RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Governor Youngkin has announced $141,000 among more than $812,000 statewide for Charlottesville area events getting matching grants from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program (SEF). Fifteen area events and festivals are among 81 across the state getting the matching grants leveraging almost $707,000 from local partners in the public-private sector matching VTC funding. For example, a $20,000 VTC grant for the 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival: EVOLVE has a total match of $100,000 toward the April event. This funding cycle statewide, the Governor’s Office says local partners will commit $4.8-million in public-private sector funds to match VTC funding, providing more than $5.62-million in new marketing and event activity focused on increasing overnight visitation to Virginia in 2025.

The local events and festivals receiving funding:

EVENT NAME LOCALITY AWARD AMOUNT TOTAL MATCH
13th Annual Tom Tom Festival: EVOLVE Charlottesville $20,000 $100,000
IX Arts Foundation Fae Festival Charlottesville $5000 $4400
Foxfield Spring Races Albemarle $5000 $60,029
Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival Albemarle $10,000 $15,325
Winter Wander Albemarle $20,000 $21,300
Culpeperpalooza 2025 Culpeper $5000 $5000
Louisa Co Fair Louisa $3031 $6031
Waynesboro Destination Downtown Hiker Fest Waynesboro $5000 $6096
Wayne Theater 15th Annual Virginia Chili Blues and Brews Festival Waynesboro $10,000 $30,700
Red Wing Roots Music Festival Augusta $20,000 $147,000
Heifetz Institute’s 2025 Festival of Concerts: Opening Weekend Staunton $5000 $38,440
Staunton Music Festival: Opening Weekend Staunton $5000 $212,000
Queen City Mischief & Magic Staunton $20,000 $52,000
Wintergreen Music Festival Nelson $5000 $31,100
Flying Fox’s Christmas Vacation: Opening Weekend Nelson $2500 $2500

Click here for the entire Governor’s press release and entire state list.