This Week in the Shenandoah Valley - April 09, 2026

Earth Day Staunton — Saturday, April 11, 11:00 AM · Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand, Staunton

This is one of those free Saturday events that justifies loading the whole crew into the car. The bandstand area at Gypsy Hill becomes a mini environmental fair with native-plant sales, hands-on demos, and live animal ambassadors — the kind of thing where your five-year-old gets to hold a box turtle and talks about it for three weeks. It's well-organized for younger kids (think preschool through elementary) without being so structured that toddlers can't wander. Park at the pool lot if the main lot near the bandstand is full — it's a two-minute walk and far less chaotic. Free, and you're already in Gypsy Hill, so the playground and duck pond are right there for the post-event wind-down.

5th Annual Shenandoah Comic Con — Saturday, April 11, 9:30 AM · Rockingham County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg

Five bucks to get in the door. That alone makes this one of the best-value family outings of the spring. The fairgrounds have plenty of space for an artist alley, vendor tables, and cosplay without feeling claustrophobic, and the vibe is enthusiastic-local rather than overwhelming-convention. Kids who are into comics, anime, or anything adjacent will lose their minds browsing the tables, and the artist alley is where you'll find surprisingly good original work at reasonable prices. Bring cash for vendors — not everyone takes cards. If your crew also wants loud spectacle, the Monster Truck Bash is at the same fairgrounds later that afternoon, so you could theoretically make a full day of it.

Family Storytime — Monday, April 13, 10:30 AM · Massanutten Regional Library, Harrisonburg

A low-key Monday morning winner for the preschool set. The central branch does stories, songs, and simple activities geared toward ages 2–5, and the librarians here are genuinely engaging — not just reading from a book but getting the kids moving and participating. It's free, it's climate-controlled, and it's done in about 30 minutes, which is exactly the right length before someone melts down. The children's section is excellent if you want to linger afterward.

A Midsummer Night's Dream — Friday, April 10, 7:30 PM · Blackfriars Playhouse, Staunton

If you haven't been to the Blackfriars Playhouse yet, this is the show to start with. Midsummer is Shakespeare at his most playful, and the ASC's actors perform it with house lights up and constant audience interaction — you might get pulled into a scene, and you will definitely laugh. The intimate room (about 300 seats) means there's no bad view, but the gallant stools on stage are worth the splurge if you want the full experience. Tickets run $36–$76 depending on seating. Grab dinner beforehand on Beverley Street — Zynodoa or The Split are both a short walk — and make a proper evening of it. This is one of the best date nights within a two-hour drive of anywhere in Virginia, full stop.

Cooking Class — Classic Italian Highlights (Hungry Musician Series) — Friday, April 10, 2:00 PM · Staunton Music Festival Office/Studio, Staunton

A hands-on Italian cooking class with wine pairing that supports local musicians — it's a genuinely clever concept and a refreshing alternative to the dinner-and-a-movie default. You'll actually cook, not just watch, and the wine pairing component keeps it social. The afternoon timing makes it work as a pre-dinner activity if you're already planning a Staunton evening (pair it with the Shakespeare show at 7:30 and you've got yourself an elite Friday). Class sizes tend to be small, so book ahead rather than hoping to walk in.

ForJoury — Foreigner and Journey Tribute — Friday, April 10, 7:00 PM · Wayne Theatre, Waynesboro

Look, I know "tribute band" can sound like a hard sell, but the Wayne Theatre makes everything better. The restored art-deco interior is gorgeous, the sound is excellent for a room that size, and if you and your partner have any affection at all for "Don't Stop Believin'" or "I Want to Know What Love Is," you're going to have an absurdly good time singing along. This is a fun, unpretentious night out — dress however you want, grab a drink at the bar, and lean into it. Waynesboro's Main Street has a few good spots for a pre-show bite; check what's open that evening.

