Autumn in the Air: Four Things Not to Miss at the New Parks & Rec Festival

As the summer heat gives way to the cool, crisp, fall air, there’s a sense of magic around us, and Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is giving that magic a space to be celebrated at an all-new festival called Autumn in the Air. Wear your flannel shirts, grab a cozy blanket, and bring your whole family to Mount Trashmore Park on Saturday, Nov. 4. Starting at noon, immerse yourself in the blissful spirit of fall with banjos, brews and bites – there's something for everyone!

Live Music

On the main stage, get ready for banjo-heavy bangers from a four-band lineup.

• Headliner Tessa and Chance McCoy, a Grammy-winning indie folk musician, artist, music producer and film composer from the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.
• Brackish Water Jamboree is an eclectic mix of foot-stomping bluegrass, old-time folk and classic Americana pulled together with a high-energy performance and one extraordinary stage presence.
• Willow & Jesse bring together two banjos, two voices and a microphone for a vast new soundscape! A bluegrass duo that aims to deliver a new take on the genre.
• The Oliver Gable Project a blues themed band with songs that are rich in variety with a mixture of all their influences accumulated throughout the years in the Hampton Roads.

Check out your favorite bands on a custom Spotify Autumn in the Air playlist.

Beer Garden and Food Trucks

Sit back and relax on a haybale at the beer garden! Tickets will be available on-site for guests 21+ with alcohol sales benefiting the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Foundation.

Grab a bite from local food truck vendors:

• Cast Iron Catering cooking up BBQ sandwiches and platters, hot dogs and pretzels.
• Potato Peeps serving everything potato including loaded baked potatoes and fries.

• Sweet Life Cupcakery offering funnel cakes, fried Oreos, cotton candy, and caramel apples.
• Stay tuned for more to come!

Yard Games and the Field of Fun

Fall into autumn-inspired yard games including pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tic tac toe, pumpkin ring toss, Connect 4 and corn hole.

Thrill-seekers among us can’t resist Killin’ Pine’s mobile axe throwing or scaling a 24-foot climbing wall provided by Amazing Entertainment.

Children of all ages are invited to join your favorite mascot, Barks and Rex, at the Field of Fun! Enjoy farmyard interactive inflatables, inflatable axe throwing, and a petting zoo provided by Teeny Tiny Farm.

Treetopia and Mount Trash-S’MORE

Experience Treetopia and the enchanted forest to learn about the importance of trees in Virginia Beach and take home a free sapling! Don’t forget to cast your vote for the BeauTree contest finalists. In-person voters even get a chance to win a $112 Parks & Rec gift card!

While you’re there, visit the Mount Trash-S’MORE station where marshmallows are roasted and enjoyed with educational displays from Park & Landscape Services, Bee City USA, Tree Stewards and camping presentations from outdoor retailer REI.

Limited edition Autumn in the Air t-shirts and sweatshirts are available to order online with proceeds benefiting the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Foundation.

Capture memories you’ll cherish and use the hashtag: #VBParksRec #AutumnInTheAir for a chance to be highlighted on our social media channels. This is a fun filled day you won’t want to miss! For more information about Autumn in the Air, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/AITA.