What's New in the area
Check back here regularly for news and events from the area.
Some events may be postponed or canceled.
Contact the event host for updates.
.
April 13–Harrisonburg.
“Dogs 2 Read 2” will be held at the Central Library, from 4:30-5:30pm. Dogs are
wonderful listeners and love to hear stories being told to them. Dogs 2 Read 2 is a great chance for kids in grades K-5 to practice their reading skills with Gus, a Shepherd mix. All Dogs 2 Read 2
pups are trained and certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. 540-434-4475 ext.108.
April 14–Grottoes.
Explore the unique geological offerings of Grand Caverns at our “Geology
Specialty” tour, with the Assistant Professor of Geology and Environmental Science at JMU, Dr. Ángel A. Garcia Jr. In this tour you’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation of what makes Grand
Caverns a globally unique cave. 540-249-5705.
April 15–Dayton.
Visit the Historic Town of Dayton during the Annual Redbud Arts & Crafts
Festival, 10am-4pm. Festivities include: 100+ handmade arts, crafts & food vendors, free redbud sapling giveaway, horse drawn carriage rides, pony rides, antique car cruise in, ducky races, live
music and a beer garden. www.daytonva.us/community/pages/redbud-arts-crafts-festival or 540-879-2241.
April 15–Swoope.
Join North Mountain Outfitter for a fun filled day as we saddle up and take you
into some of the best back country North Mountain Outfitter can offer. This will be an all day outing showing you the ultimate experience of the cowboy way. This ride has the scenery, water crossing
and wild life to take in. Included is a campfire style lunch done in the great outdoors. We’re limiting the number of riders on this trip giving you the best possible experience, while allowing you
an opportunity to enjoy the freedom. To register 540-886-7768 or northmtnoutfitter.com/cowboy-way-pack-in/.
April 15-22–Statewide.
Historic Garden Week, provides visitors a unique opportunity to see
unforgettable gardens at the peak of springtime color, as well as beautiful houses and historic landmarks. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for events in your area or 1-804-644-7776 Ext.
21.
April 15, 29–Harrisonburg.
X2 Comedy Series will be performing at Court Square Theater on the 15th and on
the 29th at Restless Moons Brewing. Join us for your wellness break and have some hearty belly laughs. X2 Comedy provides high quality clean comedy, PG-13 shows. Come to a show or book us to bring
the show to you. For Details call 540-560-3356 or visit: www.x2comedy .com.
April 16–McGaheysville.
Join us for our Spring Market at Brix & Columns Vineyards, 1501 Dave Berrt
Road, 12-5pm, where you can celebrate with excellent shopping choices from local artisans. Call 540-810-0566 or visit www.brixandcolumns.com/events/.
April 19–Harrisonburg.
The 6th Annual “Great Community Give” is from Sunrise (6:30am) to sunset (8pm).
This is a fundraiser for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County nonprofit organizations. 540-432-3863.
April 21-23–Waynesboro.
Join America’s most celebrated living artist, P. Buckley Moss at the Barn Show
and Gallery Open House, at 329 West Main Street. A new print “Peace Within” will be released. All artwork purchased from the gallery during this weekend can be signed and personalized. In addition,
you may also bring up to two previously purchased Moss prints or paintings to the Barn for personalization. For details: 540-949-6473 or www.pbuckleymoss.com/barn.html.
April 22–Harrisonburg.
Rocktown Beer and Music Festival will be held at the Turner Pavillion starting
at 3pm. Music by Sean K. Preston with the Loaded Pistols, Free Union, and Chupacabras. We will have 60+ beers to sample and more. Everyone will find something to get excited about. For details
540-435-6891 or www.rocktownfestival.com.
April 22–Staunton.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Gypsy Hill Park’s bandstand, from 11am-3pm. Enjoy
kid-oriented activities, live native wildlife shows, live beehive, face painting, native plant sale, and more. Food on site. Bring a refillable water bottle. Admission is free. In the event of rain,
Earth Day Staunton will be in the Gypsy Hill Park Gym. 540-332-3945 or earthdaystaunton.org.
April 22-30–National Parks.
All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free
admission to everyone on the 22nd. There are also special events during the week to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture. 540-999-3500.
April 23–Winchester.
"Tablescapes" presented by Wheels for Wellness, Millwood Station Events Center,
252 Costello Drive, 2-5pm. Tablescapes is an elegant afternoon showcase of fine dining and entertaining ideas; beautifully decorated dining tables, children’s tables, displays, demonstrations, silent
auction, raffle, door prizes, music, refreshments and more. Tablescapes is our signature fundraising event, 2023 marks our 7th annual event. Tickets are $25.00 in advance; $30 at the door. Tickets
and information can be found on our website at www.Wheels4Wellness.org/Tablescapes-2023.
