Destination Bedford

Naturalization Ceremony
2025-09-17 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Join Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to witness a Naturalization Ceremony welcoming 30 new American citizens in honor of Constitution Day, the day in 1787 the American Constitution was signed into law. Admission to the ceremony is included with general admission to Poplar Forest.

Bower Center Exhibit
2025-09-17 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-18 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-19 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-20 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
In the Braaten Gallery, view the works by Elaine Fleck. The reception for the exhibit will be September 12 at 5pm and is free and open to the public.
In the Terrace Gallery, the exhibit “Embracing the Unexpected with Fabric, Dye and Stich” will be presented.
Gallery admission to view the exhibits is free!
The Bower Center is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Bower Center Exhbit
2025-09-17 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-18 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Come to the Bower Center for the Arts for the 13th Annual National Juried Exhibition!
Gallery admission is free. Click here for more information.
Awards Reception for this exhibit will be the night of October 24th.

Apocalypse Trivia Night
2025-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Every week there will be a wide range of categories to enjoy while also drinking your favorite beer or seltzer water!

U.S. Air Force Birthday
2025-09-18 10:00 - 17:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
Free admission at the National D-Day Memorial for all current members and veterans of the U.S. Air Force!

Music Bingo
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
This is where the fun of bingo meets the excitement of your favorite tunes! Each round features hit songs across various genres, and you’ll mark your card to the beat. Win the coveted Music Bingo chain, gift cards, and of course, ultimate bragging rights! It’s a lively and unique way to enjoy great music, compete with friends, and score awesome prizes. Don’t miss the fun!

Carter Craft Foundation Golf Tournament
2025-09-19 07:00 - 16:00 | Ivy Hill Golf Club, 1148 Ivy Hill Drive, Forest, Virginia, 24551
This will be the seventh annual Carter Craft Foundation Golf Tournament on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Ivy Hill Golf Club in Forest, VA.
Two Flights. Morning and Afternoon.
Flight One: 7 a.m. | Tee Off Time 8:00 a.m.
Flight Two: 12 p.m. | Tee Off Time 1:30 p.m.
Teams of Four
Total Team Cost $380
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Registration Includes:
Green fees & cart, swag bag, and lunch in-between morning and afternoon flights.
Prizes:
First Place Team Prize: $100 per player
Second Place Team Prize: $80 per player
For more details about sponsorship and team registrations, please visit www.cartercraftfoundation.com/golftournament/

National POW/MIA Recognition Day
2025-09-19 11:00 - 11:30 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
Join the National D-Day Memorial as they recognize prisoners of war and America’s sons and daughters who remain missing with our annual wreath laying at the Memorial’s POW/MIA flag, located on the east lawn (behind the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument). Regular admission fees apply.

Friday Field Days with Poplar Forest Archaeology
2025-09-19 13:30 - 15:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Join Poplar Forest’s Department of Archaeology and Landscapes every Friday at 1:30 PM through November 21 for an in-depth look into their current excavations and what they are learning about the people who lived in and around the 1857 Slave Dwelling. While the 1857 Slave Dwelling was built after Jefferson’s lifetime, it is historically important as it is the only original dwelling built for enslaved people still standing on the property. As part of the 1857 Slave Dwelling Restoration Project’s efforts to stabilize, research, and restore this structure with the community, we invite you to visit our archaeologists to see what they are finding and learning about the people who lived here.
Friday Field Days are included with regular admission which can be purchased in advance here. Admission to the property includes either a docent-guided or self-guided tour of Jefferson’s retreat home, access to exhibits in the lower level and wing of offices of the villa retreat, and outdoor exhibits throughout the property.

Live Music & Food Truck at Fables & Feathers
2025-09-19 16:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-20 14:00 - 17:00 | Fables & Feathers Winery, 2117 Bruno Dr., Goodview, VA, 24095
Come to Fables and Feathers Winery for live music, great wine and beautiful views! Some days there will also be food trucks on site. Click here to see who is playing and which food truck will be on site!

Forest Friday Cheers
2025-09-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Live music, local vendors, beer, and food! Inflatable bounce pad and more for this family friendly event! Free admission. Click here to see who is playing each week!

Forest Farmer's Market
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Forest Farmers Market, 15583 Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24523, United States
The Forest Farmer’s Market is held each Saturday morning behind the Forest Public Library. The Market features farmers and artisans selling a variety of items including plants, meats, produce, soaps, lotions, coffee, baked goods and more!

