It’s that time of year again! The Friendly City Fortune raffle is entering its fifth year of giving contestants fabulous prizes and funding downtown programs. With each ticket giving you TWO chances to win cars, getaways, and cash with proceeds benefiting Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, entering the raffle really is a win-win. Are you still on the fence about whether the raffle is a good fit for you? Let’s see if we can change your mind. Here are seven (lucky) reasons why you should consider purchasing a ticket this year. more
Through the inspiring teamwork of Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed and owner of Magpie Diner, Kirsten Moore, Juneteenth will be a celebration for the entire Harrisonburg community. Moore, owner of Magpie Diner, opened the diner in 2020 as an opportunity for the community to connect around food. In addition to being the Mayor of Harrisonburg, Mayor Reed is also a member of The Perch at Magpie and a good friend of Moore's. They struck up a friendly conversation while Mayor Reed was attending a lunch meeting at the diner, Moore wanted to learn more about street closures for events, Mayor Reed pitched an idea for a Juneteenth event. With determination, willingness, and collaboration, planning for Magpie Diner’s Juneteenth Celebration was underway. Councilman Christopher Jones was brought into the event planning, assisting Officer Westhall and Officer Howard in laying out the event’s footprint, shutting down Gay and Liberty Street, and assisting in selecting the music performances. more
It's been over a year of sheltering in place and quarantining, but now that more people are getting vaccinated and state regulations are being lifted, we are revving up to welcome everyone back to in-person events in downtown Harrisonburg! Whether you are into live music, trivia, happy hours, BINGO, art workshops, or something else, downtown Harrisonburg has something for you. The downtown Events Calendar is updated weekly with new additions, but there is also a number of weekly events to keep you entertained throughout the week. Check back as we will update weekly events here throughout the spring and summer! more
Even during the pandemic, the friendly city of Harrisonburg has seen several stores open and flourish, one of which being Mary Yoder’s Dart Resale and Trade store located on South Liberty Street. Downtown, one can find a few secondhand clothing stores, but Dart is the first to really take off with the buy-sell-trade system Yoder utilizes. more
How appropriate is it that Mother’s Day and Earth Day are so close together? Check out how businesses downtown can help you celebrate Mother Earth and every other kind of mother in your life in the upcoming weeks ahead. more
Are you interested in supporting Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance during the Great Community Give? Here are four reasons why you should support HDR on April 21st! more
While COVID has kept many of us inside this year, construction began in earnest on First Presbyterian Church's new outdoor courtyard. When completed, the vacant space on the north side of Court Square adjacent to the church will be transformed into a grassy area bordered by pavers that will accommodate numerous church and community activities. more
As flowers start blooming and the weather starts warming up this week, local businesses are ready to welcome you downtown to celebrate Easter and the spring season! Check out these activities and promotions below and plan your trip downtown to enjoy the warm sunshine. more
The Perch, formerly known as “The Hub,” is a co-working space above Magpie Diner where entrepreneurs and organizations come together to spark new ideas and concepts. An entrepreneur herself, Kirsten Moore, founder and owner of The Perch, is a Harrisonburg native who’s always had knowledge of what can best serve a community. She began The Hub about five years ago, after seeing how similar spaces were working in Richmond, Virginia. more
From classic red roses to fair trade jewelry to heart-shaped pizzas and beyond — you can find everything you need for a unforgettable Valentine's Day downtown. Order ahead and use curbside pickup or delivery for a safely distanced celebration! Check out some thought-starters below and explore our shop online guide and downtown business directory for even more inspiration. more