Summer Adventures Await in the Shenandoah Valley

Summer in the Shenandoah Valley is a magical time. The weather is sun-kissed, the mountain views are postcard-worthy, and the localities are finalizing plans for their annual festivals. Take your pick of live music, July 4th fun, and unique Valley entertainment. Here’s how to schedule a season’s worth of events, fairs, festivals, and Independence Day celebrations. 

Events & Fairs

Small-town events are great ways to participate in local traditions, find unique entertainment, and support the community. Add these fun, once-a-year experiences to your calendar!

• The entire family will have a blast at the Onion Monster Truck show (July 8) at Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds (Berryville). Meet the giant trucks close up and then watch the dust fly as they hit the arena to take on jumping and smashing challenges. The Shenandoah Valley Steam & Gas Engine Association event (July 23 – 25) features horse, tractor, and kiddie pedal tractor pulls as well as displays of historic equipment.
  
• Empty your trunk for the annual Route 11 Yard Crawl, on Saturday, August 12, which stretches for 43 miles. Treasures include baby items, toys, comics, clothes, furniture, collectibles, and much, much more. You’ll also find food trucks, snack vendors, local produce, and views of beautiful farmland and historic towns.

Festivals

There’s nothing like a festival to bring out community spirit. These summer events are full of live music, food, vendors, kids’ activities, fireworks, and more.

• Celebrate outdoor culture and the Appalachian Trail at downtown Waynesboro’s first annual Hiker Fest (June 10, 11 am – 8 pm). Everyone is welcome at this event, which supports an appreciation of the outdoors and will feature live music, food, vendors, yoga sessions, henna tattoo artists and more. Come out for the sounds of Hobojac, Alex Arbaugh, and the headliners, Sisters and Brothers.
  
• Sage Bird Ciderworks’ annual Butt’s Up! Summer Kickoff and Cider Release (Harrisonburg, June 10) will welcome summer with live funk music, food, trivia, and games of skill. On June 17, the Best.Weekend.Ever block party will close downtown Harrisonburg to vehicular traffic so visitors can safely “sip & stroll” with adult beverages. Look for a day full of magicians, live music, food trucks, vendors, and more!

• Red Wing Roots Music Festival (June 23-25) offers an immersive family musical experience. Held at picturesque Natural Chimneys Park (Mt. Solon), the festival features established and emerging folk, roots, acoustic, and Americana musicians performing on several different stages. The 2023 lineup showcases Old Crow Medicine Show, Robert Randolph Band, Watchhouse, Sierra Ferrell, Marc Broussard, The Steel Wheels, and many more. 

Independence Day Celebrations

Many of the towns and cities in the Valley have celebrations for the 4th of July. Here are some of our favorite ways to spread red, white, and blue cheer on our nation’s birthday.

• Celebrate Independence Day at Bryce Resort’s annual Bryce Fest (Basye). The July 1st family-friendly event is free! Spread out on the big lawn to enjoy live music, dancing, and lawn games. You’ll find lots of tasty food and locally-made crafts in the vendor village. Make sure to stay for the fireworks at the end of the night. Check the Bryce Resort calendar for additional live music, dinners, bike races, Oktoberfest, and more.

• Another way to celebrate Independence Day is at Massanutten Resort’s Summer Jam 2023. The July 3 festival will have beer, wine, and food from local and regional food trucks. Kids’ activities like face painting and crafts will keep the younger set happy. Sing along to live music by Kanye Twitty, Red Dirt Revolution, and Kevin Davis & Bancaribe. The night will end with an awesome fireworks display. Best of all, proceeds benefit the Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA.

The Shenandoah Valley offers a range of summer activities that get you outside to enjoy life, community, and the natural world. Make plans to spend the summer having a blast at annual events and festivals as well as finding a new favorite place to kick back and relax.