Destination Bedford

Bower Center Exhibit
2025-06-03 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-04 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-05 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-06 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-07 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-10 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

Wander & Awe
2025-06-03 18:30 - 19:30 | Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Come learn what tasty treats and healing properties nature can provide while you explore the original grocery store, the great outdoors!
Wander: We will have a short intro into foraging safety and wildcrafting etiquette, following by a short hike where we explore what edible & medicinal plants & fungi are in season!
Awe: We will cover different resources, tools, ways to ID, look-alikes, various uses, history, and traditional practices regarding the plants & fungi. Plan on learning 10-15 different plants/Fungi each session.
Families are encouraged and all ages are welcome! We will typically hiking less than 1 mile each session unless otherwise noted in the event discussion.
Meetings will be every 4th Tuesday of the month. Sessions start at 6:30pm and will be at different locations throughout the season depending on what is growing so click here for updates.

*** Due to rain, the May 27th session is now moved to June 3rd at Montvale Park

Moneta Farmer's Market
2025-06-04 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.

Art in the Park
2025-06-04 15:30 - 16:30 | Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA, United States
Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Use small natural items and create your own personal artwork to record your memories of the park on paper. Our interpretive ranger will be there to help guide you. Explore with ink, colored pencils, or watercolors, and enjoy the sounds of the lake as you learn about the flora and fauna of the area. This program is fun for all ages.

Apocalypse Trivia Night
2025-06-04 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!

Pontoon Boat Tour
2025-06-04 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-05 09:30 - 11:00 | Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA, United States
Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. How large is the lake? What was here before the lake? Learn the history of how the lake was created and the origin of the park. We will make stops to take in the scenery and for photo opportunities. PFDs (life vests) will be provided by the park and must be worn at all times. Water and sunscreen are recommended. Unfortunately, we cannot take pets aboard the boat. You must be present 15 minutes before tour start time in order to board and for safety talk.
Pre-registration required at the Visitor Center. Space is limited, and registration for this event opens one week prior to date of each tour and closes at 4 p.m. the day before each tour. We cannot take reservations earlier than one week prior to the date you plan to go on a tour. This event is free, but regular parking fees apply. For more information, please call our Visitor Center at (540) 297-6066 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Some tours have different themes, click here for more information.

Live Music @ Mitchell's
2025-06-05 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-08 13:00 - 16:00 | 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.

81st Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration
2025-06-06 11:00 - 17:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
The 81st Anniversary of D-Day will be observed in a special ceremony at 11am at the National D-Day Memorial.
Program highlights include recognition of D-Day and World War II veterans, guest speakers, music, and more. Representatives from each of the Allied nations and military personnel will take part.
Guest speakers include Governor Glenn Youngkin and Joseph Balkoski who is an author and Historian.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, guests are invited to join in the annual procession to the “Homage” sculpture for the “You Shall Never be Forgotten” tribute and to witness the unveiling of a narrative plaque honoring the Red Ball Express in Estes Plaza.
Ceremony music will be provided by the 29th Division Band. The Enduring Freedom Honor Team band will perform at 1 p.m. on the Memorial’s west lawn. On the east lawn, visitors can view the Faces of the Fallen and Portraits of Heroes photo exhibit throughout the day.
At 2 p.m., the public is invited to a special panel discussion remembering the late John Robert “Bob” Slaughter, founder of the National D-Day Memorial. John Long, National D-Day Memorial Director of Education, will moderate “The Centennial Legacy of Bob Slaughter.” Panelists will include Bob Slaughter Jr., son of Bob Slaughter; Joseph Balkoski, author and historian; Byron Dickson, architect of the National D-Day Memorial; and April Cheek-Messier, National D-Day Memorial President and CEO.
Memorial hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on June 6 with free admission all day. Guided tours will begin at 1 p.m. Ceremony guests are encouraged to bring a chair. No coolers or food in the plaza. No pets (service dogs welcome). Visit dday.org for full event information and to view the live stream of the ceremony.
Click here for more information.

Live Music at Portside
2025-06-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-07 13:00 - 19:00 | Portside Grill and Bar, 3619 Airport Rd., Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Come to Portside Grill & Bar right on Smith Mountain Lake, for great food and live music! Click here to see who is playing!

Forest Friday Cheers
2025-06-06 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!

