Destination Bedford

Bower Center Exhbit
2025-11-07 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-08 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-11 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-12 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-13 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-14 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
You’re invited to the 13th Annual National Juried Exhibition! This exhibition features works from all across the country, juried and judged by artist, Veronica Jackson.
The reception and awards for this exhibition is October 24 at 5:00 p.m.
Exhibition, reception & awards event all open to the public with free admission!

Friday Field Days with Poplar Forest Archaeology
2025-11-07 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-11-14 13:30 - 15:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Join Poplar Forest’s Department of Archaeology and Landscapes every Friday at 1:30 PM through November 21 for an in-depth look into their current excavations and what they are learning about the people who lived in and around the 1857 Slave Dwelling. While the 1857 Slave Dwelling was built after Jefferson’s lifetime, it is historically important as it is the only original dwelling built for enslaved people still standing on the property. As part of the 1857 Slave Dwelling Restoration Project’s efforts to stabilize, research, and restore this structure with the community, we invite you to visit our archaeologists to see what they are finding and learning about the people who lived here.
Friday Field Days are 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.

Rockin’ Out 4 Paws
2025-11-07 17:30 - 21:00 | New London Ruritan, 12411 East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Enjoy a great Meal, Silent Auction, and Live music!
Come on out and support Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter!
FOBCAS volunteers will be holding the 10th Annual Rockin’ Out 4 Paws Event from 5:30pm to 9pm on November 7th at the New London Ruritan Club!

Auction ends at 8pm and you must be present to win. If you are not present to claim your item, the winner is the next highest bidder!
Every penny raised goes directly to the homeless shelter animals and FOBCAS foster pets!

Harmeneers Concert
2025-11-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Mountain View Church, 1077 Viewpoint Ln,, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
The Harmeneers are back in concert and are performing “Broadway Bound.” Buy your tickets in advance at the Bedford Area Welcome Center for $15.00, children 12 or under are free.
Click here for more information.

Little Town Players "The Diary of Anne Frank"
2025-11-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-08 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Little Town Players, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Experience the powerful drama The Diary of Anne Frank as Little Town Players celebrates 50 years of live community theatre at Bedford’s historic Fred Harper Theater.
Fri. Nov 7th 2025, 7:30 pm
Sat. Nov 8th 2025, 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov 9th 2025, 2:00 pm
Fri. Nov 14th 2025, 7:30 pm
Sat. Nov 15th 2025, 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov 16th 2025, 2:00 pm
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.

Bluegrass Jamboree
2025-11-08 08:00 - 14:00 | Gross’ Orchard, 6817 Wheats Valley Rd., Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Come enjoy this Fall/Holiday Community Yard Sale and Bluegrass Jamboree taking place at Gross’ Orchard on Saturday, November 8th at 6808 Wheats Valley Road. The yard sale will run from 8 AM to 2 PM, and live bluegrass music will be featured from 10 AM to 1 PM, including performances by Dennis Stanley and Blue Roots Bluegrass & Country.

Forest Farmer's Market
2025-11-08 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!

Emerson Creek Pottery Holiday Market
2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Emerson Creek Pottery, 1068 Pottery Ln.
Join Emerson Creek Pottery for the 2025 Fall Market & Pottery Outlet Sale!
Celebrate the season with a cozy day of shopping, local eats, and festive fun at Emerson Creek Pottery! Here’s what’s in store:
Passport to Pottery Savings – Collect signatures from our amazing vendors and unlock exclusive discounts in our pottery outlet store!
Special Guest: Bedford Humane Society – Fundraising for their new facility and bringing sweet adoptable pets looking for loving homes.
Craft Vendors – Discover handmade goods, fall décor, and unique gifts from talented local artisans.
Food Vendors – Savor treats from Hado’s Authentic Lebanese Kitchen Food Truck
Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping – Find thoughtful gifts for friends, family, or yourself—before the holiday rush!
Bring your family, friends, and furry companions for a festive fall day full of shopping, savings, and community spirit.

Christmas in Forest
2025-11-08 10:00 - 15:00 | Nannys Prims & Decor, 1072 corporate park drive, Foresy, VA, 24551, United States
5th Annual Christmas Open House
Friday & Saturday, November 7th & 8th
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Nanny’s Prims & Decor!
Two festive days filled with holiday magic, new arrivals, exclusive prizes, and all the cozy feels.
Be one of the first 20 customers each day to receive a FREE tote bag!
Enter the raffle with every $25 purchase for a chance to win a special gift!
Come see the Christmas collections, gift ideas, candles, apparel, and home décor — all styled to make your home merry & bright.

Christmas Open House
2025-11-08 10:00 - 17:00 | Bell Treasures, 208 N Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, 24523
Join Granny Dot’s and Bell Treasures, along with other vendors, to begin the most wonderful time of the year! Sparkling ornaments (LOTS of ornaments) and trees, holiday decor in all decorating genres, and all things holiday. Enjoy sweet treats and punch while perusing the aisles!

Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival
2025-11-08 11:00 - 17:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Eat, drink, shop and explore a gem of American history when the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival returns to Thomas Jefferson’s south lawn. Join Poplar Forest in celebrating Jefferson’s legacy as the father of Virginia wine with tastings from multiple regional wineries. Enjoy live music performances, graze on foods by local vendors and shop the artisan market for one-of-a-kind finds.
General admission tickets, which include tasting and a complimentary Poplar Forest wine glass (while supplies last), are $35 in advance and $40 at the door; non-tasting tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door; children ages 6 and under, free. Note: you must purchase a tasting ticket to taste or purchase wine.
EXPERIENCE THE FESTIVAL AS A JEFFERSON VIP
Enjoy access to a private tent, hors d’oeuvres, a private audience with Mr. Jefferson himself, an exclusive wine tasting and more. Jefferson VIP tasting tickets are $150/person or $275/couple; Jefferson VIP non-tasting tickets are $75 per person.
Click here for more information and tickets.

Bedford Chamber Christmas Market
2025-11-08 12:00 - 16:00 | Anxious For Nothing, 578 Blue Ridge Avenue, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Come find unique gifts and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in Bedford, aka the “Christmas Capital of Virginia!”
For the past 12 years, our Christmas Market has served as a fantastic way to shop small and find unique gifts for the holidays. There will be a variety of vendors!
This year the event is located at Anxious for Nothing.

$5 Entry for Ages 18+
$1 = 1 entry for a raffle item of your choice! Additional raffle tickets can be purchased at the door.

Veterans Appreciation Celebration
2025-11-08 12:00 - 17:00 | Tharp Funeral Home, 320 North Bridge St., Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join Tharp Funeral Home in Bedford for a special Veterans Appreciation Celebration!
Tharp Funeral Home – Bedford
Saturday, November 8th at 12 Noon
Presentation by American Legion Post 16
Lunch to follow
Free admission — everyone is welcome! Let’s come together to thank those who’ve served.

Medieval Fest
2025-11-08 12:00 - 22:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Medieval Fest at Apocalypse Ale Works — Presented by Old Dominion Fantasy
Hear ye! Step into a living medieval market filled with immersive experiences, artisan vendors, and games for all ages. Come in garb (or snag some on-site), challenge your friends at medieval-style contests, and feast like it’s the 14th century—plus, enjoy specialty brews from Apocalypse Ale Works.
What to Expect:
• Immersive experiences: roaming characters, photo ops, and in-world interactions
• Games & contests: archery/aim challenges, lawn tourneys, tavern games, and more
• Vendors’ Row: handcrafted wares, leatherwork, jewelry, props, art, and curios
• Food & drink: festival bites and themed ales (21+ with valid ID)
• Costume-friendly: costumes encouraged, not required
Tickets & Entry:
• Details coming soon but general admission is free, experiences will be extra. RSVP to get updates.
• Kids welcome with guardians. Some activities may have small participation fees.
Click here for more information.

History Around the Holidays
2025-11-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Claytor Nature Center, 1844 Woods Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Step into history this holiday season at the Cloverlea Farmhouse located on the grounds of the Claytor Nature Center. Enjoy an afternoon celebrating the legacy of the Cloverlea Farm and the families who lived and worked the land over the years. The event features guided farmhouse tours every 30 minutes, cemetery tours at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM will explore family stories and historic legacies, while Riddle on the Harp performs live holiday music in the great room from 2–3 PM, featuring selections from their Christmas album. Guests can enjoy seasonal refreshments—charcuterie platters, hot chocolate, and apple cider provided by Hopwood and LaRue Catering—and may opt for an add-on family portrait session with a University of Lynchburg photography student.
🎟️ Free – Explore the grounds and guided cemetery tours
🎟️ $20 per family – Includes farmhouse tour and refreshments inside
➕ $5 per family – Optional family portrait add-on Organized by: Cloverlea Foundation

Harmeneers Concert
2025-11-08 14:30 - 16:30 | Main Street United Methodist Church, 212 East Main Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States

Live Music @ Beacon Seafood Pub
2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 | 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!

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday
2025-11-10 10:00 - 17:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
Free admission at the National D-Day Memorial for all current members and veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

Veterans Day Observance
2025-11-11 11:00 - 12:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join the National D-Day Memorial for their annual Veterans Day observance ceremony saluting all who have served.
The Keynote speaker for this event is John P. McLaren Jr. who served in the United States Army from 1974 to 2011, retiring at the rank of Major General, with more than thirty-seven years of active and reserve status service.
Following the main ceremony, the National D-Day Memorial will dedicate a newly constructed shelter, specifically designed to protect the Memorial’s authentic 1944 “Higgins boat”, one of only a few surviving examples of an LCVP manufactured by Higgins Industries of New Orleans during the war.
Free admission until noon. Guided tours begin at 1PM. Please bring your own chair. No food in plaza. No pets (service animals welcome).
This event will also be livestreamed. Click here to watch.

Apocalypse Trivia Night
2025-11-12 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!

Ladies' Night
2025-11-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Arthur’s Jewelry, 111 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Celebrate Ladies’ Night at Arthur’s Jewelry — an evening crafted for fun, fashion, and festive sparkle! Enjoy refreshments, seasonal promotions, and the perfect chance to build your wish list. Bring a non-perishable food item to support Bedford Christian Ministries’ efforts at combating local food insecurity and receive an extra in-store discount!
Holiday shopping starts here. Take advantage of exclusive, one-night-only seasonal promotions and discover new pieces just in time for gifting (and treating yourself, of course)!

Music Bingo
2025-11-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
This is where the fun of bingo meets the excitement of your favorite tunes! Each round features hit songs across various genres, and you’ll mark your card to the beat. Win the coveted Music Bingo chain, gift cards, and of course, ultimate bragging rights! It’s a lively and unique way to enjoy great music, compete with friends, and score awesome prizes. Don’t miss the fun!
