Chincoteague Island Events

This year is the grand celebration of the 100th World Famous Chincoteague Pony Swim. This event lasts one full week and if you are making your booking make sure it runs Saturday to Saturday so you don’t miss out on any festivities. Please feel free to email us with any questions about the event we have a full staff on standby to answer any questions about this once in a lifetime celebration. We predict that this event will go down in history as one of the biggest in Chincoteague’s history. Don’t miss out on on the fun. Our email is [email protected].

Join Main Street Merchants for Chincoteague’s free two-day St. Patty’s Day adventure! Visit businesses around the island during the 15th annual Search for the Shamrocks event for clues to solve a riddle. Cross the finish line by 4:30 pm Saturday to register for great prizes. Grab some friends and your green to shop, play, stay, and WIN!

Costumes are optional but add to the fun!

Friday, March 14: 4 pm-7 pm

Saturday, March 15: 10 am-4 pm

Email Nicole at [email protected] with any questions.

Vehicle:  Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket
Date:  No earlier than August 13, 2024
Time:  TBA

Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Fireworks Display on July 4 to celebrate the birth of our nation at the Carnival Grounds. The Fireman’s Carnival leads up to the world-famous Pony Swim and Auction held on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July! The carnival features live entertainment on the stage, rides, games, fun, and food.

Dates 6/27/2025, 6/28/2025, 7/4/2025, 7/5/2025, 7/11/2025, 7/12/2025, 7/18/2025, 7/19/2025, 7/25/2025, 7/26/2025, 7/28/2025, 7/29/2025, 7/30/2025, 7/31/2025, 8/1/2025, 8/2/2025.

All proceeds benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

Fireworks begin at 9 PM.

The 37th Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival takes place July 17th, 2025, from 9am to 4:30pm. This premier fine arts and crafts event on the Eastern Shore of Virginia features non-stop live music and a delightful array of food, including fresh blueberries, blueberry ice cream, the ultimate blueberry pie, blueberry shortcake, blueberry pancakes, and much more.

Ticket Prices:

Adults: $TBD

Kids under 12: $TBD

Special Offers: Coupons are available at the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival and at the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce office. For more details, visit their website. Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration of blueberries and local talent!

Each fall, thousands of waterfowl come from their northern breeding grounds to the milder climate of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Join the flocks of visitors who celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend in this special place to enjoy a variety of overwintering ducks, geese, and swans.

During the Thanksgiving weekend, extended access is also available for visitors to drive on the 7.5-mile Service Road (admittance from 12 pm to 2 pm only). Visitors must enter the Wildlife Loop Trail and follow the one-way traffic pattern to the Service Road’s entrance. This may take 10 or 15 minutes, due to high volume. All vehicles are expected to completely exit the Service Road by 4 PM.

These four days are the only time, each year, that the public can enjoy our “Special Drive” along the refuge’s 7-mile Service Road in their vehicle. Vehicles can only enter the road via the Wildlife Loop during the times specified.