Layman Family Farms
2025-09-20 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-21 11:00 - 18:00 | Layman Family Farms, 1815 Mountain View Church Road, Montvale, VA, 24122, United States
Come navigate your way through the 10 acre corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkins, and enjoy many activities. While exploring all the fun the farm has to offer, don’t forget to meet the furry friends that are on site! If you work up an appetite, they offer full concessions along with the fantastic Fry Shack. Come for the fun, stay for the views; there’s something for everyone at Layman Family Farms.
Hours this season will be Fridays 4pm-8pm, Saturdays 10am – 6pm, and Sundays 11am – 6pm. The last day to enjoy the farm will be November 1st!
The theme for this year’s Corn Maze is “Lost with Lainey”, after country music star Lainey Wilson, presented by The Maize Company!
Click here for tickets.

Dirty Dog Dare MTB Race
2025-09-20 12:00, 2025-09-21 00:00 - 06:30 | Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Your legs will beg, and your bike will bark!
The Dirty Dog Dare isn’t your average mountain bike race. It’s a multi-format mountain bike event for all kinds of dirt lovers. A true test of determination, legs, and tail-wagging endurance. Whether you’re looking to sprint, push your limits, or go full-on ultra, we’ve got you covered.
Three events, one weekend: 4-hour, 8-hour, and 16-hour races. Compete solo, Dou, or 4-person teams.
Whether you’re a lone wolf or you’re running with a full-on pack, there’s a category with your name (and maybe your dog’s name) on it.
You’ve got three events, but it’s really just one big dirty dare to see how far, how long, and how weird you’re willing to go on two wheels.

Course Description
This course is FAST & FUN! Just over 4 miles long, 100ft gain/mile, its suited to keep you/your bike light, easily swap laps with your pack, and cheer riders on! The trails have been freshly revamped with a couple hundred hours combined cutting back, removing rocks/roots, rebuilding rollers/side hits. There is a solid mix of classic VA singletrack, flow trail, with fun side hits to keep things fresh and plenty of room to pass! You are never more than ¾ a mile away from the start so spectating or fueling can be convenient. The Start/Finish is where camping will be so you can set up your hand up or feed zone easily.
Event Schedule
Dirty Dog Dash – 4-Hour Solo
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Short on time, not on bite. Go solo and see how many laps you can chew through in 4 hours.
Dirty Dog Dare – 8-Hour Solo or 2-Person Team
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Double the dirt, double the dare. Ride solo or tag-team it with a buddy.
Double Dirty Dog Dare – 16-Hour Solo or 2/4-Person Team
Saturday, Sept. 20 @ 12:00 PM – Sunday, Sept. 21 @ 6:30 AM
Ride through the night solo or run with your pack.

Click here to register and for more information.

Live Music at Harvest Moon
2025-09-20 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-21 13:00 - 17:00 | Harvest Moon Marketplace, 14917 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Come see live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace! Click here to see who is playing each week.

Enjoy beer, wine, meads, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks, along with delicious food and great shopping at the Marketplace. Free admission and free music!

True Grit Rodeo
2025-09-20 17:00 - 22:00 | Sims Farm, 2220 Harvest Lane, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Get ready for an unforgettable night of thrills and excitement as Challenged Sports Exchange and Sims Events team up with True Grit Rodeo on September 20! This high-energy rodeo promises edge-of-your-seat action and fun for the whole family. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the gate only, cash only $20.00 per person–Kids 10 and under free! Lawn Chairs Welcome! Beer Truck and Food Vendors on-site! Make sure you remember your ID if you would like to enjoy an adult beverage. No Coolers! No Pets!

Concert at the Bower Center
2025-09-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Come to the Bower Center to see Lenny Marcus Jazz Trio play live! $20 in advance/$25 at the door.

Nanny Prims Fall Festival
2025-09-21 10:00 - 15:00 | Nannys Prims & Decor, 1072 corporate park drive, Foresy, VA, 24551, United States
Enjoy a fun-filled day celebrating all things fall — featuring amazing local vendors, seasonal goodies, and festive vibes!

Fall Fun on the Farm
2025-09-21 12:00 - 17:00 | Lottie J Farm, 4787 Patterson Mill Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Visit Lottie J Farm where you can see goats, alpacas, miniature donkeys, pigs, bunnies and chickens. Feed for animals is included with admission.
Kids love the play barn with swings, slides (including a 40 ft pipe slide), corn pit, Jumparoo, magnetic chalkboard and little people play area.
Pumpkins will be available for purchase along with pumpkin decorating!
Local author DW Lawhorne will be here with his Boots The Cow book series.
Vasilia, with Heritage Apiary, and her bees are back! You can find out every and anything you’ve ever wanted to know about honey bees! She’ll also have a wide variety of honey items available for purchase.
Pink Lemonade will be on site with delicious food and drinks!
Admission is $5 per person and ages 3 and under are free! They accept cards and cash.

Live Music @ Beacon Seafood Pub
2025-09-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Beacon Seafood Pub at The Virginia Dare Marina, 3619 Airport Rd., Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Come to Beacon Seafood Pub located at the Virginia Dare Marina at Smith Mountain Lake, and enjoy great food, drinks and live music! Click here to see who is playing each week!
