Summer on Chincoteague means BINGO! 🎉 Throughout July, explore the island and enjoy Bingo in a new way! Purchase your Photo Bingo Board for $10, find the 24 designated squares, and submit your pictures to earn entries into our drawing for a $100 gift card. 

Sales open on July 1, and all proceeds support The Island Community House's year-round programs. 

https://tinyurl.com/3pnf98dw

Photo Bingo Scavenger Hunt FAQ

Q: How do I get my Photo Bingo Board?
A: Once you register online for $10, you'll receive an email with your Photo Bingo Board and instructions on how to submit your photos. Or you can purchase in person during program hours, July 7–23.

Q: Do I need to go anywhere that costs money or requires admission?
A: No, all squares can be found in free-to-visit places or photographed in public spaces.

Q: Can I participate alone or in a team?
A: Include as many people as you'd like to help hunt and take pictures! Keep in mind that only the person who registered will have entries in the drawing.

Q: How many entries for the $100 gift card can I get?
A: You get 1 entry for registering, plus 1 for each photo you submit, plus 1 for each bingo you complete. That's up to 37 entries for a complete blackout!

Come experience the national parks and enjoy wildlife watching, sunrise and sunset strolls, epic recreational opportunities, and so much more during the five fee free days in 2024. Mark your calendar for these fee free dates in 2026:

The 2026 fee-free days have been announced! Enjoy a trip to the refuge free of charge on the following days this year:

President’s Day (February 16)

Memorial Day (May 25)

Flag Day/President Trump's birthday (June 14)

Independence Day weekend (July 3–5)

110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25)

Constitution Day (Sept. 17)

First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week (October 11)

Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (October 27)

Veteran’s Day (November 11) 

Learn more about the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore.

The Chincoteague Island Farmers and Artisans Market & Kitchen Art Gallery at the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, 6309 Church Street, will kick off the 2026 season on May 9th from 9am - 1pm with 45+ vendors offering fresh local seafood, produce, other good things to eat and a wide array of arts & crafts.

Follow the Chincoteague Island Farmers and Artisans Market Facebook page for more information!

Chincoteague Island Farmers & Artisans Market & Kitchen Art Gallery Schedule:

Saturdays from May 19 to October 31

Wednesdays from June 17 to September 30 (except Tuesday July 28 during Pony Week)

Holiday Market Nov 28 – Saturday of Thanksgiving Day Weekend

Free parking, free admission

MARKET - Featuring local seafood, produce & other locally made foods, a wide array of arts & crafts, plus live music.

ART GALLERY - Diverse works by many talented local artists

LIVE MUSIC at the MARKET

Attention Kids & Parents:

Join the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance on the porch each week during the Island Farmers and Artisans market for a FREE kids craft!

Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Both Kiwanis Barn and Cropper Street Furniture Warehouse WILL BE OPEN Wednesdays and Saturdays - June, July, and August

Whether you’re seeking peace, inspiration, or simply a unique experience on Chincoteague Island, we welcome you to join us.

Horse Medicine: A Drum Journey offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect through the calming presence of the Chincoteague ponies, the steady rhythm of the drum, and the beauty of the island’s natural surroundings.

There is a reason horses have been admired throughout history. Their quiet strength, gentle spirit, and remarkable ability to connect without words remind us to be present, listen, and appreciate the world around us. Set among the peaceful landscape of Chincoteague, this experience invites you to reflect, restore, and embrace the rhythms of nature.

Upcoming sessions begin at 9:00 AM on:

Saturday, July 4

Friday, July 17

Saturday, July 25

Tuesday, July 28

Please bring a mat or chair if you wish. Seating will also be available.

Honoring the land. Honoring the horses. Honoring the journey.

Chincoteague Island Library Announces Non-Motorized Family Fourth of July Parade

The Chincoteague Island Library invites the community to celebrate Independence Day at its annual Family Non-Motorized Parade on Saturday, July 4 at 10:00 AM. The parade, held rain or shine, begins with an opening ceremony before the lineup on the sidewalk behind the library before marching around Robert Reed Park. The event is part of the commemoration honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Families, children, and visitors are encouraged to decorate wagons, strollers, bicycles, and other people‑powered entries in red, white, and blue. For safety and accessibility, pets and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Prizes will be awarded for the oldest and youngest participants along with the largest family group.

Lou Bender, Parade Chairperson, said, “This parade is a wonderful way to start July 4^th. I will be stepping into the role of Uncle Sam again this year and am excited to lead the parade. The library is proud to host this special tradition, especially as we celebrate America’s 250^th. Birthday,”

For more information, please contact the Chincoteague Island Library at 757‑336‑3460

Starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend climb the 175 steps of the lighthouse and observe the beautiful nature and wildlife in a new way!

The Refuge Trek is a program owned and operated by Friends of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the FWS.  Trek excursions take visitors up the seven (7) mile Service Road, past the corner of the Wildlife Loop toward the Virginia/Maryland border.  This road is not open to vehicular traffic during the majority of the year and the only way visitors can view this portion of the refuge is by foot and a short distance by bike.  

Tickets are $20 each and are non-refundable.  We offer two treks per day, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.  Vehicle capacity is 14 passengers (with wheelchair access.) Plan on arriving 15 minutes early and each trip lasts approximately one and a half hours. 

For more information on the Trek and tickets call the Friends Bookstore at 757-336-3696

Woody's Serious Food 4 th of July Fundraiser

Saturday, July 4, 11:30am-8pm

At the Circle, 6700 Maddox Blvd

Enjoy a delicious meal at Woody’s on the 4 of July and

support The Island Community House! A portion of Saturday's

sales goes directly to our free year-round community

programs.

