Skeleton Festival
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 2 - 5 PM
Skeleton Festival is less than ten days away and we are excited to be bringing back pre-Halloween festivities to Downtown Harrisonburg. From trick-or-treating, food trucks, face painting and a commnity ofrenda, there's something for everyone to experience at this fun and FREE family-friendly event.
Here is a caramel-coated taste of what to expect at this on Saturday, October 15 from 2 - 5 PM in Downtown Harrisonburg:
- Pumpkin Decorating Showdown: Bring your pumpkin pride and joy and vote on your favorites throughout the festival on Court Square. Is it too hard to decide on a favorite? You can earn up to five additional votes by bringing food items for the Patchwork Pantry drive or making a donation to this local food bank. Winners will receive Downtown Dollars!
- Costume Contest: Come dressed in your best for the costume contest on Court Square from 3:30 - 4:30 PM! Open to kids, pets, adults, and groups/duos. Winners will receive Downtown Dollars!
- Sip & Stroll: Indulge in seasonal fall drinks as you stroll through the festival from 2 - 5 PM. Learn more about the program, participating locations, and drink specials (including Magnolia's Pumpin Spiced Margaritas and Sage Bird's Hot Mulled Cider) here.
- Spooky Surprises: From build-your-own “cemeterrariums” at Sparrow's Flowers to Socktober at Walkabout Outfitter, many of our downtown businesses and partners have fun activities and promotions happening during Skeleton Fest! Check out our growing list at skeletonfestival.com
|
|
Don't Forget About the Candy!
|
|
Trick-or-treaters are in for a howling good time with over 40 participating booths and businesses giving out candy and treats during Skeleton Fest! Pick up a candy map at the HDR info booth or check out the digital map available soon at skeletonfestival.com to plan your journey!
Want to start festivities even earlier (and potentially find a bonus $10 Downtown Dollars)? Check out our pre-event promotion Trick-or-Treat on Liberty & Mason Street starting at 1 PM. Participating locations will be giving away gift bags with toys and candy to the first 25 trick-or-treaters at each stop!
|
|
|
Skeleton Fest would not be possible without the support of our generous sponosors!
|
|
|
Downtown Insider Tip: Downtown is open for business on Saturday, October 15! While there is a festival with road closure happening, Downtown Insiders know that Harrisonburg's best-kept secret is that event days are great days to eat at our downtown restaurants. It's easy to walk in and get seated right away!
|
|
|
Skeleton Festival isn't all the fall fun you'll find downtown. Check out these other events happening downtown that will have you cozying up now that the weather is starting to cool down:
- An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe - just in time to get you in a frightful mood for Halloween, Valley Playhouse presents Robert Mason's adaptation of Poe classics at Court Square Theater. The show opens on Thursday, October 13 at 7:30 PM through Sunday, October 23 at 3 PM, with Thursday, October 20 being "pay what you will night." Tickets and showtimes are on Court Square Theater's website.
- Costume Party Fundraiser - Get your costumes and dancing shoes ready for a Halloween Party at Hotel Madison on October 29 from 7 - 10 PM. Enjoy DJ and dancing, refreshments, a cash bar, and costume contests with prizes. Tickets are $30. Are you busy "adulting" but still like to get dressed up for Halloween and don't know where to go? This is the answer! Proceeds will go toward the Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Day Care Center.
- Spooky Shows: Movie lovers have lots to see this fall with a $5 showing of "Corpse Bride" on October 14 & 15 and Fright Night Halloween Weekend at Court Square Theater. Enjoy an outdoor Halloween-themed movie at the back porch of Sage Bird Ciderworks Friday, October 14, starting at 8 PM and don't miss out on B-Movie Mondays in October at Restless Moons!
- Hocus Pocus Halloween Bash: It’s been 30 years and the Sanderson sisters are back! Join drag queens Ginger Minj, Gidget Galore, and MR MS Adrien for this incredible musical event on October 29 at 3PM and 7:30PM at Court Square Theater! Purchase tickets online here.
|
|
Shenandoah Valley Pride Celebrating our Community through Diversity is tomorrow Saturday 10/8 in Downtown Harrisonburg from 1 - 5 PM!
