Generations Crossing is proud to present this year’s New Year’s Eve Glow Run 5K. Three years going strong. Enjoy a new out-and-back 5K course that starts/finishes downtown and runs through JMU’s campus. Even better, all participants receive more glow paraphernalia than you’ll know what to do with and the course is lined with flashy lights and DJ’s. Wheelchair racers, strollers, and leashed pets are welcome. Warm up and stretches led by Breathe Pilates at 4: 45 pm. Post-race celebration at Pale Fire Brewing immediately following the 5K. 540-434-4901 or events@vamomentum.com.

 

This holiday season, head to the Visitor Center at Natural Bridge State Park, 6477 South Lee Highway for our 5th Annual Festival of Trees. Get into the holiday spirit by placing donated items under your favorite trees decorated by local area businesses and organizations. This year’s donations will benefit the Project Horizon, a non profit organization dedicated to eradicating domestic, dating, and sexual violence in Rockbridge County area through crisis intervention services and prevention programs. Needed donation items are as follows: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, light bulbs, pillows, diapers, deodorant for men/women, toothpaste, baby lotion, towels, twin/full size bedsheets/plastic mattress covers, sponges, gas and grocery gift cards. 540-291-1326.

 

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions limiting gatherings to 25 people or less, there will not be a guided 1st day hike this year at Shenandoah River State Park, 350 Daughter of Stars Drive Shelter 1. But don’t let that stop you; create your own first day hike. The park has over 24 miles of trails to spread out on. Take it easy on Bluebell or Overlook trail, or challenge yourself and try the Bear Bottom Loop or Allen’s Mountain. The parking fee is waived on this day. Don’t forget to bring your mask and practice social distancing. 540-622-6840.

 

January 1–Harrisonburg. 

Ruby’s Arcade, 100B 165 South Main Street, is a sprawling hangout with duckpin bowling, pool tables, dart lanes, foosball and more. With a woodfired pizza oven, woodfired meat smoker and a full service bar. Ruby’s is the perfect spot for an afternoon with the kids or a late night with friends. Don’t forget to bring your mask and practice social distancing. 540-615-5351.

 

The First Day Hike at Seven Bends State Park, 2111 South Hollingsworth Road, will be self-guided. Pick up a trail map at the Lupton Road entrance or the Hollinsworth Entrance Kiosk. Self-guided programs are a great way to get even more out of your hike you can go the extra mile this year by exploring a trail you haven’t been on before. Dress in layers and prepare for the weather. The ranger suggests that you bring water/snacks, wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes, also bring a camera or binoculars. Parking fees are waived for the day. 540-622-6840.

 

Don’t miss Frederick County Parks and Recreation’s Annual Light Show at Clearbrook Park. A lighted walking holiday tour through Clearbook Park. There is Hundreds of thousands of lights that are computer controlled that are coordinated with music. Showtimes: 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. Leashed and friendly dogs are welcome on Sunday evenings only. Please observe social distancing guidelines while attending this event. Make sure you have your tickets ready to scan when entering. Advance registration is required. 540-665-5678.

 

Join the Augusta County Library for their Winter Reading Game. Pick up a challenge sheet from any ACL locations for some winter reading fun. One sheet may be redeemed for a prize at the end of this event. Masks and social distancing are required when entering these location. For more information call 540-885-3961.

 

Films at the Wayne Theater, 521 West Main Street: On the 4th Top Hat; On the 11th Uninvited; On the 18th Trip to Bountiful; On the 25th Shadow of a Doubt. For times and tickets call 540-943-9999.   

 

Join us at Shrine Mont, 217 Shrine Mont Circle for our Woodcutters Weekend. Enjoy a peaceful weekend or week in one of our five cottages open during the winter months. There are campfire rings, horseshoes, croquet and bocci ball, scenic hiking trails, a gift shop, hayrides available by reservation and more. You do not have to be skilled in using a chainsaw, tractor, or splitter. Work alongside our staff to cut wood for Shrine Mont as well as take some home to enjoy. Stay cozy and warm this winter with wood cut from our mountain. 540-856-2141.

 

Come enjoy a night on the town, with a date or friend group at the Friendly City Dance Room, 2 North Main Street. This is a 45-minute comedy show, a Kizomba lesson, an open dance floor, and local brews. Our event will include a special host, like former NFL star Landon Turner and feature brews from local beer providers. This is a great “night out on the town” experience, enjoy laughter, liquid courage and bust a move to the hottest tunes after an intro to the beautiful Kizomba with comedian Dawn Womack and Kiz dancer/teacher Phillip Fusaro. 540-305-4143 or 540- 217-2726.

