Virginia Highlands Festival 2010

Robert Porterfield held the first festival in 1948 on the front porch of the Martha Washington Inn in conjunction with the founding of the famed Barter Theatre (State Theatre of Virginia). His purpose was to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of this area. The Festival, over the past 60 years, has grown into a regional festival representing all of Southwest Virginia. Now it not only preserves the arts, crafts and skills that developed in this region, but also imports talented artists and performers from all over the USA and the world for the enjoyment of area residents and visitors. Held in Historic Abingdon and the surrounding area, the Festival offers juried fine art and crafts, antiques, performing and literary arts, music, local history, the great outdoors, home and garden events, and fun for kids of all ages!