What’s New in Virginia 2026

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) released What’s New in Virginia in 2026, the agency’s curated guide highlighting new and noteworthy developments for the travel industry in the year ahead. Produced annually, the guide offers an overview of what’s coming to the Commonwealth in 2026.

Some of the new and noteworthy items featured in this year’s guide include:

Statewide News and Major Openings

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Spotsylvania to open in Fall 2026
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is making waves with its fifth resort, set to open in Fall 2026 in Spotsylvania. With over 175,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun, 900 family-friendly suites, and a massive convention center, Kalahari will be a full-service vacation destination.

Celebrate America’s 250th with Special Programs and Signature Events
The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission has a full schedule ready to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Signature events include a celebration of Tribal nations and a Fourth of July event at Colonial Williamsburg. Also, don’t miss Sail250® America.

Massanutten Resort Expanding Indoor Waterpark, Adding New Hotel in 2026
Splash into 2026 by planning a stay at Massanutten Resort’s new five-story, 140-room hotel. Major enhancements are also underway at the Indoor WaterPark, where 28,000 square feet of additional space will feature a racing slide, a family raft, and a new children’s area.

Virginia Guesthouse Coming to Charlottesville in Spring 2026
The Virginia Guesthouse promises Charlottesville visitors an immersive experience on the Grounds of the University of Virginia. The hotel and conference center will have 214 guest rooms and suites and more than 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Richmond Flying Squirrels Soar into CarMax Park
The minor league Richmond Flying Squirrels will begin play in their new home in April 2026. CarMax Park plans to host hundreds of events in addition to Squirrels games.

Where to Stay in Virginia in 2026

• The Birdwood Mansion, located on the grounds of the Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, is undergoing a renovation and expects to open its doors by April 2026. The historic property features four accommodations in the mansion, three adjacent cottages, and a culinary program that brings in some of the most experienced creative chefs from around the world to create seasonal, international tasting menus for the Birdwood Mansion’s dining room.
• A luxury wildlife retreat is coming to Halifax County in Spring 2026. A stay at Wilde Manor will include unforgettable encounters with wildlife and elegant suites.
• Get ready for a luxury glamping escape at Camp Yellow Cardinal, located just thirty minutes outside Richmond in Prince Edward County. Named for the lucky bird known for occasional sightings in the American South, Camp Yellow Cardinal will feature geodesic dome campsites with hot tubs, king-size beds, and fire pits.
• A new boutique hotel opens in Danville in February 2026. The Laurel Hotel is located in the historic Schoolfield Village, just steps from Caesars Virginia. It features 36 rooms with modern comforts, thoughtful decor, and attentive service.
• Virginia’s first JW Marriott opened in Reston Station in September. The Northern Virginia hotel features 243 guest rooms, luxury residences, 35,000 square feet of meeting space, chef-driven dining at The Simon, and the elevated Schar Bar, along with wellness-focused Mindful Rooms, public art, and an innovative walkable garden.
• New life is being given to what was once a historic bank in the heart of downtown Roanoke. The Promissory Hotel debuted on New Year’s Eve with 27 rooms — including suites and lofts — as well as The Exchange Music Hall, a 1,200-person performance venue, and a Spanish restaurant, ¡Suerte!

Where to Eat & Drink in Virginia in 2026

• R Kohls Winery will open in Stanardsville in May 2026. The family-grown winery plans to utilize grape varietals including Albarino and Chardonnay.
• Downtown Hopewell welcomed its first brewery when Good Ship Brewing & Eatery opened in the first week of January 2026. The converted space includes fire pits, a spacious beer garden, and area for live music.
• Combine history and bourbon tasting on the Elijah Craig History and Cocktail Trail, new to Orange County in May 2026. The trail will feature historic sites, distilleries, and restaurants with drink specials.
• Expected to open later this year, Bread & Butter is a new Onancock restaurant from Executive Chef and Owner Shannon Andes, a classically trained chef with nearly two decades of experience. 
• The Commonwealth’s first winery to focus exclusively on sparkling wine opened in Loudoun County in October 2025. Petit Domaine and Estate features a beach club-esque property and will start selling its own bottles in 2027.

What to Do in Virginia in 2026

• Richmond’s Brown’s Island will reopen in October 2026 after undergoing a major renovation. The riverfront space will feature river terraces, play areas, shaded seating, restrooms, accessible pathways, and potable water.
• Lynchburg’s new amphitheater at Riverfront Park is set to open in Spring 2026. The venue seeks to attract national touring acts and host 10-20 performances annually.
• A multi-year expansion to Norfolk Botanical Garden, called “Garden of Tomorrow,” is set to be complete in Spring 2026. The project will add a new visitor’s pavilion, skywalk, and conservatory featuring Chihuly glass art.
• The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center is on track for an August 2026 opening. The over 200,000 square foot complex will include systems for basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor turf field, spectator and event spaces, and concessions.
• The Williamsburg African American Heritage Trail is set to debut in 2026. When complete, the trail will guide visitors through more than three centuries of the city’s Black history over 2.5 miles with interpretive markers, public art, and digital storytelling.

Milestone Anniversaries

• 125th Anniversary of Main Street Station
  Richmond’s Main Street Station is often recognized as one of the most beautiful train stations in the country. This restored 1901 Beaux-Arts landmark has continuously served as a gateway to Richmond, connecting history to modern life under its iconic clock tower.
• 100th Anniversary of Agecroft Hall
  Agecroft Hall will celebrate its centennial on Virginia soil with “Cheers to 100 Years!,” a Roaring 20s–themed party on Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026. Guests will enjoy live jazz, themed drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, lawn games, a silent auction, and the spectacle of more than 5,000 tulips in bloom.
• 100th Anniversary of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
  Founded from John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s 1926 vision to restore 18th-century Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg has grown into the world’s largest U.S. history museum and a global leader in education, preservation, and research. 
• 100th Anniversary of Maymont
  In 2026, Maymont celebrates 100 years of its founding as a public park and museum gifted to the city by the Dooleys. The Dooley Mansion reopens this year after undergoing renovations, plus an enhanced Virginia Wildlife Trail with new habitats for porcupines and coyotes.
• 100th Anniversary of the John Jasper Memorial Room & Museum at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Richmond
  This museum is one of the earliest church-run museum initiatives in the country and houses a collection of artifacts tied to Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church’s rich history and the legacy of its founder John Jasper.