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 ...

Roar into the New Year with Monster Trucks January 6. These big beasts will take to Anderson Coliseum at the Virginia Horse Center for an afternoon of power and thrills.

Monstert Trucks at Virginia Horse Center
Monster Trucks at Virginia Horse Center

The Agility Dog Show will take to the ring inside Anderson Coliseum January 12-14. The Winter Saddlebred Tournament is also January 13.

An annual event the whole community awaits is The Lone Star Rodeo, and it comes to town February 23-24 this year. Be sure to get your tickets in advance.

>> Virginia Horse Center Event Calendar

The Arts

January 11 welcomes Salvador Dali: Les Chants de Maldoror at Lenfest Center for the Arts. This impressive exhibit will be on display at Staniar Gallery through February 8. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don't miss the exclusive lecture and reception on Tuesday, January 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall and Lykes Atrium.

Salvador Dali (1904-1989)
Salvador Dali (1904-1989)

Antioch Chamber Ensemble will take the stage at Wilson Concert Hall on January 20 at 8 p.m. The concert will feature Morgen Lauridsen's "Mid-Winter Songs" as well as "An Extra Day," composed by Joanna Marsh. The latter was commissioned to commemorate 2024 as a leap year. Tickets are required.

Bringing their latest show to Lenfest Center in Lexington is Step Afrika!, an educational dance troupe elevating the art of step, Zulu, and South African gumboot dance. Stepping is popularized by historically black fraternities and sororities nationwide, and is educational in its display of teamwork. Catch this one-night-only show on January 24 at 7:30 p.m.

The Manhattan Chamber Players will perform at Lenfest Center for the Arts on February 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets are required to see this New York-based ensemble whose mission is to perform the greatest works in the chamber repertoire at the highest level. Musicians of this ensemble are products of such esteemed institutions as Juilliard School, Curtis Institute, Yale School for Music, Colburn School, and New England Conservatory.

The Manhattan Chamber Players
The Manhattan Chamber Players

The acclaimed James Madison University Brass Band will appear and perform at Lenfest Center on February 17 at 8 p.m. Highly decorated among collegiate brass bands, they have the honor of performing as part of this year's SonoKlect Series and will debut a three-movement piece called "Pillars of Brass" composed specifically for them by Terry Vosbein. A reception will follow in Lykes Atrium.

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 15. 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. (reopens in February)
  • Haunting Tales: Lexington's Ghost Tour (Memorial Day)
  • Hull's Drive-In (mid-March)
  • Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farms (early May)
  • Lexington Carriage Company (April 1)
  • Miller's House Museum
  • Natural Bridge Zoo (TBD)
  • Virginia Safari Park (mid-March)
  • Stonewall Jackson House (March)
  • Wade's Mill (early April)

Outdoor Excursions

The Walkabout Outfitter Get Outside Challenge starts January 29 and concludes March 30. 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.

When you can't find fun, you create your own! Explore RockbridgeOutdoors.com for fantastic hike suggestions and destinations like Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden, Cyrus McCormick Farm, Glen Maury Park, and Natural Bridge State Park.

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