“Virginia is for lovers — and Highland county is for maple syrup lovers.” So goes the local saying, etched on keychains, emblazoned on t-shirts and advertised on the county website. The Highland County Maple Festival is the secret pride of one sleepy, bucolic county in Virginia, which teems with visitors for two weekends every spring to celebrate the “opening” of the maple trees. This is March’s answer to leaf peeping season.
All the mapley standards are here: maple syrup, maple sugar, maple donuts, maple cream. The Highland County Maple Festival is more than just a tasting event, though. It offers a glimpse into every part of the maple-making process, from farm tours to hands-on participation in old-school sugarhouses. Tour the maple orchards where miles of tubing collect fresh sap, or try something new, like dandelion, hickory and birch syrups.
The festival takes place across three small towns and, driving from one sugar shack to the next, you’ll also pass some quaintest communities around. While each has something special to offer, the town of Monterey is arguably the heart of the Highland County Maple Festival, as it’s where the Highland Center hosts both its musical performances and its juried arts and crafts show. For the full experience, don’t leave any of those opportunities untapped.
The Specs
- More than 60,000 visitors attend.
- Almost all events are free. Some events, such as live music and the juried arts and craft show, cost between $5 and $15.
- Check out our list of things to do in nearby Charlottesville.
FAQs
Which airport is closest to the festival grounds?
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) is approximately 90 miles away.
What is the bag policy?
There is no stated bag policy.
Is the festival ADA accessible?
The festival takes place across several points of interest in Highland County. Many of these locations are rural, and not all can provide accessible parking or trails. Please check with participating farms and businesses before attending.
Which artists are on the festival lineup?
The 2024 lineup includes Southern Rail Express, Robin and Linda Williams, Alice Shumate and the Sounds of Highland, Mudhole Control, Hi-Horse Cloggers, and Little Switzerland Cloggers.
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