Event Schedule & Festival Guide
The 2026 Trail Days Festival Guide and event schedule are your one-stop shop for all things Trail Days!
NOTE: We missed a spot on the Saturday morning schedule when printing the festival guides (sorry about that). Check out the 2026 Trail Days Schedule below for the most up-to-date information!
Appalachian Trail Days Festival, May 15-17, 2026
From Thursday to Sunday, pick up your copy of the Trail Days Festival Guide at the Town Info Tent by the Town Park Gazebo. Print copies are also available at Town Hall and local businesses leading up to Trail Days weekend.
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. Check out the digital schedule for any last-minute additions.
Email info@damascus.org to add information to the online schedule of events or modify listings.
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.
Note: This trail closure is partway between Damascus and the Whitetop Mountain/Elk Garden area. Hikers traveling between town and the Mount Rogers High Country must plan an alternate route for the 2026 season.
Trestles 16 & 17 in downtown Damascus are also CLOSED for the 2026 season. Follow Laurel Avenue to get to the hiker parade lineup at Sundog Outfitter on Saturday afternoon.
Long-term parking: The Trestle Street lot (by the Town Pool) is CLOSED for the 2026 season, due to intermittent closures needed while rebuilding the Virginia Creeper Trail. The Wilson Street lot (by the Library) is always CLOSED in May until after Trail Days.
Trail Days Weekend at a Glance
Saturday Afternoon
Saturday afternoon is a big one! Don’t miss the Trail Days Hiker Parade, Live Auction to benefit The Place Hostel, and Hiker Talent Show!
Tent City
Tent City is open for camping from 9am on Thursday to 6pm on Sunday.
Manufacturer Rep area
Get free expert gear repairs at the Manufacturer Rep Area by Tent City from 9am on Thursday to 5pm on Saturday. On-site repairs are by Cascade Designs, Gregory Mountain Products, LEKI USA, NEMO Equipment, Oboz Footwear, and Osprey Packs. Reps are ready 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!
Trail Days Ministry Team
The Trail Days Ministry Team volunteers provide a wide variety of free hiker services, from Thursday to Saturday, at One Way Ministries and First Baptist Church.
Trail Days Vendors
Open from Friday at 10am to Sunday at 4pm, shop with over 120 vendors of handmade goods and some of the best outdoor gear in the industry. Gear and craft vendors are located throughout the Town Park. Learn more about nonprofit supporters of the trail at our three nonprofit areas: by the Caboose, the Damascus Trail Center, and the Library.
Damascus Trail Center
The Damascus Trail Center is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Find local conservation partners on the lawn and programs in the classroom all day Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, stop by for a meet-and-greet with Kiewit, the contractor rebuilding the Virginia Creeper Trail. Become a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), pick up your hiker hangtag, learn more about outdoor recreation in Southwest Virginia…and more!
Authors’ Area at the Damascus Library
The Authors’ Area is at the Damascus Library conference room on Friday 10am-6pm & Saturday 9am-5pm, during Library hours. 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.
Live Music at the Town Park Stage
Trail Days has live music at the Town Park Stage all weekend long! Bring your own chair or picnic blanket and stay awhile. Listen and dance to a sampling of regional artists all day from 12:30pm on Friday to 4pm on Sunday. Food vendors nearby.
Programs & Presentations
Take your pick of free, engaging programs and presentations at the Rock School Auditorium and Old Mill Conference Room all weekend long, from 8pm on Thursday to 3pm on Sunday. Find information and inspiration from a packed schedule of presentations, trail tales, and discussions by trail personalities.
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