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, is closed for the 2026 season due to the demolition and new construction of Miller Park Pool
Riverside Park Sprayground - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM. Opening date for 2026 hasn't yet been announced.
Altavista Splash Park at English Park - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM. In the past, the splash park has also been open, weather permitting, on some weekends in May and September.
Riverfront Park Fountain (downtown) - Closed due to new Amphitheater
Read more about Summertime Water Fun: 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, the local colleges are holding commencement ceremonies on various dates.
University of Lynchburg will hold commencement activities on May 7-8, 2026 with Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 7 at 9 AM, Graduate Commencement Ceremony on May 8 at 9 AM, and multiple Hooding and Commencement Ceremonies on May 6, 2026.
Randolph College will hold commencement activities on May 9-10, 2026, with Commencement Ceremony on May 10, 2026 at 9 AM.
Liberty University is holding commencement and degree presentation activities on May 14-16, 2026. The commencement ceremony is May 15, 2026 at 7 PM, and Degree Presentation Ceremonies taking place May 14-16, 2026.
Sweet Briar College is holding commencement activities on May 15-16, 2026 at 10 AM, with Commencement Ceremony on May 16 at 10 AM.
Area high schools will be holding prom this month and local high schools will hold graduation ceremonies in late May through early June.***
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 1-3 Weekend Events
April 30 - May 3 - 100 Mile Yard Sale Route 29 Virginia: Danville to Amherst from 8 AM - 5 PM
April 30 - May 2 - City on a Hill Youth Theater Presents "The Matchmaker" at Hyland Heights Baptist Church - April 30 - May 1 at 7 PM; May 2 at 2 PM and 7 PM;(also May 7-9)
April 30 - May 3 - "Mary Poppins" at Rustburg High School - April 30 - May 2 at 7 PM; May 3 at 2 PM
April 30 - May 3 - "Les Misérables" at Jefferson Forest Cavalier Theatre - April 30, May 1, and May 2 at 7 PM; May 3 at 3 PM
May 1 - Early Dismissal for Lynchburg City Schools - **FULL SCHOOL DAY; snow make-up day**
May 1 - $5 Friday at Whimsy Pines Farm from 10 AM - 1 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM: Book online in advance
May 1-2 - Friends of the Rustburg Library Yard Sale at Campbell County Public Library in Rustburg - May 1 from 12 PM - 6 PM; May 2 from 8 AM - 12 PM
May 1 - Homeschool Skate at AJ Skateworld from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
May 1 - First Friday at Vector Space: Boomerang Build from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 1 - First Friday at Academy Center of the Arts from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 1 - First Friday at Lynchburg Art Club and Art Galleries from 5 PM - 8 PM
May 1 - First Fridays at Falling Creek Park in Bedford at 6:30 PM
May 1-2, May 7-9 - The Sound of Music presented by Liberty Christian Academy at 7 PM
May 1-3 - Liberty High School Presents “Little Shop of Horrors" - May 1-2 at 7 PM; May 3 at 3 PM
May 2 - Pancake Breakfast at Monelison Volunteer Fire Department from 8 AM - 12 PM
May 2 - Friends of the Rustburg Library Yard Sale at Campbell County Public Library in Rustburg from 8 AM - 12 PM
May 2 - Hill City Master Gardeners's Festival of Gardening at E. C. Glass High School from 9 AM - 1 PM
May 2 - Plant Sale at Rustburg Middle School from 9 AM - 2 PM
May 2 - Lynchburg Grows 4th Annual Plant Sale from 9 AM - 3 PM
May 2 - Book Sale at Staunton River Memorial Library from 9:30 AM - 1 PM
May 2 - 230 Years Celebration at New London Academy from 10 AM - 2 PM
May 2 - Pooch Picnic at Hometown Finds from 10 AM - 2 PM
May 2 - Spring Time on the Farm at Lottie J Farm from 10 AM - 3 PM **EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER**
May 2 - 31st Annual Antique Rose Festival at Old City Cemetery from 10 AM - 3 PM
May 2 - Amazement Square's Free Comic Book Day from 10 AM - 5 PM
May 2 - ASCE STEM Saturday: Concrete for Kids 2026 from 11 AM - 1 PM
May 2 - Saddle Up into Summer at Chick-fil-A Candlers Crossing from 11 AM - 1 PM
May 2 - Spring Carnival at Paul Munro Elementary School from 11 AM - 3 PM
May 2 - Big Otter Mill Spring Festival from 11 AM - 3 PM
May 2 - International Festival at Riverfront Park Amphitheater from 12 PM - 5 PM
May 2 - Tabletop Gaming Saturday at Forest Library from 12:30 PM - 5 PM
May 2 - Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center’s Spring Community Campfire from 3 PM - 5 PM
May 2 - Family Fiesta at River Ridge Mall from 4 PM - 6 PM
May 2 - Saturday Matinee at Bedford Central Library at 3:30 PM
May 2 - Chase Band at New London Ruritan Club from 7 PM - 10 PM
