Events in Galax, VA

Presented by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, the Autumn Leaves Festival celebrates its 60th year in downtown Mount Airy. This longstanding community tradition brings people together for a weekend of arts, flavors, and music. Explore booths from artisan makers showcasing handmade works, taste festival favorites alongside local specialties from food vendors, and enjoy live performances featuring bluegrass, country, gospel, and more. Families can head to KidFest for activities and excitement for children of all ages. It is a milestone celebration of the season, continuing a legacy that has united the community for six decades.

An auction at Mountain Man Auction House showcases a truckload of Amazon merchandise delivered by Drew Wright. Items will be offered as both box lots and individual deals, including household goods, tools, toys, and other surprises. The variety offers plenty of opportunities to land bargains and uncover unexpected finds.

A performance will take place at the WPAQ Bandstand.

Presented by Twin County Regional Healthcare, the Women's Health Expo at Crossroads Institute offers an evening centered on wellness, encouragement, and community for women of all ages. Attendees can connect with local vendors and resources, explore health and wellness information, browse beauty and art offerings, enjoy shopping, and take part in door prizes and giveaways, with light refreshments available. This free event encourages pre-registration but does not require it. The first 30 registrants receive a special gift and are entered into a special drawing. For registration or questions, contact Julie Rippey at 276.238.3527 or julie.rippey@lpnt.net.

The Amanda Cook Band presents bluegrass steeped in tradition with a fresh, contemporary spark, led by award-nominated vocalist Amanda Cook, who became owner of Mountain Fever Records in August 2025. Expect sincere storytelling, seamless harmonies, and energetic instrumentation that resonates with listeners of all ages. The group tours widely across the United States and Canada, moving from major festivals to intimate listening rooms, and has appeared at the Grand Ole Opry, The Station Inn, and the IBMA World of Bluegrass. Cook describes the album Restless Soul as a showcase of the band’s camaraderie and creativity, shaped by an in-studio approach where a large pool of songs was chosen, arranged, and produced on the spot with Aaron, allowing the whole band to contribute. The result aims for a flowing collection that blends contemporary and traditional bluegrass, offering something for a broad range of listeners.

These free childbirth and newborn education classes, sponsored by the Women’s Center at Twin County Regional Healthcare, offer practical guidance for expectant families. Attendance is preferred for those who are at least 24 weeks pregnant, and each mother-to-be may bring one support person. Six sessions are offered throughout the year, and lunch is provided for all participants. The class aims to answer common questions and provide reassurance, especially for first-time parents. To register, call 276.236.1682 or complete registration online.

Surry Country Parks and Recreation and Surry County Health and Nutrition partner for the 4th Annual Glow in the Park 5K and Concert at Fisher River Park. The trails will shine with blacklights, glow paint, and glowing balloons, and participants can add to the spectacle with glow paint and glow sticks as they run or walk. Beyond the race, the park features inflatable games, hayrides, pumpkin carving, and other family activities. Fat Catz BBQ and BJ's Fry Shack will be on site. Packet and bib pickup will be available, awards will be presented, and the celebration includes a free concert by Runaway Train that does not require 5K registration to attend. Registration to participate in the 5K is $20 per person.

Fresh Start Ministry presents its third annual bingo night paired with a BBQ chicken plate fundraiser. The event features rounds of bingo, a cake auction, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and time for fellowship, all in support of the ministry and the community. Last year’s gathering nearly sold out, and strong interest is anticipated again. BBQ chicken plates, including half chicken plates, will be available leading up to the event and during the evening while supplies last. Sponsorships are welcome, and contributions of cash or prize donations will help support the giveaways.

Hosted by the Mount Airy Downtown Business Association, the Mayberry Cool Cars and Rods Cruise-In Series brings a lively gathering of cars and rods to Downtown Mount Airy. Vehicle registration is free at Carlos Jones Blue Ridge Park, and registered participants are entered for door prizes and awards.

Feeding Southwest Virginia’s Mobile Marketplace will be at Galax Public Library with fresh, convenient, and budget-friendly groceries for the community. Shoppers can pay with debit, credit, or SNAP/EBT. Thanks to Virginia Fresh Match, customers using SNAP/EBT receive a 50 percent discount on fruits and vegetables.

Feeding Southwest Virginia’s Mobile Marketplace is bringing fresh, convenient, and budget-friendly groceries to the community. Payment is accepted by debit, credit, or SNAP/EBT. With support from Virginia Fresh Match, shoppers using SNAP/EBT receive an additional 50% off fresh produce.

A family-friendly show and shine brings Jeep enthusiasts together while kids choose their favorite vehicles, with trophies awarded to the top three. There is no entry fee for Jeep participants, who are asked to bring plenty of candy to share with children, and the club will have extra on hand if needed. Last year drew about 2,500 visitors to see the Jeeps and collect treats. Families can enjoy free popcorn, cookies, ducks, candy, and toys for the kids, along with a coffee and hot chocolate truck offering beverages for purchase. Entertainment in the line includes Joy the Clown and a magician. There is time set aside beforehand to decorate Jeeps, and late arrivals may not receive a number for the show and shine. Activities begin once vehicles are lined up.

Mountain Man Auction House hosts a lively auction featuring special guest seller Bryan and a broad selection of new and pre-owned goods. Attendees can browse both box lots and single-item offerings across household items, tools, and toys, with bargains to discover and food available. Surprises are part of the mix, creating a friendly, high-energy setting where competitive bidding adds to the excitement.

