Destination Bedford

Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
2017-09-23 11:00 - 2017-09-24 17:00 (America/New_York) | Virginia
The 29th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will be held September 23 and 24. This year, 29 Virginia wineries will be participating as well as 85 juried craft and food vendors. Three popular live bands will also be there to entertain festival-goers. Saturday crowds will enjoy Barefoot West and Fuzzy Logic. Sunday’s festivities will feature Hip Pocket Band. The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Campground on SML.

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Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival Hours:
Sat 11a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rain or Shine
** No Pets – No Refunds – Limited Designated Tent Area, Chairs, Blankets and Umbrellas are welcome!

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Long Strange Night on the Mountain at Peaks of Otter Winery
2017-09-23 17:30 - 22:00 | Peaks of Otter Winery, 2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
We’re turning 21 and we’re throwing a party that’s far out! Join us for Long Strange Night, a Grateful Dead cover band. We’ll be playing birthday games for prizes. There will be food, craft and jewelry vendors for all your needs. After the show, join the Johnsons for a bon fire down by the creek, followed by camping, where you’ll be sung to sleep by the crickets. The nights on the mountain in September are crisp and cool, perfect for relaxing in the wine slushy lounge aka Slush Lounge! The leaves will be starting to turn and our views just can’t be beat! Come see why we Love it here on the farm.

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The Peaks Under the Stars
2017-09-23 20:00 - 22:00 | Peaks of Otter Lodge, 85554 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
The Universe and You
Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, Greg Redfern, for an engaging presentation to learn about the fascinating Universe in which you live, are made from, and are part of. A jacket is recommended, and a flashlight is helpful. Free to all parkway visitors.

“The Peaks Under the Stars” – If the sky is clear after the presentation, our guests will move outdoors to the lawn area at the edge of the lake to see the night sky in all its glory while listening to sky lore and fascinating sky facts.

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RagTop at White Rock Winery & Brew Haus
2017-09-24 14:00 - 17:00 | White Rock Vineyard, Winery & Brew Haus, 2117 Bruno Drive, Goodview, VA, 24095, United States
Bring a picnic and relax with a glass of wine or beer at White Rock Winery & Brew Haus from 2-5 p.m. and enjoy the sounds of RagTop. RagTop is the Roanoke-based signature cover acoustic duo of Jim and Renee Oliphant, and they perform Folk, Rock, Classic Rock, New Country, Blues and R&B and classic American Standards. They have just released their second CD.

Bedford County Fair
2017-09-28 - 2017-10-01 | Virginia
Experience the best Bedford County has to offer! Join us for the Bedford County Fair September 28 – October 1 2017!

We are excited to offer free admissions, parking and entertainment at the fair. Join us at the Glenwood Center in Huddelston, VA for a family friendly good time. This year the fair will be four days and feature many more attractions.

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Forest Farmers Market
2017-09-30 08:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-07 08:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-14 08:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-21 08:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-28 08:00 - 12:00 | Forest Farmers Market, 15583 Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24523, United States
Virginia Grown Produce, meats, honey, flowers along with breads for locals to enjoy. The market is open the last week in April until the last week in Oct. Please come and enjoy the local food from our area.

1st Annual Mountain Music Festival at Peaks of Otter Lodge
2017-09-30 12:00 - 18:00 | Peaks of Otter Lodge, 85554 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Relax lakeside with a day of family-friendly live entertainment! Join us beside Abbott Lake at Peaks of Otter Lodge for live performances by Root2 Music, Rebecca “The Singing Cowgirl”, and Mountain Revelers. Enjoy hourly raffles, lawn games, face painting, artist demos, sing-alongs, a jam circle, and a Root2 Music CD release!

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Oktoberfest at Beale's
2017-09-30 12:00 - 22:00 | Beale’s Brewery, 510 Grove Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join us on September 30, 2017 as we kick off Oktoberfest at Beale’s with the release of Oktoberfest beer. We are going full German-style with food specials such as stecklerfish and German sausage plate with sauerkraut and potato dumplings.
Come fill up a stein and listen to Monster Atlantic, a Roanoke based rock band, playing on the patio from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
We will also have be featuring a local treasure, Des Black and his handcrafted woodworking.

