The month of May is the unofficial start of summer here in Central Virginia. As temperatures warm up, outdoor fun takes top spot with many families. In addition to Mother's Day and Memorial Day, May also brings graduations at local colleges and high schools.
Water fun begins during the month of May in the Lynchburg area too!
Miller Park Pool, located at 2100 Park Avenue in Midtown Lynchburg, opens for the season in May and closes in early September. The pool will be open May 27 (Memorial Day); weekends only from June 1-9, daily from June 10 - Aug. 2, weekends only from Aug. 3 - Sept. 1; and Sept. 2 (Labor Day). Hours on all open days are from 1 PM - 6 PM.
Riverside Park Sprayground, located at 2238 Rivermont Avenue in Riverside Park, is open for the 2024 season daily from May 6 through Sept. 2 from 10 AM - 7 PM.
Altavista Splash Park at English Park, located at 206 Pittsylvania Avenue in Altavista, is open from May through September. The Splash Pad is open daily from 10 AM - 7 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day and weather permitting on weekends in May prior to Memorial Day and September after Labor Day.
**Note: The Riverfront Park Fountain in downtown Lynchburg will be closed in 2024 due to park construction and upgrades.
Read more about Summertime Water Fun for 2024: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes
*** Heads-up warning to all. May is commencement season for the Lynchburg area colleges and universities. In addition, it's prom season for the local high schools. Restaurants will be busy and traffic will be heavy. Plan accordingly and allow extra time and patience. This year, all of the local colleges are holding commencement ceremonies on different dates.
Randolph College will hold commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 5 at 9 AM.
Liberty University is holding commencement and degree presentation ceremonies on Mother's Day weekend. The commencement ceremony is Friday, May 10 at 7 PM with Degree Presentation Ceremonies taking place Thursday through Saturday, May 9-11.
University of Lynchburg will hold commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17.
Sweet Briar College is holding commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 18 at 1:30 PM.
Area high schools will be holding prom this month and all local high schools will hold graduation ceremonies in late May. ***
May Events in Lynchburg and Central Virginia:
These are only a few of the events taking place during the month of May (and some all summer long). These events were chosen because they are free, offer reduced prices, or are unique events we feel many families will enjoy. You can find all of the local family-friendly events in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties on the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar.
April 30 - May 5 - Lynchburg Hillcats Home Stand - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
May 1 - Mother's Day Sticker Event at Chick-fil-A River Ridge from 5 PM - 7 PM
May 1 - Mother's Day Sticker Event at Chick-fil-A Candlers Crossing from 5 PM - 7 PM
May 1 - Mother's Day Sticker Event at Chick-fil-A Wards Road from 5 PM - 7 PM
May 2-5 - 100 Mile Yard Sale Route 29 Virginia: Danville to Amherst from 7 AM - 5 PM
May 2 - National Day of Prayer at Monument Terrace from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
May 2-5 - "Disney's High School Musical" at Jefferson Forest Cavalier Theatre - May 2, 3, and 4 at 7 PM; May 4 at 1 PM; May 5 at 3 PM
May 2-5 - Liberty High School Presents "Newsies" - May 2, 3, and 4 at 7 PM; May 5 at 3 PM
May 3-4 - The 44th Annual Community School Strawberry Festival - May 3 from 11 AM - 6 PM; May 4 from 10 AM - 4 PM
