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 late May and closes in late August. Schedule for summer 2025 hasn't yet been announced.
Riverside Park Sprayground - Open daily from mid-May through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM. Opening date for 2025 hasn't yet been announced.
Altavista Splash Park at English Park - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM and weather permitting on weekends in May and September
Riverfront Park Fountain (downtown) - Open daily from late May through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM. Opening date for 2025 hasn't yet been announced.
Read more about Summertime Water Fun: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes - Sponsored by Rainbow Forest Recreation Association!
*** 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 activities on May 10-11, 2025, with Commencement Ceremony on May 11 at 9 AM.
Liberty University is holding commencement and degree presentation ceremonies on May 8-10, 2025. The commencement ceremony is May 9, 2025 at 7 PM with Degree Presentation Ceremonies taking place May 8-10, 2025.
University of Lynchburg will hold commencement ceremonies on May 15-16, 2025 with Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 15 at 9 AM and multiple Hooding and Commencement Ceremonies on May 15-16, 2025.
Sweet Briar College is holding commencement ceremonies on May 17, 2025 at 10 AM.
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 weekend 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.
May 2-4 Weekend Events
April 29 - May 4 - "The Music Man" at Jefferson Forest Cavalier Theatre - April 29, 30, May 1, 2, 3 at 7 PM; May 4 at 3 PM
May 1-2 - "Footloose" at E.C. Glass High School - May 1, 2, 9, and 10 at 7 PM; May 10 at 2 PM
May 2 - First Friday at Lynchburg Museum from 5 PM - 7 PM verity
May 2 - First Fridays in Lynchburg at Lynchburg Art Club and Art Galleries from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 2 - First Fridays at Academy Center of the Arts from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 2 - First Friday at Vector Space from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 2 - Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works from 6 PM - 10 PM
May 3 - 30th Annual Antique Rose Festival at Old City Cemetery from 9 AM - 2 PM
May 3 - Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2025 - April 5, 12, 19, 26, and May 3 at 10 AM
May 3 - The 45th Annual Community School Strawberry Festival from 10 AM - 4 PM
May 3 - Family Craft at Lynchburg Public Library from 11 AM - 1 PM
May 3 - International Festival from 11 AM - 4 PM
May 3 - Tabletop Gaming Saturday at Forest Library from 12:30 PM - 5 PM
May 3 - Challenged Sports Presents Mommas, Mimosas, & Music from 1 PM - 6 PM
May 9-11 Weekend Events
May 9 - Enchanted Trail at Timbrook Park from 11 AM - 5 PM
May 9 - Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works from 6 PM - 10 PM
May 9 - Game Night at Court Street United Methodist Church from 6:30 PM - 9 PM
May 9-10 - "Footloose" at E.C. Glass High School - May 9 and 10 at 7 PM; May 10 at 2 PM
May 10 - Mother’s Day Fun Run / Walk at Linkhorne Middle School at 8 AM
May 10 - Toddler Saturday Character Event at FunQuest - PJ Masks - Season Finale from 10 AM - 12 PM
May 10 - Storytime at Timbrook Library from 10:30 AM - 12 PM
May 10 -
May 11 - Mother's Day
May 16-18 Weekend Events
May 16 - Family Swim Fridays at Crosswhite Athletic Club from 10 AM - 12 PM
May 16 - Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works from 6 PM - 10 PM
May 18 - Sunday Open Farm Days at Lottie J Farm from 12 PM - 5 PM
May 23-26 Weekend Events
May 23 - Family Swim Fridays at Crosswhite Athletic Club from 10 AM - 12 PM
May 23 - Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works from 6 PM - 10 PM
May 24 - Brainy Board Games at Lynchburg Public Library from 11 AM - 1 PM
May 26 - Memorial Day
May 26 - No School for Lynchburg City Schools for Memorial Day
May 30 - June 1 Weekend Events
May 30 - Family Swim Fridays at Crosswhite Athletic Club from 10 AM - 12 PM
May 30 - Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works from 6 PM - 10 PM
May 31 - Last Saturdays at Rustburg Library from 10 AM - 12 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 mid-May through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM. Opening date for 2025 hasn't yet been announced.
Altavista Splash Park at English Park - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM and weather permitting on weekends in May and September
Miller Park Pool - Open from late May through mid-August; Schedule for summer 2025 hasn't yet been announced.
Riverfront Park Fountain (downtown) - Open daily from late May through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM. Opening date for 2025 hasn't yet been announced.
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM; Sundays from 12 PM - 4 PM
Rock-A-Bye Reader at Forest Library (0-21 months) - Mondays at 10:15 AM from Jan. 6 - Dec. 29 (no event on dates library is closed)
Babygarten at Lynchburg Public Library - Mondays at 10:30 AM from Jan. 6 - May 19 (closed Jan. 20 and Feb. 17)
Rock-A-Bye Reader at Forest Library (21 months - 3 years) - Mondays at 11:15 AM from Jan. 6 - Dec. 29 (no event on dates library is closed)
Preschool Community Playgroups (Yoder Center) - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Story Time with Ms. Anna at Amherst Library - Tuesdays from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM through May 27
Teen Tuesdays at Lynchburg Public Library - Tuesdays from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM from Jan. 7 - June 3
Preschool Community Playgroups (Daniel's Hill) - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Preschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11 AM
Family Storytime at Lynchburg Public Library - Wednesdays at 10:30 AM from Jan. 8 - May 28 (no program April 16)
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 through May 29
Storytime Picnic at Timbrook Park Pavilion - Thursdays from 11 AM - 1 PM from March 20 - May 29
Family Swim Fridays at Crosswhite Athletic Club - Fridays from 10 AM - 12 PM
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
Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale Works - Fridays from April 18 through September from 6 PM - 10 PM
Friday and Saturday Night Open Skate at AJ Skateworld - Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 PM - 9 PM
Free Music Friday at Loose Shoe Too Brewery - Fridays from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Forest Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 12 PM starting April 26
Lynchburg Community Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 1 PM
Food Bank at Madison House of the Arts - Saturdays from 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday Afternoon Open Skate at AJ Skateworld - Saturdays from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Sundays from 8 AM - 10 AM
Sundays at Amazement Square - Sundays from 1 PM - 5 PM
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 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 5-9, 2025
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: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes - Sponsored by Rainbow Forest Recreation Association, Find Your Family Fun® this summer in the water!
Ice Cream and Sweet Frosty Treats in Lynchburg - Our updated Ice Cream and Sweet Frosty Treats Guide includes what's available at each spot.
Lynchburg Summer Family Day Trips, Weekend & Vacation Trips - Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg, Central Virginia, and beyond!
25 Cheap Ways to Enjoy Summer - Find Your Family Fun® this summer without breaking the bank!
Lynchburg VA Area Farmers Markets and Orchards - Find the best fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and orchards in the Lynchburg area!
Lynchburg VA Area Campground Guide - Are you ready? Camping season has begun!
Lynchburg VA Area Summer Camp Guide - Check out the best summer camps in the Lynchburg area!
Teaching Your Children the Meaning of Memorial Day: Honor the Fallen - In-person and virtual events to observe Memorial Day 2025
You'll find ALL of our Summer 2025 articles in this Best of Summer Guide:
Lynchburg VA Area Best of Summer 2025 - 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!
