic Park, Yorktown. British surrender in 1781 celebrated with a parade, historic house tours, Colonial music and dress, and military drills. Call tel. 757/898-2410 or 898-3400 (www.nps.gov/colo). October 19.
International Gold Cup, Great Meadows Course, The Plains. Fall colors provide a backdrop to one of the most prestigious steeplechase races. Call tel. 800/697-2237 or 540/347-1215 (www.vagoldcup.com). Third Saturday in October.
Marine Corps Marathon, Arlington. More than 18,000 men and women run a 26.2-mile course from Arlington through Washington, D.C., and back. The U.S. Marine Corps' "People's Marathon" is open to all (there's even a wheelchair division). Call tel. 800/786-8762 or 703/784-2265 (www.marinemarathon.com). Third or fourth Sunday in October.
November
The First Thanksgiving, Charles City. Reenactment at Berkeley Plantation. Call tel. 888/466-6018 or 804/829-6018 (www.berkeleyplantation.com). Early November.
Assateague Island Waterfowl Week, Chincoteague. The only time of the year when visitors can drive to the northern end of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island. Guided walks for pedestrians. Call tel. 757/336-6122, or go to http://chinco.fws.gov. Thanksgiving weekend.
December
Mount Vernon by Candlelight, Mount Vernon. See Washington's mansion as he would have, by the light of candles. Tickets required. Call tel. 703/780-2000, or go to www.mountvernon.org. First week in December.
Grand Illumination, Williamsburg. Gala opening of holiday season with fife-and-drum corps, illumination of buildings, caroling, dancing, and fireworks. Call tel. 800/447-8679 or 757/220-7645 (www.colonialwilliamsburg.com). First Saturday in December.
Christmas Candlelight Tour, Fredericksburg. Historic homes welcome visitors. Call tel. 800/678-4748 or 540/373-1776 (www.visitfred.com). First weekend in December.
Monticello Candlelight Tour, Charlottesville. Experience authentic Colonial decorations. Call tel. 804/984-9822, or go to www.monticello.org. Early December.
Historic Michie Tavern Feast and Open House, Charlottesville. The old tavern puts on two Christmastime feasts. Reservations required. Call tel. 804/977-1234, or go to www.michietavern.com. Second weekend in December.
Jamestown Christmas, Jamestown. Jamestown Settlement is all decked out 17th-century-style. Call tel. 888/593-4682 or 757/253-4838 (www.historyisfun.org). Second to fourth week in December.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.