 

We are excited to announce that Frogtown Music is sponsoring our second season of the Top of Virginia Bluegrass Series to benefit the Frederick County Educational Foundation. This year’s lineup starts off with the The Grascals and The Scott Brannon Band. All fantastic groups for a great cause. All shows will be held in the beautiful auditorium at Millbrook High School, 251 First Woods Drive. Doors open at 6pm and the shows begin at 7pm. Details and ticket information can be found on topof virginiabluegrass.com or 540-955-4786.

 

Introduction to Hand Quilting at the Virginia Quilt Museum, 301 South Main Street. Do you want to learn to quilt? No sewing experience necessary. As long as you can hold a needle and thread you can learn to hand quilt. Taught by Joan Dreyer, this adult beginners class will teach you the basic technique of the “running stitch.” You will work on a small sample in the class that once completed you may finish as a pillow top on your own. All supplies are provided so just bring yourself. This class will be limited to eight people per session to allow proper social distancing. There will be two sessions: 10am-noon and 1-3pm will be available, so if your preferred session is sold out please look at the other session as well. This class is $35.00. Call 540-433-3818 to register.

 

The Virginia Farm Show will be held at Augusta Expo. The show is the only agricultural trade show in Virginia that caters to full-time as well as part-time farmer. In addition to exhibits of all the major lines of equipment and services there is a Skid Steer Rodeo for all the attendees to watch as well as participate in. 540-337-2552.

 

On Cue Sports Bar and Grill, 460 S Commerce Avenue will host the “Famous Last Words”. They are a variety duo comprised of lead guitarist Jon France and vocalist Maria Price that will be bringing the valley hits from the Beatles, Sublime, Zeppelin, Michelle Branch, Alanis, Heart, Houston, CCR and so many more. 540-636-8424.

                  

The Blue Grass Jam will be held at the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, 518 Church Street from 7 pm. Bring your favorite instrument or just come and listen. Free admission fee. 540-862-7275.

 

South West Virginia’s largest bridal expo show will be held at The Berglund Center. Visit with the area’s leading wedding professionals and talk to knowledgeable vendors in one place. Sample cakes, desserts, and catering samples. Many vendors will offer special show discounts to those who wish to book that vendor’s service. Enjoy a designer fashion show. Couples attending have the chance to win thousands of dollars in giveaways from the participating wedding vendors. Admission is $10.00 per person. 1-804-822-1768.

 

Come out and join us at West Oaks Farm Market and Event Venue, 4305 Middle Road from 6-10 pm. We will be having a fun night of excellent music, food, and fellowship. Springfield Exit is a phenomenal bluegrass band local to the Shenandoah Valley. The doors open at 6 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. The show begins at 7 pm. Admission for the show is $12.00 or $20.00 for admission plus dinner. We will have a cash/card bar available. 540-662-4118 or 540-539-8175.

 

Join the Barns of Rose Hill, 95 Chalmers Court for an evening of music with Juliana MacDowell and Mike Ault from 7-9 pm. Juliana MacDowell is a singer-songwriter whose velvety vocals and vibrant take on the Americana genre beckon audiences with endearing ease. In addition to performing in and around the Washington area, Mike Ault has worked as a guitar demonstrator for Paul Reed Smith Guitars at national and international music shows in Japan, China, Italy, England, Germany, and Scotland, and of course the US. Tickets are $30.00 in Advance and $35.00 at the door. For more information 540-955-2004.

 

Join the George C. Marshall Museum for a virtual event, Wheels of Courage: How paralyzed veterans from World War II invented wheelchair sports, fought for disability rights, and inspired a nation. David Davis presents the inspiring story of the world’s first wheelchair athletes. They were U.S. soldiers, sailors and marines who were paralyzed on the battlefield during World War II. They organized the first-ever wheelchair basketball teams within V.A. hospitals after the war which quickly spread across the nation and changed the perception and treatment of disabled people. To find out more call 540-463-7103.

 

Kids, find out what it takes to be a ranger at Sky Meadows. We have three Junior Ranger activity books: Junior Historian, Junior Naturalist and Junior Farmer. Complete one of the three activity books and become an official Sky Meadows Junior Ranger. Stop by the Visitor Center at Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane to get your books and start your journey. 540-592-3556.

 

The Showmasters Gun Show held at the Augusta Expo Center provides the public with venues to purchase, trade, sell guns, ammo, and related merchandise. Our exhibitors can easily answer virtually all questions and concerns a consumer may have. Do not bring loaded guns in the building. Please wear a mask and social distance. We have occupancy limits and demand for guns, ammo, and self-defense items are at their highest. We will have Samurai swords, early Indian/western Americana, militaria of all wars, coins, ammo, training, holsters, safes, antiques and so much more. General admission is $9.00 and children under 12 are free. 540-951-1344 or 540-951-2344.