May 3 - First Fridays at Vector Space from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 3 - First Fridays at Riverviews Artspace: "The Sky is Not the Limit" from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 3 - First Fridays at Academy Center of the Arts from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 3 - First Fridays at Lynchburg Art Club and Art Galleries from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 3 - Chick-fil-A Timberlake Mother's Day Minis for Dinner from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 4 - Tree of Life Ministries Tree Market from 8 AM - 1 PM
May 4 - Hill City Master Gardeners's Festival of Gardening at E. C. Glass High School from 9 AM - 1 PM
May 4 - Day Hike at Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail (leaves from Miller Center) from 9 AM - 2 PM
May 4 - Spring Market at Bible Baptist Church from 9 AM - 3 PM
May 4 - Antique Rose Festival at Old City Cemetery from 10 AM - 3 PM
May 4 - Spring Fling at Anderson's Country Market II from 10 AM - 5 PM
May 4 - May Faire Festival at The BackYard Forest VA from 10 AM - 6 PM
May 4 - Regal Saturday Morning Kids Flicks at River Ridge Mall - Saturdays through May 11; times vary
May 4 - Star Wars Storytime at Lynchburg Public Library at 10:30 AM
May 4 and May 11 - "Winnie the Pooh: Kanga Rules" at Commerce Street Theater - April 27, May 4, and May 11 at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
May 4 - 6th Annual International Festival from 11 AM - 3 PM **Canceled**
May 4 - Spring Carnival at Paul Munro Elementary School from 11 AM - 4 PM (moved indoors)
May 4 - Block Party at Waymaker Church from 11 AM - 5 PM **Canceled**
May 4 - Tabletop Gaming Saturday at Forest Library from 12:30 PM - 5 PM
May 4 - Family Fiesta at River Ridge from 2 PM - 4 PM
May 5 - Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at FunQuest from 12 PM - 7 PM
May 5 - 12th Annual IRON 5k and Youth Run in Amherst - 5k at 3 PM; Youth Run at 4 PM
May 7 - Mother's Day Family Paint Night at Miller Center - May 7 from 6 PM - 8 PM
May 10-12 - Mother's Day Weekend Celebration at FunQuest - Friday and Saturday from 12 PM - 10 PM; Sunday from 12 PM - 7 PM
May 10 - Square Dance at Riverside Park from 6:30 PM - 8 PM
May 11 - Altavista Area YMCA Kids Triathlon at 9 AM
May 11 - 15th Annual Jason Saunders Memorial Car Show at Cross Road Baptist Church from 9 AM - 12 PM
May 11 - Mother's Day Makers Market at Second Stage Amherst from 9 AM - 1 PM
May 11 - Mother's Day Pontoon Boat Tour at Smith Mountain Lake State Park at 9:15 AM
May 11 - Saturday Clay Day: Small Serving Tray at Academy Center of the Arts from 10 AM - 11:30 AM
May 11 - Toddler Saturday Character Event at FunQuest - Season Finale Paw-Ty with Chase and Skye from 10 AM - 12 PM
May 11 - Muffins with Mom at The HomeGrown Co. from 10 AM - 4 PM
May 11 - "Winnie the Pooh: Kanga Rules" at Commerce Street Theater - April 27, May 4, and May 11 at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
May 11 - Arts and Drafts Festival at Falling Creek Park from 11 AM - 6 PM
May 11 - Snow White at The Academy Center of the Arts at 11:30 AM and 4 PM
May 11 - Garden Tea Party at Hometown Finds from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
May 11 - Regal Saturday Morning Kids Flicks at River Ridge Mall - Saturdays through May 11; times vary
May 11 - Mother's Day Tea Party at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 12 PM - 1 PM
May 11 - Mother's Day Wildflower Walk at Smith Mountain Lake State Park at 1 PM
May 11 - Bedford Community Orchestra's "View from Space" Concert at Liberty High School in Bedford at 7:30 PM
May 12 - Mother's Day at Virginia Safari Park from 9 AM - 5:30 PM (last cars admitted at 4 PM)
May 12 - Moms and Makers at Beale's from 12 PM - 5 PM
May 12 - Mother's Day Tea at Avoca Museum from 1 PM - 4 PM
May 12 - Mother's Day Rose Tour at Old City Cemetery at 2:30 PM
May 14- 19 - Lynchburg Hillcats Home Stand - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
May 16 - STEAM Library Makers with Amazement Square: Planting Flowers at Forest Library at 10:30 AM
May 16-19 - "the Great Unstoppable Mighty Mites Take the Field (Again)" at Commerce Street Theater (May 16, 17, and 18 at 7 PM; May 18 at 2 PM; May 19 at 3 PM)