May 3 - Stage Ready Dance Competition at E. C. Glass High School from 8 AM - 6 PM
May 3 - Kids Bowl Free at Liberty University Montview Bowling Alley from 1 PM - 6 PM
May 3 - Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2026 - April 19, April 26, May 3, May 17, and May 24 at 3 PM
May 3 - Piano Dedication Recital at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 3 PM
May 3 - "All Creatures Great and Small" Spring Choral Concert at 4 PM
May 8-10 (Mother's Day) Weekend Events
May 5-10 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
May 7-9 - The Sound of Music presented by Liberty Christian Academy at 7 PM
May 7-9 - City on a Hill Youth Theater Presents "The Matchmaker" at Hyland Heights Baptist Church - May 7-8 at 7 PM; May 9 at 2 PM and 7 PM
May 8 - Downtown Plant Swap with PREAM at Lynchburg Public Library Downtown Branch from 5 PM - 7 PM
May 9 - Mother's Day Pontoon Boat Tour at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 9:30 AM - 11 AM *event full
May 9 - Spring Market & Pottery Outlet Sale at Emerson Creek Pottery from 10 AM - 2 PM
May 9 - Market on the Lawn at Amherst Vintage Market from 10 AM - 4 PM
May 9 - Mom's Day in the Park at Falling Creek Park in Bedford from 10 AM - 4:30 PM
May 9 - Mother's Day Tea Party at Smith Mountain Lake State Park at 12 PM
May 9 - Friends Board Game Cafe at Bedford Central Library from 12 PM - 3 PM
May 9 - Mother's Day Wildflower Walk at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 1 PM - 1:30 PM
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 10 - Mother's Day Plant Sale at Great Day Gardens from 11 AM - 3 PM
May 10 - Free Admission for Moms at Hill City AquaZoo from 12 PM - 6 PM
May 10 - Mother's Day Tea at Avoca Museum from 1 PM - 4 PM
May 15-17 Weekend Events
May 15-17 - Dunbar Theatre Presents “Dot and the Kangaroo Jr.” - May 15 at 7 PM; May 16 at 2 PM and 7 PM; May 17 at 3 PM
May 15 - Boards & Bites at Unity in the Seven Hills at 7 PM
May 16 - Cars and Coffee at Tree of Life Ministries from 8 AM - 10 AM
May 16 - National Kids to Parks Day at Smith Mountain Lake from 10 AM - 2 PM
May 16 - Community Resource Event at One Community One Voice from 10 AM - 2 PM
May 16 - National Kids to Parks Day at James River State Park from 10 AM - 3 PM
May 16 - National Kids to Parks Day at High Bridge Trail State Park from 10 AM - 4 PM
May 16 - Confidence and Self-Defense Workshop (Ages 7-12) at Lynchburg Public Library Downtown Branch from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
May 16 - Armed Forces Day Parade in Bedford at 11 AM
May 16 - Armed Forces Day Concert at Sims Farm - gates open at 12 PM; music from 2 PM - 6 PM
May 16 - 7th Annual Kitten Shower at Lynchburg Humane Society from 1 PM - 3 PM
May 16 - Teen Creative Writing Club at Forest Library from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
May 16 - Mizfit Cosplayers of VA at Forest Library from 6 PM - 9 PM
May 16 - Back Road Band at New London Ruritan Club from 7 PM - 10 PM
May 16 - Lynchburg Choral Union Spring Concert: "For a Breath of Ecstasy" at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church at 7:30 PM
May 16 - Movie Night on the Lawn: "Zootopia 2" at Iceland's in Appomattox at 8 PM
May 17 - 43rd Brick Dedication at Awareness Garden at 2 PM
May 17 - Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2026 - April 19, April 26, May 3, May 17, and May 24 at 3 PM
May 17 - Lynchburg Choral Union Spring Concert: "For a Breath of Ecstasy" at First Christian Church at 3:30 PM
May 17 - Selah Showcase at Academy Center of the Arts at 4 PM
May 18 - Graduation for Appomattox County High School at 7 PM
May 22-25 Weekend Events
May 19-24 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
May 22 - Enchanted Trail at Timbrook Library from 11 AM - 5 PM
May 22 - 4th Friday: Family Fun & Games at Big Island Library from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
May 22 - Teen Movie Night at Forest Library at 4 PM
May 22-23 - Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department’s First Annual Fireman’s Carnival - May 22 from 4 PM - 9 PM; May 23 from 1 PM - 9 PM
May 22 - Graduation for Amherst County High School at 7 PM
May 23 - Graduation for Bedford County Public Schools - JFHS at 9:30 AM; LHS at 1:30 PM; SRHS at 5 PM
May 23 - Fatherhood Fun Day at The Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center from 10 AM - 4 PM
May 23 - Car Show and Fun Day at Grace Baptist Church from 11 AM - 3 PM
May 23 - New Moon Astronomy Viewing at James River State Park from 9 PM - 10 PM
May 24 - Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2026 at 3 PM (last day unless rain day is needed)
May 25 - Memorial Day
May 25 - No School for Lynchburg City Schools for Memorial Day
May 25 - National Park Service Fee Free Days - Memorial Day
May 25 - Memorial Day 10K and 2 Mile Walk at 8 AM
