Got a lot going on Saturday. A country headliner on the Riverfront, fireworks after the ballgame, three markets before noon, Christmas in July deals scattered around town, a goth night market after dark, and Shakespeare's closing night outdoors. Sunday is quieter and cheaper: free kayaking at Ivy Creek, a cello-and-piano duo at Randolph with students free, and a StarKid horror-comedy musical closing out its run. If I'm missing something, or you've got an event you're hosting or want to share, let me know.
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⭐ Top picks this weekend
Mitchell Tenpenny, Sat · 7:00pm at the Lynchburg Amphitheater, gates 5:30pm · the Speed of Light Tour, with FILMORE opening.
Fireworks after the ballgame, Sat · First Responders Appreciation Night at Bank of the James Stadium, from $10.
Free kayaking, Sun · Ivy Creek Park runs one of only two free rental days it does all summer, 10:00am-5:00pm.
Christmas in July, mostly Saturday · free soft serve at Mister Goodies for wearing anything Christmas, a craft fair in Amherst, 50% off at a downtown jeweler and at the escape room.
With Gratitude to our Sponsor: Super Rad Arcade Bar
Super Rad Arcade Bar is the largest classic arcade in Virginia, on 9th St downtown. Pac-Man, Street Fighter, X-Men, pinball, plus live music most weeks. https://thesuperradarcade.com
Legend: 🟢 free · 🟠 paid · 🎤 karaoke.
Fri Jul 24
🟢 Sunrise Senior Walking Group · 7:00-8:00am · Percival's Island · ages 50+ · every other Friday, and the spot rotates monthly · Parks&Rec
🟠 Teen Build Camp Drop-In Day · 8:30am-12:00pm · Hammer & Stain · $50 · last day of the build-camp week
🟢 Free daytime programs · Preschool Play Group 10:00-11:30am at Daniel's Hill · Recreation Shuffle 10:00am at Fairview, 11:00am at Yoder · ages 50+ · Parks&Rec
🟠 Little Picasso Art Club (ages 18mo-3yr) · 10:30-11:30am · Scrappy Elephant · $13
🟠 Candle Pouring Experience · sessions 11:00am, 2:00pm & 5:00pm · Wick & Pour Candle Bar, 205 9th St · $45 · pour your own custom candle, 90 min
🟢 Snake Snacks · 12:00-12:30pm · Library Hub at the Miller Center, 301 Grove St · a live snake feeding demo with a Parks & Rec animal caretaker, Q&A after
🟢 LEGOs at the Library · 3:00-4:00pm · Madison Heights Library · MAD HTS
🟠 Annie (Timbre Vocal Studio's summer musical campers) · 6:30pm · Miller Center Theater, 301 Grove St · $15 general / $10 students and seniors
🟠 Hill City Howlers vs. Delmarva Shorebirds · 6:30pm · Bank of the James Stadium · from $10 · Southpaw Championship Bobblehead to the first 1,000 fans
🟢 Pokémon Beginners Play Session · 6:30pm · Underground Cards & Disc Shop, Forest · learn-to-play night, free pizza if 12+ RSVP · FOREST
🟠 Annie Jr. (Academy Youth Theatre's camp showcase, a different production from the Annie above, the same night) · 7:00pm · the Academy's Warehouse Theatre, off Commerce St · $7.50 · 36 hours of rehearsal, start to finish
🟢 Karaoke Night at The Music Hall (Robert Pennix, Shining Star Karaoke) · doors 7:00pm, singing 7:30-10:00pm · The Music Hall, 722 Commerce St · monthly, not weekly
🟠 The Merry Wives of Lynchburg (Endstation's outdoor Shakespeare) · 7:00pm · Point of Honor · $25-$35 · BYO seating
🟠 Star Wars Unlimited, FNM Booster Draft + Digimon Locals · all 7:00pm · Dragon Fire Games · FNM draft $26.99 this week (it changes with the set), Digimon $8.99, Star Wars entry not published