Open Waltz Night — Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 PM · Queen City Music Studios (Studio C), Staunton

This is one of those under-the-radar Staunton gems. An informal partner dance night with live music, open to all levels — you don't need to know what you're doing, and the regulars are welcoming to newcomers. It's $10–$20 per person, the setting is intimate, and there's something genuinely romantic about waltzing (badly, at first) with your person to live music on a Tuesday night. Go early for the mini-lesson if one is offered, or just jump in. Solo dancers are welcome too — partners rotate.

Holy Roller — Thursday, April 09, 8:00 PM · The Golden Pony, Harrisonburg

Tonight. If you're reading this on Thursday and you like loud Southern rock, get yourself to the Golden Pony. The room is small enough that you're basically in the band, the sound is always cranked, and the crowd at Golden Pony shows skews young, social, and genuinely into the music. Tickets are $83, which is steep for a Thursday, but this is a touring act in a 200-capacity room — that's a concert experience you'd pay double for in a bigger city. Show up by 7:30 to grab a spot near the stage and a drink before it gets packed.

Emo Night Karaoke — Saturday, April 11, 7:00 PM · The Golden Pony, Harrisonburg

This is one of those events that sounds niche until you're there and the entire room is screaming "I'm Not Okay" in unison. The touring Emo Night Karaoke format pairs you with a live band — you're not singing over a backing track, you're fronting an actual group — and the song list pulls from the mid-2000s emo/pop-punk canon. It's about $15, the energy is unhinged in the best way, and you absolutely do not need to come with anyone to have a blast. The crowd is mostly late-20s to mid-30s millennials reliving their MySpace years. Sign up for your song early; the list fills fast.

Pints & Poses: Yoga at a Brewery — Wednesday, April 15, 6:00 PM · Restless Moons Brewing Company, Harrisonburg

All-levels yoga in a brewery taproom followed by a complimentary pint — this is the kind of low-pressure social event that's perfect if you're new to the area and want to meet people without the forced-conversation energy of a networking mixer. It's $15, the class is genuinely accessible (no one cares if your downward dog is crooked), and the post-yoga beer creates an easy window for actual conversation. Bring your own mat. The crowd is mostly 20s and 30s, and regulars are friendly to new faces.

Thursday Night Trivia — Thursday, April 09, 6:30 PM · Stable Craft Brewing, Waynesboro

Stable Craft is worth the trip even without trivia — it's a beautiful farm-brewery setting with outdoor space and solid beer — but the weekly trivia night gives you a reason to go on a Thursday. It's free to play, teams form organically, and the vibe is relaxed enough that showing up solo and joining a team isn't weird at all. Get there by 6:15 to grab a table and a beer before things kick off. If you're in the south Valley and looking for a low-key weeknight social outlet, this is it.

Tuesday Trivia at Pale Fire Brewing Co. — Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 PM · Pale Fire Brewing Co., Harrisonburg

Pale Fire's trivia night is one of the more popular recurring events in the Ice House complex, and it draws a good mix of JMU-adjacent folks, young professionals, and regulars. The questions are solid — not so easy it's boring, not so obscure it's frustrating — and the taproom is a great hang regardless. Free to play. If you're looking for a Tuesday night reason to get out of the house, this is a reliable one.

Monster Truck Bash — Saturday, April 11, 12:00 PM · Rockingham County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg

Bring the whole crew and lean into it. This is a daytime monster truck show — loud, dusty, gleefully over-the-top — and it's exponentially more fun with a group of four or more who are willing to cheer like maniacs. Tickets run $49–$83 depending on seating, so it's not cheap, but the spectacle-per-dollar ratio is high. The fairgrounds have plenty of parking, but arrive early if you want to see the trucks up close before the show. Ear protection for kids (and honestly, for you) is a good idea. Pair it with the Comic Con happening at the same venue earlier in the morning for a full fairgrounds Saturday.

Harrisonburg Farmers Market — Saturday, April 11, 8:00 AM · Turner Pavilion & Park, Harrisonburg

The Harrisonburg market is big enough to split up and reconvene — send someone for coffee, someone for pastries, someone for the good eggs, and meet back at a picnic table. Turner Pavilion gives it a nice anchor point, and by mid-April the produce selection is starting to get interesting (spring greens, early radishes, overwintered root vegetables). Get there closer to 8:00 than 9:30 if you want the best selection and breathing room. It's free to browse, and there's good street parking on the surrounding blocks if the lot fills up. This is a Saturday morning tradition worth building your weekend around.

