Destination Bedford

12th Annual Edna Curry/John Bower Exhibition
2026-02-19 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-20 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-21 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-24 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-25 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-26 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-27 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-28 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) and 4 more dates | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Named to honor the Center’s primary benefactors, whose generous contributions have made the Bower Center possible, this exhibit annually brings in diverse collections of 150+ artworks by 50+ artists including paintings, mixed media, photography, sculpture, and more. Much of the artwork is for sale and awaiting its new home in yours.
Dr. Bower’s love for the Bedford community and desire for an inclusive art center inspired this unique judged exhibit, accepting all artist entries and offering a platform for all who wish to participate. This exhibit proves each year to be varied and exciting for all ages.
Gallery admission is free.

Jefferson's Curiosities
2026-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
About the Series: Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at Jefferson’s “best dwelling house in the state” as we delve into topics he found particularly fascinating from travel to culinary, leadership to religion. Each talk in the series includes a wine and cheese reception following the presentation.
Tickets are $25/each or $100 for all five Curiosities Series talks
2026 Jefferson’s Curiosities Series Events:

Jefferson’s Travel through the Germanies (Travis McDonald): February 19, 2026 6:30 p.m.

What Made Jefferson a Great Leader? (Dr. John Ragosta): March 26, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Jefferson and Trist’s Wild Mississippi Scheme (Karen Chase): May 7, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Jefferson’s Curiosities: Hearth Cooking (Rachel Deddens): June 11, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Jefferson & Religion (Nathan Taylor): September 24, 2026 6:30 p.m.

Music Bingo
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-05 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!

Live Music @ Apocalypse Ale Works
2026-02-20 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-27 19:00 - 22:00 | 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. Food by Bunker 42 Bar Bites will also be available for purchase!

Mardi Gras Lunch
2026-02-21 12:00 - 17:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
They’re bringing the Mardi Gras vibes with a one-day-only Cajun-inspired lunch you don’t want to miss!
✨ What to expect:
🎶 Jazz on the speakers
🍽️ Cajun food specials
💜💚💛 Beads everywhere
Grab a plate, sip a cold beer, and celebrate Mardi Gras the right way—good food, good music, good company.
⏳ Limited availability (until sold out)
🎤 Karaoke kicks off at 7 PM!

Live Music at Harvest Moon
2026-02-21 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-22 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-28 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-01 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 this weekend!

Enjoy beer, wine, meads, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks, along with delicious food and great shopping at the Marketplace. Free admission and free music!

Boots, BBQ & I Do's
2026-02-21 17:00 - 21:00 | Cedar Oaks Farm
Join Cedar Oaks Farm for a FUN night out designed especially for ENGAGED couples!!
Stop by between 5-6PM to tour the property and meet our beloved Scottish Highland cows while imagining your future celebration here.
At 6pm, enjoy dinner provided by Mission BBQ, an award-winning wedding caterer! This is the perfect opportunity to sample their menu and see why couples love them to cater their wedding!
After dinner, grab your boots and head to the dance floor for beginner-friendly line dancing! No experience needed.

Murder Mystery Event
2026-02-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Sharpen your wit, polish your best pirate lingo, and prepare for a night where mystery and mayhem rule the waves.
Channel your inner detective as you laugh, talk, eat, drink, and unravel the thrilling mystery of Murder on the High Seas. Dress in your best pirate attire, take on a unique character role, crafted just for you, and see if you can figure out whodunnit! Arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 to grab your food and drinks and register for the raffle.
Tickets:
$45 per person
$80 per couple
Tickets include the game, light food, non-alcoholic beverages, and one drink ticket per person. This is a 21+ Event. Character roles will be given upon entry to the event. Tickets are non-refundable.
Click here for tickets and more information.

CAB Kids at the Bower Center
2026-02-28 12:00 - 14:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Discover the magic of music and storytelling with Opera on the James’ kid-friendly performance of The Magic Flute. After the show, young audience members will get to chat with the performers during a fun Q&A session, then head into a themed art activity creating their very own Paper Flutes inspired by the opera.
Registration is not required, but appreciated for planning purposes. Click here to register.
Creative Arts for Bower Kids, CAB Kids, is a program that invites youth and families to explore creativity together through free art activities, Family Art Days, and community events in a fun, inclusive space.

Concert at the Bower Center
2026-02-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Come to the Bower Center to see Paddy Dougherty Quartet play live! $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
Click here to purchase tickets and for more information on the band!

Family Bingo Night
2026-02-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Bedford County Gym, 1059 Turning Point Rd., Bedford, 24523, United States
Bring the whole family and join Bedford County Parks & Recreation for Family Bingo Night on Saturday, February 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bedford County Gym (1059 Turning Point Rd., Bedford).
This FREE event was created for families with children to enjoy the game of Bingo together, with a chance to win over $300 in prizes!
While there is no cost to attend, RSVPs are requested so they can plan accordingly.
Sign up here: www.bedfordcountyva.gov/bingo

Read Across America at Claytor Nature Center
2026-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Claytor Nature Center, 1844 Woods Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Celebrate National Read Across America Day at the Claytor Nature Center with a special storytime featuring award-winning children’s author Sara Ernst. Families are invited to gather on March 2nd at 1:00 PM to enjoy The Dragon’s Campfire—complete with a cozy campfire setting, tea, treats, and of course, a delightful story experience. This free event is perfect for young readers and their caregivers, but space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Join us for an afternoon of imagination, warmth, and literary fun in a beautiful natural setting.

First Weekends at Woods Goods & Mercantile
2026-03-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Woods Goods & Mercantile, 2770 W Lynchburg Salem Tpke, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Woods Goods & Mercantile is opening their doors monthly, and this one is all about welcoming spring with intention, beauty, and a little treasure hunting.
Come shop a carefully curated mix of:
• Fresh plants + planters
• Antiques & vintage finds
• Home decor you won’t find anywhere else
• Thoughtful gifts & small artisan goods
Each monthly opening will happen the first weekend of the month and they will all be different. New inventory, new finds, and pieces that won’t be restocked once they’re gone.