May 25 - Memorial Day Observance at Monument Terrace at 11 AM
May 25 - Memorial Day Observance at National D-Day Memorial at 11 AM
May 25 - Memorial Day Skate at FunQuest from 12 PM - 9 PM
May 29-31 Weekend Events
May 26-31 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
May 29 - June 1 - VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission Mobile Museum Experience at Patrick Henry's Red Hill from 9 AM - 5 PM (Sunday from 1-5 PM)
May 29 - Naturalization Ceremony & Patrick Henry’s 290th Birthday at Red Hill at 11 AM
May 29 - Homeschool Skate at AJ Skateworld from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
May 30 - 250th Anniversary Living History Event at Bedford Central Library from 10 AM - 4 PM
May 29 - Graduation for Campbell County Public Schools - Brookville High School at 7 PM
May 30 - Graduation for Campbell County Public Schools - Altavista at 10 AM; Rustburg at 1 PM; William Campbell at 4 PM
May 30 - These Rocks Tell a Story Ranger Led Walk at Natural Bridge State Park from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
May 30 - YMCA of Central Virginia Water Safety Day from 1 PM - 3:30 PM
May 30 - The Second Wind Band at New London Ruritan Club from 7 PM - 10 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. Currently closed for maintenance.
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. Currently closed for maintenance.
Spring Valley Farm in Moneta Open to the Public - Monday through Saturday from 8 AM - 7 PM
Claytor Nature Center Open to the Public - Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM winter hours
Visit Appomattox Court House National Historical Park - Open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM - free admission
Tot Time at Staunton River Memorial Library - Mondays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from April 20 - May 11
Babygarten at Campbell County Public Library in Rustburg - Mondays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from May 4 - May 18
Rock-A-Bye Reader at Forest Library (0-21 months) - Mondays at 10:15 from Jan. 5 - Dec. 28 except when library is closed
Family Storytime at Miller Center - Mondays at 10:30 AM from Feb. 2 - May 18 except when library is closed
Rock-A-Bye Reader at Forest Library (21 months - 3 years) - Mondays at 11:15 from Jan. 5 - Dec. 28 except when library is closed
Babygarten at Timbrook Library - Session A - Tuesdays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from April 21 - May 12
Preschool Play Group at Yoder Neighborhood Center - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM from Sept. 2 - May 28
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Tuesdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Story Time at Amherst Library - Tuesdays at 10:30 AM throughout the year, except when library is closed
Family Fun Night Karaoke Dance Party at Big Lick - Tuesdays from 5:30 PM - 8:3 PM
Babygarten at Staunton River Memorial Library - Wednesdays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from April 22 - May 13
Tot Time at Campbell County Public Library in Rustburg - Wednesdays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from May 6 - May 20
Preschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11 AM from Aug. 20 - late May
Preschool Play Group at Daniel's Hill Neighborhood Center - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM from Sept. 3 - May 29
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM - 3 PM; Sundays from 12 PM - 3 PM - free admission
Open Art Studio at Amazement Square - Wednesday through Saturday: 10 AM -12 PM, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, and 3 PM - 5 PM
Builders Club at Lynchburg Public Library Downtown Branch - Wednesdays from 10 AM - 5 PM from Jan. 7 - May 27
Rock-A-Bye Reader at Bedford Central Library - Wednesdays from 10:30 AM - 11 AM from Jan. 7 - Dec. 30
Homeschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM - 12 PM from Aug. 20 - late May
Toddler Time at Bedford Central Library - Wednesdays from 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM from Jan. 7 - Dec. 30
Babygarten at Timbrook Library - Session B - Wednesdays from 1 PM - 1:45 PM from April 22 - May 13
Tot Time at Patrick Henry Memorial Library - Thursdays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from April 23 - May 14
Preschool Play Group at Yoder Neighborhood Center - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM from Sept. 2 - May 28
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Open Art Studio at Amazement Square - Wednesday through Saturday: 10 AM -12 PM, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, and 3 PM - 5 PM
Story Time at Madison Heights Library - Thursdays at 10:30 AM throughout the year, except when library is closed
