Events, Classes, 

& Festivals

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Fall Events & Attractions

Fall 2024

Join us at DarkWood Manor, 104 N. Hawksbill Street, every Friday-Sunday at 7pm. We offer a scary and unique haunted house experience. A portion of all ticket sales on the 12th will go to support Camp Light, a Camp for children with special needs. Tickets can only be purchased online at: www.darkwoodmanor.net/tickets.html or 540-713-5617

Visit a full immersion Halloween experience with three haunted attractions at one location!  Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia - Celebrating 19 SEASONS of blood sweat and fears... we take FEAR to a whole new level! We offer lighted parking area, a hay wagon ride, food concessions, souvenirs, music & DJ, actor photo ops/entertainment, and bonfire to warm your chilled bones! Supporting us helps to provide safe and quality fall entertainment for many to enjoy. Each year we invest a large amount into improvements to our show and facilities, as we strive to constantly make Fear Forest a top notch attraction. Props and sets are professional quality & expensive! It’s a complete Halloween-themed experience that has become a local tradition! https://www.fearforest.net/

44th Annual Autumn Celebration will be held from 8am-4pm. Enjoy a full-day with a variety of food vendors, arts/crafts, food, beverages, live concerts and more. Learn about our town at the Rocktown History Museum and there will be more vendors at Fort Harrison. For more details visit www.daytonva.us/community/pages/dayton-days-autumn-celebration or 540-879-2241.

Fall Festival at Massanutten Resort from 11:30am-5:30pm, rain or shine. Live music, arts/crafts, food, beer, wine, kids’ activities, scenic chairlift rides and lots more. Proceeds benefit the McGaheysville Volunteer Fire Company. No food, drinks, pets or weapons. Tickets $20.00, kids 6 and under are free. 540-289-9441 or www.massresort.com/play/live-events/fall-festival/.

Uncorked Laughter: A Wine Class + Comedy Experience. Brix & Columns Vineyards.1501 Dave Berry Road. 7pm. Enjoy a glass of sparkling rose on arrival with a wine class, wine tastings plus comedy. The owners of Brix & Columns Vineyards, Stephanie & Steve Pence, will guide you through a wine tasting experience, expertly paired with wine education. Plus, you'll enjoy a hilarious comedy show from Shenandoah Valley's own dynamic comedy couple, The Funny Womacks. This intimate petite experience is capped at just 40 seats. Tickets go fast so don't miss out! Single Ticket Admission $65; Groups of 4 or more $54 per person; $80 at Door, if available. Tickets available at www.thefunnywomacks.com Questions call Dawn 540-560-3356 or email hello@x2comedy.com.

The Vallley Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show will be held at Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Hours: Friday 12-6, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-4. For information call 540-607-2075 or www.facebook.com/ValleyGemMineral/.

22nd Annual “Race to Beat Breast Cancer” 5K Run/Walk will start at the Community Activities Center in Westover Park, 305 South Dogwood Drive, from 9:30-11:30am. All proceeds will once again benefit the worthy cause of RMH Foundation for breast care and treatment at the Sentara RMH Medical Center. 540-433-2474 or www.harrisonburgva.gov/beat-breast-cancer-race.

Join the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center, 1921 Heritage Center Way, from 9am-2pm for a day to celebrate the history and heritage of the Brethren and Mennonites in the Shenandoah Valley. This event will include horse-drawn wagon rides, hymn singing, heritage skill demonstrations, children’s activities, old-fashioned toys, Civil War storytelling, a petting zoo. A lunch of homemade soup and pie will be available (for a freewill donation), as well as complimentary kettle-cooked popcorn. 540-438-1275  or brethrenmennoniteheritage.org/heritage-festival.otions.net/ or call 434-846-7452.

Ghost Stories at the Museum, 507 First Street, from 1:30pm to 2:15pm. These storys will bring a thrill of suspense and a shiver or two to all who listen, the scarier the better.  Intended for ages 7 and up. 540- 652-8164. www.townofshenandoah.com/calendar/month/2024-10.

