Events, Classes, & Festivals

• Events & Classes on Resort at Massanutten Resort  Website 

• Acrylic Pour Class, Ladies Paint Night, Kids Nature Class, Kids Acrylic Pour Class at Artisan Galleries @ Massanutten Resort  Website 

• Charcuterie Carving & Decorating Class by Valley Olive Oil & Balsamics @ Massanutten Resort Market  Website 

• Healing Olive Oil Herbal Salve Crafting Class @ Valley Olive Oil & Balsamics,  McGaheysville  1.5 Miles west of Massanutten  Website 

• Fun & Food Charcuterie Cutting & Decorating Class @ Valley Olive Oil & Balsamics,  McGaheysville  1.5 Miles west of Massanutten  Website 

• Creative art/craft/painting studio (Daily) @ I Arted In The Valley,  McGaheysville  1.5 Miles west of Massanutten  Website 

• Creative art/craft/painting studio (Daily) @ KimBo Designs, Elkton  4.7 Miles east of Massanutten  Website 

• 2A Training Center @ Blue Ridge Outdoor Supplies, Elkton  6.4 Miles east of Massanutten  Website

• Events @ Pure Shenandoah, Elkton  6.5 Miles east of Massanutten  Website  

• Also see our wineries and breweries for activities like dancing, music events, food events, holiday & seasonal crafting, painting, yoga, etc.

Summer 2024

Also see Featured Events photos below for local summer events listing by towns in Rockingham County

• June 1, 7-8–Harrisonburg.

Rockingham County Fairgrounds, 4808 S. Valley Pike, events: On the 1st, Northern District 4H Show at the Hoop Barn and Relay for Life on the 7th-8th. www.rockinghamcountyfair.com/events or 540-434-0005.

• June 7-8–Harrisonburg.

40th Annual Ray Gordon Memorial Jumbo Fly-In, from 10am-5pm both days. Large model airplanes are featured. This is a family friendly event. Food and beverages available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair and plan on having a great day. Free admission to spectators. For directions visit: www.vrcfc.org/events.html or call 540-533-2446.

• June 7, 21, 29–Town of Shenandoah.

 Cruz-in on First Street, from 6-9pm,on the7th, rain date June 14th; Free Movie Night  featuring "Honey I Shrunk The Kids", 8:30pm. at Big Gem Park 736 Fourth Street, on the 21st; Free Music in the Park at  Big Gem Park 736 Fourth Street from 6-8pm featuring " Austin Shifflett", on the 29th. /www.townofshenandoah.com/calendar/month/2024-06 or 540-652-8164.

• June 15–Dayton.

Come to Fort Harrison and learn about trades of the past from our talented and devoted tradesmen and women, from 10am-3pm. There will be authentic live demonstrations, sales of handcrafted items and fun for the whole family. Free admission. fortharrisonva@gmail.com.

• June 22–Harrisonburg.

Join the Blue Ridge Power Sports, 20 Heritage Drive, as they continue Amber's legacy through a "Benefit Ride" for this amazing center "Generation's Grossing". Starting point will be at Blue Ridge Power Sports.and registration starts at 9am with kick stands up at 10:30am.  The destination will be Generation's Grossing where there will be food, games and more, All proceeds will be donated to Generation's Crossings on behalf of The Proud American Riders. Call 540-434-7345.or visit www.facebook.com/events/1369296677049402/.

• July 2–Town of Shenandoah.

Join the  the Shenandoah Community Library, 418 S Third Street, for “Patriotic Storytime and Crafts” from 11-11:30am. Celebrate the USA's birthday with fun stories about the 4th of July. Make a fireworks craft, too. 540-434-4475.

• July 5–Harrisonburg.

Join us at the Turner Pavillion, 228 South Liberty Street. for a free concert with “Yam Yam” and “Florencia and The Feeling” from 6-9pm, then stay for the fireworks around 9pm. 540.432.8922 or www.facebook.com/events/1112713466811935.

• July 5, 12, 27–Town of Shenandoah.