GRUNGE: The Sounds of Seattle — Friday, April 10, 6:00 PM · The Alpine Goat Brewery, Harrisonburg

A grunge tribute night at a brewery is the kind of thing that's custom-built for a friend group. Alpine Goat has good beer, the setting is casual, and a night of Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam covers with your people is hard to beat. The early start time (6:00 PM) means you can make it a first stop before heading somewhere else, or settle in for the whole evening. No pretense here — just loud guitars, local craft beer, and a room full of people who remember the '90s fondly.

Staunton Farmers' Market — Saturday, April 11, 7:00 AM · Wharf Parking Lot (Johnson Street), Staunton

Staunton's market is producer-only, which means everything you're buying was grown or made by the person selling it to you. The Wharf district setting is photogenic — brick buildings, morning light, the whole deal — and it's a great launching pad for a Staunton Saturday. The baked goods go fast, so if pastries are your priority, don't show up at 9:00 expecting the good stuff to still be there. With a group, divide and conquer: market first, then coffee at one of the Beverley Street shops, then wander. Free to browse, and the parking lot where the market happens has plenty of space if you're early.

Old Town Winchester Farmers Market — Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM · Taylor Pavilion, Winchester

The Old Town market is explicitly pet-friendly, so yes, bring the dog. The Taylor Pavilion setting puts you right in the heart of the walking mall, and the vendors are a nice mix of produce, baked goods, and local crafts. It's smaller and more relaxed than the Harrisonburg or Staunton markets, which is actually a plus if you've got a stroller, a leashed dog, or both. Free to browse. Afterward, walk the pedestrian mall — there's plenty of window shopping and the dog will love the attention from strangers.

Pups & Pints Sunday — Sunday, April 12 · Three Notch'd Brewing — Valley Collab House, Harrisonburg

Three Notch'd's dog-friendly Sunday special is exactly what it sounds like: bring your pup, get discounts on pints, and hang out on the patio with other dog people. The Collab House space is roomy enough that dogs aren't tripping over each other, and the staff is genuinely welcoming to four-legged visitors. It's a low-key Sunday afternoon hang that works for couples, solo dog owners, or a group of friends who all happen to have dogs. Water bowls are provided. The beer is solid — try whatever's on the rotating tap.

Blacks Run Clean Up Day & Arbor Day Tree Planting — Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM · Various sites along Blacks Run, Harrisonburg

A volunteer morning that's genuinely rewarding and open to everyone — families, students, retirees, whoever wants to show up and help. You'll be picking up trash along the creek and planting trees at designated sites, and the organizers provide supplies. It's a great way to meet neighbors, get outside, and do something that actually matters for the community. Kids are welcome and can participate meaningfully. Free, obviously. Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy.

Wildflower Walk at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum — Wednesday, April 15, 10:00 AM · Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Harrisonburg

Mid-April is peak wildflower season in the Valley, and this guided walk through JMU's arboretum is the best way to actually learn what you're looking at. A knowledgeable guide leads you through the woodland trails identifying bloodroot, trillium, Virginia bluebells, and whatever else is blooming that week. It's free (donations welcome), the pace is gentle, and it's wonderful for photographers, nature nerds, and anyone who wants to slow down for an hour on a Wednesday morning. The arboretum is tucked behind the JMU campus — park in the designated lot off University Boulevard and follow the signs.

Rocktown Beer & Music Festival — Saturday, April 18 · Harrisonburg's big craft-beer festival with live bands and food trucks at Turner Pavilion — tickets ($45–$60) sell out, so buy now if you're going.

Historic Garden Week — Winchester Tour — Saturday, April 18 · Tour private homes and curated gardens across Winchester for $40 — a once-a-year chance to see behind closed doors; tickets go fast.

