CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Some events may be postponed or canceled. Contact the event host for updates.
January 1–Harrisonburg.
Join us for the “Shiver Me Timbers Pirate Plunge” at 9am. This event will take place in the Westover outdoor pool and will be available for participants ages 14 and older. Refreshments will be provided. Spots are limited and registration is required. $20 for city participants, $40 for non-city participants. www.harrisonburgva.gov/new-year-plunge or call 540-433-2474.
January 1–Staunton.
For the 19th year in a row, beautiful Gypsy Hill Park’s 214 acres will be aglow with holiday lights, from 5-11pm. This is the last day to see and enjoy this event. Free and open to the public. Information call 540-886-3040 or celebrationoflights.org/.
January 1–Woodstock.
Join Friends of Seven Bends State Park for their “First Day Hike” at Seven Bends State Park, 2111 South Hollingsworth Road, starting 10am. All hikes meet at the historic Lupton Barn and end back at the Lupton picnic shelter. Dress for the weather and bring plenty of water. We will be offering four options for guided hikes. For more details call 540-630-4718 or online at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-11-08-14-27-23-196807-x0f.
January 1–Virginia.
The Virginia State Parks celebrates “First Day Hikes”. This nationwide initiative invites people to ring in the new year by connecting with nature and making lasting memories at a state park. Ranger-led and self-guided “First Day Hikes” are offered across the state, giving visitors of all ages and skill levels the chance to explore outdoors. Please dress according to the weather and this is a free parking day at all Virginia State Parks. 540-291-1326 or www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-11-04-09-30-29-004736-w6e.
January 3-26–Lexington.
Virginia Horse Center events: Monster Truck show on the 3rd-5th; Gammon Jumper Derby on the 10th; Lexington Country I on the 17th-19th; Country Horse Show I on the 19th; Soft Pitch Softball and the SWVHJA Benefit Show on the 24th-26th. For more infomation call 540-464-2950 or https://vahorsecenter.org/upcoming-events/.
January 8–Stuarts Draft.
The Library Station at Broadmoor Plaza, Suite 107, will host the Puppet Parade, from 11am-noon for children ages 6-11 years old. Enjoy a puppet show with us and all of our puppet friends. Info at augusta-stuartsdraftva.whofi.com/ calendar/event/5371970/s?method=embed or 540-569-2683.
January 9-13–Massanutten.
Annual HeArt and SOUL Winter Fest weekend. This event is perfect for the experienced outdoor adventurous to the person who just wants to enjoy a cocktail by the fire. All generations are invited so grab your parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and kids. There will be something for every age group to enjoy. Visit www.massresort.com/about/heart-soul/heart-soul-winter-fest/ or call 540-289-4904.
January 10-12–Salem.
The Annual Stampede Championship Rodeo will be held at the Civic Center. Enjoy the fast-paced rodeo action featuring bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing, and so much more. Also young cowpokes ages 4-6, who weigh 50 pounds or less, can register prior to each performance and will be able to climb on the back of a sheep and come out of the chute to see if they can hang on much like many of the greatest bull riders began. Admission fee. For more details call 540-375-3004 or visit www.salemciviccenter.com/Events.
January 14–Waynesboro.
The Wayne Theatre, 521 West Main Street presents “The Greatest Love of All” starring Belinda Davids: A Tribute to Whitney Houston. (Not associated with the Estate of Whitney Houston). Two performances at 5pm and 8pm. The two-hour international production will fill you with joy, nostalgia and wonderment as it takes you on a heartfelt journey through all of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits. Davids is accompanied by her live band and backing vocalists plus glorious state-of-the-art sound, lighting, vision and theatrical FX, making this a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the world’s most revered singers. This is a special concert event not to be missed. For tickets and more information visit www.waynetheatre.org. or call 540-943-9999.
January 16-18–Fishersville.
