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.
March 2023 | 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 flight passport. With over 40 restaurants and breweries, food enthusiasts are sure to make this an annual tradition.
Visit tasteofdowntownharrisonburg.com to learn more.
Saturday, April 22, 2023 | Turner Pavilion & Park
Every year, over 3,000 people come together to celebrate good beer, good living and great community at the Rocktown Beer & Music Festival. With 60+ beers to sample, even savvy craft beer fans will find something to get excited about.
Saturday, May 20, 2023 | Turner Pavilion & Park
Downtown Dinner Party is an inspired celebration of the Valley’s love for downtown Harrisonburg and our culinary stars. Highlighting the exceptional array of restaurants in Virginia’s first Culinary District, the Dinner Party invites you to mix and mingle, enjoy more than a dozen delicious tasting stations, sip local beer and wine, bid in a live auction featuring unique local experiences you won’t find anywhere else, and join in the best outdoor dance party around.
Relive the memories with this incredible recap video from Wild Heart Films.
Saturday, June 17, 2023 | Downtown Harrisonburg
Best.Weekend.Ever. is downtown’s newest, most exciting event! 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.
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | 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!
Summer 2023 | 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 28, 2023 | Downtown Harrisonburg
Block Party welcomes thousands of incoming JMU freshman 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 2023 | Downtown Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg’s pre-Halloween party! Activities kick off with trick-or-treating at downtown businesses and culminate with a fun all-ages party at the Turner Pavilion & Park. The festival features kid, dog, and adult costume contests; arts and crafts activities; food trucks; a DJ dance party; a light show; a spider maze, and even more surprises!
For more information, visit skeletonfestival.com
Sunday, November 5, 2023 | 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 TBA, 2023 | Location TBA
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. Check out sponsorship opportunities for Celebration & Reception.
Saturday, December 3, 2022 | Downtown Harrisonburg
HDR partners with the Friendly City Merchants 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 Build-off, touring downtown in a horse-drawn carriage, visiting with Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoying a holiday movie at Court Square Theater, and much more. As the evening falls, the streets will glow as downtown businesses unveil their window decorations for the first night of the Holiday Light Tour. 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.
Learn more at downtownharrisonburg.org/cookietour