Table of Contents > Annual Events
Throughout the year, Harrisonburg and the surrounding areas provide numerous outstanding events for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Whether it is marveling at the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, or taking a step back in time to the 19th century for a day with your family, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The following calendar of annual events is just a small sampling of all the options available for residents to experience -- make sure to mark these on your calendar to help get you started.
January
Ski, tube, and snowboard at Massanutten -- Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
residents are simply spoiled with the proximity of Virginia’s four-season mountain resort, Massanutten. Jump in the car and within as little as 15 minutes you will be able to enjoy the extreme sports of winter - skiing, tubing, and snowboarding.
www.massresort.com
February
C & E Gun Show -- Held at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, this well-organized annual event by Old Dominion Shows draws people from hundreds of miles. Wander through the endless tables of exhibitors and find the item you have been searching for -- a collector's delight!
www.rockinghamcountyfair.com
March
Opening of the Green Valley Bookfair -- Featured in 'Southern Living' and 'Cooperative Living Magazine', this discount book outlet store features over 500,000 new books at incredible bargain prices. Save 60-90% off retail in more than 60 different categories while shopping in comfort in the 25,000 square foot climate-controlled warehouse.
www.gvbookfair.com
April
Tour of Shenandoah -- Harrisonburg and Rockingham County’s version of the Tour de France. Some of the best cyclists from all over the world compete in this seven stage event taking place on many roads throughout the county.
www.tourofvirginia.com
Historic Garden Week in Virginia -- Sponsored by The Garden Club of Virginia, visitors
will step through the gates of more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks - many right here in the historical Shenandoah Valley. The Historic Garden Week is the oldest (going strong for almost 80 years!) and largest statewide house and garden tour event in the nation.
www.vagardenweek.org
May
African American Festival -- This annual celebration provides fun for all ages with music, dance, children's rides, food, craft vendors and clowns. A basketball tournament and educational exhibits are also scheduled.
www.hraaf.com
Valley Fest -- There is no better indication of the arrival of summer than the Shenandoah Valley Beer and Wine Festival held at Massanutten Resort. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the day on the mountain as you listen to the music of great local bands and sample your favorite beverage from Virginia's finest micro-breweries and wineries.
June
Court Days Festival -- Take a leap back in time and experience local 19th-century life in downtown Harrisonburg. Court Square will be bustling with activity as visitors, re-enactors, street merchants, and residents step into history under the summer skies of the Shenandoah Valley.
www.courtdaysfestival.org
Bach Festival -- The Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival is a week-long summer musical festival devoted to promote appreciation of the music of Bach. You will be sure to enjoy the vocal and instrumental soloists of national acclaim. Past festivals have included performances from the Bach Festival Orchestra and Festival Chorus.
www.emu.edu/bach
July
Valley 4th -- What would the 4th be without an Independence Day Celebration? This free event downtown starts at noon, and is sure to provide enjoyment for all ages. Activities include food vendors, children's activities, annual parade, pie-eating contest, and various musical recitals. The day long celebration ends with the Grand Finale featuring fireworks set off from the roof of One Court Square!
August
Rockingham County Fair -- Slide on a pair of your most comfortable shoes and head out to one of the best county fairs in the country. Feel the warmth of the Shenandoah Valley as you sample great food, view award-winning livestock from local farms, and enjoy carnival rides and games late in the Shenandoah Valley night! Events take place nightly in the Grandstand all week long including music from national recording artists, a demolition derby, and tractor pull.
www.rockinghamcountyfair.com
September
Savor the Valley Festival -- Fall is officially here, and what a better way to start the season than enjoying all of the festivities at Shenandoah Caverns outside of New Market, Va. Enjoy delicious food and wine tasting as you experience Valley heritage - including apple butter making, beekeeping, pottery, and agriculture. Kids will love the bandwagon ride through the covered bridge and a discounted admission to the Corn Maze.
www.shenandoahcaverns.com
Hess Corn Maze -- Looking for some good family fun? Head on over to Hess Corn Maze (located at the North end of Harrisonburg) to enjoy the challenge of a corn maze and other Fall favorites like pumpkins, gourds, mums, and more! This farm puts on many events throughout September and October of each year. Don't miss it!
www.hesscornmaze.com
October
Massanutten Fall Festival -- This is your opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in all its glory! Massanutten Resort invites you to their home and witness the beautiful fall foliage. Young and old will enjoy the free chair ride up the mountain to see the best view of the changing seasons over the Shenandaoh Valley.
Dayton Days Autumn Festival -- If there is one event Valley residents mark on their calendar it may be this festival. Over 250 crafters and 75+ food vendors take over the main streets of Dayton extending great fun for children and adults of all ages.
Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale -- This popular sale occurs on the first Saturday in October each year. Over 1,000 people donate their time to this event. This particular relief sale began in 1967 and has since raised over $3.3 million! Relief sales are put on to bring in money to help needy people around the world. Check it out at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds.
www.vareliefsale.com
December
Holiday Parade -- A Harrisonburg tradition for over 50 years. So much fun, even Santa takes a break from his busy schedule and headlines this fabulous event!
First Night -- There is no better way to usher in the New Year than enjoying the festivities in downtown Harrisonburg. Arts, vendors, and musicians keep the fun going late into the night.
www.firstnightharrisonburg.com
