Events in Bedford County, VA

Celebrate the season with a holiday wreath gathering featuring an auction of festive wreaths. Proceeds from wreath purchases support the Scholarship fund. Light refreshments and a visit from Santa are also part of the festivities.

Come out and play One Piece. Submissions are now handled through Bandai.

Take part in a weekly sanctioned Pokémon tournament.

Osher Opera Theater presents a selection of celebrated opera duets and trios.

Take part in a weekly Friday Night Magic Commander gathering.

Bowyer's Bees & Honey will be at the Forest Farmer's Market.

This supportive, hands-on class helps women build confidence and practical knowledge around firearms and personal safety in a relaxed, low-pressure classroom setting. No experience is needed, and all required materials are provided. Using training firearms, laser systems, and dry-fire exercises, participants will practice firearm safety and handling, grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, loading and unloading, and basic firearm operation. The class also covers situational awareness, personal safety, use-of-force considerations, and concealed-carry methods and options. Participants can explore different firearms, holsters, carry bags, belly bands, belts, and other personal-safety tools. The class is taught by certified firearms instructor Katie Bernotsky, who specializes in a patient, welcoming approach for new and developing shooters. Coffee, drinks, snacks, cookies, and giveaways are provided, and everyone leaves with something.

Take part in a community walk focused on healthy living through movement, social connection, and preventive education. Dr. Winifred Agard from Centra PACE will discuss what PACE is, followed by an open group discussion and questions. The group will then walk the hospital campus wellness path, covering less than a mile at a comfortable pace.

The CPC will promote its cause, offer animal-related merchandise and raffle baskets, accept donations, and invite people to volunteer at the GFWC Holiday Mart.

A Tricky Tray fundraiser will support Staunton River High School’s theater, band, and choir students as they prepare for a trip to New York City. Attendees can try to win gift baskets and prizes while helping the performing arts students.

Gather for a relaxed cosplay group meeting featuring a shared potluck meal and time to show what you’ve been working on. Newcomers and anyone curious about the local cosplay group are welcome to attend in person or participate virtually through Discord. Details about food sign-ups and taking part in the show-and-tell will be shared soon.

Next Stop Comedy brings stand-up comedians to local venues, with a new lineup of performers at each show. The comedians have appeared on television and podcasts. The show takes place at Jake’s Place in Moneta.

Enjoy open play featuring Riftbound.

Children can enjoy a holiday-themed creative session at Aloha Art Experiences, formerly Hawaii Fluid Art. Each two-hour session includes two regular studio art projects, a snack, and sometimes a smaller project. Families can add an hour for an additional fee, which includes a holiday paint project with a Grinch or gnome theme.

This class covers Virginia’s training requirements for applying for a concealed handgun permit. Topics include safe firearm handling, mindset and responsibility, firearms fundamentals, and applicable laws.

Celebrate the holiday season with a gathering focused on sports cards, trading card games, collectibles, and community. Browse offerings from a variety of vendors, enjoy concessions, and visit a dedicated space for trading and connecting with fellow collectors. Raffles, giveaways, and other surprises add to the festivities.

David Johnston RMT of Dragonhill offers a Reiki Drumming certification course for Level 2 Reiki practitioners. Developed by Michael Baird of Infinite Light Healing Studies, Reiki Drumming combines Usui Reiki energy with the vibration of a frame drum. The technique can be used for space cleansing, removing blockages, journeying, and healing work. The course includes symbols, attunements, a manual, and a certificate. Participants must be Level 2 practitioners and have an approved frame drum. Drums will also be available for purchase.

The University Chorale and Osher Chamber Singers come together for a seasonal concert featuring music that uplifts, inspires, and connects. The performance is part of the Osher School of Music’s annual tradition.

As twilight settles over the Blue Ridge Mountains, thousands of luminarias across the National D-Day Memorial’s grounds honor the 4,436 men killed on D-Day and pay tribute to their sacrifice in the cause of freedom. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.

Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter is hosting its annual Holiday Happiness Adoption Event, featuring a $10 adoption special for available shelter pets for qualified adopters. Santa will be there for photos, and white chicken chili, baked goodies for people and pets, t-shirts, wine glasses, and tumblers will be available for purchase.

