Events Calendar

The South Herd Roundup is the first major event before the exciting Pony Swim and will begin at 7:00am!

The "Saltwater Cowboys" will ride out to the southern end of Assateague Island to herd the more than 50 ponies (adults and foals) inhabiting this part of the island into the Southern Corral on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The public may come view the arrival of the ponies at the Southern Corral on Beach Road. The ponies will be here Saturday through Tuesday for photos and viewing.

Learn more about Pony Swim HERE - including the Official Pony Swim Guide with helpful hints, full schedule of events, updated maps and logistics, tips for getting the most out of the week, and details on security measures, road closures, trolley schedule, and shuttle stops.

This information is verified by and provided in partnership between the Town of Chincoteague, Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, and Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce.

PLEASE NOTE: No pets or emotional support animals are permitted on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge; even in your vehicle. Service animals specifically trained to aid a disabled person are permitted. 

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

The 38th Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival will be held July 23-25, 2024 from 9am to 4:30pm.

This is the largest fine arts & crafts event on the Eastern Shore of Virginia featuring non-stop live music and awesome food including fresh blueberries, blueberry ice cream, the ultimate blueberry pie, blueberry shortcake, blueberry pancakes and much, much more.

Visit www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com and www.facebook.com/chincoteaguefestival

Coupons are available at ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com.

Parking is available at the Chincoteague Center but there will also be trolley service from the Chincoteague Elementary School, 6078 Hallie Whealton Smith Drive & High School, 4586 Main Street, for your convenience. Only 50 cents each way.

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.

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 ceremony at TBD

July 4 - Fireworks at 9:15 (inclement weather date TBD) 

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.