Destination Bedford

Art in the Park
2025-06-11 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | 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
2025-06-11 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
2025-06-12 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-06-14 09:30 - 12:00 | 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.

Wagon Rides & History Tour
2025-06-12 10:30 - 12:30 | Gross’ Orchard, 6817 Wheats Valley Rd., Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Come to Gross Orchard this summer every Thursday, starting on June 12th for free wagon rides/history tour. Come explore the beauty and the history of this 5 generation orchard.
Tours will run from 10:45-11:30 and 11:45-12:30.

Bower Center Exhibit
2025-06-12 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-13 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-14 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!

Live Music @ Mitchell's
2025-06-12 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-15 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.

Festival of Trees
2025-06-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Bedford Area Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join us for the 17th Annual Festival of Trees: Small Town Christmas!
Experience the magic of the season at this beloved, family-friendly event featuring 40 beautifully decorated trees created by local businesses and organizations.
Vote for your favorites for just $1 per vote. All proceeds benefit local charitable organizations. (Please bring cash for voting.)
Kids will love the holiday scavenger hunt and coloring sheet designed by local artist Terri Foster.
📍 Location: Bedford Area Welcome Center
🕘 Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
🌟 Extended evening hours: December 5–7 and 12–14, until 8 p.m.
📅 Event ends: January 4, 2026
The Welcome Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, so please plan your visit accordingly.
For more information, call (540) 587-5681.

BVA Birthday Sale
2025-06-13 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-14 10:00 - 15:00 | BVA Mercantile, 206 W Depot Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
To celebrate the Owner of BVA Mercantile and her birthday, they are having a sale!
As a thank you for your support, they are offering 20% off your purchase (just a few exclusions).
This is the perfect chance to grab that furniture piece or maybe even that lamp you have had your eye on! Friday 12-5 and Saturday 10-3!!

Live Music at Portside
2025-06-13 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-14 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!

Bower Center Aritst's Reception
2025-06-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Join the Bower Center for the Arts for an inspiring evening of art, community, and celebration!
This will be a joint reception for Kaye Lipscomb’s solo show “Inside/Out” and the “Limited Edition,” artwork by the Bower family.
Kay will present remarks at 6:00pm.
The Bower Center will also be formally introducting the 2025 Suzie Viemeister Artist In Residence: Andrea Wise.
This event is FREE to the public, light refreshments and drinks will be available.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience powerful local art and connect with the artists behind the work.
Learn more and preview the exhibits online:
👉 Inside/Out by Kaye Lipscomb – HERE
👉 Limited Edition by the Bower Family – HERE

Forest Friday Cheers
2025-06-13 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!

Jefferson's Curiosities: Music
2025-06-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Thomas Jefferson had a well-known love of music. He played the fiddle himself and purchased instruments for his daughters and grandchildren throughout much of his adult life. Join Poplar Forest as we partner with musicians from the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra to explore Jefferson’s interest in music. Hear pieces Jefferson heard in concert or performed himself and explore one of Jefferson’s many curiosities. Following the performance will be wine and cheese reception with the musicians.
About the Series: Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at the house he deemed “the best dwelling house in the state” as we delve into topics he found particularly fascinating: from the arts to agriculture, literature to wine, philosophy to natural sciences, and more. Each talk in the series includes a wine and cheese reception following the presentation. Tickets are $25/each per talk or $80 for all four 2025 events.
Click here for tickets.

Live Music at Bottles & Bites
2025-06-13 18:30 - 21:30, 2025-06-14 18:30 - 21:30 | Bottles and Bites, 2641 Lake Retreat Rd., Huddleston, VA, 24104, United States
Grab your favorite drink, some tasty bites, and listen to some great music at Bottles & Bites located at Mariners Landing. Click here to see who is playing.

Forest Farmer's Market
2025-06-14 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!

Pet Luau Adoption Event
2025-06-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter will be holding the 11th annual Pet Luau event at the Bedford County Animal Shelter from 10 AM to 2 PM on June 14th, 2025.
There will be so much fun to be had by all. Come out and meet the awesome available shelter pets. There will also be hot dogs, chips, and cold drinks for purchase. As always, you can expect a huge variety of baked goods made by wonderful volunteers.
All proceeds benefit Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter! Come out and support so that they can continue to assist the shelter pets along with the fosters in need!
There will also be FOBCAS t-shirts, and bumper stickers, for sale.
For more information please email fobcasfriends@gmail.com.

