Special events, festivals in Virginia receive grant funding for 2025

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Tourism Corporation's (VTC) Special Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program has awarded $812,139 in matching grant funds to 81 events throughout the Commonwealth.

According to a release from Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office, local partners will commit more than $4.8 million in private-public sector funds to match the VTC funding.

Of the 81 events awarded grants, the following Central Virginia events are included:

• Richmond Black Restaurant Experience 2025: Restaurant Week -- $10,000 grant
• Jefferson Cup Girls Soccer Showcase Weekend -- $10,000 grant
• Goochland Night/Day -- $5,000 grant
• 20th Cap2Cap Bike Ride -- $5,000 grant
• Dominion Energy Riverrock -- $20,000 grant
• Summer Moon Music Festival -- $5,000 grant
• Louisa County Fair -- $3,031 grant
• Dinwiddie County Fair -- $10,000 grant
• 37th Annual 2nd Street Festival -- $8,750 grant
• Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention -- $8,000 grant
• Craft + Design -- $10,000 grant

“Special events and festivals are vital to Virginia’s thriving visitor economy, supporting our musicians, artisans, hotels, and restaurants. This year’s grant recipients have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to growing their event footprint, increasing visitation, and enhancing the visitor experience in 2025,” Youngkin said. “By leveraging these funds, we aim to attract even more visitors, showcase the unique charm of our communities, and reinforce Virginia's reputation as a premier destination for memorable events and festivals.”

VTC will offer additional grant funding to recipients at various points later in 2025.