Bring your friends and family to enjoy over 60 area vendors and local food trucks for when you need a snack. This family and pet-friendly event features nonstop entertainment on stage and a beer garden for 21+ eventgoers. RSVP and learn more on the Facebook event here.
|
|
New Blog Post: Welcoming Back Becca Graham, Harrisonburg’s Very Own International Spikeball Champion
|
|
There's a star back in our midst! Welcome back World Champion Roundnet competitor Becca Graham of Friendly City Inn Bed & Breakfast from Brussels! It is spectacular to have Harrisonburg and our downtown community represented internationally - read all about the Championship and what adventures are ahead in our newest blog post by Dani Generous.
|
|
Downtown Events Coming Soon!
|
|
Veterans Day Parade
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 2 - 3 PM
We are delighted to be bringing back an in-person celebration of those, past and present, who have made our nation’s freedom possible with the return of the Veterans Day Parade. Veterans, veterans groups, non-profits, and government entities may enter the parade for free. Fill out an application here.
Set a Facebook Reminder >>
|
|
|
Resolute Weekend
November 11 - 13, 2022
Centered around Brothers Craft Brewing's award-winning and nationally known Bourbon Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout, this event brings in craft beer enthusiasts from across the mid-Atlantic. Join the festivities November 11-13, there will be something for beer lovers and non-beer drinkers alike!
Set a Facebook Reminder >>
|
|
|
Are you interested in sponsoring or becoming a vendor at one of our
upcoming community festivals?
Download our Sponsorship Packet to see available sponsorship opportunities for your business and a Vendor Application here!
|
|
|
Thank You for Being a Friend!
|
|
Our downtown community is made up of a supportive network of businesses, and to recognize those that help HDR build a more vibrant downtown, we present this segment featuring our Friends of Downtown donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
|
|
Anyone that is online regularly knows that videos are really important for businesses to stay on-trend, which is why it is so great to have this video marketing team in our downtown neighborhood.
From filming and animating videos to live streaming and workshops, Appeal Production's simple video process, IMAGINE, CREATE, APPEAL creates a framework for impactful videos that benefit many businesses and organizations in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
|
|
We have worked with Appeal Production for several years on our Friendly City Fortune Livestream so were thrilled when they reached out to us about doing a free video marketing workshops series for our downtown community. We were even able to open this online series to the larger Harrisonburg-Rockingham community and beyond!
|
|
|
|
We look forward to seeing the final videos from the Video Marketing Made Simple series and greatly appreciate the time and expertise of our Friends at Appeal. If you are looking to add video into your marketing efforts, make sure to check out Appeal Production!
|
|
|
Did you know that when you shop locally, 68% gets returned to Harrisonburg's economy to support community initiatives? In this Downtown Insider Feature, learn about a new product you can purchase from one of our downtown retailers!
|
|
Fall Candles and Fashion at Charlee Rose
|
|
In our opinion, it doesn't truly start feeling like fall until that first autumnal candle is lit and it's cool enough to don that new cozy sweater. Charlee Rose Boutique has you covered on both fronts with plenty of fall goodies and fashion to welcome in the shorter days.
|
|
This woman-owned small business carries a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts, focusing on inclusive sizing, carrying sizes XS-3XL. There's something for every body in any stage of life. Check out the selection inside the Shops at Agora or online at shopcharleerose.com.
|
|
|
Did you have an amazing meal downtown that you want EVERYONE to know about? Tag us in your food pictures @downtownharrisonburg and you may be featured in an upcoming Downtown Dish feature!
|
|
Key Lime Pie at Joshua Wilton House
Have you tried this decadent seasonal dessert at the Joshua Wilton House? This key lime pie features lychee sorbet, blackberry-honey cremeux, and crunchy meringue and looks mouth-watering.
|
|
In Memoriam of Jeff Hill.
Please join us as we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeff Hill, the visionary behind Local Chop & Grill and the heart and soul behind the Joshua Wilton House, who recently passed away. Jeff was a downtownie through and through who took early risks on our downtown and made magic happen at his establishments. He was supportive of his teams, of his downtown-wide family of fellow business owners, and of HDR. We are grateful for the time we had working with him. If you never had the pleasure of knowing him, take a minute to learn more about this wonderful father, husband, business man and community leader. Please raise a glass tonight to Jeff and keep those who were close to him in your thoughts.
https://www.kygers.com/obituary/jeffrey-hill
|
|
|
- Announcements
- The Harrisonburg Fire Department is collecting coats for kids this October! Drop off donations at 101 N. Main Street to help keep our community's kids warm this fall and winter.