Bedford Farmers Market
2017-10-02 15:00 - 18:00 | Bedford Farmers Market, Washington and Center Streets, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Bedford Farmers Market provides our community with the freshest, locally grown and produced goods from farmers, producers, and craft vendors.
For more information visit our website or find us on Facebook.

Ride 4 Freedom 2017
2017-10-07 09:00 - 17:00 | The Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island, VA, United States
Join us on October 7th as Freedom 4/24 hosts its Third Annual Ride 4 Freedom.
Ride 4 Freedom Virginia is a Freedom 4/24 bike ride event (with LIVE MUSIC and GREAT FOOD) that seeks to raise awareness and funds to provide a pathway to freedom for sexually exploited and trafficked women and children.
RIDE FOR FREEDOM…use your bike as a means to raise awareness of the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of women and children around the world! Get your friends, family, or employers involved… ask them to SPONSOR YOUR RIDE OR DONATE to help our partner in Uganda, Christine’s House, and similar organizations dedicated to justice!
The Ride 4 Freedom will be held at the Sedalia Center, featuring a 62 mile paved ride, a 62 gravel ride, and a 24 mile paved ride for the recreational cyclist. People will be coming from all over the state, and there will be plenty of food, music, camping, and outdoor fun!
Live Music: Joel R. Kaiser, Strong Water, Annie Stokes, L.A. Dies and MORE from 11:00am to 5:00pm, tickets $5 ($7 at the door)
Camping: Make reservations at director@sedaliacenter.org to camp Friday night and/or Saturday night, $10 for tents, $20 for campers.
Food/Beverage: Apocalypse Ale Works and Blue Mountain Brewery will be available along with delicious brats and more!
Fore more event information and to register click here.

Harvest Festival at Big Otter Mill
2017-10-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Big Otter Mill, 3533 Big Island Highway, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join us on Saturday, October 7th for the Harvest Festival at Big Otter Mill.
Brunswick Stew by the Masons…Live Music…Silent Auction…Crafts…Demonstrations…and tours of Big Otter Mill!
*FREE ADMISSION*

Oktoberfest at Beale's
2017-10-07 12:00 - 22:00 | Beale’s Brewery, 510 Grove Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join us on October 7, 2017 for Beale’s second Oktoberfest release, Munich Dunkel, is being paired with its first community initiative. This is our giving back week (October 7th – 13th). $1.00 of every pint sold will go towards the Blue Ridge Area Foodbank.
Come check out a treasured artisan, Mikael Blido and his unique pottery on the patio.

2nd Friday Guest Artist at The Electric Company Arts & More
2017-10-11 11:00 - 2017-10-28 17:00 | ElectricCoArt, 207 East Depot Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Susan Miller Bradbury is a quiet, unassuming Roanoke, Virginia native who enjoys capturing the events of life. She especially appreciates taking her memories captive and placing them on the canvas. Her greatest love is utilizing provocative lighting and/or expressive situations to capture the viewer’s heart. Susan graduated from Radford University with a BA in Graphic Arts as well as a minor in French. Later in life, she discovered a love for portraiture and went on to take classes from many well-known instructors such as Daniel Greene, Paul McCormack, Vera Dickerson, Lee Boynton and Debbie Gualco. She has illustrated several published books and is in the process of illustrating others.

2nd Fridays at The Electric Company Art Gallery
2017-10-13 17:00 - 20:00 | ElectricCoArt, 207 East Depot Street, Bedford, VA, United States
The Electric Company Art Gallery on 207 E. Depot St., Bedford, VA is having a “Month of Horses” in October.
Meet the 3 featured artists and enjoy the reception on October 13th (2nd Friday), between 5 PM & 8 PM to catch your ride into the art of horses. John Boy’s wood carved horses, Sonya Forte’s horse themed jewelry and photography by Austin King.

Forest Farmer's Market
2017-10-14 08:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-21 08:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-28 08:00 - 12:00 | Forest Farmers Market, 15583 Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24523, United States
Outdoor farmer and artisan market.
Saturdays ~ April 29 through October 28
8am to noon
For more information visit our website or find us on Facebook.

