Welcome to the weekend update from Lynchburg Macaroni Kid! Before every weekend, we share the top family-friendly events in the Lynchburg area and beyond. There's no time like now to make family memories!
You'll find back to school information for Lynchburg City Schools and the surrounding county schools here:
Back to School Information 2026 for Lynchburg City and Area Schools
Lynchburg VA Area School Guide
Back to School Giveaways & End of Summer Events in the Lynchburg Area
This weekend's top events include: Altavista Block Party at Staunton River Memorial Library, Face the Forest 5K Obstacle Course Run, Ink Fest at Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre, Y.E.S. Ministries Back to School Annual Explosion at Miller Park, 50th Anniversary Celebration at Givens Books & Little Dickens, Bark In The Park at Falling Creek Park, The Park at River Ridge Grand Opening Event, No Excuse Night at National D-Day Memorial, and more
Enjoy summertime fun in the water - Summertime Water Fun: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes
Take a summer day trip - Summer Day Tripping: The Best Lynchburg Area Summer Day Trips
Each event below has a link to the event description on our website or the Facebook event page to help you make choices.
Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® this weekend and throughout the year!
We'll help you plan ahead to Find Your Family Fun® with our FREE Lynchburg Macaroni Kid newsletter and event calendar which normally publishes weekly on Thursdays at 7 AM.
Here's some of the top family events around Lynchburg for the Aug. 14-16 weekend. Visit our website to see details about all of these events!
Some of these events require advance tickets or registration. Click on each link for more details about the event. Check before you leave home as some events may be cancelled due to weather or other issues.
Aug. 14-16 Family Fun
Click on each link to our website or the event website for more details about the event.
Aug. 13 - Dec. 31 - Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944 Traveling Exhibit at National D-Day Memorial from 10 AM - 5 PM
Aug. 14 - Spirit Halloween Opens in Candlers Station
Aug. 14 - Story Time with Ms. Katelyn at Imagination Rising from 10 AM - 10:30 AM
Aug. 14 - Family Swim Fridays at Hill City Sports Center from 10 AM - 12 PM
Aug. 14-15 - $5 Thursdays and Fridays at Whimsy Pines Farm from 10 AM - 6 PM
Aug. 14 - Habitat Hike at James River State Park from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Aug. 14 - Monument Terrace Troop Rally from 12 PM - 1 PM
Aug. 14 - Crafty Critters at James River State Park from 1 PM - 2 PM
Aug. 14 - Under the Surface at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 3 PM - 3:30 PM
Aug. 14 - Light Your Fire at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 4 PM - 5 PM
Aug. 14 - Altavista Block Party at Staunton River Memorial Library from 4 PM - 7 PM
Aug. 14 - Welcoming Campfire at James River State Park from 7 PM - 8 PM
Aug. 14 - Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale from 7 PM - 10 PM
Aug. 14 - Sunset Wagon Ride at Natural Bridge State Park from 8 PM - 9 PM
Aug. 14 - Welcome Campfire: Fireside History at Holliday Lake State Park from 8 PM - 9 PM
Aug. 14-15 - Glow in the Dark Golf at Tiny Town Golf from 8 PM - 10 PM
Aug. 14 - Stargazing at Holliday Lake State Park from 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Aug. 15 - Face the Forest 5K Obstacle Course Run at 7:30 AM
Aug. 15 - Virtual CASA Information Session from 10 AM - 11 AM
Aug. 15 - Academy Presents: Ink Fest at Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre from 10 AM - 2 PM
Aug. 15 - Table Top Games at Miller Center from 12 PM - 3 PM - geared to teens and adults, but all are welcome
Aug. 15 - Y.E.S. Ministries Back to School Annual Explosion at Miller Park from 12 PM while supplies last
Aug. 15 - 50th Anniversary Celebration at Givens Books & Little Dickens from 12 PM - 5 PM
Aug. 15 - Foxes of Virginia at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 1 PM - 2 PM
Aug. 15 - Whooo's Coming to Dinner at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 1 PM - 2 PM
Aug. 15 - Friendly Feast with Hiss and Harrold at Holliday Lake State Park from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Aug. 15 - Art in the Park at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Aug. 15 - Rockin' at Holliday Lake State Park from 4 PM - 5 PM
Aug. 15 - Bark In The Park at Falling Creek Park from 4 PM - 8 PM (rescheduled from July 25)
Aug. 15 - The Park at River Ridge Grand Opening Event from 4 PM - 8 PM
Aug. 15 - No Excuse Night at National D-Day Memorial from 5 PM - 8 PM
Aug. 15 - Wagon Ride at James River State Park from 7 PM - 8 PM
Aug. 15 - "Creatures of the Night" Campfire at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Aug. 15 - Perseids Meteor Shower at James River State Park from 9 PM - 10 PM
Aug. 15 - Dark Sky Night: Perseid Meteor Shower Watch at Natural Bridge State Park from 9 PM - 10 PM
Aug. 16 - Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg from 8 AM - 10 AM
