Winter Events

Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County is a shopping, dining, and arts haven in winter. Storefronts are festive with seasonal wares and decor while restaurants whip up hearty specialties. Porters, stouts, and toddies keep winter jolly in cocktail bars and tap rooms, and our neighborhood campuses of W&L, VMI, and SVU invite visitors inside for plays, speakers, art shows, and history exhibits. Don't miss a beat!

To Look Forward to ...

The Virginia Horse Center is a popular place to be during every season, but the winter events can be especially exciting!

January 10: Eventing Jumper Derby
January 10-12: Agility Dog Show
January 16-19: Lexington Country I - Blue Ridge Championships
January 24-26: DC Fast Pitch Softball
January 25-26: SWVHJA Benefit Show
January 30-February 2: Lexington Country II - Blue Ridge Champions Series
January 31 - Blue Ridge Nationals BMX Bike Races
February 8-9: DC Fast Pitch Softball
February 8-9: Eventing Jumper Derby
February 8-9: Winter Saddlebred Tournament
February 15-16: DC Fast Pitch Softball
February 21-22: Lone Star Rodeo
February 22-23: Polar Bear Horse Show
February 27: Lexington Spring Welcome - Blue Ridge Champions Series

>> Virginia Horse Center Event Calendar

The Arts

Lenfest Center for the Arts is a cultural destination on the campus of Washington and Lee University in downtown Lexington. Their programming is open to the public. Some events are ticketed and others are not. Be sure to check for rates and reservations ahead of your visit.

January 9 - February 7: "The Codes We Carry: Beads as DNA Data" by Erica Lord; Staniar Gallery
January 16: Compagnie Herbe Koubi; Keller Theatre
January 26: MLK Remembrance Concert; Wilson Concert Hall
February 1: Boris Berman, piano; Wilson Concert Hall
February 7: The King's Singers "Close Harmony"; Wilson Concert Hall
February 15: Les Tres Musicos; Wilson Concert Hall
February 16: The Virginia State University Concert Choir and The University Singers; Wilson Concert Hall
February 17 - March 14: "Loud as the Rolling Sea" by Stephen Towns; Staniar Gallery
March 12-14: Bentley Musical: "The Prom"; Keller Theatre

First Friday Art Walk in downtown Lexington is Friday, March 1. Peruse our galleries to celebrate local artisans and enjoy the tunes of area musicians. It's also a great time to eat downtown. Don't miss out on our excellent restaurants! First Friday starts at 5 p.m.

Breweries, Tap Houses, and Cocktail Bars

If the weather outside is frightful, step into a winery, brewery, or downtown watering hole for winter beer releases, seasonal craft cocktails, live music, and community cheer.

Visit Ecco Adesso Vineyards in Fairfield for live music, foodie events, great new wine, and multiple accommodations overlooking the vineyard and Blue Ridge Mountains.

Heliotrope Brewery is on Main Street in downtown Lexington. In addition to their beers, you're going to love their farm-to-table wood-fired pizzas.

Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery is a fun craft brewery and winery open Wednesday through Sunday. Pop in for growler fill specials on Wednesdays and live music most every Friday. There's often food on-site for purchase during those live music events as well.

Another excellent stop for both wine and beer is Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery. Garnering many awards over the years, you will certainly find an excellent flavor or two to suit your palate. Sundays are "Uncorked" with live music.

On Wednesdays, stop by Devils Backbone Taproom and Kitchen on Route 11 during its Growler Grab Day for 64 oz. growler pours. On select Fridays, settle in for an evening of live music.

Brew Ridge Taps in Lexington hosts its own trivia night on Tuesdays. On Nelson Street, this tap room sells a wide selection of Virginia and U.S. craft brews. Stay fueled with the Parkway Special, a waffle topped with pimiento cheese, tomatoes and bacon. It’s one of several wafflewiches on the menu.

For a wall of self-serve beer on tap, visit Salerno Wood Fired Pizza & Taphouse. You won't be disappointed in the selection or the excellent menu.

Pianists often complement the cocktails at Haywood’s; stop in and appreciate the atmosphere.

Clever twists on old faithfuls are common at TAPS in downtown Lexington. Score a seat by the fire while you sip and socialize.

Seasonal Updates: Farmers Markets, Museums, and Attractions

The Lexington Farmers Market remains outside for the winter. Find the best local wares from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Kerrs Creek Community Market, Fairfield Farmers Market, and Glasgow Farmers Market are closed for the season.

Caverns at Natural Bridge is open weekends (Friday through Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through mid-March.

Natural Bridge State Park is open 8 a.m. until dusk, weather permitting. the Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

VMI Cadet Tours resume January 14 and are offered daily at 12:15 p.m. through May 2 with the exception of Spring Furlough (March 7-16) and Easter Sunday (April 20). The VMI Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed for the Season:

Dinosaur Kingdom II (Memorial Day)
Halcyon Days Cider Co. (TBD)
Haunting Tales: Lexington's Ghost Tour (Memorial Day)
Hull's Drive-In (TBD)
Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farms (early May)
Lexington Carriage Company (April 1)
Natural Bridge Zoo (TBD)
Virginia Safari Park (March 1)
Stonewall Jackson House (March 1)
Wade's Mill (April 5)

Open by Appointment:

Brownsburg Museum
Miller's House Museum

Outdoor Excursions

The Walkabout Outfitter Get Outside Challenge starts January 12 and concludes March 9. Participants are asked to commit to going outside for at least 20 minutes of activity each day. To learn more and sign up for the challenge, join the Facebook Group: Walkabout Get Outside.