Welcome Eastern Mennonite University students to Downtown Harrisonburg! We are excited for you to discover our downtown community during Royal's Do Downtown - EMU’s Block Party event on Thursday, September 22 from 5 - 8 PM at Turner Pavilion. In the meantime, let us introduce you to some of the friendly faces of the Friendly City who graduated EMU. Read on for favorite memories and words of wisdom. more
Calling all problem solving fanatics–do you have what it takes to solve the puzzle that makes up downtown’s popular new attraction? Downtown Harrisonburg is ecstatic to welcome Escapism Escape Rooms into our community! Sam Lambert and Suzanne have put together their efforts to make multiple unique and interactive rooms–each room combining technology and storytelling to fully immerse the guest in an adventurous experience! more
James August Warsing Jr., also known as TJ from “TJ’s Dermagraphics” here in downtown Harrisonburg, is excited to announce a change in his field of work. After over 50 years of working in the tattoo industry, he is teaming up alongside his wife Bernadette Moreno-Krause and friend Carson William Rinker to start their own specialized business in the memorial industry. more
Just a few months ago, the HDR office welcomed some new neighbors next door. A vibrant cultural hub home to many nonprofits and local businesses, the Ice House building is now also home to an organization advocating for a largely underrepresented community within our region. The Friendly City Safe Space (FCSS) aims to make downtown a destination where all LGBTQ+ people thrive through inclusivity, programming, and a unique space that celebrates community. more
And that’s a wrap! Downtown Harrisonburg’s annual Downtown Dinner Party was a huge success! After a couple years away, our community was eager to come together once again in a beautiful celebration of our cities' various culinary expertise and wow–what a beautiful sight it was! With more than a dozen delicious different tasting centers, partygoers were able to get a glimpse into the vast array of options downtown Harrisonburg has to offer as Virginia’s first culinary district! more
Looking for fun ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in the Friendly City? Look no further than this year's Valentine's round-up featuring gift ideas, local restaurant specials, sales, and events happening all weekend long! Don't miss out on planning the perfect date night or celebrating your galentine's and loved ones! more
Are you ready to count down to 2022? Usher in the start of the new year with family, friends, and community in Downtown Harrisonburg! Some of your favorite Downtown businesses are offering up special events, promotions, and extended hours, check out the roundup below to plan your festive weekend. more
The holiday shopping season kicks off this week with Black Friday on November 26 and Small Business Saturday on November 27! Shopping at local, independent businesses, like the 50+ retailers in Downtown Harrisonburg, helps build up our community by keeping funds circulating in Harrisonburg's economy. The variety of shops in our downtown district ensures that you'll find something for everyone on your list! more
Whether you are looking to outsource your Thanksgiving meal or pick up a few sides, desserts, and drinks for your holiday feast, Downtown Harrisonburg has you covered! Check out our roundup for all things Thanksgiving, including ways that you can sweat it out before and after the big day! 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