Saturday, September 26, 2026

Queen City Mischief and Magic

Staunton is magic!  But especially during QCMM….wizards and muggles from near and far descend upon Staunton, Virginia for our annual Queen City Mischief & Magic festival every September. With a touch of wizardry, the historic downtown is transformed into a scene from your favorite storybooks–themed events and hands-on activities for kids of all ages surrounded by unique shopping, dining and Staunton’s stunning Victorian architecture backdrop that makes you feel even more in a land faraway.

Experiment with potions. Enjoy delicious treats and libations. Try your hand at wild beast taming or wand dueling. Take a train excursion to a nearby tunnel and second historic train station.

Unlock the secrets of Staunton’s bewitching history and charm.  Meet some of our 100 characters!  Don’t miss the chilling arrival of baddies on our Saturday night train, find a tiny hidden dragon to take home, catch a glowing star, win the rubber duck race and pose till your heart’s content at our selfie spots and photogenic everything.  Each year we make this festival bigger and better–adding elements to make those who travel from all over the country happy that they made the trek again.

Staunton is always magical but this fall weekend is the one you must see to believe!  Ask Family Circle magazine!  They voted us THE Virginia Family Friendly Festival Not to Miss in Virginia!  Also voted Best in Virginia by Virginia Living every year.   Come see for yourself what all of the buzz is about!