Community Calendar

A Day of Music, Storytelling, Food, and Family Fun at Seven Bends State Park
Join us for the fourth annual Beats on the Bend—a vibrant concert and family fun day at Seven Bends State Park! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 14, 2025. The event will take place inside the corral fence near the historic Lupton Barn. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled to October 5th.

Festivities kick off at 2:00 PM with a performance by beloved storyteller Warren Halvorson, captivating audiences with tales for all ages. At 3:00 PM, enjoy live music from The John Paul Douglas & The Bitter Trades (formerly known as Who Shot John). Known for their original American songwriting and dynamic performances, the band brings a fresh energy to the stage for 2025, led by singer-songwriter John Paul Douglas and longtime musical partner Tyler Burch.

Food and refreshments will be available throughout the event. Rutz Food Truck will be serving up delicious fare, and Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet will satisfy your sweet tooth with frozen treats.
During the concert, we’ll announce winners of several exciting raffles, including the grand prize—a sit-on kayak!

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a day filled with music, nature, community, and fun in the beautiful setting of Seven Bends State Park.

Ticket Information:
● Adults and teens (13+): $15
● Youth (ages 5–12): $5
● Children under 5: Free

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate on the day of the event.

1st and 3rd Wednesday | June-August | 10-10:30 AM

For preschool explorers and their families: Join us in the Storytime Spot in the Family Garden for 30 minutes of nature-themed reading. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

The Storytime Spot is right next to the Pavilion at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. For more information call us at 540-568-3194 or email us at ejcarboretum@jmu.edu

Visit the Turner Pavilion every third Thursday from 5 to 8pm June through September to enjoy live music, local artisans and farmers, food trucks and vendors, and hands-on activities with community organizations. Stay tuned for activities and vendors!

"The bulls are coming. Are you ready?

Tickets only on Ticketmaster.com

Rain, snow, or shine we are open with a wide variety of fresh and local fruits and vegetables; pasture raised eggs and meats like beef, pork, and chicken; coffee; ready to eat foods, artisanal chocolate, herbal self-care, honey, maple syrup, local art, pickles, sauerkraut, pet accessories, candles, and more!

We are a producer-only market, meaning that everything is home grown or handmade by our vendors.

Cash, card, SNAP/EBT accepted. SNAP transactions will be MATCHed up to $30 thanks to Virginia Fresh Match!

Visit our website for more information: https://www.harrisonburgfarmersmarket.com/

🎉 Food Truck Fest – A Flavor-Filled Fundraiser for a Great Cause! 🍔🎶

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 11 AM – 7 PM at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds for Food Truck Fest, a deliciously fun event supporting Open Doors! Get ready for a full day of mouthwatering food trucks, live music, a lively Kids' Zone, craft vendors, and refreshing adult beverages. All proceeds benefit Open Doors, a vital local nonprofit dedicated to providing low-barrier shelter, connection to services, and compassionate support for all experiencing homelessness and other hardship in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area.

Bring your appetite and your heart—because every bite and beat helps build a stronger, more caring community. 💙

1st and 3rd Wednesday | June-August | 10-10:30 AM

For preschool explorers and their families: Join us in the Storytime Spot in the Family Garden for 30 minutes of nature-themed reading. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

The Storytime Spot is right next to the Pavilion at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. For more information call us at 540-568-3194 or email us at ejcarboretum@jmu.edu

Rain, snow, or shine we are open with a wide variety of fresh and local fruits and vegetables; pasture raised eggs and meats like beef, pork, and chicken; coffee; ready to eat foods, artisanal chocolate, herbal self-care, honey, maple syrup, local art, pickles, sauerkraut, pet accessories, candles, and more!

We are a producer-only market, meaning that everything is home grown or handmade by our vendors.

Cash, card, SNAP/EBT accepted. SNAP transactions will be MATCHed up to $30 thanks to Virginia Fresh Match!

Visit our website for more information: https://www.harrisonburgfarmersmarket.com/

John Jackson Piedmont Blues Festival

Come join us at Eldon Farms for a day filled with soulful tunes and good vibes! Celebrate the legacy of John Jackson and the rich history of Piedmont Blues during an afternoon full of incredible live music, food trucks, family fun and more. Get ready to tap your feet and groove to the music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds of the Piedmont Blues. See you there!

There will be historical displays, talks about John Jackson's Rappahannock roots, his family and music. There will also be food trucks on site.

Bring the whole family - STUDENTS ARE FREE!

Artist performing at our 2025 Festival:
Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr.
Corey Harris
Valerie and Ben Turner
Erin Harpe & Jim Countryman
Andrew Alli and Josh Small
Bobby G and the Heavies
Jeffery Scott – John Jackson’s nephew
Jim Lloyd and J.A.M. – Junior Appalachian Musicians
Justin Golden and the Rhapsody Project-Richmond Chapter

***Final order of performance will be posted once determined***