FCA, FloydFest receive grant funding for tourism efforts
FloydFest 2026~Daydream received $20,000 in grant funding, and the Floyd Living Traditions Festival received $5,000.
RICHMOND – Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced earlier this month that $885,733 in matching grant funds will be awarded to 88 special events and festivals, including FloydFest and the Floyd Center for the Arts' (FCA) Living Traditions Festival, as part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)’s Special Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program (SEF) to drive overnight visitation and traveler spending across the Commonwealth in 2026.
FloydFest 2026~Daydream received $20,000 in grant funding, and the Floyd Living Traditions Festival received $5,000.
Andrew Blevins
210 N Locust Street
Floyd, VA 24091-2105
(540) 745-2777
Next to School House Fabrics on Route 8 in the Town of Floyd.
“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 Youngkin. “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.”
This funding program leverages local marketing and event production dollars with matching state funds to increase overnight visitation, enhance the visitor experience, and grow traveler spending at special events and festivals statewide. In this funding cycle, local partners will commit more than $4.8 million in public-private funds to match VTC funding, generating more than $5.68 million in new marketing and event production activity focused on increasing overnight visitation to Virginia in 2026. In total, the awards will support 88 special events and festivals and impact 526 tourism-related partners statewide.
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276-692-8754
“Tourism is the front porch of economic development in Virginia, and special events and festivals play a critical role in driving overnight visitation,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “With a projected cumulative attendance of more than two million visitors, these events offer an unparalleled opportunity to introduce Virginia to families, friends, and prospective workers — showcasing the experiences and quality of life that help strengthen our workforce and economy.”
Additional VTC grant and sponsorship rounds will open throughout 2026. Organizations and businesses in applying may visit www.vatc.org/grants for more information.