Destination Bedford

Family Day at the D-Day Memorial
2023-04-22 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
Join the National D-Day Memorial for the return of this joyous family-friendly event exploring life at home and on the front lines during World War II. Family Day will feature artifact displays, demonstrations, children’s activities, living historians, musical performances, and special tours. Food will be available for purchase.
Special guests include the Liberty University Jazz Ensemble, the VMI Commanders Jazz Band, and Dale’s Diner Express, with more to be announced!
Family Day is generously sponsored by WoodmenLife.
Tickets are available under the Event Tickets tab at store.dday.org. Adults $10. Children, veterans and active-duty FREE.
Each ticket includes admission to the Memorial for duration of the event, a guided tour, and access to activities and displays.
Tickets are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation, tickets funds will be processed as anonymous donations in support of the National D-Day Memorial.

ElectricCoArt Exhibit
2023-04-22 11:00 - 22:00, 2023-04-26 11:00 - 22:00, 2023-04-27 11:00 - 22:00, 2023-04-28 11:00 - 22:00, 2023-04-29 11:00 - 22:00, 2023-05-03 11:00 - 22:00, 2023-05-04 11:00 - 22:00, 2023-05-05 11:00 - 22:00 and 2 more dates | ElectricCoArt, 207 East Depot Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Featured artist Michael Milton has been dubbed a working man’s artist. Based in Roanoke, VA, his choice of subject is inspired by his Blue Ridge roots. His landscapes are a retreat from the technological world. Milton’s work will be on exhibit through May 15. Gallery admission is free.

Live Music @ Apocalypse Ale Works
2023-04-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-04-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-05-06 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Hike for Hope
2023-04-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
The Bedford Hike for Hope provides an opportunity to enjoy our natural surroundings and acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. Come enjoy the beautiful setting of Falling Creek Park for this hope-filled event.
If you’re looking for support and/or resources, please visit www.afsp.org/get-help and www.afsp.org/resources.

Live Music @ Beacon Seafood Pub
2023-04-23 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-04-30 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-07 14:00 - 17:00 | Beacon Seafood Pub at The Virginia Dare Marina, 3619 Airport Rd., Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Come to Beacon Seafood Pub located at the Virginia Dare Marina at Smith Mountain Lake, and enjoy great food, drinks and live music! Click here to see who is playing each week!

Wine Wednesdays
2023-04-26 17:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-03 17:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-10 17:00 - 19:00 | ElectricCoArt, 207 East Depot Street, Bedford, VA, United States
What’s better than wine and music? Come enjoy 4 selections of wine from the gallery. The tastings will be accompanied by live music. You can stay for dinner, wander the gallery or shop in the market!

40th Anniversary Celebration at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
2023-04-28 10:00 - 14:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the completion of the interior restoration after 34 years with a day full of activities.
The nonprofit Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest was formed in December 1983 by a group of individuals to lead the rescue of Jefferson’s endangered retreat for the cultural and educational benefit of the public—now and for future generations. In January 1984, the Corporation succeeded in taking title to a 50-acre parcel of land which was all that remained with the original buildings at the heart of Jefferson’s original plantation.
Watch Thomas Jefferson himself, portrayed by veteran interpreter Bill Barker, as he arrives via horse and carriage at the front of the retreat home to welcome his guests for the day. Take photos with the reproduction phaeton (an open carriage typically driven by one or two horses), enjoy a ride around the carriage turnaround, tour Jefferson’s retreat on a docent guided tour or with the Poplar Forest app, participate in hands-on-activities such as quill pen writing in the Hands on History center, and join Director of Architectural Restoration, Travis McDonald as he signs copies of his new book, Poplar Forest: Thomas Jefferson’s Villa Retreat.
All daytime activities are included with the price of admission.
Timeline of Events:
10 a.m.- Jefferson arrives via carriage
10 a.m.- 12 p.m.- Phaeton and horses available for photos and rides
1 p.m.- Book signing with Travis McDonald
10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Hands on History Activities available in Hands on History Center
House Tours offered at 10:30, 12:00, 1:00 and 2:30
House open for app guided tours from 10-4
11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Enslaved Community Talks ongoing in the 1857 Slave Dwelling

Concert for a Cause
2023-04-28 18:00 - 22:00 | Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery, 1722 Hickory Cove Lane, Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Hickory Hill Winery has partnered with the SML Boomer Band to support the Food for Kids a Weekend Pack-a-Sack organization. This group of dedicated individuals aids food-insecure children in Moneta and surrounding areas.
The concert is Friday, April 28, 2023, from 6-10 pm with a raindate of Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 6-10 pm. General admission is $25 per person and 100% of the general admission will go to Food for Kids.

Forest Farmer's Market
2023-04-29 08:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-06 08:00 - 12:00 | Forest Library Grounds, 15583 Old Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
The Forest Farmer’s Market is held 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!

Gross’ Orchard Apple Blossom Month
2023-04-29 08:00 - 18:00 | Gross Orchards, 6817 Wheats Valley Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
April is designated as Apple Blossom Month. Make plans to come enjoy these special events every Saturday as they celebrate Spring in Apple Valley. They will begin the month with an Easter Egg Hunt on April 1st. The orchard will be open daily except Sunday.

Animal Rescue Adopt-A-Thon
2023-04-29 10:00 - 13:00 | SML Pavilion, 1123 Celebration Ave, Moneta, VA
Several area Pet Rescues will have adoptable pets and will talk with community members about the services they each provide. A great opportunity to volunteer and/or become a foster for these area pet rescues!
Free admission. Donations Accepted

SML Chamber Business Expo
2023-05-05 12:00 - 16:00 | EastLake Community Church, 1201 Timberwood Lane, Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
The annual SML Business Expo brings together more than 100 area businesses each spring to showcase products and services from a wide variety of industries related to home, business and life. Free and open to the public, the Expo is your opportunity to engage with business professionals eager to answer any and all questions.

QUESTIONS? Contact the Chamber at 540-721-1203 or email estanley@visitsmithmountainlake.com.

Hickory Hill’s Sunset Saturday Music Series
2023-05-08 18:00 - 22:00 | Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery, 1722 Hickory Cove Lane, Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Come enjoy good music, conversation, and dancing fireflies. Relax, sit back and listen to the music of local artists as the sun fades and the stars slowly pop out in the sky. Click here to see who is playing each week!
Advanced general admission tickets are $10/ person.
Click here for tickets.

Bower Center Exhbit
2023-05-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Come to the Bower Center for the Arts for the 11th Annual National Juried Exhibition!
Gallery admission is free. Click here for more information.
