MATHEWS MUSEUM • MATHEWS, VA

May Faire 2026: A Rural Life

May 2–3, 2026 · Mathews Court Green & Mathews Museum

Our annual spring heritage festival celebrating Mathews County’s people, stories, and rural way of life — with May pole dancing, local vendors, food, music, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Get Event Reminders Vendor Interest
More details coming soon as the 2026 program is finalized.

What is May Faire?

May Faire is Mathews County’s spring heritage festival, hosted by the Mathews Museum. Each year, we highlight a different part of our local story — from teachers and watermen to post offices, wharves, and rural life — through exhibits, interviews, and community activities.

The weekend feels part small-town fair, part living history: traditional May pole dancing on the Court Green, flower crowns and spring finery, children’s activities, food, artisan vendors, and special exhibits inside the Museum.

Dates
Saturday–Sunday, May 2–3, 2026
Location
Mathews Court Green & Mathews Museum, 200 Main Street
Vibe
Colorful, family-friendly, relaxed small-town festival with deep roots.
Highlights
May pole dancing, vendors, food, music, kids’ activities, themed exhibits.
Children and teens dancing around the May pole on the Court Green
Child participating in a digging activity at May Faire
Colorful May pole with ribbons and brick buildings in the background
Flower crown being placed on a festival-goer at May Faire

Scenes from recent May Faires

Top of the May pole with colorful ribbons against the trees

Get reminders for May Faire 2026

Want to know when the full schedule, contests, and special programs are announced? Join the reminder list and we’ll email you a few key updates as May approaches.

We’ll only use this for May Faire & related museum updates. You can opt out any time.

May Faire attendees talking with vendors
May Faire attendees

Vendor & demonstrator interest list

May Faire brings together artisans, makers, food vendors, nonprofits, and demonstrators who reflect the spirit of Mathews County’s rural life and heritage. If you’d like to be notified when the 2026 vendor packet is ready, let us know below.

Filling this out does not guarantee acceptance or reserve a space. It simply helps us gauge interest and make sure you receive the latest information.

Vendors talking to attendees at May Faire
Floral arrangement at the top of the May pole against the sky
Young child standing among colorful May pole ribbons
Group gathered around the May pole preparing to dance

The little details that make the day

More information coming soon

As we get closer to May 2–3, 2026, we’ll share a detailed schedule, contests, special presentations, and featured exhibits. Check back here or join the reminder list above to stay up to date.

Questions?

Mathews Museum
200 Main Street
Mathews, VA 23109

Phone: (804) 505-1277
Email: info@mathewsmuseum.org