Riverfest

Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM it’s Waynesboro Riverfest This FREE annual event takes place river-side at Constitution Park in Waynesboro, VA. Activities include Reptile World shows, Stream Safari, presentations by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Fish and Fun Rodeo, Farmer’s Market, canoe rides, kids arts & crafts, Stream electro-fishing with DGIF and is capped off by the … Great South River Duck Race!!

Opening Reception: Alison Thomas at CoArt Gallery

CoArt Gallery presents their May Featured Artist Alison Thomas “Photographer Clyde Butcher once said ‘Wilderness is a spiritual necessity’ and I agree. When I need peace, I go to the mountains and the wilderness. Wilderness calms me, takes away my stress, and gives me peace. The otherworldly colors and the trees twisted by the wind were my favorite parts.” Opening reception is Saturday, May 3, 4-6 p.m.

May Day at Frontier Culture Museum

May Day has marked the return of spring for people around the world for millennia. On May 3, join the Frontier Culture Museum for a May Day celebration for the whole family From flower garlands to fresh greens, May Day traditions are about celebrating new life and the renewal of springtime. Maypole dances will happen at 1 PM and 3 PM on their English Farm (weather permitting).

The Wayne Theatre presents The Blues Brothers

After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) — collectively known as the “Blues Brothers.” Jake’s first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together. However, after playing several gigs and making a few enemies, including the police, the brothers face daunting odds to deliver the money on time. What better way to see this 1980 cult classic than at the iconic Wayne Theatre?

Earth Day Staunton at Gypsy Hill Park

Saturday, April 26th from 11AM to 3PM Come celebrate Earth Day Staunton at Gypsy Hill Park · Meet local wildlife with programs from The Wildlife Center of Virginia. · Touch stream critters. See a Bee Hive. Take home a tree. & some native plants. Look through a solar telescope. · Check out some cool electric cars. · Learn from the local organizations that work every day for the Earth. Celebrate some local Earth Heroes. · Kids receive an event passport to get stamped and earn a souvenir button. · Food Trucks on site. Bring a reusable water bottle. More information can be found at earthdaystaunton.org

An Evening of Traditional and Experimental Folk Music

Thursday, April 24th at 7PM, The SolArt Center presents An Evening of Traditional and Experimental Folk Music This will be an evening of folk, experimental, and classical sounds on traditional bluegrass and stringed instruments. The evening will feature performances by: Eleanora (ambient/classical harp) Doomi Soomi (experimental accordion & banjo) Mike Gangloff & Kaily Schenker (traditional Appalachian and classical sounds on fiddle & cello) More information can be found on the SolArt Facebook Page

Staunton Jams

May 2-May 4 The Judy Chops and 106.3 WQSV are excited to present Staunton Jams, in downtown Staunton. Staunton Jams will be a jamtastic weekend filled with music, arts, culture, and fun for all ages. The event kicks off Friday night and continues into Saturday with a stage on West Beverley Street, with additional events through Sunday happening all over downtown at satellite venues. General attendance is free with tickets available for special events. To find out more information or to get involved as a volunteer, visit stauntonjams.com. Come see how Staunton Jams!

Dear Reader: A Taylor Swift & Shakespeare Literary Crossover

Thursday, April 24th at 6:00pm, as part of Shakespeare’s Birthday Festival, join Viktoria Capek for Dear Reader: A Taylor Swift & Shakespeare Literary Crossover. For Swifties, Shakespeare lovers & literary deep-divers get ready to shake it off with Shakespeare! This interactive masterclass unpacks Taylor Swift’s literary influences, revealing hidden Shakespearean Easter eggs in her lyrics. From Love Story and Willow to Hamlet and Twelfth Night, she’ll break down key plays through “Swift Notes” summaries, song pairings, and lively discussions—because when it comes to storytelling, Taylor and Will are a match made in iambic heaven.

Victorian Ghostly Encounters Tour with Ghosts of Staunton

Embark on a short journey through part of Staunton’s Gospel Hill district as they present part of the Queen City’s Victorian past. The tour will focus upon the paranormal and supernatural during the Victorian era. Mourning traditions, customs and beliefs are discussed as you walk along Kalorama Street to your final destination, the Spotts – Coffman House, believed by many to be Staunton’s most haunted house. The house is believed to be haunted by Mrs. Charlotte Coffman and has been a regular and very popular stop on many of their ghost tours through the years. Now you will have the opportunity to go inside this incredible, historic, Victorian mansion and learn of first-hand accounts of paranormal, haunted activity. The house is not only believed to be haunted by Mrs. Coffman but perhaps many more personalities and individuals.

Annual Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby

The 20th Annual Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby Returns to Rockingham County on May 10. The Rotary Club of Rockingham County is gearing up for an exhilarating event that promises to bring fun, excitement, and friendly competition to the community. The highly anticipated Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby is set to take place on May 10, 2024, bringing together participants of all ages for a day filled with fast-paced races and family-friendly entertainment. Organized by the Rotary Club, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The Soap Box Derby has become a beloved tradition in our community, attracting participants from across the region who display their engineering skills and love for speed on the racetrack. The Soap Box Derby is an opportunity for children and teenagers to design and construct their own gravity-powered cars. With creativity and precision, participants assemble their vehicles from a kit, customizing the outside, and refining factors such as weight, aerodynamics, and safety measures to ensure a thrilling yet secure race. For driving and racecar questions, please contact Thomas Rea at trea@bankofthejames.com or 540-239-0023. For media inquiries, please contact: Jim Elmore at jim.elmore@gmail.com or 540-421-7254.