 “Free Movie Night” featuring the movie “Clifford the Big Red Dog” starting 8:30pm on the 5th at Big Gem Park; “Cruz-in” on First Street, from 6-9pm on the 12 and on the 27th “Free Music in the Park” at Big Gem Park from 6-8pm. www.townofshenandoah.com/calendar/month/2024-07 or 540-652-6027.

• July 12–Shenandoah National Park.

Join Big Meadows Lodge, Mile 51.2, Skyline Drive, from 9am-4pm, to learn what to do when the “What If” of your outdoor adventures turn into the “Now What”. This course will teach you the best items to take on any outdoor adventure and how best to use them in a survival situation. To register www.goshenandoah.com/activities-events/hiking/basic-outdoor-skills or 877-847-1919.

• July 17-20–Bridgewater.

The Volunteer Fire Company will host the “86th Annual Lawn Party”. Bring the family and enjoy live music, rides, food, games, parades, and more.  All proceeds go directly to support the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Company so we can continue to serve our community.  For details 540-828-3121 or www.bridgewaterfire.com/lawn-party-schedule/.

• July 26–Shenandoah National Park.

Join the Shenandoah Mountain Guides at Skyland Resort, mile 41.7 and 42.5, in Shenandoah National Park for their “Map and Compass Navigation” event. Learn about land navigation in the absence of technology, or even the sun. If you’re interested in how to find out: where you are, where you’re going and how you’re going to get there, this activity is for you. Never feel helplessly lost again. www.goshenandoah.com/activities-events/hiking/map-and-compass or 540 999-3500.

• July 27–Harrisonburg.

3rd Annual Cave Comedy Fest at Melrose Civil War Caverns. 6639 North Valley Pike. Saturday 11am-6p. Tailgate & play all day with us. Enjoy a unique comedy experience featuring comedy shows inside the cave with a mini cave tour featuring LA International Touring Headliner Lachlan Patterson & the Funny Womacks; take a full length guided Melrose Civil War Caverns tour to see over 150 civil war soldiers' signatures who used the cave; enjoy food and beverages from local vendors including a themed beer for the fest, mine for gems, listen to live music featuring local artists, and enjoy various lawn activities including axe throwing, cornhole, can jam, scavenger hunt on the new walking trail. Three ticket types available $10-$55. For more information and buy tickets visit www.melrosecaverns.com/comedy. Questions call Dawn 540-560-3356 or email dawndaviswomack@gmail.com.

Fall 2024

• Oct. 12, 2024 7-11 pm

Masquerade Ball & Murder Mystery  7-11pm  Website 

Hosted by Valley Olive Oil & Circle M Carriages 

@ The Terrace at Rocktown in Harrisonburg VA

This year's fall ball theme will take inspiration from the Masquerade Balls held at the Versailles Palace in France.  There will be costumes, music & dancing, actors & entertainers, magic, feathers & masks, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, & drinks included, along with a cash bar, & a murder to solve!

Fall 2023

• Sept. 18, 2023 7:30pm

Big Top Circus in Harrisonburg  Website 

• Sept. 23, 2023 10am-4pm

LesterLoot Fall Market, Rockingham  Website 

• Weekly Oct. 6-31, 2023

Fear Forest Full Halloween Immersion Experience, McGaheysville/Harrisonburg  Website 

