Oct 09 Friday
Celebrate the beauty of fall at the 35th Annual Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival, returning September 19 through November 1, 2026 in Christiansburg, Virginia. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia's Favorite Fall Festival welcomes families from across the region for seven weekends at an award-winning pumpkin patch and corn maze with unforgettable farm fun.This year's festival introduces America's Harvest Celebration, honoring 250 years of America's agricultural heritage, family traditions, and the spirit of the harvest. Throughout the festival, guests will experience America's Harvest Celebration through the traditions of farm life, live music, seasonal activities, local artisans, delicious food, and the simple joys of gathering with family and friends to celebrate the harvest season.Recognized by USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards as the 4th Best Pumpkin Patch and 4th Best Corn Maze in the Nation in 2025, Sinkland Farms has become one of Southwest Virginia's premier fall destinations.Wine Festival admission includes Pumpkin Festival admission.Festival favorites include:• Hayrides to the pumpkin patch• Pick-your-own pumpkins and sunflowers• A nationally recognized corn maze• Farm animals• Kid's Zone with giant slide, jump pad, barrel train, zip line, and games• Live music (Sat/Sun)• Special performances by university a cappella groups• The Virginia Tech Highty-Tighties during Hokie Spirit Weekend• Radford University dance performances during Highlander Weekend• Arts & Crafts vendors (Sat/Sun)• Art in the Barn (Oct) featuring talented local artists and handcrafted goods• Food trucks• Face painters• Pig races (Sat/Sun)• Blacksmith demonstrations (Sat/Sun)• Chainsaw carving (Sat/Sun)• PumpkinTron, Scarecrow, and Juggling Geoff• Pony rides and horseback trail rides (Sat/Sun, extra cost)• Blue Ridge Extreme Mobile Laser Tag* (Fri/Sat/Sun, extra cost)• Beer & wine on the TerraceOpening weekend also features the 4th Annual Sinkland Farms Wine Festival on September 19-20, where guests can sample wines from Virginia wineries and spirits from local distilleries while enjoying live music and beautiful mountain views. Wine Festival admission includes Pumpkin Festival admission.Punkin' Chunkin' returns to the farm on October 3rd and 4th with Team Carbo's trebouchet, an innovative new catapult design that uses large rubber bands to power it. This catapult won't be using any motors - it's manually cocked and operated.Special musical guests include:Saturday, Oct 10 - Makenzie Phipps of NBC's The VoiceSunday, Oct 11 - Lily Comer a country favoriteSaturday, Oct 24 - Noah Spencer of NBC's The VoiceCome celebrate autumn where family traditions, agriculture, and Appalachian hospitality come together at one of Virginia's favorite fall festivals. Photographers are encouraged to get photography passes for their clients with the beautiful backdrop of sunflowers, pumpkins, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.When: Sept 19-Nov 1, 2026Thursdays (October) & Fridays: 4:00–8:00 PM (limited activities)Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (full festival)Where: Sinkland Farms3060 Riner RdChristiansburg, VA 24073Admission:Thursdays(Oct)/Fridays - $15 per person, $14 seniors, military & first responders, free for children 3 and underSaturdays/Sundays - $20 per person, $19 seniors, military & first responders, free for children 3 and underDetails: https://sinklandfarms.com/pumpkin-festival-aboutTickets: https://sinklandfarms.ticketspice.com/sinkland-farms-pumpkin-festival-2026
Oct 10 Saturday
Celebrate the rich tradition and creative future of clay at the Academy Clay Festival—a one-day event highlighting the best in pottery and ceramic arts. Set against the backdrop of crisp fall air and golden leaves in downtown Lynchburg, this festival brings together potters, sculptors, wheel throwers, and hand builders from across the region for a celebration of craftsmanship and community. Stroll through artisan booths filled with functional wares, bold sculptures, and one-of-a-kind treasures, just in time to kick off the cozy season.
Guests will enjoy artist demonstrations, educational talks, and live pottery-making in action. Don’t miss your chance to connect with makers, shop locally made ceramics, and soak in all the warm, autumn vibes.
New this year, the Academy is proud to introduce its first-ever National Juried Ceramic Exhibition, expanding the festival’s reach to showcase outstanding ceramic artists from across the country. Interested in being included in the National Juried Ceramic Exhibition? Submit your work here.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Apply now to be part of this year’s Academy Clay Festival and showcase your work among the region’s best ceramic artists!
Jake McCord, a self-taught artist from Georgia, frequently said that making art was something he did “just for fun.” He lived and worked alone and considered his art to be “company” – Once a painting was complete, McCord would install it on his front porch to share the work with the community, engaging passersby and sparking conversation.
McCord’s works are products of his imagination and his unique vision of the world. Looking at his paintings is an invitation to enter McCord’s lively and colorful world and a reminder that anyone can express themselves through creating art. "Jake McCord: Jolly Company" is on view at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum August 13 – November 14, 2026, and is on loan from Chris Ross and Traveling Art Exhibitions. Please go to Hollins.edu/Museum to find our open hours!
Please also join the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum for a community workshop inspired by McCord's paintings on Friday, October 23rd from 2-4 PM on the front plaza outside the museum.
Image Credits: Jake McCord, "Untitled (Purple Dog with Ball)," 1998. House paint on found wood, 20 x 15 inches. © Private Collection.
Oct 11 Sunday
☀️🌿 SUNNY SUNDAYS ARE FOR SHOPPING SMALL 🌿☀️
Make it a Sunday tradition and join us every week for the Brambly Park Artisan Market, where local makers, sunshine, and community vibes come together in the best way!
Stroll our outdoor, open-air market featuring an incredible lineup of local artisans selling handmade home décor, original art, jewelry, apparel, ceramics, candles, woodworking, delicious treats, and so much more. Every Sunday brings new vendors and fresh finds!
🍷 Hosted at Brambly Park - an urban winery & hidden oasis☀️ Soak up the sunshine on the beautiful outdoor patio & garden🐶 Dog-friendly (plenty of space to roam!)👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly🎶 Relaxed, feel-good Sunday vibes
Bring your friends, your family, and your pup! Grab a drink, enjoy a bite to eat, browse the market, and support the small businesses that make RVA so special. It's the perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday!
💛 FREE TO ATTEND
🛍️ #ShopLocal #SunnySundays #SundayMarket #RVAMakers #SupportSmall
👉 VENDORS: Apply at www.artisanmakers.org
Follow us on Instagram @artisanmakersva
This event runs from Apr 5, 2026 to Dec 20, 2026 and happens every:Sundays: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Oct 12 Monday
Oct 13 Tuesday
Oct 14 Wednesday