Join us downtown for our Skeleton Festival from 1-5pm. This family-friendly festival will feature trick-or-treating, costume contests, Sip/Stroll and more. For more information call 540-432-8922 or downtownharrisonburg.org/skeleton-fest/.

38th Annual “Elkton Autumn Days” will be held at the town hall, 173 West Spotswood Avenue, starting at 10am-4pm both days, rain or shine. The festival will have hundreds of vendors, free music/entertainment, great food and much more. Free admission, but no pet are allowed. 540-226-5346  or www.elktonvaepic.org/upcoming-events.

Hometown "Halloweenfest" at the Town Hall Park and N. Main Street.  Businesses throughout town will be handing out candy and N. Main Street will be closed down for business door-to-door trick-or-treating. The Town Hall Park will have decorations, games, treats and a cupcake walk. Dress to impress and enter the hometown costume contest, which begins at 6pm, at Town Hall. Costume contest will be broken down into the following age groups: infant-3; 4-8; 9-13; 14-18. Visit broadwayva.gov/events/ or 540-896-5152.

Comedy Class Graduation Showcase. Explore More Discovery Museum.150 S. Main Street at 7pm. Enjoy a comedy show, laugh and support the 5 brave funny souls that completed a 4-week course to build their first original stand-up comedy set from their own funny ideas. They will be performing it for the first time in front of a live audience! Co-hosted by Dawn Davis Womack & Chris Womack aka The Funny Womacks who teach the comedy classes, can't wait to share their funny with you so don't miss out! The performing graduates are Steven Fitzgerald, Shannon Fitzgerald, Peter Haddad, Heather Hill and Jeff Weaver. $12 Advance / $20 at Door. Tickets at www.thefunnywomacks.com. Questions? Contact Dawn 540-560-3356.

Haunted Cave Tours at Grand Caverns, 5 Grand Caverns Drive. It’s what the tour guides don’t tell you that you should be afraid of… Do you DARE venture into the ancient cavern to see what lurks in the dark? Once you enter, there’s no turning back. Prepare to be scared. This event is NOT recommended for children.Visit grandcaverns.com/visit/events/ or 540-249-5705.

The Halloween Block Party will be held from Honeyville Avenue to the Railroad Tracks, starting 6pm. 540-778-3454.

Come out to Rockingham Park at the Crossroads, 1 Rockingham Park Way, from 4-8pm, for our Crossroads Fall Fest. This will be an evening of activities for all ages. Trunk-or-treat starting at 4pm along with inflatables for the kids to play on, face paintings, lawn games, crafts and food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Free admission. Call 540-564-3000 or recreation@rockinghamcountyva.gov.

Enjoy an early Shoping for all your Holiday Gifts at the Westover Holiday Craft Show in the Cecil F. Gilkerson Activity Center, 305 South Dogwood Drive. from 9am to 2pm. 540-433-2474 or visit www.harrisonburgva.gov/westover-holiday-craft-show.

Come on out and have a spooky safe time at our Annual Trick or Treat on Congress Street from 5-7pm rain or shine. Visit various downtown businesses that have left their light on for trick or treaters and you will leave with a special treat. Call for more information 540-740-3432 or www.newmarketvirginia.com/explore/page/festivals-and-events.

The Halloween Hoo Doo will be held at the  Community Library, 106 N. Terrace Avenue, from 5:30-7pm, for treats (no tricks!). We can't wait to see your costumes. Contact Info:  Beth Hildebrand 540-434-4475 ext. 200 or bhildebrand@mrlib.org.

Join the Library at 601 Dogwood Avenue for their Trick or Treat event from 6-8pm. Contact Info: Peggy Counts  pcounts@mrlib.org  540-434-4475 ext.

Come on out and have a spooky safe time at our Annual Trick or Treat on Congress Street from 5-7pm rain or shine. Visit various downtown businesses that have left their light on for trick or treaters and you will leave with a special treat. Call for more information 540-740-3432 or www.newmarketvirginia.com/explore/page/festivals-and-events.

