Virginia Chili Blues & Brews Festival - Saturday Festival (Lumos Plaza)

16^th Annual Virginia Chili, Blues & Brews Festival

Friday & Saturday, September 11^th – 12^th, 2026
Main Street & Lumos Plaza
Beautiful Downtown Waynesboro, VA

Presented by the Wayne Theatre and now in its 16^th year, the Virginia Chili, Blues & Brews Festival brings together chili lovers, craft beer fans, and blues enthusiasts for one spectacular weekend in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This beloved event draws 3,000+ attendees each year to Lumos Plaza for hot chili, cool brews, and sizzling blues — all in support of arts education and community programming through the Wayne Theatre.

Friday kickoff events are free and open to the public.  Saturday's main event tickets start at $20.00 for adults - children 12 and under are free!

🔥 Friday Night Kickoff – FREE!
🔥 Saturday Festival

September 12^th – Festival Day! - Lumos Plaza, Downtown Waynesboro

- 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Chickenhead Blues Band

- 2:30 – 4:00 PM: Dara James

- 4:30 – 6:00 PM: Selwyn Birchwood

- 6:30 – 8:00 PM: Albert Cummings

🍻 Craft Beers & Community Fun

Enjoy a wide selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries — plus food trucks, artisan vendors, and interactive fun for all ages.

🎟️ Support the Arts & Community

All proceeds benefit the Wayne Theatre and its Studio Wayne Arts Education programs. Your participation helps sustain live arts, youth programming, and community engagement for all ages in Waynesboro and the surrounding region.

Join us for hot chili, hot tunes, and cold brews — all in the heart of the Blue Ridge!

Animal Policy:
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, pets are not permitted at the Virginia Chili, Blues & Brews Festival. Only trained service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed on festival grounds. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and will not be permitted.

‍

The Wayne Theatre is a VCA and VDHPassport Program participant, providing free or discounted tickets (based on availability) to (WIC) EBT cardholders for select shows and events produced by the Wayne Theatre. Contact us for assistance or more information.