• Daily 8am-7pm

Myers Pumpkin Patch, Penn Laird  Website 

• Sept. 30, 2023 6pm-8:30pm

Miller-Kite Museum Autumn Paranormal Investigation  Website 

• Sept. 30-Oct.1, Oct. 14-15, Oct. 21-22, Oct. 28-29

East Point Farm Fall Fest Weekends, Elkton  Website

• Oct. 7, 2023  11:30am-7pm

Dayton Days Autumn Celebration, Dayton  Website 

• Oct. 7, 2023  2pm-5pm

Harrisonburg Skeleton Festival  Website 

• Oct. 7, 2023  2pm

Grottoes Bluegrass Festival  Website 

• Oct. 13, 2023 6pm-9pm

Fall Cruise-In at Myers Ford, Elkton  Website 

• Oct. 14, 2023  11:30am-5:30pm

Fall Festival on the Resort, Massanutten Resort  Website 

• Oct. 21st, 2023  6pm-8pm

Dayton Fall Bonfire  Website 

• Oct. 21-22, 2023  10am-4pm

Autumn Days Festival, Elkton  Website 

• Oct. 28, 2023 4pm-8pm

Crossroads Fall Fest, Penn Laird  Website 

Winter 2023  

• Nov.-Jan. (see site calendar)-Massanutten Resort

Light Up The Park walk through light display at the outdoor waterpark. Website 

• December 1-3–Winchester.

Join the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst Street, for “Garden Lights”, taking place Wednesdays-Sundays. This is a dramatic nighttime lighting which will transform the formal gardens into an immersive art experience. Souvenirs, drinks, including hot pretzels, water, hot cocoa, mulled wine, and more will be available for purchase. Admission fee, ages 4 and under are free. Early purchases are strongly encouraged. Call 540-662-1473 for more details.

• December 1-3–Elkton.

The “Christmas Celebration and Dinner Show” will be held at the Community Center, 20593 Blue and Gold Drive, from 6-9pm all days. A fun evening celebrating the Christmas season with great food and music featuring “Southern Grace”, “Clifford Shifflett”, and “Big City Band”. Meal included with ticket. Proceeds benefit local charities. For more information call 540-298-8730 or www.facebook.com/events/710650674451603/?ref=newsfeed.

• December 1-4–Harrisonburg. 

Bring your favorite pets to the Valley Mall, 1925 E. Market Street, to support the Humane Society by purchasing a photo. Santa’s photography team will also accept any in-person donations for the Humane Society on Mondays or during scheduled “Pet Nights”. For details call 540-433-1797

• December 1, 14–Luray.

8th Annual “Holiday Festival” at the Visitors Center, 18 Campbell Street, from 4-9pm. Enjoy live holiday music, kid’s crafts, barrel train/wagon rides, food vendors and much more. The event is free, but a $5.00 cash or canned food donations for pictures with Santa. Christmas tree lighting 7:30pm at 1 East Main Street on the 1st and the Christmas parade 6pm on Main Street on the 14th. 540-743-5511.

• December 2–Town of Shenandoah.

The “Reindeer Run” will be held at the Shenandoah River Park, 315 Morrison Road, from 10-11am. Participants can look forward to a 2-mile run. Registration is open at $20.00 per participant and each registered runner will receive an exclusive event hat. This event will be a great experience for all involved, blending fitness, community spirit, and the holiday season. Holiday themed costumes are welcome. To register visit online at www.trisignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=153872 or call 540-742-9386.

• December 2–Harrisonburg.

Tis the season for our “Winter Wonderfest” downtown. Enjoy carriage rides, photos with Santa, performances, and more. “Holidays Around the World” is the parade theme, that begins at 7pm on Main Street. After the parade the tree lighting ceremony in Court Square. 540-432-7701.

• December 2–New Market.

Annual “Tis the Season Holiday Celebration” downtown. The Parade starts at 5pm on Congress Street and after the parade stop by the Library to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and pick up your goody bag, (while supplies last). 540-740-3432.

• December 2, 9, 17-Grottoes.

Caroling in the Caverns, a fundraising event. Proceeds to be used for the Grottoes Ruritan Scholarship Fund, Boys & Girls Club, and for a new playground at Grand Caverns Park. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free if they donate a school supply(s). Otherwise, admission is $15.00 per person. The Grand Caverns tour and concerts last 50 minutes. For more information visit online at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/grandcaverns/items/?flow=8274&full-items=yes or call 540-249-5705.

• December-3-Town of Grottoes.

Merry Grinchmas Christmas Parade 5 pm Website 

• December-7-Town of Elkton.

Christmas Tree Lighting (Rockingham Street) 6 pm

• December-9-Town of Elkton.