Downtown Hillsville comes alive with a safe Halloween celebration as N. Main Street fills with ghosts, clowns, superheroes, dinosaurs and more. Children can trick or treat with the Town as well as with participating businesses and organizations set up along the way. The evening features hayrides, a barrel train, costume contests for all ages and a variety of games. Fun for the whole family.

Get in the spirit of Halloween with a 24 hour race at a campground and course that blends spooky fun with a challenge. Participants can take on a 1 mile loop with 500 feet per 1 mile loop, earning medals for reaching 50k or 50 miles within the 24 hour window and competing for an overall award for the most laps completed. The setting leans into a haunted forest vibe, and the atmosphere stays casual and family friendly, with costumes welcome and prizes for standout looks. Expect autumn comforts like chili, apple cider, and plenty of trick or treat candy. Free tent and car camping are available, and air b&b or glamping tents are offered at a reduced price. Registration will be available soon on ultrasignup.

Set off on a scenic fall run in Mayberry, celebrating the charm, hospitality, and history of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Whether you are chasing a personal record, sharing the miles with friends, or planning a destination race, expect a beautiful course, custom medals inspired by Mayberry, an upbeat finish line, and a warm welcome from this small town. Lace up and make it a race weekend you will want to repeat year after year.

Lonesome River Band brings a high-octane bluegrass showcase to the Historic Earle Theatre, featuring razor-tight harmonies and fleet-fingered acoustic firepower. The group is led by Sammy Shelor, a five-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. For more than four decades they have helped define modern bluegrass, blending respect for tradition with a fresh, forward-looking style. Expect award-winning musicianship and a dynamic stage presence that keeps feet tapping from start to finish. Tickets are $30 or $25.

Christmas On The Creek launches the holiday season with Light It Up 2026, an evening filled with thousands of sparkling lights, festive attractions, tasty food, and activities for all ages. Door prizes add to the excitement, and the atmosphere is full of Christmas magic. Whether continuing a family tradition or visiting for the first time, this celebration offers a joyful start to the most wonderful time of the year.

Dallas Wayne brings a lifetime of country storytelling to the stage, backed by a career that spans 13 solo albums and collaborations with honky-tonk outfits like Heybale! and the TwangBangers, plus work on a Grammy-nominated bluegrass release. A Springfield, Missouri native, he is a singer, songwriter, radio DJ, voice-over artist, actor, and producer who honed his sound in Nashville while cutting publishing demos and writing songs. After extensive touring in Europe in the early 1990s, he signed a record deal and relocated to Scandinavia as a staff writer for Warner/Chappell Music, then returned to the United States and recorded for HighTone Records. He later settled in Austin, releasing projects on Koch Nashville and Smith Entertainment, and followed with the two-volume collection Songs The Jukebox Taught Me that features duets with Willie Nelson, Jeannie Seely, Darrell and Mona McCall, and Paula Nelson. His latest album, Coldwater, Tennessee, produced by Buddy Cannon for the BFD/Audium Nashville label with distribution through Sony Orchard, features all-original material that highlights both his songwriting depth and his vocal range. He currently resides in Bristol, TN/VA, a place celebrated as the birthplace of country music.

The 44th Annual Christmas Bazaar takes place at the Hillsville VFW over two days. Vendor spaces are currently full, and prospective vendors may request placement on the waiting list. Payments are not accepted through PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo. For questions, call 276-236-2184 or email admin@twincountychamber.com.

Merry on Main brings the Christmas spirit to historic downtown Hillsville with an evening of small-town celebration. Neighbors gather to kick off the season, share holiday cheer, and enjoy a festive parade featuring floats that will be judged. Parade participants should have their floats lined up and set up for judging. The celebration is open to everyone.

The Malpass Brothers bring a heartfelt celebration of classic country tradition shaped by a childhood spent exploring their grandfather’s record collection. Chris and Taylor grew up studying brother-harmony greats like Jim and Jesse, the Louvin Brothers, and the Wilburn Brothers, and they soaked in the timeless sounds of legends such as Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, and Merle Haggard. They started performing together at a young age with their father, Chris Malpass Sr., and continued refining their signature close harmonies by learning directly from the artists who inspired them. Their path led to work with steel guitarist Don Helms of the Drifting Cowboys and a long stretch on the road opening for Merle Haggard. Their catalog reflects that lineage, from a debut album produced by Haggard that made its mark on CMT Pure Country, to a self-titled follow-up produced by Doyle Lawson, and a live recording that captures the drive and polish of their stage show. Their most recent release, Lonely Street, produced by Doyle Lawson and Ben Isaacs and engineered by the late Mark Capps under the guidance of executive producer Dan Mann, features new songs written largely by Chris with contributions from writers including Dickey Lee, Shawn Camp, Conrad Fisher, and Taylor Dunn, alongside nods to favorites like Merle Haggard’s “Love Slips Away” and Jeannie Seely’s “We Don’t.” Expect an evening of tight harmonies, classic influences, and a deep respect for the roots of country music.

Celebrate the season with a swing-filled holiday concert from the Elkin Big Band at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. The ensemble delivers classic Christmas jazz with a full rhythm section and a featured vocalist, covering beloved carols, jazzy standards, and memorable soundtrack favorites. The performance welcomes families and highlights the group’s high-energy, traditional big band sound that fills the hall with festive spirit. Tickets are $25 and $20.