Aug. 16 - Leave it to the Beavers at Smith Mountain State Park from 11 AM - 12 PM
Aug. 16 - Turtle Time at Holliday Lake State Park from 12 PM - 1 PM
Aug. 16 - Sundays at Amazement Square from 1 PM - 5 PM
Aug. 16 - What Bird Am I at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 2 PM - 3 PM
Aug. 16 - Pine Needle Basketry at James River State Park from 3 PM - 4 PM
Aug. 16 - Discovery Center Exploration at Smith Mountain Lake State Park from 3 PM - 5 PM
Aug. 16 - A Study in Scale at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 4 PM
Also check out these events that take place daily or every weekend:
Riverfront Park Fountain (downtown) - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from dawn to dusk, weather permitting
Riverside Park Sprayground - Open daily from Memorial Day May 29 through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting
Altavista Splash Park at English Park - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting - from 12 PM - 7 PM effective July 27
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
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM - 3 PM; Sundays from 12 PM - 3 PM - free admission
Family Swim Fridays at Hill City Sports Center - Fridays from 10 AM - 12 PM ($5 per swimmer; no family pays more than $15; children under 1 are free)
Storytime at Rhodorable at River Ridge Mall - Fridays from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Monument Terrace Troop Rally - Fridays from 12 PM - 1 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
Bedford Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 12 PM from May 2 through Oct. 31
Forest Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 12 PM from April 25 - Oct. 31
Lynchburg Community Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 1 PM
Canoe and Kayak Rentals at Ivy Creek Park - Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM - 5 PM
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
Canoe and Kayak Rentals at Ivy Creek Park - Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM - 5 PM
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Sundays from 12 PM - 3 PM - free admission
Sundays at Amazement Square - Sundays from 1 PM - 5 PM
Sunday Afternoon Open Skate at AJ Skateworld - Sundays from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
You'll find all of the weekend's events on our event calendar on the Lynchburg Macaroni KID website.
Plan ahead for next week with these top events:
Aug. 17-20 Events
Aug. 17 - Babygarten: Summer Sessions - Rustburg from 10 AM - 10:45 AM
Aug. 17 - Family Storytime at Miller Center from 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Aug. 18 - First Day of School - Lynchburg City Schools (including Bass Elementary) - LCS website
Aug. 18 - Downtown Family Storytime from 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Aug. 18 - I'm No Van Gogh Paint Night at Forest Library from 5 PM - 8 PM
Aug. 19 - First Day of School - Bedford County Schools - BCPS website
Aug. 19 - Bookmobile Takes Flight: Celebrate National Aviation Day from 9 AM - 12 PM
Aug. 19 - LEGO® Club (Downtown) from 10 AM - 5 PM
Aug. 19 - Toddler Story and Craft Time at Jamerson Library from 11 AM - 12 PM and from 12 PM - 1 PM
Aug. 19 - From Hungary to Brahms, and Beyond at Peakland United Methodist Church at 7 PM
Aug. 20-21 - $5 Thursdays and Fridays at Whimsy Pines Farm - Thursdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 6 PM
Aug. 20 - Storytime Picnic at Timbrook Park from 11 AM - 1 PM
Aug. 20 - Rustburg Ruritan Community Farmers Market from 3 PM - 6 PM
Aug. 20 - Four Seasons Farm Market in Amherst from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Macaroni KID Calendar AND Newsletter Changes
National Macaroni KID recently migrated our site to a new calendar format. You've see this reflected in the calendar on our Lynchburg Macaroni KID site, as well as other Macaroni KID sites across the United States and Canada since June.
The new calendar includes large images for each event. To the extent possible, we will include links to each event in our monthly and weekend articles; however, that will not work with most of our recurring events. For those events, we will link the first event in the series; however, each event will appear as a separate event on the calendar.
National Macaroni KID has also made changes recently to the look of our weekly newsletters. There will be more national content, but there will still be the local content and events our subscribers have come to expect from us!
It will be a learning curve for all of us, so please be patient with us! Here's a link to our August article: Lynchburg VA August 2026 Family Friendly Events
You'll find all of our weekday events on our website.
In addition to the events noted above, check below for events that take place every week!
Weekly Repeating Events
These free, inexpensive, or unique events take place on multiple dates throughout the year. Some of these events are linked to the calendar, but others aren't yet linked.
