Chesterfield Outdoor Fest makes USA TODAY 10Best list

The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest was named No. 7 on the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice list for Best New Festival.
This free, family-friendly event showcases the region’s recreational opportunities with activities like fishing, archery, and live animal encounters.

Readers have spoken, placing a Chesterfield County festival among the top honorees in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Best of the Year Awards. The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest is No. 7 on the Best New Festival list.

A free, family-friendly community event, Chesterfield Outdoor Fest showcases the best recreational opportunities in the region. At the event, attendees have participated in 5Ks, fishing and archery demos, and outdoor games. Previous entertainment includes a Kids Zone, live animal encounters provided by Richmond Metro Zoo, BMX stunts and a performance by the Ultimate Air Dogs, a dock jumping competition for high-flying dogs. Cole, the county mascot, also makes a special appearance.

At the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, the first two Chesterfield Outdoor Fests were held in April 2024 and May 2025. The event grew out of the County’s Earth Day Festival in April 2023, held also at the fairgrounds. It celebrates and promotes the county’s diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, encourages residents to explore parks and trails year-round, and blends family-friendly entertainment with environmental awareness and sustainability.

In December, Chesterfield County announced the exciting USA TODAY 10BEST nomination on Instagram @experiencechesterfield. The post stated, “We’re feeling the love!’

“Whether you’re a resident or visitor, you are always close to something special in Chesterfield,” J.C. Poma, executive director of the county’s Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department, said. “Chesterfield Outdoor Fest helps shine a spotlight on Chesterfield as a premier community and destination. We’re especially excited to build on the success of previous years with new activities, expanded entertainment, and even more ways for families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience everything Chesterfield has to offer.”

A date for the 3rd annual Chesterfield Outdoor Fest has not been announced. Chesterfield County’s fairgrounds are located at 10300 Courthouse Road. Visit chesterfieldoutdoorfest.com for event information and follow Experience Chesterfield on Facebook.

USA TODAY 10BEST: Best New Festival

Festivals are featured by USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards because they are a great way to celebrate food, culture, music, art, and community. Announced by USA TODAY on Jan. 2, the following 10 new festivals made USA TODAY’s 10BEST list.

Each week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites a panel of industry experts to nominate favorite points of interest and attractions across various categories. 10BEST editors vet those nominations and select final nominees. Then, voting is open to the public for four weeks. Awardees in Best New Attraction, Best New Festival, Best New Hotel, Best New Museum, Best New Restaurant and Best New Theme Park Attraction categories were named on Jan. 2.

Visit 10best.usatoday.com for more Readers’ Choice Awards results, and to explore a curated collection of stories in travel, food and drink, and lifestyle.

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