21st Annual Chili Dinner will be held at the Braddock Street UMC Fellowship Hall, 115 Wolfe Street, from 5:30-8pm. Mmmmmm, chili that will warm you right up. Our celebrity waiters come out to serve you chili, salad, and beverages generously donated from Wendy’s, Royal Crown Bottling and the Evans Home’s own Board of Directors. We light up the stage with various talent including appearances from the Braddock Street Praise Band. Admission is $8.00 adults,  $7.00 children 12 and under. 540-662-8520.

 

“First Friday” at the Explore More Discovery Museum, 150 S. Main Street. Free admission from 4-7pm. We provide high-quality museum experiences for all ages. Your adventure begins when you enter the museum. Sponsored by Harrisonburg Kiwanis Club. 540-442-8900.

 

Join Old Town for the First Friday Celebration of the Arts. We will host artists with special gallery events, musicians playing in restaurants, cafes, and many of our shops stay open late. It is a great time to stroll our historic streets and a great place to meet new and favorite friends. Every month is something a little different. 540-535-3660.

 

Virginia Horse Center events: Stonewall Country Horse Show  II on the 1st-3rd; Star City Canine on the 14th-17th; Winter Tournament/UPHA Show on the 16th; Lone Star Rodeo on the 22nd-23th. 540-464-2950.

 

The Black History Museum at the Rosenwald Community Center, 413 Port Re-public Road, is celebrating Black History month with tours of the museum. Open Monday-Friday. For appointment call 540-942-6735.

 

Groundhog Day Celebration at Bowman Library Children’s Room, 871 Tasker Road, starting 11am. Everyone celebrates the end of winter, so do we with awards, crafts, stories and ice cream will be served.  540-869-9000 ex. 215.

 

The Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County will host "The Gatsby Gala" at Washington and Lee University's Evans Hall. Join us for our 82nd Annual Dinner Dance and Auction, a night of silent and live auction bidding, dinner, dancing and fun beginning at 5:30pm. Black tie optional. Tickets are $75.00 each and must be purchased in advance. Call 540-463-5375 or visit lhttp://lexrockchamber.com for tickets and more information.

 

14th Anniversary of Tons of Fun takes place at Tanglewood Mall from 10am-4pm. Dive into the fun of this free event. This indoor extravaganza is fun for the whole family. Enjoy rides, games, hands-on-crafts, performances, face painting, balloon sculptures and more. It’s Tons of Fun and it’s all for free. Roanoke County Camp Fair will be  here on the same day, parents will have an opportunity to speak with local camp organizers to see which camp is best for their child. The event starts at 10am and runs until 4pm. For more information call 540-387-6078 ext. 0.

 

4th Annual Fundraising Gala at the Performing Arts, 1 East Main Street. Theme is “Savor the Sound”. Reception 6pm and performance 7pm. The event will feature world-class musicians. Performances Given by Dr. Tonya Holland, David Howard, Christopher Jenkins, and Julia Verba. Master of Ceremonies Layne Vickers, live auction. Tickets $50.00 or reserved table of 8 $400.00. 540-743-3311.

 

Join the Taubman Museum of Art every Saturday in Art Venture, the Museum’s interactive, exploratory gallery for youths 1 to 17 years and families. Visitors to this event can paint, draw, build, connect music with art, investigate 3D printing and printmaking, create sculptures, display artwork, and much more. Children $5.00 children and accompanying adults are free. Call 540-342-5760 or TaubmanMuseum.org.

 

Each Monday night from 4-9pm ski or ride at Massanutten Resort and you will contribute to a local charity. A free beginner group lesson at 5pm or 6 pm. Must be 7 years old to participate in a group lesson. These are the charitys: Wildlife Center of Virginia on the 4th, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank on the 11th, Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition on the 18th and the Elkton Area United Services will be collecting canned food donations. For more information call 540-289-4954 or snowinfo@massresort.com.