Public Archaeology Day
2025-06-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Join Poplar Forest’s Department of Archaeology and Landscapes for a day of discovery and community, in honor of the week of Juneteenth! Dig and screen for artifacts at the 1857 Slave Dwelling with our staff – gloves provided. Not a fan of dirt? Visitors can also wash artifacts and learn about the history of the dwelling and the people who lived there from our archaeologists. Open to the whole community.
Public Archaeology Day is included with regular admission which can be purchased in advance here. Admission to the property includes either a docent-guided or self-guided tour of Jefferson’s retreat home, access to exhibits in the lower level and wing of offices of the villa retreat, and outdoor exhibits throughout the property.

Odyssey Fest
2025-06-14 11:30 - 22:00 | Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island, VA, 24526, United States
Odyssey Fest is a music festival with a mission — to amplify mental health awareness and support for veterans and first responders. This community concert will bring people together, connect them with local resources, and raise funds to expand access to mental health care for those who’ve served our nation.
Odyssey fest 2025 will feature 2 stages, multiple bands and solo artists, food trucks, and most importantly resources that support their mission. Live music by Will Woodford & DoubleShot, Old Town Connector and the Karlee Raye Band.

Click here for more information and tickets.

Tickets will be available at the gate, cash/card/check accepted.

Live Music at Harvest Moon
2025-06-14 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
2025-06-14 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.

Specialty Cigar Event
2025-06-14 15:00 - 19:00 | The Meadery at Graham Ordinary, 8578 Peaks Rd, Bedford, Virginia, 24523
EVENT 3-7PM. COVER CHARGE AT THE DOOR- $8 A PERSON- OR $10 A COUPLE!
LIVE MUSIC BY Flat Five Jazz!
SPECIALTY CIGARS & PIPE VENDOR The Cozy Stoners! (MUST BRING YOUR OWN PIPE TOBACCO)
CATERED CAJUN-STYLE ENTREES BY Bullet Bowls Food Truck ! 5-7PM.
THIS IS AN EXCLUSIVE 21+ AGE EVENT- PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY!

Dale’s Diner Cruise In
2025-06-14 16:00 - 20:00 | Dale’s Diner
This event is every second Saturday April through October from 4-8pm.
Come see awesome local cars at this Cruise In! Also stop inside and eat some great food at Dale’s Diner!

The Deloreans at Wind Vineyards
2025-06-14 18:30 - 22:00 | Wind Vineyards, 15772 Moneta Road, Moneta
Join Wind Vineyards for an ultimate 80’s concert with The Deloreans!
Gates open at 4pm and The Deloreans taking the stage at approximately 6:30 until 10pm.
The Deloreans are a seasoned showband comprised of 6 distinct vocalists that cover the most memorable artists and nostalgic songs of the ‘80s. Each band member is featured throughout the show, making this band’s most notable attribute its unmatched variety. The Deloreans is known for their dynamic ‘80s costumes, unstoppable energy, and their ability to bring down the house EVERY time.
From small intimate weddings to city events drawing tens of thousands, the Deloreans have performed all over the East Coast since 2007. With a playlist of songs topping 10 hours, the Deloreans can tailor their show to a variety of settings and meet the needs of any crowd. No matter the size or venue, the Deloreans always leaves the crowd chanting, “one more song!”
Food trucks will be available as will wine, beer, sangria, wine slushies, and nonalcoholic beverage options!
VIP PIT PASSES & TABLES: Tables and VIP pit passes are OPTIONAL! Attached is a layout of the stage and venue. There are 32 tables available for purchase on a first come first serve basis. These tables come with chairs for 8 guests for a single flat fee. A limited number of tables can be upgraded to 10 person tables for $40 additional—tables are almost sold out and available for purchase on that same site as tickets.
VIP PIT PASSES are available for $20 and put you front and center for the show! There will be chairs, but not necessarily tables provided in the ”pit” area.
ALL ATTENDEES REQUIRE A GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET!!! Your table reservation and/or pit pass reserves your VIP spot but does NOT allow entry—everyone must have a general admission ticket!
Tables and VIP pit passes (both optional) may be purchased from the same link for your general admission tickets above. Pit passes are limited and there is only 1 of every table!
Benefits of tables/pit passes include:
-Best seats for the show!
-fast track VIP line for drinks to minimize your wait
-reserved tables and/or chairs provided

Live Music at New London Ruritan Club
2025-06-14 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.