Books 4 Fun at Big Island Library (ages 3-5) - Thursdays at 10:30 AM from Jan. 29 - April 16, except when library is closed
Storytime Picnic at Timbrook Library - Thursdays from 11 AM - 1 PM from March 26 - May 28
Babygarten at Patrick Henry Memorial Library - Thursdays from 12 PM - 12:45 PM from April 23 - May 14
Rustburg Ruritan Community Farmers Market - Thursdays from 3 PM - 6 PM from April 23 - Oct. 29
Four Seasons Farm Market in Amherst - Thursdays from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM from April 2 - Oct. 29
Chess Club at Bedford Central Library - Thursdays from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM from Jan. 8 - Dec. 17
Tot Time at Timbrook Library - Fridays from 10 AM - 10:45 AM from April 24 - May 8
Preschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11 AM from Aug. 20 - late May
Preschool Play Group at Daniel's Hill Neighborhood Center - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM from Sept. 3 - May 29
Open Art Studio at Amazement Square - Wednesday through Saturday: 10 AM -12 PM, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, and 3 PM - 5 PM
Family Swim Fridays at Crosswhite Athletic Club - Fridays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Storytime at Rhodorable at River Ridge Mall - Fridays from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Homeschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM - 12 PM from Aug. 20 - late May
Monument Terrace Troop Rally - Fridays from 12 PM - 1 PM
Friday Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Fridays from 6 PM - 8 PM from Jan. 16 - May 29
Friday Cheers at the Grinnin' Bear Tavern - Fridays from 6 PM - 10 PM from April 24 - June 26
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
Glow in the Dark Golf at Tiny Town Golf - Fridays and Saturdays from 8 PM - 10 PM from April through November
Bedford Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 12 PM from May 2 through Oct. 31
Lynchburg Community Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 1 PM
Forest Farmers Market - Saturdays from 9 AM - 12 PM from April 25 - Oct. 31
Lynchburg Food Not Bombs Food Giveaway at Miller Park - Saturdays from 11 AM - 1 PM
Leah's Free Food Bank at Madison House of the Arts - Saturdays from 1 PM - 3:30 PM
Saturday Afternoon Open Skate at AJ Skateworld - Saturdays from 2 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday and Saturday Night Open Skate at AJ Skateworld - Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 PM - 9 PM
Glow in the Dark Golf at Tiny Town Golf - Fridays and Saturdays from 8 PM - 10 PM from April through November
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Sundays from 8 AM - 10 AM
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Sundays from 12 PM - 3 PM - free admission
Save on Sundays at FunQuest - Sundays in February from 12 PM - 7 PM
Sundays at Amazement Square - Sundays from 1 PM - 5 PM
Open Art Studio at Amazement Square - Sundays from 1 PM - 2:30 PM and 3 PM – 4:30 PM
Sunday Afternoon Open Skate at AJ Skateworld - Sundays from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Stay tuned as more events are added to our calendar regularly!
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, remember, and enjoy 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
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 - Find Your Family Fun® this summer in the water!
Sprayground and Splash Pad Fun in Lynchburg and Beyond - Find Your Family Fun® this summer at spraygrounds and spray pads in the Lynchburg area and beyond!
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 Area Church Playgrounds Open to the Public - Expand your playground choices by visiting these Lynchburg area church playgrounds!
Find Lynchburg Area Parks and Playgrounds Videos on Our Facebook Page - Check out videos from the parks and playgrounds Lynchburg Macaroni KID has visited!
Explore Virginia on Day Trips with Lynchburg Macaroni KID Videos - Here's links to videos from various fun places around town and across Virginia. Come along with us on a day trip!
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!
Planning a Graduation or End of School Party and Local Graduation Dates - An end of school year party is a great way to celebrate the year's accomplishments!
Teaching Your Children the Meaning of Memorial Day: Honor the Fallen - In-person and virtual events to observe Memorial Day 2026
You'll find ALL of our Summer 2026 articles in this Best of Summer Guide:
Lynchburg VA Area Best of Summer 2026 - Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® all summer long!
Summer Day Tripping: The Best Lynchburg Area Summer Day Trips - Summertime is the perfect time to make memories with a summer day trip!
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!