 

Fantastic Family Fun at Shenandoah Community Library, 418 S. Third Street, from 11am-11:30pm. Children of all ages will enjoy this exciting story time. from11am-11:30pm. 540-434-4475 ext. 6.

 

Paws for Reading at the Handley Library Children’s Room, 100 West Piccadilly Street from 2-3pm. Come read a book to a loving and patient therapy dog. This program is designed for children who are just beginning to read or those who may need additional practice reading. 540-662-9041 x 16.

 

February 9–Middletown.

The Belle Grove Manor House will host the Sumptuous Feasts Kick Off Party. The ticket price includes valet parking, an open bar, tasty hor d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. Some of these events will sell out at the kick off party, so don’t miss this opportunity. For more information call 540-869-2028.

 

Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance at the Community Activities Center. Spend a fun filled evening with your little miss  from 6-7:30pm. Music, refreshments, and a special photo will all be included in your evening. To register call 540-433-9168.

 

The Sounds of Zamar with Grammy-nominated Triumphant Trey McLaughlin, performing gospel hymns, pop and musical theatre hits, 8pm. Tickets start at $28. Info: 540-943-9999 or waynetheatre.org.

 

Shenandoah Valley Runners “Heart and Soles 5K” at the Town Hall, 7875 Church Street. Celebrate your love of running with this Valentine’s Day inspired race. Registration is from 8:30-9:15am and admission is $12.00. Race is chip timed using our club Ipico chip timing. No headphones/dogs/strollers are allowed. Inclement weather policy, we run even if it is cold, sleet, snow, but not when icy. To register early 540-931-1810 or marisa.repro@gmail.com and race day.

 

Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane presents “Life in the Cold”. This program is for those ages 6 and up with an adult. Do you think nature shuts down for the winter? Think again. We will sample our ponds and soil, search under logs and leaf litter, and look for signs of life in our trees and gardens. We’ll then use microscopes and hand lenses to see what we have found. Starting 10am-noon. Register online at: www.blandy.virginia.edu/home or 540-837-1758 ext 287.

 

The Big Lick Comic-Con at the Berglund Center. This event will feature over 120  exhibitors, incredible guests, comic artists/writers, cosplay contest, gaming and so much more. General Admission is $15.00 + taxes/fees when applicable, kids 10 and under are free. Re-Entry is allowed with official event wristband. 540-793-3354.

 

February 10–Waynesboro. 

The Wayne Theatre, 521 W. Main Street, presents the film “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”. All films begin at 6pm and admission is pay what you will. The film is followed by a panel discussion which explores finding faith in film. Sponsored by the First Baptist Church. 540-949-8187 or 540-943-9999.

 

What makes a talk about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) even more entertaining? Why, beer of course. Join our “STEM Tavern” program from 5:30-7:30pm at Soaring Ridge Craft Brewery, 523 Shenandoah Avenue. We will feature a fascinating science presentation plus good beer. For each beer sold at this event, Soaring Ridge Craft Brewery, will make a donation to the Science Museum of Western Virginia. Also a food truck will be on hand. 540-342-5710.

 

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join us at James Madison University’s Frances Plecker Education Center for a brief presentation on houseplant care, tips, tricks, followed by questions and answers with experts. Bring your plants, divisions or cuttings to share, and go home with new and exciting finds. Free to all, but registration requested. 540-568-3194.

 

The Valley Radio Control Flying Club’s Annual Hobby Swap Meet at the Community Center, 682 Weyers Cave Road, starting 9am. Come buy, sell, and trade R/C related items. There will be at least 100 tables of various items. Admission is $3.00 per person. There will be raffles. 540-533-2446.

 

Instrument Petting Zoo at Handley Library Children’s Room, 100 West Piccadilly Street.You won’t find goats or llamas at this petting zoo. Bring your little zookeeper for a unique, hands-on experience with authentic musical instruments. Explore the variety of sounds that these “creatures” make. Also the Community Music School of the Piedmont will be here. For more information call 540-662-9041 ext. 16.