The Halloween Hoo Doo will be held at the  Community Library, 106 N. Terrace Avenue, from 5:30-7pm, for treats (no tricks!). We can't wait to see your costumes. Contact Info:  Beth Hildebrand 540-434-4475 ext. 200 or bhildebrand@mrlib.org.

Join the Library at 601 Dogwood Avenue for their Trick or Treat event from 6-8pm. Contact Info: Peggy Counts  pcounts@mrlib.org  540-434-4475 ext.

Join us at Grand Caverns, 5 Grand Caverns Drive from 3-6pm for our Fall Festival, This is a free family friendly event which include Trunk-or-Treating and please come in costume. Also hayrides, bounce houses, fall themed mini games with great fundraising activities and food. Visit grandcaverns.com/visit/events/ or 540-249-5705.

Drop-in the Village Library, 175 N. Main Street, from 11am-noon, for activities to celebrate Dinovember. No bones about it, we think you will have a t-rexcellent time. Designed for kids K-5. 540-434-4475 ext. 700.

Join the Elk Run Evangelical Church’s Social Hall, 513 East Spotswood Avenue, for their Winter Bazaar, starting 7am. Featuring breakfast, lunch, baked goods, lots of rooms to browse and purchase items and more.  Call Ed if you would like curb side delivery of food from the Social Hall entrance on Clark Ave. 540-820-9425 or elkrunchurch.com/?/calendar/2024/11.

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is delighted to be bringing back an in-person celebration of those, past and present, who have made our nation’s freedom possible with the return of the Veterans Parade on Sunday, from 3-4pm. We are looking forward to once again gathering with friends and neighbors to celebrate and honor our local veterans during this much-anticipated return. downtownharrisonburg.org/veterans-parade/.

Join the Valley Olive Oil and Balsamics, 42E Island Ford Road for their Free event from 1-4pm. Featuring Christmas carriage rides, Santa, cookies, magician, facepainting and more. Come early to look around and then get in line for your ride. Details at www.valleyoliveoil.net/private-local-events or 540-209-6499. www.valleyoliveoil.net/event-details/2024-free-christmas-carriage-rides-santa-cookies-magician-facepainting-sales.




Fall 2023

Fear Forest Full Halloween Immersion Experience, McGaheysville/Harrisonburg  Website 

Myers Pumpkin Patch, Penn Laird  Website 

Miller-Kite Museum Autumn Paranormal Investigation  Website 

East Point Farm Fall Fest Weekends, Elkton  Website


Winter Events & Attractions

Winter 2024

Caroling in the Caverns is a fundraising event held at Grand Caverns, 5 Caverns Drive, Choose between three tour times and enjoy a 50 minute tour and concert deep inside the Grand Caverns. We’ll have it all decorated for you. https://grandcaverns.com/visit/events/ or 540-249-5705.





Winter 2023  

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Merry Grinchmas Christmas Parade 5 pm Website 

Christmas Tree Lighting (Rockingham Street) 6 pm

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

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.

Downtown Marketplace (Town Hall) 12-7 pm

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



Spring Events & Attractions

Spring 2024


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.

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.

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. 

“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.

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.

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.

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.

EPIC Fest Beer & Wine Festival  Website 


ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival  Website 


Summer Events & Attractions

Summer 2024

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


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.

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.

 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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

 “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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.





For more events be sure to check out our Facebook page of shared events!

Also, see our Facebook featured post for # categories to sort posted events, festivals, music, etc.

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For an extensive list of events & activities throughout The Valley, please check out the Shenandoah Valley Web Guides site!

Featured Events 2024

Rockingham CountyLine Up
Website 

Oct. 19th & 20th

Elkton

Website

Sat. Oct. 12th

Massanutten

Website

McGaheysville Event

Sat. Nov. 30th


Website 

Featured Classes

Website 
Charcuterie Carving & Design Class booked through and held at the resort every Wednesday byValley Olive Oil & Balsamics 
Learn to carve & fold delicious decorative fruits, vegetables, meats, & cheese for your charcuterie boards! Take home your beautiful treats to enjoy along with fresh sliced bread, Tuscan Herb Olive Oil & Traditional Italian Balsamic dipping set from Valley Olive Oil & Balsamics.

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