ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today, January 15, 2026, that $885,733 in matching grant funds will be awarded to 88 special events and festivals as part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)’s Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program (SEF) to drive overnight visitation and traveler spending across the Commonwealth in 2026.

One of those festivals is local to Rockingham County, FredFEST VA, which received $5,000 in funds.

According to the FredFEST VA website, the festival was created during the COVID-19 Pandemic shutdown and remains a small, family-run music festival with the main goal of bringing families together and enjoying live music.

“Special events and festivals play a vital role in Virginia’s long-term growth by strengthening our visitor economy, celebrating our communities, and bringing people together across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin in a release. “By pairing state resources with private investment, we are helping signature events expand, drive overnight visitation, support jobs, and showcase everything that makes Virginia a premier destination—from our vibrant arts and music scene to our agritourism, history, and outdoor experiences.” 

A full list of funding recipients can be found here.