Events Calendar

Events for Friday, July 31, 2026

Pony Swim Back

Location: Carnival Grounds, 3648 Main Street, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
Starts: 7:00 AM
Ends: 1:00 PM

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company parade South Herd ponies on the reverse Parade Route so they can swim back to Assateague Island until next year.

The ponies will follow the same parade route as Wednesday but will not rest when they arrive in the marsh. They will swim immediately back to Assateague Island, until next year.

The North Herd ponies were trailered back Thursday afternoon after the auction.

The Swim Back normally takes place about two hours after Wednesday's swim time. Please check back for final details.

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 Pony Express trolleys, on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, at Veteran's Memorial Park, or at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds. Service animals specifically trained to aid a disabled person are permitted.

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Carnival

Location: Chincoteague Carnival Grounds, 3648 Main Street, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
Starts: 6:00 PM
Ends: 10:00 PM

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.