May 16-19 - "Shrek the Musical" at Lynchburg Christian Academy (May 16-18 at 7 PM; May 18 at 2 PM; and May 19 at 3 PM)
May 17 - Enchanted Trail at Timbrook Library from 11 AM - 5 PM
May 17-19 - Dunbar Theatre Presents "Matilda Jr." - May 17 and 18 at 7 PM; May 18 at 2 PM; May 19 at 3 PM
May 18 - Exhibit Explorers: Baseball Edition at 10 AM
May 18 - Preschool Music and Art Program at Second Stage Amherst at 10 AM
May 18 - Art in the Park at Riverside Park from 10 AM - 3 PM **Canceled**
May 18 - Pack the Convoy at National D-Day Memorial from 10 AM - 3 PM
May 18 - National Kids to Parks Day at Explore Park in Roanoke from 10 AM - 3 PM
May 18 - Block Party at Amelon Square Plaza from 10:30 AM - 2 PM
May 18 - Vision 30 Thrive Fest from 11 AM - 3 PM
May 18 - Pooch Picnic at Hometown Finds from 12 PM - 4 PM
May 18 - Chess for Kids at Lynchburg Public Library from 3 PM - 4 PM
May 18 - Movies on the Field in Amherst: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" gates open at 5 PM; movie at dusk
May 18 - Outdoor Movie: "Disney's Wish" at First Christian Church at 8 PM
May 19 - Bells of the Blue Ridge presents "These Are a Few of Our Favorite Rings" Concert at Forest Presbyterian Church at 4 PM
May 21 - Amazement Square STEAM Library Makers Program at Jamerson Memorial Library at 11 AM
May 21 - Bells of the Blue Ridge presents "These Are a Few of Our Favorite Rings" Concert at West Lynchburg Baptist Church at 7 PM
May 22 - Preschool Story & Craft Time at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library at 11 AM and 12 PM
May 23 - Run for the Wall at Bedford Area Welcome Center from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
May 23 - Family Movie Matinee at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library at 4 PM
May 24 - Last Day of School - Early Dismissal for Lynchburg City Schools
May 24-27 - Warehouse Book Sale at Neverland Books - Friday, Saturday, and Monday from 9 AM - 6 PM; Sunday from 12 PM - 6 PM
May 24-25 - Summer Carnival at Courtland Festival Park in Appomattox - Friday from 5 PM - 9 PM; Saturday from 12 PM - 8 PM
May 24 - Craft and Draft Market at Loose Shoe Brewery from 5 PM - 7 PM
May 24 - Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works from 6 PM - 10 PM
May 24 - Stars and Stripes Forever: Patriotic Concert at National D-Day Memorial at 7 PM
May 25-26 - Weekend Activities at Virginia State Parks at various times
May 25 - Bike Night at Mountain View Church at 4 PM
May 27 - No School for Lynchburg City Schools (Memorial Day)
May 27 - Memorial Day 10k Run and 2-Mile Walk at 8 AM
May 27 - "A Day of Remembrance" at Fort Saunders in Nelson County from 10 AM - 4 PM
May 27 - Memorial Day Observance at Monument Terrace at 10:40 AM
May 27 - Memorial Day Observance: Remembering Their Sacrifice at National D-Day Memorial at 11 AM
May 27 - Memorial Day Cheap Skate at FunQuest from 12 PM - 9 PM
May 27 - Public Swim Hours at Miller Park Pool (Memorial Day) from 1 PM - 6 PM
May 28 - June 2 - Lynchburg Hillcats Home Stand - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
May 29 - Summer On the Farm at Lottie J Farm from 10 AM - 2 PM
May 29 - Farm Bureau Preschool Story & Craft Time at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library at 11 AM and 12 PM
May 29 - Wildcrafting at Forest Library from 2 PM - 3:30 PM
May 30 - River Ridge Kids Club from 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
May 30 - LEGO® Club at Forest Library from 5 PM - 6:30 PM
May 30 - Lynchburg Pops Community Band: Celebrate with the Pops at Academy Center of the Arts at 7:30 PM
May 31 - June 1 - $1 Sidewalk Sale at Mission Thrift from 9 AM - 5 PM
May 31 - FriYay Cheers at Avoca Museum from 5:30 PM - 9 PM
May 31 - Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works from 6 PM - 10 PM
May 31 - June 2 - Renaissance Theatre Presents "Willy Wonka" at Miller Center (also June 7-9) Friday/Saturday at 7:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
In addition to the events noted above, there are many weekday recurring events on our calendar of events!
