Annual Events
Each year, we host annual festivals and social events that celebrate the spirit of the Friendly City and welcome thousands of residents and visitors downtown.
Explore a variety of our Annual Events below.
Downtown Dinner Happy Hour
Date & Time TBD | 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 2026 | 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 other promotions. With 50 culinary destinations, food enthusiasts are sure to make this an annual tradition.
Best.Weekend.Ever.
Date & Time TBD | 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.
Independence Day Fireworks
Date & Time TBD | 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
Dates & Times TBD | 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 2025! The free concert series will be taking place in the grassy lot near Turner Pavilion on Wednesday evenings from June - September.
Friendly City Fortune
Summer 2026 | 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.
Block Party in the Burg
Date & Time TBD | 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!
Skeleton Fest
Date & Time TBD | 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!
Veterans Parade
Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 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.
Celebration Reception
November TBD, 2025 | Location TBD
Celebration Reception is a night celebrating the year’s accomplishments and honors the people who support downtown by investing their time, talent and money.
Winter Wonderfest & Cookie Tour
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 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.
Interested in sponsoring?
By sponsoring our programs, you’re aligning your business with a respected organization that delivers quality events and an engaged audience.
Interested in other events?
Each year, we host annual festivals and social events that celebrate the spirit of the Friendly City and welcome thousands of residents and visitors downtown.
Interested in volunteering?
HDR has a wide range of volunteer opportunities that can accommodate your interests and amount of free time.