Queen City Mischief and Magic

Queen City Mischief and Magic is a volunteer-run, free festival held throughout the historic downtown of Staunton, Virginia, celebrating magic drawn from books and many fandoms rather than any single corporate franchise. Organisers connect roughly 150 participating small businesses, non-profits and organisations, with activities spread across streets and storefronts and attendance described as more than 20,000 visitors. Features include costumed characters arriving by historic train at the Staunton station platform, character meet-and-greets, house sorting run by a local Scout troop, face painting and crafts by local non-profits, food from downtown businesses, and an official merchandise table.