Bedford Get Together
2017-10-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Edmund Street Park, 516 Edmund Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Ever wonder who your neighbors are? Come meet them at A Bedford Get-Together! Building on the idea that there is more that unites our community than separates us, this first-ever event is designed to celebrate the values we all share. The Get Together will be a fun-filled family day with bands and music emceed by DJ Showtime, food trucks, plenty of activities for the kids, a chance to learn about many issues of our day, tell your story, and start building a strong foundation for Bedford’s future generations! October 14, 2017, 10:00 am -4:00 pm Edmund Street Park, rain or shine.

Oktoberfest at Beale's
2017-10-14 12:00 - 22:00 | Beale’s Brewery, 510 Grove Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Black Collar will be playing in the Biergarten alongside featured artisan Bill Mauser, a local blacksmith. The kitchen will be cooking up sauerbraten with cabbage and fried egg noodles, in addition to a vegetarian-friendly dish: harvest veggie and arugula salad.

Harpeth Rising - Fusion of Folk, Newgrass, Rock and Classical
2017-10-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Relaxing
Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. as they host in concert, Harpeth Rising – Fusion of Folk, Newgrass, Rock and Classical. The concert, held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a ticket price of $15.00 per person; collected at the door or purchased in advance through Lynchburg Tickets. Seating is limited. For more information, call 540-586-8911, or visit http://www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org. Join us and bring a friend or two!
Chamberfolk: Three classically trained musicians playing original music, as intricately arranged as a string quartet, lyrically rooted in the singer/songwriter tradition, and wrapped in three-part vocal harmonies reminiscent of both Appalachia and Medieval Europe. Building from the tonal depth of the cello (or is it a bass?), layer in the shimmering sounds of a violin and the strikingly natural addition of banjo to create a sound at once familiar and impossible to categorize. Unapologetic genre-benders, Harpeth Rising fuses Folk, Newgrass, Rock and Classical into something organically unique.
The three musicians each hold classical performance degrees from some of the most venerated schools in the world: Indiana University, Oberlin, Eastman School of Music. But their classical background is only one dimension of this trio’s powerful musical voice. Hailing from vastly different parts of North America, each member of Harpeth Rising brings different influences to the core sound. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Maria Di Meglio cello, was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She was drawn to the music of her first generation Italian and Balkan roots, and grew up learning Eastern European folk songs alongside classical repertoire. She attended many classical programs throughout NYC, including LaGuardia High School (the “Fame” school), and Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege Division. Michelle Younger of Charlottesville, VA comes by her modern spin on old-time infused banjo authentically; her family has been in the United States for generations, and she is a descendent of Cole Younger, a member of the James-Younger Gang and the namesame of his very own banjo tune. Jordana Greenberg, violin, grew up listening to the sounds of Stan Rogers, Leonard Cohen and Natalie McMaster in her native Canada before moving to Southern Indiana as a child. She studied classical violin by day through the pre-college program at Indiana University, and spent her nights learning the folk tunes and classic rocks songs that her family plays at the annual post-Passover jam session.
All three women began singing after they completed their instrumental studies, and found a passionate new musical avenue. They developed their voices and arrangements to bring life to the lyrical expressiveness of their original songs. Hallmarks of their music include expansive three-part harmonies, consummate musicianship and a deft, yet soulful, lyrical perspective.
Against All Tides, Harpeth Rising’s sophomore album as a trio, is proof that authenticity and complexity can live in harmony. It is an exploration of spirituality in place of fundamentalism, uncertainty as philosophy, and an unwavering declaration that human connection is the ultimate force for good in the universe. The songs, crafted lyrically by Jordana Greenberg and arranged by all three members of the trio – Maria Di Meglio, Michelle Younger and Greenberg – do not intend to distract from the social and political atmosphere. They are the vehicle by which the band has chosen to add their voices to the ongoing fight for understanding and respect. Two sets of lyrics – tracks 6 and 7 – come from David Greenberg, Jordana’s father, who has contributed work to every album the band has recorded, and who continues to be a source of inspiration. Track 8 is a cover of a Joan Baez song, – an indictment of the prison system and immigration laws – which heartbreakingly has fully retained its relevance in the 45 years since it was written.
Altogether, they present a picture of determined optimism: Things are not as they should be, but we will push back, against all tides.