Carbon Leaf — Saturday, April 18 · Virginia's own folk-rock favorites at the Golden Pony in Harrisonburg — this will pack the room; grab tickets ($49–$60) before they're gone.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival — April 24–29 · Winchester's flagship festival with parades, concerts, and the Bloomin' Wine Fest — the Grand Feature Parade on April 25 is free from the sidewalk and worth planning around.

The Steel Wheels in Concert — Saturday, April 25 · Beloved Americana band at the Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro ($35–$50) — one of the best live-music nights of the spring.

Wayne Gala 2026 — Centennial Celebration — Saturday, April 18 · Fundraising gala celebrating 100 years of the Wayne Theatre with live music, food, and auction — a dressy night out for a great cause.

Double Duran — The Ultimate Duran Duran Experience — Friday, April 10, 7:00 PM · Pro Re Nata, Woodstock

1980s Duran Duran tribute at a Shenandoah County brewery — lively, danceable, and a fun excuse to visit Woodstock on a Friday night.

Shenandoah Valley Choral Society — Spring Concert (St. Cecilia Mass) — Friday, April 10, 7:30 PM · Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater

Regional chorus performs Gounod's St. Cecilia Mass — a refined evening of choral music in a beautiful church setting.

Shenandoah Valley Choral Society — Second Performance — Sunday, April 12, 3:00 PM · Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater

Second chance to catch the spring choral program if you miss Friday's performance.

Live Music Friday at James Charles Winery & Vineyard — Friday, April 10, 6:00 PM · James Charles Winery & Vineyard, Winchester

Free live music in a vineyard setting — bring a blanket, order a glass of Virginia wine, and watch the sun go down over Frederick County.

Jazz Band Concert — Bridgewater College — Sunday, April 12, 3:00 PM · Cole Hall, Bridgewater College

Free campus jazz ensemble performance — a pleasant Sunday afternoon outing, open to the public.

45 Years of Winchester Musica Viva — A Retrospective — Sunday, April 12, 3:00 PM · Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Winchester

A chamber choir celebrates 45 years with a retrospective concert — intimate classical music in a beautiful downtown Winchester church.

Rocktown Run Club Weekly Meetup — Sunday, April 12, 1:00 PM · Brothers Craft Brewing, Harrisonburg

Casual 5K run/walk starting and ending at a brewery — all paces welcome, and a post-run beer is basically mandatory.

Women's Tennis vs Randolph — Wednesday, April 15, 3:00 PM · Lowry Tennis Courts, Shenandoah University, Winchester

Free outdoor collegiate tennis — a pleasant afternoon if you're near Old Town Winchester and want to catch some live competition.

The Book Dragon Shop — 15 E. Beverley Street, Staunton

If you're in Staunton this week — and between the farmers market, Earth Day, the cooking class, Shakespeare, and waltz night, you have plenty of reasons to be — make time for The Book Dragon. This indie bookstore on Beverley Street is the kind of place where you walk in for five minutes and emerge an hour later with three books you didn't know you needed. The staff picks are genuinely curated (not just whatever the distributor is pushing), the children's section is deep and thoughtful, and the shop has that perfect combination of organized and overstuffed that makes browsing feel like treasure hunting. They're hosting an author event Saturday evening (Summer N. England, 6:00 PM), which is a great excuse to visit, but honestly, any day works. The shop is small enough that you'll notice something new every time. If you're pairing it with the Saturday farmers market, walk up from the Wharf — it's about five minutes on foot, and you'll pass half a dozen good coffee options on the way. Support your local bookstore. This one earns it.

• Weather — Expect mid-60s and partly sunny through Saturday, with a chance of showers Sunday into Monday; layer up for early-morning markets and bring a rain jacket if you're planning outdoor events later in the weekend.
• Pro tip — If you're hitting both the Harrisonburg Farmers Market and Comic Con on Saturday, park once near the fairgrounds and walk to Turner Pavilion — it's about a 10-minute stroll and saves you the parking shuffle downtown.
• Local resource — The Visit Harrisonburg events page (visitharrisonburgva.com/events) is one of the best-maintained local calendars in the Valley — bookmark it for midweek additions and last-minute pop-ups.