We will have a variety of items to Tie Dye -

Scrunchies, headbands, socks, & t-shirts

Red, white, and Blue Sand art and Face painting

The Refuge Trek is a program owned and operated by Friends of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the FWS.  Trek excursions take visitors up the seven (7) mile Service Road, past the corner of the Wildlife Loop toward the Virginia/Maryland border.  This road is not open to vehicular traffic during the majority of the year and the only way visitors can view this portion of the refuge is by foot and a short distance by bike.  

Tickets are $20 each and are non-refundable.  We offer two treks per day, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.  Vehicle capacity is 14 passengers (with wheelchair access.) Plan on arriving 15 minutes early and each trip lasts approximately one and a half hours. 

For more information on the Trek and tickets call the Friends Bookstore at 757-336-3696

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company will host their 101st Annual Carnival on July 2-4, 10-11, 24-25, and 27-31, August 1, 2026 from 6pm - 10pm nightly!

Food, Fun, Games, Raffles & Attractions for the Entire Family - Chincoteague Island style! A great variety of food is available for purchase including oyster and clam fritter, soft crab, crab cake, and fish sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, pony fries, soft serve ice cream, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, caramel corn, and more. Rides and games for all ages. Live entertainment on the band stage. Try your luck at Bingo too.

Ride tickets will be $1.50 each, 20 tickets for $25, 30 tickets for $35, 40 tickets for $45, and 50 tickets for $55

July 2- Opening night starts at 6:00pm

July 4 - Fireworks at 9:15 (inclement weather date July 11th at 9:30) 

July 24 - Neptune Raffle Ticket Sales Begin - Raffle tickets for King or Queen Neptune, the first pony not already designated as a buyback pony to come ashore on Chincoteague Pony Swim day, will be on sale at the Information Stand at the Carnival Grounds! Tickets are a $1 each, no matter how many tickets are purchased. Limited tickets are sold, so purchase yours before they sell out.  

July 29 - Neptune Raffle Drawing - Will take place Wednesday night at approximately 7:30pm at the band stand. Please note, this is the ONLY raffle that you MUST be present to win!

All proceeds of the carnival benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. ATM on site and credit cards are accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: No pets or emotional support animals are permitted on the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds, even in your vehicle. Service animals specifically trained to aid a disabled person are permitted. 

The Fireman's Carnival leads up to the world famous Pony Swim and Auction always held on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July! Learn more here.

🌅 FREE Summer Concerts Are Back at Robert Reed Waterfront Park! 🌅🎶

One of our favorite summer traditions is returning, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Join us for a series of FREE concerts this summer at Robert Reed Waterfront Park in Chincoteague's historic downtown. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy some great music.

Co-sponsored by Seaside Vacations and supported by the Town of Chincoteague and Virginia Commission for the Arts

And trust us, this year’s lineup is better than ever! 🎤🎸🎷

The season kicks off on July 4th with a performance by the Salisbury Community Band to celebrate America's 250th Birthday, with even more incredible performers taking the stage throughout the summer!

📅 July 4 – Salisbury Community Band 7pm

📅 July 11th - Southern Fog 7pm

📅 July 25th - Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys 7pm

📅 August 1st - Backroad 7pm

📅 August 15th - Island Boys 6pm

📅 August 29th - Bobby BlackHat Band 6pm

📅 September 6th - C.A.I.S.O 6pm

Grab a blanket or lawn chair, bring your family, and bring your friends for an evening incredible music and dancing along the waterfront. We can’t wait to see everyone in the park! 

Fun! Fun! Fun! 

Our evening Pirate, Legend and Lore tour is fun and factual! Learn about Chincoteague’s link to piracy, sunken ships off our shores, a tragic death that leads to a ghost story and so much more about this fascinating little island! 

All tours start at 7:00pm 

These are walking tours in the historic downtown, with several places to sit along the way, 1/2 mile at a leisurely pace, 

Call or text for more information or to secure your spot! 

757-894-1953

The Island Theatre, 4074 Main Street, presents movies at their art deco performing arts center on Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm.

Beer and wine cash bar.

Celebrate Independence Day with the Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Fireworks Display brought to you by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, and Town of Chincoteague at 9pm at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds.

Saturday, July 4th at  9 p.m.  Rain date July 11th 
Across from the Carnival Grounds on Main Street
Carnival:  6:00 p.m. to  10 p.m.

Parking 
The parking area across from the Carnival will be closed so there will be VERY LIMITED parking. 

Road Closures
Willow Street from Jester Street to Bunting Road AND Davis Street will close at 5pm.
Main Street from Jester Street to Bunting Road will close at 8pm.

 Avoid The Fuss, Ride The Bus! 
FREE Pony Express - 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.  -  Courtesy of the Town of Chincoteague

FREE Shuttle service from  Chincoteague High School to the Carnival beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Both visitors and locals are encouraged to park at the High School and use this free service.

The Carnival Pony Express and shuttle stop for July 4th will be at the rear of the Carnival grounds instead of on Main Street

 Getting Home:

After the fireworks there will be four lines at the rear of the Carnival. Two will be the Pony Express Trolley and two will be for shuttle service back to the Chincoteague High School.

This additional service is being provided by the Pony Express, the Town of Chincoteague and the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company to help alleviate traffic and parking problems. 

Fire and Rescue emergency response will be from the Carnival, so it is important to allow clear and safe passage of these vehicles.

The fire company will keep watch on any weather developments and may make a decision that evening to either begin the fireworks display early or postpone until a future night for the safety of attendees. Please plan to arrive early and watch the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Facebook pages for any updates. The inclement weather date is July 11th