SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The 47th Annual Suffolk Peanut Fest is happening Oct. 9-12 at the Suffolk Executive Airport.
This year’s theme, “A Hunka Hunka Shellin Fun,” celebrates the Las Vegas fast life and honors several legendary musical artists including Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.
This year’s festival is four days long and has several attractions for residents of all ages.
“Billy and I have been longtime volunteers with Suffolk Peanut Fest, and it’s a true privilege to
help create an event that not only celebrates timeless music and the sparkle of a Vegas-style
celebration, but also brings our community together in a fun and meaningful way. At its heart,
Peanut Fest is about honoring local traditions, supporting one another, and sharing the best of
Suffolk—including our world-famous Virginia peanuts,” said Linda Cooper, 2025 Festival
Co-Chair.
This year’s festival features live performances by several nationally recognized performers including:
- Dwight Icenhower, five-time world champion Elvis Tribute Artist
- Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
- Vinyl Radio
- The Deloreans
- Celeste Kellogg
- Snackbar Jones
Other performers include: Island Boy, Luke Willette Band, Allen Hudson & The Halfmoons,
Suffolk Public Schools, Peanut City Cloggers and Allongé Dance Academy.
One hundred and fifty merchants, exhibitors, crafters, food vendors, beer and wine booths will be in attendance to ensure that there is something for everyone. Below features some of the “signature experiences” offered annually at the Suffolk Peanut Fest.
Signature Thrill Rides
- Demolition Derby
- Swamp Roar Motorcycle Rally
- Peanut Cup Race
- Hot Air Balloon Rides
- Monster Truck Rides
Family Activities
- JB Rattles Reptiles
- Fireworks
- Petting Zoo & Pony Rides
- Carnival Midway complete with rides and games
- Princess Meet & Greet Sing-Alongs
- Art Ventures’ Imagination Station
- Touch-A-Truck
- Cornhole Tournament
- Senior Bingo
- Chalk Art Competition
Signature Food Experiences
- Complimentary roasted Birdsong peanuts distributed by the Goober Gang;
- World’s Only Peanut Butter Sculpting Competition emceed by FM99’s Rod Fitzwell
- The Birdsong Tent featuring antique peanut pickers and samples; Fresh boiled peanuts by Southern Cravings.
- Hot Wing Eating Contest
Special Features
There are also several “special features” at this year’s festival which include:
The Little Peanut Wedding Chapel: Featuring vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, and
legal marriages (with a valid marriage license)
DockDogs® Wild Card Competition: Oct. 11–13, the world’s premier canine aquatics
event.
Autobots Transformers Exhibit
Suffolk Ruritan Club’s Annual Shrimp Feast: Friday, Oct. 10. Separate ticket required.
Admission Details
All tickets go on sale Aug. 1, 2025, and can be purchased here. Each General Admission ticket is $10 per person with children under 12 free. Parking is free at the festival sight.
There are also several promotions that run through the week of the festival including:
Carload Night: (Thursday, Oct. 9):
Free admission for everyone + up to 8 all-you-can-ride wristbands for $50
Kiddie & Senior Day: (Friday, Oct. 10):
Free admission for everyone from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
(Includes free activities for preschool-age children)
Military Appreciation Day (Sunday, Oct. 12):
Half-price admission for military & first responders with valid I.D.
Wristband Day (Sunday, Oct. 12):
$30 each for all-you-can-ride wristbands
Although this annual festival is in October, the Suffolk Peanut Fest Golf Tournament, Suffolk Peanut Fest Queen’s Banquet, and Suffolk Peanut Fest Parade, will be held prior to the week of the festival.
Learn more about this year’s festival here.