 

The Harrisonburg Education Foundation present its 8th Annual Gala at the Hotel Madison, 710 S. Main Street, from 7-11pm. This will be a masquerade ball to raise funds for the students and teachers of the City Public Schools. At this event you will be transported to a mystical garden of intrigue and mystery. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, have a good time and support our bright stars of tomorrow. Cocktail attire with masks that dazzle. 540-434-9916.

 

Enjoy free Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst Street, admission on this special day including guided exhibition tours and a family oriented hands-on activity in the MSV BB&T Learning Center from 11am-4pm. Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. 540-662-1473.

 

The  George Washington Train Show is a fundraising event that takes place at the Clifton Forge Armory, 724 Commercial Aveenue and the C&O Railway Heritage Center, 705 East Main Street. Admission is $5.00 and includes entrance to the C&O Railway Heritage Center/Museum. There will be a diverse selection of vendors. 540-862-2210.

 

Hairspray, the Broadway musical, directed by Hank Fitzgerald, 7pm. Tickets are $15 for students and $22 for adults. Info: 540 943-9999 or waynetheatre.org.

 

32nd Annual Western Virginia Sport Show will be held at August Expoland. Our show is a truly unique event. After over a quarter century of success we continue to proudly feature more outdoor celebrities, displays and vendor categories than any show in the region. Visit our site and stay updated as our show develops. Special guests, attractions and other information will be posted soon. Admission fee, children 4 and under are free. Call 540-350-2263.

 

The Southwest Virginia Boat Dealers Association’s 45th Annual Boat Show at the Berglund Center. kicking off the boating season and heightening consumer awareness and excitement. Come see, feel, touch, and buy now. Including exciting exhibits of boating equipment, related products and services and much more. Free Admission. 507-530-0171.

 

8th Annual Mad Anthony Mud Run. A battle awaits you at Coyner Springs Park as we pay homage to our City’s namesake, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Our first seven years have brought temperatures ranging from 9 degrees to 60 degrees.  Are you ready for the challenge mother nature throws at you? There will be no official timing this year, just fun. To register call 540-942-6735.

 

9th Annual Winter Wine Festival at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center, 24 South Market Street. This is a snow or shine event and tickets are non-refundable. Enjoy samples from the states most accomplished vineyards and wineries. Also live music, door prizes and the finest wine the state of Virginia can offer. Proceeds from this event help Historic Staunton Foundation fulfill its mission of providing leadership, education and advocacy to help preserve our historic community. For more information call 540-885-7676 or 540-885-4848.

 

Shenandoah Valley Runners Winter Series sponsored event WS #7 Build the Trails 5K will start at the  Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst Street. Please note that there are no refunds and we do not allow strollers, dogs or headphones at our races. To register  call 540-323-1925.

 

Join Park Ranger John T. Fowler at Handley Library’s Robinson Auditorium, 100 West Piccadilly Street, as he discusses Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s life and legacy, as well as how Woodson’s office-home (now known as the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site) became the focal point of the African American history movement. The public knew very little about the role of African Americans in American history, and schools were not including African American history in their curriculum. Dr. Carter G. Woodson worked tirelessly throughout his life to remedy this problem becoming nationally recognized as “the Father of Black History.” For times call 540-662-9041 Ext 31.

 

Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane presents “EcoArt” for the whole family from 10am-noon. Nature and art make perfect partners. Join us for this indoor/outdoor art experience using natural materials and found objects. Create surprising sculptures to take home, and contribute to large outdoor art that we will leave in place. Reservations required. 540-837-1758 ext 287.

 

The Wayne Theatre, 521 W. Main Street, presents “Rosenwald”, the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, who never finished high school, but rose to become the President of Sears. Influenced by the writings of the educator Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African American communities during the Jim Crow South to build over 5,300 schools during the early part of the 20th century. Because of his modesty, he’s not well known today. He gave away $62 million in his lifetime. Admission is pay what you will. 540-943-9999.