🟠 Rumba Tropical Night · 7:00-9:00pm · Palmera House · beginner class 7-8pm then a dance social 8-9pm with Diana Ibarra · no partner needed, complimentary drink
🟢 Friday Night Magic: Commander · 7:00-9:00pm · Underground Cards & Disc Shop, Forest · FOREST
🟠 Nerdy Prudes Must Die (the StarKid horror-comedy musical) · 7:30pm · Hailey Theatre, Dillard Fine Arts Center, University of Lynchburg, 1501 Lakeside Dr · $20 general / $15 seniors 55+ and U of L students · rated R for language, stage violence and sexual themes, plus loud sounds and flashing lights
🟠 Haunted Pub Crawl: History on Tap (Hill City After Dark) · 7:30-9:30pm · downtown · $35
🟠 Ghosts of Gallows Hill · 8:00-9:30pm · downtown · $25 · lantern-lit Echoes on the Avenue runs the same slot
🎤 Karaoke: Scoreboards 8:00pm-12:00am (DJ Cam)
With Gratitude to our Sponsor: Living Line Studio
Living Line Studio is a place to make, learn, and grow alongside other creative people. Join us for small-group classes, studio gatherings, and events where you can build your skills, make new friends, and make art a regular part of your life. tobypenneyartist.bigcartel.com
Sat Jul 25
🟢 Lynchburg Community Market · 8:00am-1:00pm · 1219 Main St
🟢 Forest Farmers Market · 8:00am-12:00pm · behind the Forest Library · FOREST
🟠 Women's Pistol Training & Personal Safety Class · 9:00am · 110 Vista Centre Dr, Forest · FOREST
🟢 Amherst's Original Christmas in July Craft Fair · 9:00am-1:00pm · Amherst County Visitor Center, 328 Richmond Hwy · hosted by the county Chamber of Commerce · AMHERST
🟢 Touch-A-Truck · 10:00am-12:00pm · Madison Heights Library · see what county vehicles the kids can climb on · MAD HTS
🟢 Cafe Monte Bello Vendor Market · 10:00am-2:00pm · 828 Main St
🟢 Millie's Summer Market · 11:00am-3:00pm · Millie's Living Cafe, 1701 Enterprise Dr · flower crown bar, permanent jewelry, nails, photo booth
🟢 Christmas in July Beer Releases · 12:00pm · Apocalypse Ale Works · FOREST
🟢 Live Music: DMFB Yacht Rock Experience · 1:00-4:00pm · The Water Dog · free show, yacht rock on the riverside patio
🟠 Pokémon Monthly Tournament · 1:30pm · Dragon Fire Games · the last Saturday of the month is a tournament rather than casual league play, and the entry isn't published
🟠 Annie (Timbre Vocal Studio) · 2:00pm and 6:30pm · Miller Center Theater, 301 Grove St · $15 general / $10 students and seniors
🟠 Yu-Gi-Oh! Weekly Locals · 2:30pm · Dragon Fire Games · $4.99, includes OTS pack prizing
🟠 Murder Mystery & Mocktails · 6:00-8:00pm · Hammer & Stain · $65 · ages 18+
🟠 Riftbound: Vendetta Pre-Rift Event · 6:00pm · Dragon Fire Games · $32.99 · the pre-rift kit plus pack prizing, and they want you to reserve a spot ahead
🟢 Live Music: Winegrass · 6:30-9:30pm · The Trailhead
🟠 Hill City Howlers vs. Delmarva Shorebirds · 6:30pm · Bank of the James Stadium · from $10 · First Responders Appreciation Night, then fireworks after the game
🟠 Mitchell Tenpenny: Speed of Light Tour · 7:00pm, gates 5:30pm · Lynchburg Amphitheater, 1100 Jefferson St · with FILMORE · tickets on Etix only · standing room, blankets and personal lawn chairs allowed in the marked areas, chair rentals on site
🟠 Zach Rushing · 7:00pm · Historic Academy Theatre, 600 Main St · $48-$110 · comedy
🟠 The Merry Wives of Lynchburg (Endstation's outdoor Shakespeare) · 7:00pm · Point of Honor · $25-$35 · closing night
🟢 Drag Bingo · 7:00pm · Starr Hill On Main, 1300 Main St
🟠 Disney Lorcana League Play · 7:00-9:30pm · Dragon Fire Games · $8.99