Children can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for lap sitting and photos. Bring a wish list and camera.

Celebrate the holiday season with family-friendly activities and festive entertainment. Meet Santa and the Grinch, enjoy hot chocolate and cider, take a carriage ride, and gather around fire pits for s’mores. The celebration also features a holiday vendor market, activities for children, live performances, and music, culminating in the lighting of the community tree.

John Hardy performs Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as a one-man play, portraying more than forty characters. The adaptation follows the book scene by scene and aims to preserve the essence of the original story. Performed in one act, the production runs approximately seventy-five minutes and is appropriate for all ages, though best suited for ages ten and above.

Centra and Mammograms Annually A Must (M.A.A.M.) are partnering to offer free screening mammograms to women age 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured and have not had a mammogram in the past year. Call 434-200-4048 to schedule.

The Collingsworth Family presents a Christmas concert as part of its Christmas by Candlelight Tour. Children 14 and under can attend for free when an adult ticket is ordered.

Step back into 1945 with a live show set just after World War II, as service members return home. The first act features a musical radio program with a live band, live commercials, and the Baynes Sisters. The second act presents the radio comedy Christmas in Connecticut, based on the film that premiered in 1945. The family-friendly show benefits Purple Heart Homes of Central Virginia.

Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa and firefighters. Children will receive a special Christmas goodie bag, and donations are welcome and appreciated. The breakfast supports the Moneta Volunteer Fire Department.

Bowyer's Bees & Honey will be featured at the Forest Farmer's Market holiday market.

This supportive, hands-on class helps women build comfort, confidence, and practical skills related to firearms and personal safety. No prior experience is needed, and the non-live-fire instruction uses training firearms, laser systems, and dry-fire exercises in a classroom setting. Topics include firearm safety and handling, grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, loading and unloading, basic operation, situational awareness, use-of-force considerations, and concealed-carry methods and options. Participants can also explore different firearms, holsters, carry bags, belly bands, belts, and other personal-safety tools. Class materials are supplied, and coffee, drinks, snacks, cookies, and giveaways are provided. Instruction is led by certified firearms instructor Katie Bernotsky, who specializes in a patient, welcoming approach for new and developing shooters.

Celebrate the holiday season at a cozy community gathering featuring an outdoor market and a festive village of handcrafted gifts from local artisans and makers. Browse ornaments, wreaths, pottery, woodwork, candles, jewelry, textiles, and other unique finds. Families can visit with Santa and take photos, while visitors enjoy cocoa or cider, lunch and treats, and Christmas music featuring local Celtic trio Riddle on the Harp. This free, all-ages event also welcomes vendors who create handcrafted seasonal goods. The event is primarily outdoors, with a limited number of indoor vendor spaces selected by lottery.

The Big Band of the Blue Ridge is a sixteen-piece ensemble performing classic and contemporary big band jazz. Directed by Dr. Chris Magee, who also plays lead trumpet, the band features jazz musicians from across the region and is based at The Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford.

The Dock Wizards bring live music to the SML Eagles, with a lively atmosphere for dancing and enjoying time with friends. Members and their guests are welcome.

Celebrate with the Tuckit Foundation at a Christmas gala featuring New Orleans flair, entertainment, surprises, and unexpected moments. The evening will raise funds for the Cure Mito Foundation and support the advancement of gene therapy for SURF1-related Leigh syndrome. More details about the celebration and its sponsors will be revealed later.

Enjoy an evening of holiday favorites performed by the Downeasters Chorus in their signature four-part harmony at the USM Crewe Center for the Arts’ new Performance Hall. General admission tickets are $25.

Bring pets, children, or the whole family for holiday photos with Santa at this fundraiser supporting the Bedford Humane Society and animals in the community. Each photo includes a printed copy and a digital version sent by email, with room for as many family members and pets as you’d like. Children and animals are welcome, and pets must remain on a leash for everyone’s safety.

Next Stop Comedy brings stand-up comedians to local venues, with a new lineup of performers at each show. The comedians have appeared on television and podcasts. The show takes place at Jake’s Place in Moneta.

Next Stop Comedy brings stand-up comedians to local venues, with a new lineup of performers at each show. The comedians have appeared on television and podcasts. The show takes place at Jake’s Place in Moneta.