Truckin’ for Kids
2025-05-17 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Bedford Moose Lodge, 2986 West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Bring your little ones to explore big trucks, fire engines and more! Meet local heroes and learn how these trucks help our community! Free event.

Armed Forces Day - Pack the Convoy
2025-05-17 10:00 - 15:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
In recognition of Armed Forces Day, the National D-Day Memorial invites you to help PACK THE CONVOY with supplies for currently deployed service members.
They will be packing a 1942 WC-53 Dodge Carryall and a Virginia National Guard Humvee with donated items to fill care packages.
$2 off Memorial Admission at the gate with item donation
Item collection at ticket booth for those not wishing to visit Memorial
Free admission for active duty service members and up to five family members

Click here for the shopping list.

BVA Mercantile 6th Anniversary
2025-05-17 10:00 - 15:00 | BVA Mercantile, 206 W Depot Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join BVA Mercantile in celebrating 6 years in business! There will be discounts, giveaways, and sweets!!! Don’t miss this exciting day as they celebrate this milestone!

FURbaby FUNdraiser on the Farm
2025-05-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Mountain Run Farm, 1228 Charlemont Rd, Big Island, VA, 24526, United States
Mark your calendars for May 17, 2025, and come celebrate a day of fun, family, and furbabies — all for a great cause!
This special memorial event honors the legacy of Edmund Coffey and Nancy Johnson, whose shared dream of a spay/neuter/wellness clinic for the Bedford Animal Shelter is finally coming to life. Thanks to a partnership between Assistant Bedford County Administrator DW Lawhorne and the newly forming nonprofit Community Pet Coalition, their vision is becoming reality.
Hosted by the Community Pet Coalition, this fundraiser supports:

All American Mutt Rescue (AAMR)
Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter (FOBCAS)
Bedford Humane Society

Event Highlights:

Horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides — $5/person (kids under 4 ride free!)
Guided walking farm tour with Ben Coleman — $10/person
Cruise-In hosted by the Bedford Igniters — donations encouraged!
Adoptables on-site from FOBCAS & AAMR
Foam Party Guy (10 AM – 12 PM)
Live Music

Chris Hammock (10 AM – 12 PM)
Wood & Strings – Calvin and Mark (12 PM – 2 PM)

Food & Coffee Trucks:

Porter House BBQ
Brew Initiative Coffee
Hot Diggity Dogs

Dozens of vendors
Dog trainers & canine demonstrations
The Edmund Coffey Museum open to the public

Bower Center Exhibit
2025-05-17 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-20 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-21 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-22 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Beginning on May 6, the Bower Center for the Arts will host a dual exhibit in their galleries.
The Braaten Gallery will feature the works of Kaye Lipscomb in her exhibit titled “Inside/Out.” Lipscomb was awarded Best in Show in our National Juried Paper Arts Exhibition in 2022.
In the Terrace Gallery, they will have the exhibit “Limited Edition.” These works were completed by artists who are members of the Bower Center family. This includes studio artists, staff members, Bower Center instructors, board members, and committee members .

A reception for these exhibits will be held on Friday, June 13 at 5:00pm. It is open to the public. As always, admission to the galleries are free!

Band & Bonfire
2025-05-17 12:00 - 19:00 | The Meadery at Graham Ordinary, 8578 Peaks Rd, Bedford, Virginia, 24523
MEAD AND MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS!
BAND & BONFIRE SPECIAL EVENT!
MAY 17TH – MEADERY OPEN 12-7!
SPECIAL VENDORS & DEMOS! Costina Theresa w. Bucken Creations & Shelly Knick !
LIVE MUSIC! By Root 2 Music! 3:30 – 6:30
KID’S CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES!
DELICIOUS FOOD, DRINKS, & S’MORES OF COURSE
FAMILY – FRIENDLY – FUN!

Live Music at Harvest Moon
2025-05-17 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Harvest Moon Marketplace, 14917 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Come see live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace! Click here to see who is playing each week.

Enjoy beer, wine, meads, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks, along with delicious food and great shopping at the Marketplace. Free admission and free music!

Live Music at New London Ruritan Club
2025-05-17 19:00 - 22:00 | New London Ruritan, 12411 East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
This is a family friendly community dance with live entertainers!! $10/adult, doors open at 6:30pm, music 7-10pm. Please bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Supported by Ruritan volunteers.

Little Town Players “The Color Purple"
2025-05-17 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-05-18 14:00 - 16:30 | Little Town Players, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Little Town Players has been performing live community theatre in Bedford for more than 45 years!
Don’t miss their latest musical “The Color Purple.”
Performances are May 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 7:30pm
Sunday matinees – May 11 & May 18 at 2:00pm
Doors open 30 minutes before start time.
Special Note: Because the theatre is a historical site, restrooms are not in the same building. Restrooms are available just across the way in the Elks Home Main Building.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Storming of Thunder Ridge
2025-05-18 07:00 - 12:00 | VA
Come out for for the 16th annual Storming of Thunder Ridge, a breathtaking ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia. Choose from routes ranging from 27 to 100 miles, each offering camaraderie, scenic views, and a challenge fit for every rider. Whether tackling the rolling hills or conquering the 13-mile ascent to Apple Orchard Mountain, this ride is fully supported with rest stops, SAG support, and cue sheets. Proceeds benefit the YMCA of Central Virginia’s Annual Fund, helping ensure that no one is turned away due to financial hardship.
Click here for more information and to register.