April 27-Harrisonburg.
Join us for a “Virtual” event, where you will hear from a panel of JMU students
and the community members who created the Harrisonburg 360 Podcast, which elevates the stories and needs of immigrants living in the Shenandoah Valley. Questions? Contact libraries@jmu.edu or
540-568-6150.
April 28–Grottoes.
Join us at Grand Caverns Park, 6:30pm, for the 23rd running of our certified 5K
and the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk offering courses suitable for all runners. Our 5K course is fast and flat. The 1-Miler stays within the picturesque park and goes along the fitness trail. A free
“Celebrate Health” expo is planned for the community at the park in the afternoon. For details call 540-249-5896 or visit www.facebook.com/events/2210919915781642/?ref=newsfeed.
April 28-30–Waynesboro.
The Wayne Theatre presents “Little Shop of Horrors.” Live Performance at 7pm and
at 2pm on the 30th. For tickets call the box office at 540-943-9999 or visit www.waynetheatre.org.
April 28-May 7–Winchester.
96th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival at various places. Over 40 events
including parade, wine fest, carnival, various tournaments and so much more. Visit www.thebloom.com for complete details or call 540-662-3863.
April 29–Waynesboro.
The “Park to Park” race at 7am will have shuttles that begin at 5:30am and the
last shuttle leaves at 6:30am, from Ridgeview Park the (finish line location), to Stuarts Draft Park (start line location at 7am). Runners enjoy fully stocked aid stations and a post-race party at
the end. A portion of the proceeds will go to Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. based in Charlottesville. 540-942-6735 or www.runthevalley.com/.
April 29–Waynesboro.
“Year of the River Otter” is the theme for “Riverfest” starting at 10am. This
free event takes place river-side at Constitution Park South. Activities are reptile world shows, stream safari, presentations by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, fish/fun rodeo, canoe rides, stream
electro-fishing with DGIF. The day is capped off by the great South River duck race around 4pm. Riverfest is held rain or shine and no pets allowed. 540-942-6735 or
/riverfestwaynesboro.org.
April 29–Front Royal.
“Ride With Rotary” bike event, 8am-3pm. Rockland Park, 250 Rockland Park Way. By
Rotary Club of Warren County. Details at www.discoverfrontroyal.com/front-royal-events-calendar.html.
May 1-7-Winchester.
The Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival will be held at various locations. This is a family-friendly festival that includes more
than 30+ events, a 10K race, a carnival, celebrities, fireworks on the 5th, a parade on the 6th and much more. 540-662-3863 or www.thebloom.com/.
May l-22–Waynesboro.
The Wayne Theatre presents: Lethal Weapon (1987) on the 1st; Little Shop of Horrors on the 5th-7th; Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) on the
8th; Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) on the 15th; Andrew Duhon in concert on the 19th; Percy Jackson in Percy Jackson; the Lightning Thief on the 21st and So Proudly We Hail (1943) on the 22nd.
Auditions for grades 3+ are held on 5/8 and 5/9. For tickets visit www.waynetheatre.org or call 540-943-9999.
May 1-31–Edinburg.
Come learn about the days when the historic 1848 Mill on Route 11, at 214 West Main Street, served the community and region. Three
floors of history and exhibits, an on-site wine shop and restaurant. locally made rugs in the mill gift shop and watch the model train. The first floor is free, admission to the upper floors is
$3.00. An elevator is available for easy access to upper floors. www.edinburgmill.com or 540-984-8400.
May 5–Winchester.
Free First Friday at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, 19 West Cork Street, from 5-7pm. 540-722-2020.
May 5-6–Winchester.
Annual Strawberry Festival fundraiser for the Community School will be held at Elmwood Park, rain or shine. This event offers berry
treats, along with children’s games/activities, free musical entertainment, arts/crafts and more. Starting 11am both days. 540-563-5036.
May 6–Staunton.
Join us at the Hotel 24 South, 24 S. Market Street, as we Celebrate 40 years of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. For more details
support.wildlifecenter.org/event/homecoming/e471255 or 540-885-4848.
May 6–Mt. Jackson.
Big Band Bash at the Mayor’s Park, 5901 Main Street, from 10am-4pm. There will be live music, arts/crafts/food vendors, children’s
activities. Rain date June 10th. 540-477-2121.
May 6–Winchester.
