Annual Events

Each year, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) hosts annual festivals and social events that celebrate the spirit of the Friendly City and welcome thousands of residents and visitors downtown.

Looking for weekly specials, happy hours, and social events? We update our online events calendar weekly.

Interested in supporting HDR’s annual events? Find more information in our sponsorship packet and stay up to date on our volunteer opportunities.

Want to be a vendor at one of our upcoming festivals? Visit our vendor page to apply and sign up for our email list.

Build-a-Bouquet Galentine's Day Flower Tour

Saturday, February 10, 2024 | Downtown Harrisonburg

Looking for a fun day out? Celebrate Galentine's Day with your favorite shops in Downtown Harrisonburg.

Modeled after the sell-out wintertime event, Cookie Tour, each ticket holder will be able to create their own bouquet of flowers by collecting stems from downtown businesses.  This event is perfect for mothers and daughters, gal pals, couples, or anyone looking to add some flowers to their home before Valentine's Day. Tickets are available exclusively on Givebutter.

Once you're finished, grab lunch at one of our tasty downtown restaurants and then finish the day with a treat from your favorite downtown bakery.

Downtown Dinner Happy Hour

Friday, March 1, 2024 | The Loft at Liberty Street Mercantile

Kick-off Taste of Downtown Month with our Culinary District friends! Attendees will get to eat and drink unique creations from multiple downtown culinary businesses, mingle with fellow foodies, and make connections with downtown chefs and business owners. This is a standing, roaming, grazing, interactive, happy hour event to showcase the delicious talents of downtown's culinary district. Tickets will be available exclusively on Givebutter.

Taste of Downtown Month

March 2024 | Downtown Harrisonburg

During this month-long celebration, restaurants in Virginia’s first culinary district showcase their talent and creativity by serving up fresh, innovative menus, specials, and one-of-a-kind restaurant collaborations. Engage deeply with our local culinary scene with signature workshops and events, dining guide, and passport. With 50 culinary destinations, food enthusiasts are sure to make this an annual tradition.

Visit tasteofdowntownharrisonburg.com to learn more.

Best. Weekend. Ever.

Saturday, June 15, 2024 | Downtown Harrisonburg

Enjoy a downtown-wide block party with music, entertainment, and activities for all ages around every corner! From magicians and art markets to Sip & Stroll and live music, during Best.Weekend.Ever. the streets will close so people can roam with a drink in their hand and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, local arts, and family-friendly activities all day.

Learn more at bestweekendever.org.

 

Independence Day Fireworks

Friday, July 5, 2024 | Downtown Harrisonburg

Enjoy the best fireworks in the valley on Independence Day weekend. The best spots for viewing and celebrating our nation's independence are right here in downtown Harrisonburg!

Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series

Wednesdays 6 - 8 PM from June 26 - September 11, 2024 | Turner Pavilion Lawn

Thanks to overwhelming community support, HDR will be bringing the three-year Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series to Downtown Harrisonburg continuing in 2024! The free concert series will be taking place in the grassy lot near Turner Pavilion on Wednesday evenings from June - September.

See the full schedule at amphburg.com for skip dates and special shows along with more information to plan your experience.

Friendly City Fortune

Summer 2024 | Live-streamed on friendlycityfortune.com

Voted Best Fundraiser by the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Friendly City Fortune has changed the game for fundraising in Harrisonburg. We raffle off $250,000 in cash and prizes to 49 winners from throughout the Valley and beyond.

Check friendlycityfortune.com for more details coming soon!

Block Party in the 'Burg

Saturday, August 24, 2024 | Downtown Harrisonburg

Block Party welcomes thousands of incoming JMU first years to downtown Harrisonburg. Students walk from campus to Court Square— led by the award-winning Marching Royal Dukes, Harrisonburg’s Mayor, and the university President— to sample the best of downtown’s restaurants and retailers. It's our way to give a Friendly City welcome to our newest residents!

Learn more about Block Party at downtownharrisonburg.org/block-party

Skeleton Festival

Saturday, October 19, 2024 | Downtown Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg’s pre-Halloween party! Activities kick off with trick-or-treating at downtown businesses and culminate with a fun all-ages block party across Downtown Harrisonburg. The festival features kid, dog, and adult costume contests, arts and crafts activities, food trucks, Sip & Stroll, and even more surprises!

For more information, visit skeletonfestival.com

Veterans Parade

Sunday, November 10, 2024 | Downtown Harrisonburg

Each November, our community lines Main Street to honor the veterans who have served our nation in war and peacetime. Veterans groups and community members are invited to participate in the parade and show their support during one of our most meaningful events of the year.

Learn more at downtownharrisonburg.org/veterans-parade

Celebration & Donor Reception

November TBD, 2024 | Location TBD

Celebration & Donor Reception is a night celebrating the year’s accomplishments and honors the people who support downtown by investing their time, talent and money.

We host this event for our Friends of Downtown donors, sponsors, award winners and partners. Check out sponsorship opportunities for Celebration & Reception.

Winter Wonderfest & Cookie Tour

Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Downtown Harrisonburg

HDR partners with downtown retailers and local organizations to make the holidays magical. The community is invited to Sip & Stroll and shop while taking part in family-friendly activities such as voting for their favorite creations in the Annual Gingerbread House Competiton, touring downtown in a horse-drawn carriage, visiting with Santa & Mrs. Claus, exploring "Whoville" across Liberty Street, and much more. The day is capped off with the City of Harrisonburg’s annual Holiday Parade and tree lighting.

Learn more at winterwonderfesthburg.com

Cookie Tour

One of the most anticipated events of the year, this sell-out event lets ticket holders collect an assortment of holiday treats from local bakers as they stop in and shop at our diverse selection of independently owned retailers. Tickets are available only through Givebutter.