News from around the Shenandoah Valley.
Local stories, openings, festivals, and what's happening — curated by editors and gathered from trusted Valley sources.
Kids Castle Is Back: Harrisonburg’s Beloved Playground Reopens at Purcell Park
After more than a year of construction, the newly rebuilt Kids Castle at Purcell Park is open — with zip lines, a 37-foot slide, a tricycle track, and a design built for kids of every ability.
New subscription based pediatrics office opens in Winchester
Dr. Deborah Dunn is bringing a new direct primary care model to Winchester with Barefoot Pediatrics, offering a subscription-based alternative to traditional insurance.
Fresh blooms for five dollars at Cabin Hill Farm Flowers
Cabin Hill Farm Flowers in Conicville offers seasonal bouquets for just $5. Stop by the roadside stand on Senedo Road to grab some locally grown cheer before the season ends in September.
What to see at the Shenandoah County Fair this week
The Shenandoah County Fair runs through Saturday in Woodstock with demolition derbies, livestock shows, and special admission days for veterans and seniors.
Youngsters chase tradition at the Shenandoah County Fair pig scramble
Hundreds of children gathered at the Shenandoah County Fair this week for the annual pig scramble, a high-energy tradition where youngsters chase down 105 piglets.
Shenandoah University football kicks off the season Friday night at Methodist
Shenandoah University football heads to North Carolina this Friday to face Methodist. Here is what to expect as the Hornets look to extend their winning streak.
JMU president marks first year with downtown Harrisonburg celebration
JMU President Jim Schmidt celebrated his first year leading the university alongside his 61st birthday during the annual Block Party in the ‘Burg.
Wawa kicks off a grand opening celebration in Middletown
Middletown’s new Wawa opens this Friday with free coffee, a hoagie-building contest between local first responders, and a visit from Wally Goose.
Gospel music and fellowship return to the Front Royal gazebo this September
The Reaching Hearts Gospel Fest returns to the downtown gazebo on September 12 for a day of music, food trucks, and family fellowship.
Warren Heritage Society opens a tiny new museum on Main Street
The Warren Heritage Society just opened WHS on Main, a tiny "Pocket Museum" and tour headquarters that brings Front Royal's history right to the sidewalk.
Dolce: A New Bakery, Caffè, and Gelato Shop Coming Soon to Downtown Luray
The team behind PORCH+VINE is putting the finishing touches on Dolce — a new artisan gelato, espresso, and pastry shop on Main Street in Luray, and the website just went live.
Queen City Mischief & Magic Returns to Downtown Staunton
Mark your calendar for September 26–27, 2026 — Staunton's beloved homegrown wizarding festival is back for another weekend of low-flying owls, Quidditch matches, and Butter Brew on Beverley Street.
Staunton Cracks the Top 4 for the South's Best Culinary Town
The Queen City is officially a Local Palate Top 4 finalist for Best Culinary Town in the South — and round-two voting is open now.
Massanutten Opens 'Mountain Mayhem,' Virginia's First Alpine Coaster
Massanutten Resort's new year-round alpine coaster winds down the mountainside at up to 25 mph — the first ride of its kind in Virginia.
Blue Ridge Bud Co. Opens Trail Supply Outpost in Waynesboro
A new outdoor outfitter has opened in the historic Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace in Waynesboro — steps from the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Skyline Drive.
New Virginia ABC Laws Just Made Life Easier for Shenandoah Valley Distilleries and Restaurants
Four alcohol-law changes took effect July 1 — doubled distillery tasting pours, a fairer MBAR ratio for restaurants, ABC-store tastings, and lighter wholesale penalties. Here's what it means for the Valley.
Elephant Head Opens in Downtown Harrisonburg on Wednesday, July 8
Chef Colin Auckerman's long-awaited new American restaurant with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern accents opens on North Liberty Street this Wednesday, serving dinner nightly from 4–10 p.m.
Rock Bottom Band plays a free show at the Front Royal gazebo this Thursday
The Blue Ridge Arts Council is bringing the Rock Bottom Band to the downtown Front Royal gazebo for a free show this Thursday evening via the Royal Examiner. It is a perfect excuse to grab a lawn chair and head to Town Commons.
Celebrating the cult following of the Roanoke Valley’s unique cheese slaw
Roanoke locals have long championed this spicy, creamy alternative to pimiento cheese. Whether served as a side or a topper for hot dogs, the regional staple is making a comeback via Cardinal News.
Billy Jack's Shack rolls out a bigger, bolder menu in downtown Harrisonburg
The downtown wing and draft spot just dropped a July menu upgrade — think a half-pound Big Iron burger, a buffalo-dill chicken sammy, wagyu sliders, and the return of their famous onion rings.
Winchester welcomes a new farmers market at Solenberger's
Solenberger’s True Value Hardware on Berryville Avenue is hosting a new weekly farmers market where you can support local growers and grab fresh produce, via The Winchester Star.
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