Moneta Farmer's Market
2025-05-21 15:00 - 18:00 | Moneta Farmer’s Market, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA, 24121
The Moneta Farmer’s Market is open Wednesdays 3 to 6pm next to the Moneta Library. The market is producer only – fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs (duck and chicken), bread, jams, jellies, and features local artisans.

Apocalypse Trivia Night
2025-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Every week there will be a wide range of categories to enjoy while also drinking your favorite beer or seltzer water!

Run For The Wall
2025-05-22 01:45 - 15:30 | Bedford Area Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Come out and support the Run for the Wall riders as they make their annual trip to Washington, DC for Memorial Day! The 2025 Run for the Wall motorcycle ride is scheduled to pass through Bedford on Thursday, May 22 as part of the Southern Route.
Riders will stop for lunch at Montvale Elementary School, then continue on to the National D-Day Memorial, with an estimated arrival at 1:45 p.m. and departure around 3:30 p.m.
Spectators are encouraged to gather at the Bedford Area Welcome Center to give the riders a warm welcome. Community members are invited to come for the arrival, the departure, or both, and are encouraged to bring American flags to wave in support.
Hado’s Authentic Lebanese food trailer will be on-site at the Welcome Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Run for the Wall is an annual cross-country motorcycle ride that honors veterans and fallen service members, drawing hundreds of participants from across the U.S. The Bedford stop is a meaningful part of their journey, offering the community a special opportunity to show gratitude and support.

Wear patriotic colors and bring your flag to wave and welcome them!
https://rftw.us/southern-route-hub/

National Maritime Day at The National D-Day Memorial
2025-05-22 10:00 - 17:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Free admission for all mariners and a day to pay tribute to those in the maritime industry. U.S. Merchant Marine veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

Virginia Outdoor Foundation Charity Golf Tournament
2025-05-23 10:00 - 17:00 | Mariners Landing Resort, 1217 Graves Harbor Trail, Huddleston, VA, 24104, United States
The Virginia Outdoor Foundation Charity Golf Tournament is back again this year at Mariners Landing Country Club on Friday, May 23, 2025!
Come enjoy a great day of golf, prizes, and community support. Proceeds will benefit The Youth Outdoor Experience and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, helping introduce more young people to the outdoors.
Click here for more information and to register.

Spring Book Sale
2025-05-23 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Moneta Library, 13641 Moneta Rd
Come enjoy this awesome book sale and find your next great read!

Live Music @ Mitchell's
2025-05-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Mitchell’s Resturant & Pizzeria, 3553 Trading Post Rd, Huddleston, VA, 24104, United States
Enjoy live music, great food and the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake all in one place! Click here to see who is playing each week.

Forest Friday Cheers
2025-05-23 18:00 - 22:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Come enjoy Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works!
Kick back, relax, and enjoy a FREE family-friendly evening of live music, food, and fun every Friday!
**Time:** 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
**Location:** Apocalypse Ale Works
Expect:
– **Live Music:** Click here to see who is playing each week!
– **Bounce Zones:** Fun for the little ones with bouncy castles and kid-friendly activities.
– **Beer & Refreshments:** Grab a cold one from Apocalypse Ale Works and enjoy their fantastic selection of local brews.
– **Food by Bunker 42: Delicious eats to fuel your evening of fun and music.
**All Ages Welcome** – Bring the whole family out for a night of great music, tasty food, and unforgettable memories.
Let’s make this Friday a night to remember! See you at Apocalypse Ale Works!

Stars and Stripes Forever Patriotic Concert
2025-05-23 19:00 - 21:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
This annual tradition features the Jefferson Choral Society and The Let’s Dance Band.
This stirring concert will have guests on their feet celebrating freedom and honoring those who gave all to secure it.
Click here for tickets and more information.
Under 6 and WWII Vets FREE.

Live Music @ Apocalypse Ale Works
2025-05-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Come to Apocalypse Ale Works for great beer and live music. For more information and to see who is playing each week, click here. Food by Bunker 42 Bar Bites will also be available for purchase!

Forest Farmer's Market
2025-05-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Forest Farmers Market, 15583 Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24523, United States
The Forest Farmer’s Market is held each Saturday morning behind the Forest Public Library. The Market features farmers and artisans selling a variety of items including plants, meats, produce, soaps, lotions, coffee, baked goods and more!

Family Day at the Ranch
2025-05-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Twin J Ranch, 2478 Moneta Road, Bedford, VA, 24523
Come to Twin J Ranch join for Memorial Day Weekend!
$5 Admission 3 & Under FREE
Pony Rides
Crafts
Petting Zoo
Bounce House
& More!

Doc McCabe Bluegrass Festival
2025-05-24 10:00 - 22:00 | Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island, VA, 24526, United States
The best Bluegrass acts, both local and regional.

This Bluegrass Festival was founded in the early 1990’s by Doc McCabe. The event has showcased some of the best Bluegrass acts, both local and regional.
The Doc McCabe Bluegrass Festival is rooted in the traditional music of the Appalachian region, providing entertainment and a commitment to the promotion and preservation of a unique regional art form.

Tickets are $25. For more information, a full schedule and tickets, click here.
