Anticipate great things this season, and if need be, make them happen. We’re entering a season of anticipation, joy, warmth, and love. Stoke the fires of holiday merriment in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia this November and December when you join in the various activities, sample the latest flavors, and savor the atmosphere of one of Virginia’s best Main Street communities.
THE FLAVORS
Great apple cider is readily at hand. The Apple Harvest Festival at Sage Bird Ciderworks is all day November 6. Yes, there will be apple cider doughnuts, apple pressing, a food truck, live music, a makers’ market, and of course, the cider release.
Get the ball rolling with one of most awaited weekends of the year for Virginia craft beer lovers: Resolute Release Weekend at Brothers Craft Brewing. Resolute is their Bourbon barrel-aged stout, a flagship brew that takes nine months to come to fruition. Perfect for the season, it’s a warming mix of vanilla, oak, chocolate, and espresso. Celebrate the whole weekend starting with Shilly Shally Release November 11 and concluding with Resolute Hangover November 14. Great live music, vendors, food, and other seasonal beers will be on tap.
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THE FUN
Opera lovers will flock to The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts on November 12 for a multimedia orchestral event of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and will be offered throughout the weekend and various other times.
Sticking to the theme of master artists, “Young Picasso,” a documentary about the life of the famed painter, is airing at Court Square Theater November 13 and 14. Then, catch “The Lost Leonardo” November 17-21. Hungry for more of musical artistry? “In Search of Beethoven,” said to be the “first truly comprehensive feature length cinema documentary ever made about Beethoven,” will air November 17 and 28.
Should you find yourself in Harrisonburg or on the road through Harrisonburg on Thanksgiving Day, the Rocktown Turkey Trot is a four-mile run that will help you work up an appetite. Littles can join in, too, with the Gobble Gobble Kids Dash.
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THE SHOPPING
Embrace the handmade movement and support independent business owners and artisans when you shop Handmade Harrisonburg December 4 at Pale Fire Brewing. Enjoy a draft from the tap while you shop the vendors from noon to 6 p.m.
Holiday shopping is much more exciting when downtown is glistening and brimming over with decorations and cheer. Winter Wonderfest, December 11, is downtown Harrisonburg’s big time to shine for the holiday season. Take photos with Santa, enjoy the songs of carolers, take a carriage ride, and score a spot on the cookie tour.
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For those seeking to support black- and brown-owned businesses this holiday season, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance has a list to help you go right to those merchants.
Plan your next trip to Harrisonburg by requesting a Visitor Guide or perusing the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Destination Guide now.
Header photo courtesy of Harrisonburg Tourism.