Chincoteague Island Events

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.

Participating art galleries and shops hold special events with extended open hours. These events include arts and crafts, book signings, readings, art exhibits, demonstrations, tastings, music, etc.

The Farmers & Artisans Market & The Kitchen Gallery

Final for the season

9 am until 1 pm
Every Saturday in October, Shop locally for seasonal produce, food, plants, and crafts at the market, and visit the Kitchen Gallery to shop
for works by local artists, Free Kids’ Art activity on the porch, and live music from 9 am until noon.
Free admission and parking.

Get more info at Chincoteague Cultural Alliance

The Farmers & Artisans Market & The Kitchen Gallery

9 am until 1 pm
Every Saturday in October, Shop locally for seasonal produce, food, plants, and crafts at the market, and visit the Kitchen Gallery to shop
for works by local artists, Free Kids’ Art activity on the porch, and live music from 9 am until noon.
Free admission and parking.

Get more info at Chincoteague Cultural Alliance

The Farmers & Artisans Market & The Kitchen Gallery

9 am until 1 pm
Every Saturday in October, Shop locally for seasonal produce, food, plants, and crafts at the market, and visit the Kitchen Gallery to shop
for works by local artists, Free Kids’ Art activity on the porch, and live music from 9 am until noon.
Free admission and parking.

Get more info at Chincoteague Cultural Alliance

The second annual Chincoteague Island Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark continues on October 29, 2024. A howling good time every Saturday night in October, starting October 12, from 6-8 p.m.

For the little goblin guests, visit from 6-6:30 p.m. for the family-friendly waterpark adventure trail. After, jump in a hayride for a spooky nighttime escapade. At 6:30 p.m., the fright fest begins. Dare to enter for spine-tingling excitement.

Each ticket for a hauntingly good time is $10 per person. This event supports the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Bring a toy donation to support Toys for Tots. Each toy donation will discount your entry price by $5.

Experience the scarier side of Chincoteague Island at Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark – fun for all ages! Family-friendly fun turns into a frightful night of haunting!

Terms & Conditions: Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark at 6742 Maddox Blvd,
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336. Tickets are available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location: Maui Jack’s Waterpark, 6742 Maddox Blvd,
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

Dates: Starts Oct 12, continues every Saturday night in October
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
6-6:30 p.m. for little goblins
6:30 p.m. the fright fest begins
Tickets: $10 per person or $5 entry with toy donation for Toys for Tots

The second annual Chincoteague Island Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark comes to life beginning October 12, 2024. A howling good time every Saturday night in October, starting October 12, from 6-8 p.m.

For the little goblin guests, visit from 6-6:30 p.m. for the family-friendly waterpark adventure trail. After, jump in a hayride for a spooky nighttime escapade. At 6:30 p.m., the fright fest begins. Dare to enter for spine-tingling excitement.

Each ticket for a hauntingly good time is $10 per person. This event supports the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Bring a toy donation to support Toys for Tots. Each toy donation will discount your entry price by $5.

Experience the scarier side of Chincoteague Island at Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark – fun for all ages! Family-friendly fun turns into a frightful night of haunting!

Terms & Conditions: Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark at 6742 Maddox Blvd,
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336. Tickets are available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location: Maui Jack’s Waterpark, 6742 Maddox Blvd,
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

Dates: Starts Oct 12, continues every Saturday night in October
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
6-6:30 p.m. for little goblins
6:30 p.m. the fright fest begins
Tickets: $10 per person or $5 entry with toy donation for Toys for Tots

The second annual Chincoteague Island Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark comes to life beginning October 12, 2024. A howling good time every Saturday night in October, starting October 12, from 6-8 p.m.

For the little goblin guests, visit from 6-6:30 p.m. for the family-friendly waterpark adventure trail. After, jump in a hayride for a spooky nighttime escapade. At 6:30 p.m., the fright fest begins. Dare to enter for spine-tingling excitement.

Each ticket for a hauntingly good time is $10 per person. This event supports the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Bring a toy donation to support Toys for Tots. Each toy donation will discount your entry price by $5.

Experience the scarier side of Chincoteague Island at Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark – fun for all ages! Family-friendly fun turns into a frightful night of haunting!

Terms & Conditions: Zombie Jack’s Haunted Waterpark at 6742 Maddox Blvd,
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336. Tickets are available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location: Maui Jack’s Waterpark, 6742 Maddox Blvd,
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

Dates: Starts Oct 12, continues every Saturday night in October
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
6-6:30 p.m. for little goblins
6:30 p.m. the fright fest begins
Tickets: $10 per person or $5 entry with toy donation for Toys for Tots

Beginning Friday, May 31, 2024, The Assateague Lighthouse will be open for climbing every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting. After Labor Day the lighthouse will only be open on Saturdays until Thanksgiving weekend.

The lighthouse is free but donations are welcome. You can either donate in cash at the lighthouse or you can donate by credit card at the Bateman Visitor Center. As always, the book/gift shop located in the Bateman will be open. Come in and see all the new items that are being stocked daily, including the new lighthouse shirts.

Please Note: High heat and weather events may limit or cancel climbing access for visitor safety. Sturdy shoes, bug repellent, and patience are recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience. 

The 51st annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival will be held on October 12, 2024. It is held to promote the seafood industry and mark the arrival of the oyster season. Attendees will enjoy oysters—raw, steamed, fritters, and single fried; clam fritters, clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, salad bar, hot dogs, hush puppies, and Boardwalk fries. Beverages are included in the ticket price with beer available for purchase. Live entertainment will be provided by Island Boy. An Extravaganza Raffle is held with the winner receiving t-shirts, tickets, lodging, gift certificates for meals, and much more for the following year’s festival.

There will also be various merchandise items available for purchase including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, souvenir food trays, and glass beer mugs.

This is an advance-ticketed event that is typically sold out before festival day.

• General Admission

  $65.00

  Children Under 5 Are FREE

The 44th Annual Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade will take place December 7, 2024 (inclement weather date Friday, December 13)
at 6:00 pm on Main Street, Chincoteague Island, VA.

The parade will begin at the intersection of Main Street and Maddox Boulevard, head down Main Street, and end at the old Fire House so attendees can see enchanting floats, bands, marching units, decorated boats, fire companies from across the Eastern Shore, equestrian teams, classic cars, and for Santa too! Entries may stop at the Judge’s Stand in front of Chincoteague Island Library for a short performance.