Appalachian Trail Days Festival, May 15-17, 2026
The Event Schedule & Festival Guide are your one-stop shop for all things Trail Days. Print copies are available at Town Hall and local businesses leading up to Trail Days weekend. From Thursday to Sunday, pick up your copy at the Town Info Tent by the Town Park Gazebo.
Trail Days has a packed schedule of events: programs, live music, giveaways, fundraisers, gatherings, workshops and more. Be sure to check out fan-favorites on Saturday afternoon – the infamous Hiker Parade, Live Auction, and Hiker Talent Show! Find free music in the Town Park all weekend, from 12:30pm on Friday to 4pm on Sunday.
All information is subject to change. Find a printed copy of the schedule in the official Trail Days Festival Guide. See below for the most up-to-date digital schedule with last-minute additions
Email info@damascus.org to add information to the online schedule of events or modify listings.
Event Schedule & Festival Guide
The 2026 Trail Days Festival Guide and event schedule are here! Get a sneak peek and start planning your weekend now:
Trail Closure & Detour in 2026 season
Virginia Creeper Trail closed, appalachian trail closure/detour
The upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop Station to Damascus saw significant damage from Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and remains closed until it is rebuilt (estimated completion in Late 2026). There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time. The official Appalachian Trail detour is required north of Damascus, and it follows the Iron Mountain Trail from town and reconnects near Thomas Knob Shelter. Closed area strictly enforced.
Trail Days Weekend at a Glance
Saturday afternoon: Trail Days Hiker Parade, Live Auction to benefit The Place Hostel, Hiker Talent Show!
Thursday 9am to Sunday 6pm: Tent City open for camping.
Thursday 9am to Saturday 5pm: Free Gear Repairs at the Manufacturer Rep Area by Tent City with Cascade Designs, Gregory Mountain Products, LEKI USA, NEMO Equipment, Oboz Footwear, and Osprey Packs. Reps are on-site to assist hikers with gear repairs, expert fitting, advice, and other specialized services to the AT Community. Any brand – any item. ALL repaired items must be picked up by 5pm on Saturday. We hope you’ll take advantage of this FREE service. Even if you don’t need anything repaired, stop by and thank them for what they do!
Thursday to Saturday: Free Hiker Services by the Trail Days Ministry Team at One Way Ministries and First Baptist Church.
Friday 10am to Sunday 4pm: Shop with over 120 vendors of handmade goods and some of the best outdoor gear in the industry. Located around the Town Park from Friday to Sunday. Learn more about nonprofit supporters of the trail at our three nonprofit areas: by the Caboose, the Damascus Trail Center, and the Library.
Friday 10am to Sunday 5pm: Damascus Trail Center – Open daily with local partners on the lawn and programs in the classroom on Friday and Saturday. Meet-and-greet with Kiewit, the contractor rebuilding the Virginia Creeper Trail, on Sunday. Become a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), pick up your hiker hangtag, learn more about outdoor recreation in Southwest Virginia…and more!
Friday 10am to Saturday 5pm: Authors’ Area at the Damascus Library conference room on Friday & Saturday. Meet trail authors, get your books signed, and pick up your next favorite read. This year’s authors are Bethany Adams, Collin Chambers, Mills Kelly, Miller Hollstein, John Turner, and Chuck Walsh.
Friday 12:30pm to Sunday 4:00pm: Live Music at the Town Park Stage. Bring your own chair or picnic blanket and stay awhile! Listen and dance to a sampling of regional artists all day from Friday to Sunday. Food vendors nearby.
Thursday 8pm to Sunday 3pm: Programs & Presentations at the Rock School Auditorium and Old Mill Conference Room. Find information and inspiration from a packed schedule of presentations, trail tales, and discussions by trail personalities.
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