Christmas Parade (Spotswood Ave. and N. Stuart Ave., line up begins at 4pm) 5 pm

• December 9–Town of Shenandoah.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Big Gem Park, 736 Fourth Street, starting 6pm. There will be caroling, visits with Santa, cookies and candy canes while supplies last. Call 540-652-8773 for more information.

• December 16–Town of Elkton.

Downtown Marketplace (Town Hall) 12-7 pm

Old Town Christmas & Downtown Hay Wagon Rides 4-7 pm

Spring 2024

• March 2-23–Grottoes.

Join Grand Caverns for an all new, exclusive concert series deep within the cave, called “Subterranean Sound”, this will be a down-to-earth concert experience. Featuring a pre-show cocktail hour that kicks off at 6pm, setting the tone for an evening of roots music by “Rescored” on the 2nd, “Strong Water” on the 8-9, “Revival” on the 16th, “Corrie Lynn Green Band” on the 22-23. The shows will have two 45-minute sets with an intermission, so you can grab a drink, check out exclusive merch and catch the band hanging out during the break. The concert concludes by 9:30pm. Ticket Price: $40.00. www.grandcaverns.com/more-events or 540-249-5896.

• March 30–Elkton.

We can't wait to see everyone at our Easter Egg Hunt at the Stonewall Memorial Park, 198 N. Terrace Avenue, starting at 11am. For ages 0-12 see if you can find a golden egg. With over 4,000 eggs, prizes, games and an appearance by the Easter Bunny, there's sure to be fun for everyone. www.facebook.com/p/Town-of-Elkton-Virginia-100069240698622/or 540-713-4062.

• April 6–Dayton.

Annual “Redbud Arts and Crafts Festival” will be held on College Street in the downtown area, from 10am-4pm. Festivities include: 100+ handmade arts, crafts, food vendors, free redbud sapling giveaway, horse drawn carriage rides, live music, a beer garden, antique car cruise-in and more. Also the Annual Ducky Races at Cook’s Creek Park starting 1pm. Duckies are $5.00 each, cash only. There will be three races, with prizes for each. Visit our website for more information at www.daytonva.us/community/pages/redbud-arts-crafts-festival or 540-879-2241. 

•   April 20–Shenandoah.

“Discovery Hike” 10am to 12pm at Big Gem Park, 736 Fourth Street. Join retired Shenandoah National Park Ranger-Naturalist Mara Meisel on a 1-mile loop to see the flora and fauna along the trail. Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars, sunscreen, and bug spray. No pets please. Call for info: 540-652-8773.

• April 20-28–National Parks.

Love national parks? There's a holiday for that. Join us for National Park Week, a nine-day celebration of everything "parks". All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on the 20th. There are also special events during the week to explore. Also discover what the National Park Service does through our programs and partners to preserve natural and cultural heritage and provide recreational opportunities in places across the country—and even the world. www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm 540-999-3500.

• April 26–Grottoes.

Join us for the 24th running of our  "Signature 5K" race at the historic Grand Caverns Park. The 5K race series offers a flat and fast course and has a twilight start at 6:30pm. The 1-Mile fun run/walk stays in the park along the picturesque trail. Cannot make it? Then you can be a “Proxy Partycipant”, for just $10.00, then you can register for the 5K and just stay at home. We will select another runner to go the distance for you. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new "natural" playground at the Grand Caverns Park. www.facebook.com/grottoesraceseries or 540-249-5705.

• April 27–McGaheysville.

The “Uncorked Laughter Wine Class and Comedy” will be held at the Brix & Columns Vineyards, 1501 Dave Berry Road. This petite event is a more intimate gathering, where you receive a sparkling glass of rose upon arrival, wine tastings of white and red varietals with a wine class taught by the vineyard owners, Stephanie and Steve Pence. Plus the Funny “Womacks” will drink the wine and bring the laughs. It's a fun educational experience with a bit of a speakeasy feel at a winery coupled with stand up comedy. To  get details on this event: e-mail: hello@x2comedy.com or https://www.x2comedy.com/shows.

• May 18–Elkton.

EPIC Fest Beer & Wine Festival  Website 

• May 25–Massanutten.

ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival  Website