September 9th and 10th, 2023, the James Madison Belle Grove Foundation marks the eighth anniversary of the “Spirits” Festival. Spirits is a play on words because of the haunted location and the wineries, breweries, and distilleries that visit each year. This year’s tagline is “Rock On”. There will be four Southern Rock Musical Bands and the return of the Special Master of Ceremonies, John Monforto as Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash and Rocky. Special guest, Steven Dapenvich as Captain Jack will be back this year as well. Bands performing this year are Double Down RVA, The Sugar Hollows, Josh Lief Band, and the Crimestoppers. The festival has been expanded to two days to allow more visitors. The festival includes local food trucks and specialty vendors selling products and services. And don’t forget the Spirits that include local wineries, breweries and distilleries.
The proceeds from the festival benefit the James Madison Belle Grove Foundation. Their mission is to preserve, restore, improve, maintain, and educate the public about Belle Grove and its amazing history. Proceeds from previous festivals have funded a Homeschool Education Series and an archaeological dig that revealed evidence of the Native Americans that inhabited the land. Tickets are available online and at the gate.