🟠 Gundam Weekly Locals · 7:00-9:30pm · Dragon Fire Games · $6.99
🟠 Nerdy Prudes Must Die (the StarKid horror-comedy musical) · 7:30pm · Hailey Theatre, Dillard Fine Arts Center, University of Lynchburg, 1501 Lakeside Dr · $20 general / $15 seniors 55+ and U of L students · rated R for language, stage violence and sexual themes, plus loud sounds and flashing lights
🟠 Ghosts of Gallows Hill + Echoes on the Avenue · 8:00-9:30pm · downtown · $25
🟠 An Evening with Bett Padgett · 8:00-10:00pm · The Music Hall, 722 Commerce St · $12 advance / $15 day of · guitar, banjo, and stories
🟢 Goth of July night market (Punk Rock Flea Market x Three Roads) · 7:00-11:00pm · Three Roads Brewing BURG · DJ set, free entry
🟢 Laura Wooten: Windowsill Reveries · final day · SFFA Main Street Gallery, 1200 Main St
🎤 Karaoke: Lola's 7:00pm (Mogu Entertainment) · 801 Raw Bar on Rivermont 7:00pm
🎄 Christmas in July promotions (Sat Jul 25) · most just ask you to mention it at checkout
Get Air Trampoline Park · 10:00am-7:00pm · jump all day for the price of two hours
Cicis · 11:00am-10:00pm · 99¢ all-you-can-eat buffet for kids 10 and under
craveABLEs · 12:00pm-9:00pm · free small cup or cone with any purchase
Grace Marie Jewelry & Design · 10:00am-3:00pm · 825 Main St · 50% off half the store at a third-generation downtown jeweler
One Way Out Escape Room · from 11:30am · 2264 Lakeside Dr · 50% off Christmas escape advent calendars and cards, plus a free Glitterduck hidden in your game if you wear anything Christmas · the sale runs through Sun
Mister Goodies · 6:00-9:00pm · 21556 Timberlake Rd · wear anything Christmas for a free small soft serve or shaved ice · Santa on site, and the owner matches Salvation Army donations up to $1,000
Sun Jul 26
🟢 Canoe & Kayak Rentals, free today · 10:00am-5:00pm, last rental 4:00pm · Ivy Creek Park · one of two free rental days the city runs all summer · first come, first served · Parks&Rec
🟢 Parents Day! · 1:00pm · Starr Hill On Main, 1300 Main St
🟢 Live Music: Gabriel Van Trio · 1:00-4:00pm · The Water Dog · live music on the riverside patio, no cover
🟠 Sunday Afternoon Commander (MTG) · 1:00pm · Dragon Fire Games · $8.99, and everyone gets a $6 pack for entering
🟠 Bookbinding a Junk Journal (ages 17+) · 1:00-3:00pm · Scrappy Elephant · $25
🟠 Hill City Howlers vs. Delmarva Shorebirds · 2:00pm · Bank of the James Stadium · from $10 · homestand finale, kids 14 and under free, jersey lunchbox to the first 500 kids, run the bases after
🟠 Annie (Timbre Vocal Studio) · 2:00pm · Miller Center Theater, 301 Grove St · $15 general / $10 students and seniors
🟠 Refill & Reuse · 2:00pm · Wick & Pour Candle Bar, 205 9th St · $28 · bring your empty vessel, refill your candle, 90 min
🟢 Youth Art Club (ages 8-11) · 2:00-3:00pm · Lynchburg Art Club & Gallery, 1011 Rivermont Ave · free monthly drop-in, last Sunday of the month, sponsored by the 7 Hills Art Club
🟢 Banned Book Club (the East of Eden finale, chapters 39-55) · 2:00-3:30pm · Fox Burrow Books, 1220 Main St · free, but RSVP to hold a spot
🟠 Lighted Decor Experience · 2:00-4:00pm · Hammer & Stain · $40-$60 by base
🟠 Forte Chamber Music: Julian Schwarz & Marika Bournaki · 3:00pm · Wimberly Recital Hall, Presser Hall, Randolph College · $40 adults, students free · cello and piano
🟢 Riftbound Open Play · 3:00-6:00pm · Underground Cards & Disc Shop, Forest · FOREST
🟠 Candle Pouring Experience · 4:00pm · Wick & Pour Candle Bar, 205 9th St · $45 · pour your own custom candle, 90 min