- Court Square Theater is rolling out a new educational program called ACT ONE. Children and adults are invited to audition for the first show, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR, on October 17 and 18. For more information, check out courtsquaretheater.org.
- Watch out for new and creative cocktail combos at Mashita! They now have their mixed-liquor license and are able to provide the community with new concoctions!
- It's always hard to say goodbye to our downtown businesses. After a challenging few years after the pandemic, Latin's Flavor sadly had to close its doors this past month. We wish owners Jessica and Charlie the best with their new venture!
- Applications are open for the Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 6! The entry fee is $25 for commercial entries. All veterans, veterans groups, non-profits, and government entities are exempt from this fee. Applications are due by Friday, September 23.
- Vendor applications for Winter Wonderfest on Saturday, December 3 are now open. Fill out an application if you are a food vendor here or a non-food vendor here.
- Downtown Events
- Tonight is First Friday! Start your evening art stroll downtown and check out what is happening at all 16 venues on the Art Council of the Valley's website.
- For the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, Harrisonburg Fire Department is hosting a great lineup of educational events. Join them for the following events downtown:
- Fire Safety and Treats at El Paisano on October 9 from 11 AM - 2 PM.
- Bingo Night and Fire Safety at Ruby's Arcade on October 11 at 7:30 PM
- Coffee with the Chief at Coffee Hound on October 26 from 7 -9 AM.
- The Sweet Sounds of Fire Safety at Klines (Downtown Harrisonburg) October 26 from 4 - 6 PM
- Join Arts Incarnate for a live concert of world folk fusion music by Project Locrea on Friday, October 7 at 7 PM. Tickets are free for students (with valid ID) and children, otherwise, tickets are $10 online or at the door.
- Join Restless Moons for its first annual Lager Rhythms Weekend October 7 - 9. This is a celebration of lager beers and local music! The tap list will be stacked with favorite lager beers, ranging from traditional styles to experimental releases, including guest taps from Brothers Craft Brewing, Pale Fire Brewing, Three Notch'd Brewing, and The Friendly Fermenter!
- Brothers Craft Brewing is bringing back By the Fire Fridays! Enjoy locally crafted music and beers by the fireside each Friday from 6 - 9 PM.
- Laugh for a good cause! The X2 Comedy FUNdraiser for CST is Saturday, October 8 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM. Contestants will be competing for up to $2,000 in cash & prizes in the following categories. Learn more here.
- The annual Deyerle Program Series on Local History returns to Massanutten Regional Library with weekly in-person events Thursdays at 7 PM during October. This year’s series focuses on topics related to Shenandoah Valley agriculture, with the next one on October 13 titled "The House Cooperation Built: Rockingham Cooperative 1921-2021." Register online here.
- Interested in getting involved with the mission of local nonprofits? Join ShenValley Youg Professional Association for a Nonprofit Roundtable on October 18 from 5:30-7:30 PM at Central Library. At this free event, you'll hear from HDR along with the American Cancer Society, Girls on the Run. HR-SPCA and SVBC. Register here.
- Reggae music lovers, check out the live performance by Cultivated Mind, hosted by iRon Lion at the Harrisonburg Farmer's Market - Turner Pavilion, Thursday, October 20 from 6 - 8 PM. Presale tickets are $10 ($15 at the door) and are available now on Eventbrite.
- History lovers and ghost-hunters alike won't want to miss the return of Haunted Harrisonburg Ghost Tours, Saturday, October 22. Traverse the Southern Spooktacular Route at 7 PM or the Northern Nailbiter Route at 8:30 PM for even MORE haunted history.
- Now Hiring
- The Friendly City Food Co-Op is hiring Meat/Seafood and Deli Team Members. Learn more and apply online.
- The Virginia Quilt Museum is hiring a part-time Development Coordinator. Learn more and download an application here.
- Matchbox is hiring an Accounts Reivable Coordinator. Learn more about this position here.
- Massanutten Regional Library has two open positions for part-time Children's Specialists. Learn more here.
- Looking for a restaurant job? Many downtown locations are still hiring servers, cooks, and prep staff. Check out a list of restaurants on our downtown directory, for social media and website listings to guide your search.
|
|
|
2022 Downtown Harrisonburg Annual Event Lineup:
Do you have an event or promotion happening in downtown Harrisonburg that you want to be featured in the next newsletter? Add your event to our Downtown Calendar through this online form! You can find detailed instructions here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