37North Concert
2017-10-20 19:30 - 22:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
37North is a group of jazz musicians living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia who have united to bring their personalities, energy, and stylish jazz interpretations together. 37 degrees north is the latitude coordinate for Bedford County, VA and the group enjoys celebrating this area of Virginia with their name and music.
Each musician’s experience in playing a variety of music genres comes together in an eclectic jazz soundscape. The group’s repertoire includes a crossover style that brings a jazz interpretation to standards, folk, regional, and pop songs, including some originals by Nichols and Walter. Their music takes aim at creating a sense of scenery, introspection, and inspiration and mesmerizes listeners.
About the Musicians
Jazz trumpeter Scott Walter, Bedford Community Orchestra (BCO) conductor enjoys introducing and interweaving melodic and harmonic ideas with Karen Nichols, on keyboard and vocals. Karen, who also plays with the BCO has a versatile background as a performer and songwriter, adding rich, textured chords to the harmonic mix. Ben Masters, on upright acoustic bass, is another member of the BCO and enjoys adding low tone colors to 37North’s tonal palette, while BCO drummer/percussionist Patrick Skelley, who has played for thirty years with ensembles up and down the East Coast, adds rhythmic figures, timing and interesting percussive sounds to the group’s performances.
Tickets: $10 in advance | $12 at the door
Cash Bar is Available
Ticket Locations: Bower Center office or Online.

Apple Harvest Festival
2017-10-21 | Gross’ Orchard, 6817 Wheats Valley Rd., Bedford, VA, 24523, United States

Shelter Friends Fun Frolic at Johnson's Orchard
2017-10-21 09:00 - 12:00
Bring the family and enjoy a nice Fall morning taking a 2.5k nature walk and bring your vaccinated dogs to join in the fun on October 21st at Johnson’s Orchard from 9 AM to Noon. Enjoy pancakes and sausage on the griddle, as well as baked goodies for you and your pet, all available for purchase, with complimentary coffee.
There will be vendors: All American Mutt, The Bedford Humane Society, Riverside Veterinary Hospital, Pet Craze, Robinson’s Photography and Steph’s Bubbles and Bows.
There will also be a raffle for great prizes.
You do not need to participate in the walk to join the fun. The link to sign up is http://friendsofbedfordcountyanimalshelter.rescuegroups.org, go to our “Donate” link to pay the $10 admission fee by PayPal and under “Special Instructions to Seller, note that it is for the Shelter Fun Frolic.
Come out and support a great cause, Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter (FOBCAS).

Sedalia Chili Cook-Off
2017-10-21 11:30 - 19:00 | Virginia
The Sedalia Center’s 21st Annual Chili Cook Off is nearly here.
Chili Teams from the region will compete for your vote on Saturday, October 21st.

Tickets are $10 in advance from lynchburgtickets.com and $15 at the gate.
As always, children 12 and under are free.
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Oktoberfest at Beale's
2017-10-21 12:00 - 22:00 | Beale’s Brewery, 510 Grove Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join us on October 21, 2017 for Beale’s third and final beer release of Oktoberfest with Sliced Apple Ale. Gross’ Orchard provided the freshest local product to make this ale especially unique to Bedford.
Food specials include Apple Butter BBQ sauce for the smoked ribs and chops.
Apple Butter Soul will be playing from 6:00pm to 9:00pm alongside a featured artisan, Amanda Croft, who creates incredible handcrafted jewelry.

D-Day Lunchbox Lecture ~ Regine's Story: A Tale Of Survival In Occupied Belgium
2017-10-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Bedford Area Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
The National D-Day Memorial is pleased to offer an extra Lunchbox Lecture this autumn so our supporters can experience an inspiring tale of heroism and endurance. At noon on October 26th, at the Bedford Area Welcome Center, Regine Nozyce Archer will share her unique WWII experiences in war-torn Belgium.
Born in 1924 in Krakow, Poland, Regine’s family moved to Liege Belgium when she was a young girl, little knowing that by 1940 they would be caught up in a great global conflict.
Forced to hide her Jewish heritage from the Nazi occupiers, Regine and her sister took refuge in a Belgian convent, where only the Mother Superior knew the truth about the refugees. When the war returned to Belgium in 1944, she became a nurse for wounded soldiers and civilians, and eventually an interpreter for the U.S. Army, where she met her future husband.
The inspiring and captivating story will leave you amazed and profoundly moved.
The program is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to bring a lunch.
