CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Some events may be postponed or canceled. Contact the event host for updates.
January 1–Harrisonburg.
Join us for the “Shiver Me Timbers Pirate Plunge” at 9am This event will take place in the Westover Pool, 305 South Dogwood Drive and will be available for participants ages 14 and older. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required and the cost is $20.00 for city participants, $40.00 for non-city participants. www.harrisonburgva.gov/new-year-plunge or 540-433-2474.
January 1–Bentonville.
Celebrate the new year by joining park rangers and volunteers for the Annual “First Day Hike” at Shenandoah River State Park starting 11am. We will meet at Cullers Overlook and two separate guided hikes will be offered. Stop by the Visitor Center for light refreshments. Restrooms are located at the Visitor Center. For information visit online at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2023-11-09-10-52-26-589447-3q6 or call 540-622-6840.
January 1–Delaplane.
8th Annual “First Day Hike” at Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane. While the American tradition of celebrating the New Year occurs at midnight on New Year's Eve, other cultures celebrate by enjoying the sunrise on New Year's Day. As part of the continuing American experience of sharing our vast cultural traditions, we will open our main gates at 5:30am. Leashed pets are welcome. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2023-11-07-14-32-52-043551-bwm or 540-592-3556.
January 1-4, 7-14–Dublin.
Help ensure years of great fishing at Claytor Lake State Park, 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive, by recycling your old Christmas tree at the park. Donated trees will be incorporated into reef structures to enhance habitat for game fish. You can also observe similar habitat currently in use at Claytor Lake on the underwater webcam. Those making a tree donation will receive free park admission on the day of donation. Please follow our tree tag directions located at the drop site at the marina www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2023-11-15-17-15-53-235980-9rv or call 540-643-2500.
January 1-6–Natural Bridge.
Enjoy the first day of the new year by joining rangers and volunteers for our "Annual First Day Hike". This year we will be admiring the Blue Ridge Mountains and beautiful panoramic views from Skyline Trail. Please dress according to the weather, wear close-toed shoes, and carry water. This is a free standard parking or admission fee day for all Virginia State Parks. Online details at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2023-08-10-16-09-27-812533-b8k or 540-425-0837.
January 1-6–Natural Bridge.
The Annual “Festival of Trees” will be held at the Natural Bridge State Park’s Visitor Center, 6477 South Lee Highway. Get into the holiday spirit by placing donated items under your favorite trees decorated by local area businesses and organizations. Donations will be unexpired, non-perishable foods for the Glasgow Food Bank and supplies for ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice. Standard parking or admission fee applies. Visit online at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2023-08-10-16-09-27-812533-b8k or call 540-254-0837.
January 1-31–Waynesboro.
Join the Wayne Theatre, 521 West Main Street, for the followng events: Studio Wayne classes and workshops for all grade levels and interests, details and registration information at studiowayne.com, on the 1st-the 31st; The Brit Pack (Concert) 7:30 pm. Featuring music by favorites from across the pond: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and others on the 26th; “Cirque Zuma Zuma”, as seen on America's Got Talent on the 31st. More details at www.waynetheatre.org/calendar or 540-943-1381.
January 3, 7, 14, 21, 28–Strasburg.
Join Box Office Brewery, 177 East King Street, for "Open Mic Night" starting 6pm. Young Performers on the 3rd and Sunday nights on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. For full schedule visit www.boxofficebrewery.com/event-calendar or call 540-465-2609.
January 5-7–Salem.
The 56th Annual Stampede Championship Rodeo will be held at the Civic Center. This family friendly rodeo features bull riding, bronc busting and so much more. Also young cowpokes ages 5-7, who weigh 50 pounds or less, can register prior to each performance and will be able to climb on the back of a sheep and come out of the chute to see if they can hang on much like many of the greatest bull riders began. Admission fee. Call 540-375-3004 for more information or visit online at www.salemciviccenter.com/Events.
January 5-7–Orkney Springs.
“Woodcutters Weekend” at Shrine Mont, 217 Shrine Mont Circle, You will be splitting wood and time outside to enjoy GOD’s beauty. You do not have to be skilled in using a chainsaw, tractor or splitter. Work alongside our staff to cut wood for Shrine Mont as well as for you to take home to stay cozy and warm this winter with wood cut from our mountain. To register call 540-856-2141 or https://shrinemont.com/event/woodcutters-weekend-23/.
January 6–Lexington.
America's Wildest "Monster Truck Show" is coming to the Anderson Coliseum, 487 Maury River Road and is family frendly. Performers, such as Outlaw, Sheriff, Shark Attack, Muddy Girl and others. There will be a pre-show meet and greet "Pit Party", from 11:30am-12:30pm. This event is rain or shine and is loud, hearing protection is recommended. Also you can ride a Monster truck, kids powerwheei races, Quad Wars, Clash of the Titans. No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed. Children 2 years old and younger are free but must sit on parents lap. 540-464-29-50 or https://event.attendstar.com/event/show/lexington-virginia-monster-truck-wars-2024/.
January 6, 13, 27–Shenandoah Valley.
The Shenandoah Valley Runners will be hosting 3 “Winter Series” events. On the 6th, “Pizzas and Resolutions 5K” at Skyline High School, 151 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal; on the 13th, “Mystery Distance” at Laurel Ridge Community College, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown and on the 27th, Series #5 - 5K at the Strasburg High School, 250 Ram Drive, Strasburg .To register 540-327-4331 or visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/VA/Winchester/SVRWinterSeries.
January 12-13–Lexington.
The Stonewall Brigade, Camp #1296 presents the 25th Annunal “Lee-Jackson Day”. The event starts with a symposium on the 12th; On the 13th a service at Stonewall Jackson’s graveside, then a parade. At the finish of the parade, a service for Lee, followed by a luncheon. In the evening we will have a dinner gala, followed by a good ol’ fashioned ball. Also for all that want to take the Black Confederate Sites/Tour, visit: https://leejacksonpark.com/black-confederate-tour. For all of our event details https://leejacksonpark.com/lee-jackson-day or 800-697-6884.
January 13–Dublin.
"Sappy Saturday" will be held at Claytor Lake State Park, 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive. Have you ever thought about making maple syrup at home? Are you simply curious about how maple syrup is made? Join us in the park for Sappy Saturday. We'll simplify the process from "tree to treat" and show you what you need to make and enjoy Virginia maple syrup, while we can. Meet at the Howe House and dress for the weather. Visit online at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2023-11-06-17-25-47-058641-9g2 or call 540-643-2500.
January 20–Harrisonburg.
The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University will host the “Steel Wheels”. They have spent almost twenty years writing, recording and touring, while honing their evolving brand of American roots music. They are founders and hosts of the “Red Wing Roots Music Festival”, a beloved staple of the Shenandoah Valley. Call 540-568-7131 or online at www.jmuforbescenter.com/events/index.shtml#jan20.
More events coming soon.