Riverfront Park Fountain (downtown) - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from dawn to dusk, weather permitting
Riverside Park Sprayground - Open daily from Memorial Day May 29 through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting
Altavista Splash Park at English Park - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting
Spring Valley Farm in Moneta Open to the Public - Monday through Saturday from 8 AM - 7 PM
July 25 - Aug. 8 - Claytor Nature Center Closed to the Public
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
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
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Tuesdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Downtown Family Storytime - Tuesdays from 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM from May 5 - Aug. 25
Story Time at Amherst Library - Tuesdays at 10:30 AM throughout the year, except when library is closed
Chess Night at Miller Center - Tuesdays from 5 PM - 7 PM from May 5 - Aug. 25
Family Fun Night Karaoke Dance Party at Big Lick - Tuesdays from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
LEGO® Club at Miller Center - Wednesdays from 10 AM - 2 PM from June 3 - Aug. 26
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM - 3 PM; Sundays from 12 PM - 3 PM - free admission
LEGO® Club (Downtown) - Wednesdays from 10 AM - 5 PM from June 3 - Aug. 26
Rock-A-Bye Reader at Bedford Central Library - Wednesdays from 10:30 AM - 11 AM from Jan. 7 - Dec. 30
Toddler Time at Bedford Central Library - Wednesdays from 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM from Jan. 7 - Dec. 30
Lynchburg Grows Farm Store, 1339 Englewood Street, Lynchburg - Thursdays from 9 AM - 6 PM
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
$5 Thursdays and Fridays at Whimsy Pines Farm - Thursdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 6 PM
Story Time at Madison Heights Library - Thursdays at 10:30 AM throughout the year, except when library is closed
Free Wagon Rides at Gross Orchard - Thursdays from 10:45 AM - 12:30 through the summer
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
Adventures with Dungeons & Dragons at Bedford Central Library - Thursdays from 5 PM - 7:45 PM from Jan. 8 - Dec. 17
Chess Club at Bedford Central Library - Thursdays from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM from Jan. 8 - Dec. 17
Tai Chi at the Library at Bedford Central Library - Fridays from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM from Jan. 2 - Dec. 18
$5 Thursdays and Fridays at Whimsy Pines Farm - Thursdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 6 PM
Storytime at Rhodorable at River Ridge Mall - Fridays from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Monument Terrace Troop Rally - Fridays from 12 PM - 1 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
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
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!
See our park and playground reels and day trip reels below:
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 - Here's links to videos from various fun places in Virginia, including local ice cream and sweet treat shops!
Lynchburg Macaroni KID Blue Ridge Parkway Day Trip Videos - Here's overlook and hiking information and links to videos from along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia!
Here's some other ways to enjoy time with the family this weekend and this summer:
Lynchburg VA Area Best of Summer 2026 - Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® all summer long!
25 Cheap Ways to Enjoy Summer - Find Your Family Fun® this summer without breaking the bank!
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!
Lynchburg Area Church Playgrounds Open to the Public - Expand your playground choices by visiting these Lynchburg area church playgrounds!
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 Macaroni Kid 2026 Summer Bucket List for Kids of All Ages - Find Your Family Fun® with Lynchburg Macaroni Kid this summer!
Summer Day Tripping: The Best Lynchburg Area Summer Day Trips - Summertime is the perfect time to make memories with a summer day trip! - sponsored by Whimsy Pines Farm
Lynchburg Summer Family Day Trips, Weekend & Vacation Trips - Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg, Central Virginia, and beyond!
Lynchburg VA Area Summer Camp Guide - Check out the best summer camps in the Lynchburg area!
Lynchburg VA Area Hikes for All Seasons - Enjoy nature and get outdoors on a fun hike with the fam!
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 Virginia Parks Guide - Our most popular guide offers information about all of the public parks in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties!
Lynchburg Guide to Indoor Fun - Find Your Family Fun inside with Lynchburg Macaroni Kid!
Toddler and Preschooler Fun in Lynchburg and Beyond - The best places for fun with littles in the Lynchburg area
25 Things to Do with Kids in Lynchburg - Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® in every season in Central Virginia!
Lynchburg Virginia Parks Guide - Parks in Lynchburg and the Surrounding Counties
Aug. 14-16 Lynchburg Area Family-Friendly Weekend Events
August is Back to School Month in Central Virginia! You'll find back to school information for Lynchburg City Schools and the surrounding county schools here:
Back to School Information 2026 for Lynchburg City and Area Schools
Lynchburg VA Area School Guide
Back to School Giveaways & End of Summer Events in the Lynchburg Area
Back to School Time: Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Weekend is August 7-9, 2026
Our FREE newsletter publishes weekly on Thursdays at 7 AM. You can subscribe to our newsletter here. Our newsletter features local family-friendly events as well as crafts, recipes, boredom busters, and other ways to entertain your kids and keep them busy!
Plan ahead for family fun this weekend and share the fun with your family and friends! Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® all year long!