🟠 Dish Mat Basket Making (ages 10+) · 4:00-6:00pm · Scrappy Elephant · $30 · bring a sewing machine, or ask them to reserve a loaner
🟠 Summer Putting League · 5:00pm · Underground Cards & Disc Shop, Forest · $1 entry, random-draw doubles · FOREST
🟢 Music Booking Event · 6:00-8:00pm · Raven Lounge, 1021 Main St · for local musicians: the lounge is booking its live calendar through 2027, drink specials
🟠 Miscreants, Terebethic, Arda Burns + Future Trash · doors 6:00pm, music 7:00pm · Super Rad Arcade Bar, 58 9th St · $15 · all ages · a four-band local metal and hardcore bill
🟠 Nerdy Prudes Must Die (the StarKid horror-comedy musical) · 7:30pm · Hailey Theatre, Dillard Fine Arts Center, University of Lynchburg, 1501 Lakeside Dr · $20 general / $15 seniors 55+ and U of L students · final performance · rated R for language, stage violence and sexual themes, plus loud sounds and flashing lights
🎤 Karaoke: Stadium Inn 8:00-11:00pm (Rhodey Entertainment)
All weekend
🟢 Mix It Up Media exhibit (last weekend to see it) · Fri 1:00-5:00pm, Sat-Sun 1:30-4:00pm · Lynchburg Art Club & Gallery, 1011 Rivermont Ave · free · a mixed-media show by Jill Balokas, Elizabeth Brege, Nicole Burris and Elizabeth Farnsworth
🟢 Riverside Sprayground · daily 10:00am-7:00pm · Riverside Park · free, open through Sept 7 · Parks&Rec
🟢 Canoe & kayak rentals at Ivy Creek · Sat-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm, last rental 4:00pm · canoes $10/hr and kayaks $8/hr on Saturday, free all day Sunday · first come, first served, no reservations · Parks&Rec
🚗 Worth the Drive
CCPLS Summer Reading Grand Finale Street Fair · Sat 10:00am-2:00pm · Campbell County Public Library, Rustburg · free · a mini street fair with food trucks, a dunk tank, 50+ vendors, the VMFA Art Bus and first-responder vehicles. All ages, and you don't need to have done Summer Reading to come.
Illumination of the Bridge · Sat 8:00-10:00pm · Cedar Creek Trail, Natural Bridge State Park · park admission only, nothing extra for the illumination · the 200-foot arch lit by dozens of lights, a tradition going back nearly a century. No registration. Visitor center open till 9:00pm, ticket sales stop at 9:40pm.
Sunset Wagon Ride · Fri 8:00-9:00pm · meets at the Skyline Trailhead parking lot, Natural Bridge State Park · $3 · pre-registration required and space is limited, call (540) 254-0795.
Bank of Botetourt Beach Music Festival (28th annual) · Fri-Sat from 6:00pm · Glen Maury Park, 101 Maury River Dr, Buena Vista · Saturday brings Too Much Sylvia with Bo Shronce, The Tonez featuring Laura Kepley, and Band of Oz · lawn chairs yes, outside food and drink no, parking free.
Virginia Commonwealth Games · Thu-Sun Jul 23-26 · Virginia Horse Center, Lexington · four days of state-games riding, most events free and open to the public.
🗓️ Coming up next week
Lynchburg Live: Groovatron · Thu Jul 30, 7:00pm · Lynchburg Amphitheater · free, the summer concert series.
The Toxic Avenger (Wolfbane) · opens Fri Jul 31 in Appomattox, runs through Aug 15.
Metal Takeover: Convictions Live · Fri Jul 31, 6:00-11:30pm · Super Rad Arcade Bar.
Wag the Tail FOAC 5K Dog Walk · Sat Aug 1, 9:00am-12:00pm · English Park, 206 Pittsylvania Ave, Altavista · a dog walk with costume contests and swag bags for early registrants, all proceeds to Friends of Campbell County Animal Control.
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