Free “First Friday” at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, 19 West Cork Street, from 5-7pm. 540-722-2020.
May 6–Buchanan.
Annual “Garden Festival” held at various places. This family friendly event features garden/outdoor living vendors, live music, food,
kid’s activities, handmade crafts, artists and a main street sidewalk sale. For more details visit www.townofbuchanan.com/index.php or call 540-254-1212.
May 6–Salem.
71st Ernest “Pig” Robertson Fishing Rodeo at Lake Spring Park at the corner of W. Main Street and Green Street, from 9-11am, for
children age 9-12. The top angler will receive a trophy and prizes will be awarded to boys and girls each day. 540-375-3057.
May 7-31–Fishersville.
Augusta Expo will host the following events: Shenandoah Valley Model Train and Railroading Show 7th; Life Line Screening on the 11th;
Brick Universe Augusta County on the 13th-14th; 70th Fishersville Antiques Expo on the 19th-20th; and the Red Cross Blood Drive on the 31st. www.augustaexpo.com/shows or 540-337-2552.
May 12-14–Strasburg.
Mayfest is an annual festival for all ages, showcasing local arts, crafts, and food. Come join us in downtown for a fun family weekend
with live music, duck race, kids zone, a parade, a beer garden, and more. To kick off the festival on the 12th will be the “Heels, Hops, & Bowties Lunchen at Box Office Brewery.
www.shenandoahcountychamber.com/Strasburg-Mayfest for complete schedule.
May 13–Woodstock.
Join the Town of Woodstock and Seven Bends State Park for the eight and four hour Adventure Races. We have a great course for you to
trek, bike and paddle. The team with the most points in the allotted time will win. Details at www.rev3endurance.com/seven-bends-adventure-race or to register 540-459-3621.
May 13–Waynesboro.
Join us for the “Petpawlooza” at Coyner Springs Park, from noon-4pm. Pets bring your humans for a fun day. We will have a variety of
vendors and more. For more details call 540-942-6735 or visit www.waynesboro.va.us/892.
May 13–Berryville.
2nd Annual John H. Enders Fire Company Dice Run at 9 S. Buckmarsh Street. Registration opens at 9am with first group out at 10am and
last group out at 10:45am. Food is being provided by Enders firemen. Raffle begins at 3pm with numerous HD merchandise and much more. Event by Hogs and Heroes Foundation, 609-775-5260.
May 13–Middletown.
The “Of Ale and History” Beer Fest is back at Belle Grove Plantation, 336 Belle Grove Road, from11am-6pm. There will be local beers,
live music from the Robbie Limon Band and Meisha Herron and more. www.bellegrove.org/calendar/P6 or 540-869-2028.
May 13–Winchester.
Join us for a look back into Winchester’s history during the 1700’s. Visit the Provincial and Ranger Camps to learn about the life of
soldiers based at Fort Loudoun. F&IW era books and merchandise for sale, re-enactments, tours, and children’s activities. Also join our activities at “Kidz-Fest” located on Loudoun Street Walking
Mall. 540-678-1743 or fiwf.org/event/fort-loudoun-day-loudoun-street-kids-fest/.
May 13-14–Boyce.
Join us at Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, from 9am-4pm for our 33rd Annual Garden Fair. Be the first to choose from our
tremendous selection of native plants, annuals, perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, garden tools, decor, and related items. Enjoy a quick lunch at one of our food vendors. Call 540-837-1758 or
blandy.virginia.edu/2023-garden-fair.
May 14-16–Swoope.
Shotguns and Saddles will be held at North Mountain Outfitter, 709 North Mountain Road, starting at 4pm. All meals, lodging, horseback
riding, sporting clays, fishing, gratuities and all the fresh air you can stand are included. Event is rain or shine so please pack appropriately. To register:
www.northmtnoutfitter.com/shotguns-saddles/ or call 540-886-7768.
May 13–Lexington.
The Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County will be hosting the 26th Annual Chamber Golf Classic at the
Golf and Country Club, 141 Country Club Road, from noon-6pm. To register call 540-463-5375.
May 19–Front Royal.
John H. Enders Fire Co., and Rescue Squad’s Golf Tournament will be held at Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club, 456 Shadows Drive. To register
www.instagram.com/p/CqX88jLtVe2/ 540-539-3619.
May 19-20–Fishersville.
