Below, we have listed some of Chincoteague & Assateague Island's famous festivals & events.
Events for 2026!
January 1, 2026
Pony Plunge
New Year's Day! Chill out & plunge into the ocean
February 13-14, 2026
Death by chocolate
Free Scavenger hunt, free chocolates, free prizes
March 20-21, 2026
Search for shamrocks
Free Scavenger hunt, free prizes, & wear your green!
April 3-4, 2026
Easter Decoy Fest
Local/national artists' exhibits & selling of work
April 10-11, 2026
Spring roundup
The Wild Ponies will be rounded up and have a vet check.
May 2, 2026
seafood fest
A shore Tradition. Ticket includes seafood, beer, music
July 2, 2026
carnival opens
Opening Ceremony of the island's Carnival.
July 4th , 2026
Carnival & Old-fashioned Fireworks Display for the 4th of July & in celebrating the re-opening of carnival, & Pony Penning!
July & August
7/2-4, 10-11, 24-25 & 7/27-8/1
Carnival on Main St.
7:00-11:00pm
July 23-25, 2026
blueberry festival
Blueberries, food, art, entertainment. Did I mention Blueberries?!
July 25, 2026
(1st Pony Event)
South Herd Roundup of Assateague's Wild Ponies
July 26, 2026 (2nd Pony Event)
North Herd Roundup of Assateague's Wild Ponies
July 27, 2026
(3rd Pony Event)
Pony Beach Walk with the Saltwater Cowboys
July 28, 2026
Veterinarian Visit
Veterinarian Check & Selection of Buyback ponies
July 29, 2026
()The Pony Swim!
(4th Pony Event)
Chincoteague's World Famous Event- the last Wed. in July
July 30, 2026
(5th Pony Event)
Auction of Foals
July 31, 2026
Pony Swim BACK
August 1, 2026
Last Night
of the Chincoteague Carnival
TBD 2026
Decoy Show
Decoy Carver's & Artists' Association Decoy Show
Sept. (TBD)
Poker Run
Police Dept. Annual event for the kids- BLOCK PARTY
October 10, 2026
Oyster Festival
52nd Annual
Oyster Festival
October (TBD)
National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebration
November- Thanksgiving Wknd
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Weekend
TBD
Christmas Manor
Comes to Life
TBD
Christmas by the Sea Event
1. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
2. Holly Day Market & Wildlife Art Gallery
TBD
Christmas by the Sea Event
"Savor the Season" Progressive Home Tour
TBD
Christmas by the Sea Event
Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
TBD
Christmas by the Sea Event
Children's Tea Party
with Mrs. Claus
TBD
Christmas by the Sea Event
(New Year's Eve) Pony Island Horseshoe Drop & Costume Promenade
January 1, 2026!
Christmas by the Sea Event
New Year's Day-
Chill out...Take the Polar Pony Plunge