Creativity fills the air in Abingdon. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains provide inspiration for the truly unique arts community where imagination blossoms and a love for the arts is all around. Visitors can find this creativity on display in many forms and mediums including culinary, visual, performing, traditional and theatrical arts.

Barter Theatre has been the driving force behind the performing arts in Abingdon. The Barter Theatre was founded during the Depression and gets its name from the custom of bartering produce from the farms and gardens of the area to gain admission to see a show. Today, Barter Theatre has a reputation as a theatre where many actors performed before going on to achieve fame and fortune. The most recognized of these alumni include Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine, Ned Beatty, and Kevin Spacey.

If visitors enjoy arts, crafts, music, history or antiques, Abingdon has an event to entertain everyone. With arts and culture as the backbone of the community, Abingdon is home to the annual Virginia Highlands Festival. The festival is held each year at the end of July and there is something for everyone, young and old alike, with a variety of arts, crafts, activities and performances.