Honoring the Bedford Boys and Bell Ringing
2025-06-06 18:15 - 19:00 | Bedford County Courthouse, 123 East Main Street, Bedford, VA, 24523
This annual public remembrance of the “Bedford Boys” will take place on the West Lawn of the Bedford County Courthouse (123 E Main St, Bedford), where, 71 years ago to the day, the community gathered to mark the 10th anniversary of D-Day with the unveiling of a memorial stone.
The ceremony will culminate with the ringing of the courthouse bell 20 times, once for each “Bedford Boy” killed on D-Day. The bell will begin tolling precisely at 6:44PM (to represent June 6, 1944.)
Free public event. Bring a lawn chair.

Forest Farmer's Market
2025-06-07 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!

Whiskers & Wine
2025-06-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Peaks of Otter Winery, 2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford, VA, United States
Join Peaks of Otter winery for a fun day of live music and supporting FOBCAS at the farm!
40+ Fruit of the Farm wines: tasting flights, by the glass or bottle
BBQ by Crispy Critters Catering
crispycritterscatering.com
Adoptable pets on site!
Get pre-approved to adopt here: https://friendsofbedfordcountyanimalshelter.rescuegroups….
LIVE MUSIC!
10am-12pm Jimmie Wilson | Willie Nelson Tribute & Americana
12:30-2pm catherine the great | good songs. Award-winning songwriter
New pet not in the cards? Come see what is!
3-card Tarot Readings with Rachel Fletcher Astrology
rachelfletcherastrology.wordpress.com
Kids’ Activities!
Kind Fairy Glitter Tattoos
Temporary tattoos that last 3-5 days
https://kindbrewcoffeeco.com/…/kind-fairy-glitter-tattoos

Raffle to support FOBCAS
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Woods Goods & Mercantile Curated Clean Out
2025-06-07 10:00 - 20:30 | Woods Goods & Mercantile, 2770 W Lynchburg Salem Tpke, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Enjoy an unforgettable day at Woods Goods & Mercantile! We’re clearing out inventory and bringing in something totally new—with never-before-seen products, unique furniture pieces, and a curated selection of local vendors you won’t want to miss.
What’s Happening:
Massive SALE on furniture & home goods
First look at brand new, gently used & exclusive items
Handpicked local vendors with one-of-a-kind finds
Delicious drinks from Brew Initiative coffee truck to fuel your shopping
Make n Take benefiting CPC (Community Pet Coalition) presented by Paula Darbie
Whether you’re looking to score deals, refresh your space, or just love supporting local—this is the event for you. Bring your friends, sip some coffee, and shop the best of what Woods Goods & Mercantile has to offer.
Tell your friends, share the event, and mark your calendar—this is THE sale you’ll regret missing!

Live Music at Harvest Moon
2025-06-07 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-08 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 Drifter's
2025-06-07 14:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-08 14:00 - 17:00 | Drifter’s, 1617 Crystal Shores Drive, Moneta, VA, 24121
Live music on the water front! Enjoy the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, great food and awesome music! Click here to see who is playing each week.

Rodeo at Wind Vineyards
2025-06-07 15:30 - 21:00 | Wind Vineyards, 15772 Moneta Road, Moneta
Who is ready to see cowboys on bulls at Smith Mountain Lake!?!? Join Wind vineyards this summer on June 7 for the Rodeo! BLM Bull and Rodeo Company will be at Wind Vineyards for all of your Cowboy entertainment!
Bring the whole family and register your kids for Mutton Busting and mini bulls. Food trucks will be available as will beverages including award winning Wind Vineyards wine, cold, fresh sangria and wine slushies to cool you down, as well as hard cider, sodas, water, and more.
Click here for more information on each event.
Gates open at 3:30, Rodeo starts at 5:30.

Live Music at New London Ruritan Club
2025-06-07 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.

S&M Highland County Family Fun Day
2025-06-08 13:30 - 17:00 | S&M Highland Cattle, 1126 Joco Lane, Moneta
Enjoy a fun-filled day at the farm!

•Photos with the cattle provided by Kayla Elise Photography, and Nichols Photo & Film!
•Face painting for kids of all ages
•Hay rides through our fields
•A variety of vendors
Click here for a full list of vendors and more information.

Flag Day Ceremony
2025-06-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Downtown Bedford
Come to Centertown Park in Downtown Bedford for the 2025 Flag Day Ceremony presented by the Bedford-Lynchburg Elks Lodge #321.