The Virginia Farm Show held at Augusta Expo is the only agricultural trade show in VA that caters to full-time as well as the part-time farmer. We will have equipment ranging from milking parlors to portable sawmills and so much more. Also a Skid Steer Rodeo for all the attendees to watch as well as participate in. 1-800-218-5586 or https://virginiafarmshow.com/.
January 17-18–Lexington.
The Stonewall Brigade, Camp #1296 presents the 26th Annunal “Lee-Jackson Day”. The event starts with a symposium, a service at Stonewall Jackson’s graveside, then a parade leaving the cemetery. For details call 800-697-6884 or https://leejacksonpark.com/lee-jackson-day. For all that want to take the Black Confederate Sites/Tour, visit https://leejacksonpark.com/black-confederate-tour.
January 18–Strasburg.
If you’re a home garden seed saver or have some extra commercially grown seeds left from last year’s planting, bring them to the Seed Exchange at the Strasburg High School Cafeteria, Door 28, 250 Ram Drive, from 10am-2pm. Even if you don’t have seeds to share, you’re encouraged to participate. Gardeners are always happy to share their knowledge and harvest with others. Types of seeds typically on hand are vegetables, herbs, perennials, annuals. Also commercially packaged seeds donated by growers, retailers, or fellow gardeners. Other activities at the Seed Exchange are gardening book/magazine exchange a stamp rally for kids of all ages and more. https://nsvmga.org/events/seed-exchange/ or 540-459-6140.
January 18–Staunton.
Join Project GROWS for an unforgettable evening at our Annual Gala, from 6-10pm, at the Hotel 24 South, 18 S Market Street. This special event supports our mission to grow a healthy community by connecting all people to nutritious foods. Enjoy a night filled with delicious local foods, live music, silent and live auctions. There will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate our work together to build resilient and accessible food systems. 540-885-4848 or Visit online at tiny.cc/Gala2025 to reserve your ticket today.
January 20–All National Parks.
In honor of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., all National Parks will waive entrance fees for everyone. It is also a day of service when thousands of volunteers participate in service projects across the country, including at national parks. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working classes and the oppressed around the world. Commonly called Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or MLK Day, is a federal holiday to honor his life and legacy. Places where he made history and of the greater Civil Rights Movement he influenced are preserved in many national parks and in local communities around the country. Check with your park for special events: www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/mlk-day.htm.
January 22-Roanoke.
The South West Virginia’s largest Bridal Expo Show will be held at the 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 by the participating wedding vendors. Admission is $10.00 per person. For more information call 1-804-822-1768 or visit online at berglundcenter.live/events/greater-virginia-bridal-show-2?occurrenceID=1779.
January 23–Harrisonburg.
Join the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, 147 Warsaw Avenue, starting at 6:30pm for a treasure trove of family entertainment, that is funny and interactive. Pirate School: Sea Dreams is a madcap, swashbuckling solo show created and performed by veteran New York actor David Engel. Set to an original cartoon-inspired musical score, complete with sound effects, Pirate Professor Billy Bones teaches the finer points of lighthearted mischief and offers up zany lessons on how to stand, talk, sing, and laugh like a boisterous buccaneer, all while promoting good manners and social courage. Cannons boom, skulls talk, and everyone joins in the adventure of a pirate’s life on the high seas. With astonishing puppetry and slapstick sword play, Pirate School is a riotous, interactive variety show that draws family audiences in by the boatload. Please feel free to come in costume. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Price: Regular $32.00, Senior (62+) $31.00, Child $18.00. Visit online at jmuforbescenter.com/events/2025/01/23-pirate-school.shtml or 540-568-7000.
January 30–Waynesboro.
Join the Wayne Theatre, 521 West Main Street, for the ReperTOURy group for a captivating performance of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Forest of Arden, where love, identity, and laughter intertwine as Rosalind and Orlando navigate a series of romantic and comedic adventures. Don’t miss this heartwarming journey from courtly intrigue to pastoral bliss, culminating in joyous unions and self-discovery. More details online at www.waynetheatre.org/calendar or call 540-943-1381.