The 70th Fishersville Antiques Expo will be held at the Augusta Expo Event Center, 277 Expo Rd. The Fishersville Antiques Expo focuses
on current and emerging trends and always the classics: 18th and 19th-century American and English period antiques, vintage Americana, jewelry, silver, glassware, primitives, rugs and mid-century
modern pieces. The show will be open Friday, May 19, 9am-5pm and Saturday, 9am-4 pm. Admission: $10 per person on Friday (early shopping and two-day pass) and $5 per person on Saturday. Tickets
sold at the gate, rain or shine. For more info: www.heritagepromotions.net or call 434-847-824.
May 20–New Market.
Annual Food Truck Fest is held in the Community Park. There will be a selection of food trucks, live music, vendors, fun things for the
kids to do. Admission is free. Bring chairs/blankets for comfort. Pets are allowed on leashes only and not in the food truck area. 540-421-3432.
May 20–Elkton.
EPIC Fest Beer and Wine Festival at Elkton Landing at 15880 Old Spotswood Trail from 1:30-7:30pm. There will be a variety of local beer,
wine, food, arts and crafts vendors, along with musical artists. 540-226-5346.
May 20–Broadway.
X2 Comedy to perform at Beards & Broads Restaurantat, 175 N. Central Street, 7-8:30pm. This show features local comedians Dawn Davis
Womack, Chris Womack, X2 Comedy’s Basement Comics, Ben Creed and headliner Dewayne White, a combat-wounded vet and stand up comedian based in DC. Contact Dawn at 540-560-3356 or visit
www.x2comedy.com. Tickets: bookx2comedy@gmail.com
May 20–Harrisonburg.
Downtown Dinner Party is an inspired celebration of the Valley’s love for our town and our culinary stars. Highlighting our restaurants
and more than a dozen delicious tasting stations. Sip local beer/wine, bid in a live auction and join in our outdoor dance party. Call 540-432-8922 or visit:
downtownharrisonburg.org/annual-events/.
May 20-21–New Market.
159th Anniversary Battle of New Market Commemoration will be held at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, 8895 George Collins Parkway.
Join us as we remember the Battle of New Market that raged across Jacob Bushong’s farm and the soldiers that struggled there. Special emphasis will highlight the role of the Cadets from the VMI that
were asked to fill a gap in the Confederate battle line and helped to turn the tide of the battle. www.vmi.edu/museums-and-archives/virginia-museum-of-the-civil-war/events/.
May 20-21–Front Royal.
The 35th Annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival at East Main and Chester Streets, from 11am-7pm. Join us for shopping, great food, wine
tasting and more. For information call 540-635-3185.
May 21–Basye.
The Rocktown Rambler is a celebration of riding backcountry roads in the Shenandoah Valley. There will be gravel, some climbing, some
descending, some singletrack and a lot of fun. We welcome everyone that wants to have a good time, whether that is by racing, riding or partying (or doing all three at once). To register
www.bikereg.com/rocktown-rambler or 540-689-0070.
May 26–Shenandoah.
Steamed Shrimp Fundraiser for Shenandoah Fire Company 70, 4-6pm. Preorder by commenting on their Facebook post. Pickup at 201
Pennsylvania Avenue. A Cruz-in on First Street 6-9pm. Sponsored by Jr’s Tire Service. Also Flag Retirement by Boy Scout Troop 8 at Veterans Park, 205 Virginia Avenue, 7-8:30pm.
May 26-27–Buena Vista.
Glen Maury Park Event: Fridays in the Park featuring “Vinyl Nation”. For more information call 540-261-8600.
May 26-27–Stephens City.
The Newtown Heritage Festival is a family-oriented weekend of events showcasing the past and present skills of the people from the
region and a parade at 2pm on the 27th. 540-869-3087.
May 27–Shenandoah.
Come celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in the Town of Shenandoah with celebration events all day. Day Festival and Parade. For information
contact Town Clerk Lora Jenkins at 540-652-8164 or email ljenkins@townofshenandoah.com.
May 27–Shenandoah.
Dog Show Carnival Grounds 8am-10pm. Awards for: Most Patriotic, Best Look Alike, Best Trick, and Best in Show. For details call
Diane Shifflett 540-478-2857.
May 27–New Market.
Come to the New Market Community Park to enjoy a free movie “Disney’s Luca” with family and friends. All movies will begin at sundown.
540-740-3432.
May 27-29–Staunton.
Join the Frontier Culture Museum, 1290 Richmond Avenue, for their Memorial Day Weekend event. 540-332-7850.
May 30–Harrisonburg.
The 8th Annual Memorial Day Community Celebration will kick-off at 4pm at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. This event is free. Come
out and enjoy a cruise-in, kid’s activities, games, a variety of food vendors, door prizes and live music. We be honoring our veterans, active military and first responders. 540-433-0769.
Print 