Annual Events

Friday, March 7, 2025 | 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.

March 2025 | 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.

Visit tasteofdowntownharrisonburg.com to learn more.

Saturday, June 14, 2025 | Downtown Harrisonburg

Saturday, July 5, 2025 | 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.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM from June 25 - September 10, 2025 | 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.

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

Summer 2025 | 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!

Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 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

Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 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

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.

Learn more at downtownharrisonburg.org/veterans-parade

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.

We host this event for our Friends of Downtown donors, sponsors, award winners, and partners.

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.

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.