Recurring Weekly Events
Riverside Park Sprayground - Open daily from May 15 through Sept. 2 from 10 AM - 7 PM
Altavista Splash Park at English Park - Open daily from May 27 through Sept. 2 from 10 AM - 7 PM
Miller Park Pool - Open May 27 (Memorial Day); weekends only from June 1-9, daily from June 10 - Aug. 2, weekends only from Aug. 3 - Sept. 1; and Sept. 2 (Labor Day) from 1 PM - 6 PM
Riverfront Park Fountain (downtown) will be CLOSED for the 2024 season due to construction
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM; Sundays from 12 PM - 4 PM
BSA Troop 729 (all girls) and Troop 29 (all boys) at Peakland United Methodist Church - Mondays at 7 PM (ages 11-17) starting April 22
Preschool Community Playgroups at Yoder Center - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM (Sept. 5–May 23)
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Books 4 Fun at Forest Library (ages 3-6) - Tuesdays at 10:30 AM from May 28 - July 16
Story Time with Ms. Anna at Amherst Library - Tuesdays from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Teen Tuesdays at Lynchburg Public Library - Tuesdays from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM from Jan. 2 - May 28
The Market at Second Stage Amherst - Tuesdays from 4 PM - 6 PM from May 21 - Sept. 24
Lynchburg Community Market Wednesday Farmers Market - Wednesdays from 9 AM - 1 PM from May 15 - Sept. 25
Babygarten at CCPLS-Altavista - Wednesdays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from April 10 – May 1
Babygarten at CCPLS-Timbrook - Wednesdays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from April 10 – May 1
Preschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11 AM
Preschool Community Playgroups at Daniel's Hill Center - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM (Sept. 6 - May 24)
Books 4 Fun at Forest Library (ages 3-6) - Wednesdays at 10:30 AM from May 29 - July 17
Homeschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM - 12 PM
Story Time with Ms. Anna at Madison Heights Library - Thursdays from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Storytime Picnic - Timbrook Library - Thursdays from March 14 - May 16, 2024 from 11 AM - 1 PM
Babygarten at CCPLS - Brookneal - Thursdays from 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM from April 11 – May 2
Rustburg Farmers Market - Thursdays from 3 PM - 6 PM from April 18 through fall
Four Season Farm Market in Amherst - Thursdays from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM from April 4 through Oct. 31
Monument Terrace Troop Rally - Fridays from 12 PM - 1 PM
The Nature Zone - Fridays and Saturdays from 12 PM - 4 PM at Miller Center in Lynchburg
Glow in the Dark Golf at Tiny Town Golf - Fridays and Saturdays from sundown - 10 PM
Lynchburg Community Market - Saturdays from 7 AM - 2 PM
Forest Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 12 PM from April 27 - Oct. 26
Bedford Farmers Market - Saturdays from 9 AM - 12 PM from May 4 - Oct. 26
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Sundays from 8 AM - 10 AM
Find more family friendly events, including all Lynchburg Hillcats Home Games, on the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid event calendar!
Spring and Summer Anytime Family Fun:
Here's a few of our favorite articles to help you celebrate and remember during the month of May.
17 Ways to Share Love on Mother's Day - Whether nearby or far away, moms are always close in your heart!
Lynchburg VA Mother's Day 2024 Shop Local Guide - Shop local for a unique Mother's Day gift for all the moms in your life!
Lynchburg and Central Virginia Mother's Day Events to Celebrate Mom - Celebrate mom on Mother's Day weekend with these local events!
10 Ways to Show Your Appreciation to Your Child's Teachers - Teacher appreciation week is May 6-10, 2024
How to Plan a Graduation or End of School Year Party - An end of school year party is a great way to celebrate the year's accomplishments!
Summertime Water Fun 2024: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes - Find Your Family Fun® this summer in the water with Lynchburg Macaroni Kid!
Ice Cream and Sweet Frosty Treats in Lynchburg 2024 - Our Ice Cream and Sweet Frosty Treats Guide includes information about what's available at each spot.
Lynchburg and Central Virginia Orchards and Farmers Markets 2024 - Find farm fresh produce and Find Your Family Fun® at Central Virginia farmers markets and orchards!
Teaching Your Children the Meaning of Memorial Day: Honor the Fallen - In-person and virtual events to observe Memorial Day 2024
You'll find ALL of our Summer 2024 articles in this Best of Summer Guide:
Lynchburg VA Area Best of Summer 2024 - Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® all summer long!
Follow us on Facebook for lots of shared local events, subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter to be first to know what's happening around town, and check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid website anytime to Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg and Central Virginia!
