Damascus, Virginia has built quite the reputation for offering can’t-miss festivals and events that draw a large crowd, including the longstanding Appalachian Trail Days Festival in May and the Independence Day Celebration in July. There’s an adventure for everyone here!
Looking for something to do today, tomorrow, or next weekend? Check out the community events calendar to find live music and other activities nearby:
Races & Ultramarathons
Damascus is a running town! Whether you choose a 3-hour timed race or 5K right in downtown, or 50 miles on the rugged Iron Mountain Trail, there’s something here for everyone:
– Virginia Creeper Marathon (April)
– Grayson Highlands 50 Mile / 50K / 25K (May)
– Trail Days Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids’ K (May)
– Dam Yeti 50 Miler & 55K (June)
– Iron Mountain Trail Run 50M / 30M / 16M (September)
– Damascus Festival of Miles 12hr / 6hr / 3hr (October)
First Day Hikes
January 1 – Start off the new year on the right foot with a hike! First Day Hikes is an initiative of America’s State Parks, and hiking events are offered at state parks across the country. Find a guided hike or choose your own adventure. Damascus is the perfect basecamp for three Virginia State Parks within less than an hour and a half: Grayson Highlands State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, and Natural Tunnel State Park. More info.
Damascus Trout Days
April & September – Trout Days is a trout fishing tournament held on Laurel Creek and Beaverdam Creek within town limits twice a year, in April and September. Register in advance; limited to 200 anglers; cash prizes up to $1,000.
Damascus Farmers Market
May thru October – Open on Thursday evenings 4-7pm, temporarily located at The Speckled Trout Annex, 106 West Laurel Avenue. Stop by to support local and find fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, craft items, and more. Live music weekly.
Town-Wide Yard Sale
May 9 – Find yard sale vendors at the Town Park and throughout town. To reserve a 15×15′ space at the Town Park, register at Town Hall by May 1st. The Town-Wide Yard Sale is always the Saturday before Trail Days.
Appalachian Trail Days Festival
May 15-17 – Trail Days is the biggest event of the year in town (and the biggest celebration along the entire Appalachian Trail)! Trail Days is always the weekend after Mother’s Day.
Damascus Town Pool
May thru August – The Coolest Pool on the Trail is open daily, weather permitting.
DAM200 Adventure Moto
June 5-7 – An epic dual sport adventure ride on the winding back roads of Southwest Virginia.
Independence Day Celebration
July 3 – At Beaverdam Creek Park, 1211 South Shady Avenue (county ballfields); local food vendors 6 to 10pm, live music by Phantom 7 to 9pm, fireworks show by Manuel’s Fireworks at dark. In the event of inclement weather, fireworks will be rescheduled to Labor Day.
Virginia Highlands Festival Day
July 30 – Virginia Highlands Festival “Day in Damascus” – More info coming soon!
Public Lands Day
September – National Public Lands Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of September. Come to the Damascus Trail Center to celebrate public lands, learn about volunteer opportunities, and more!
Downtown Trick-or-treating
October 31 – The Town of Damascus observes Halloween trick-or-treating on October 31st. Crosswalks are monitored for pedestrian safety from 5 to 7pm.
A Trail Town Christmas
December – Find holiday events and specials all month long! The season kicks off with A Trail Town Christmas Parade on the first Friday and the holiday lights decorating contest for Best in Show, Best in Show: Business, and Most Lights.
By attending a public event in Damascus, Virginia, you consent to the use of any photos, videos, recordings, or any other record of this event with you in it for any legitimate purpose, including by the Town of Damascus, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and other organization partners.
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