Downtown News

Friendly Faces of the Friendly City: Brad Cohen of Connexa Real Estate

July 16, 2025 by Stella Hale

This month, we interviewed Brad Cohen, founder and broker of Connexa Real Estate and a dedicated board member of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. In recognition of the end of his term serving as President of our volunteer board, we chatted with Cohen about his time with HDR and his vision for Downtown Harrisonburg's future. more

Giardina Orthodontics Has the Best. Weekend. Ever. in Virginia

July 14, 2025 by Guest

Giardina Orthodontics shares their experience as presenting sponsor of Harrisonburg's Best.Weekend.Ever downtown festival and community celebration. more

Best. Weekend. Ever. Photo Recap

June 19, 2025 by Stella Hale

This past weekend was truly the Best. Weekend. Ever. Rain couldn’t even stop it! We are so grateful to our many sponsors and volunteers for making this event possible. On Saturday, June 14 from 1-5 PM, musicians, artists, local business, and vendors graciously spent their time being a part of our weekend. AND… Harrisonburg’s first-ever Dog Mayor, Opal, was inaugurated! more

Make this Mother’s Day Magical

May 5, 2025 by Kara Russell

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for ways to show Mom just how special she is, we’ve rounded up some of the sweetest, most relaxing, and most beautiful experiences offered by local businesses this year. Whether your mom loves flowers, brunch, or cuddling up with a cat and a cup of tea, there’s something perfect for her! more

Hop Into the Fun: Easter Specials & Events Downtown

April 17, 2025 by Kara Russell

Get ready to hop all over downtown! From brunches and sweet treats, to egg hunts for all ages, there’s something for everyone! Here’s your go to guide for all the festive fun happening this Easter.  more

Great Community Give: A Day of Giving Back

April 15, 2025 by Kara Russell

Each year, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), along with many other local nonprofits, participates in the Great Community Give (GCG), an annual giving event in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County! April 16, 2025 marks the eighth year of The Community Foundation's big event, which has so far raised almost $10 million. GCG is more than just a day of donations, it’s a way to support your favorite nonprofits and create a culture of giving. Learn more about the impact your donation has on our organization and our partner organizations, and plan to make a difference with your donations this Wednesday from 6am-8pm! more

Weekly Events in Downtown Harrisonburg

March 30, 2025 by Lauryn Moore

Downtown Harrisonburg is known for all the amazing yearly events we have, but did you know there are events that take place here every week? Various businesses in Downtown Harrisonburg host weekly events that their visitors can always rely on having a good time at. We at HDR wanted to provide a comprehensive list of all the weekly events that take place downtown so you can always find something to do in the friendly city! more

Sweet&Tasty Brings Ukrainian Flavors to Downtown Harrisonburg

March 17, 2025 by Sarah Golibart Gorman

East Market Street is getting sweeter and sweeter! Sweet&Tasty, a new cafe with a special spotlight on Ukrainian cuisine, brings the flavors of Europe to downtown Harrisonburg. Owned and operated by Nataliia Kyryliuk, along with her son, daughter, and cousin, Sweet&Tasty offers pastries, cakes, savory snacks, espresso drinks, milkshakes, and mocktails. After leaving their home in Ukraine during the war, the Kyryliuk family found a fresh start in Harrisonburg. more

Rise and Shine: Crack O’ Dawn Opens a Second Gluten-Free Spot in Harrisonburg

March 5, 2025 by Sarah Golibart Gorman

Crack O' Dawn Bakery & Bistro has officially arrived in downtown Harrisonburg, bringing its dedicated gluten-free menu of breakfast and lunch favorites to East Market Street. Known for its from-scratch baked goods and satisfying comfort food, the Waynesboro-based eatery opened its second location in November 2024. more

What to Expect this Taste of Downtown Month

March 3, 2025 by Lauryn Moore

Happy Taste of Downtown Month! This March, we’re celebrating the food and restaurants of Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia’s first culinary district. Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance will be presenting several events and promotions happening during Taste of Downtown, but our amazing downtown establishments will also be hosting their own events throughout the month! This means there will be a ton of events making their way to Downtown Harrisonburg, so we wanted to let you know what to expect this Taste of Downtown Month! more