Family-friendly events in Lexington, Buena Vista, Rockbridge County, and surrounding communities.

September isn’t over yet! From fall festivals and outdoor movies to live music, apple-season outings and an illuminated Natural Bridge, there is still plenty happening around the area before October arrives.

Here are family-friendly events happening from September 19 through September 30, 2026. As always, dates, times and weather-dependent plans can change, so check with the organizer before heading out.

HEADS UP, LEXINGTON: Young Alumni Weekend | Lexington | September 25-27
Washington and Lee University welcomes young alumni back to campus for a weekend of events and activities, so prepare accordingly when out and about.

Saturday, September 19

Kerrs Creek Country Market | Lexington | 9 a.m.
Start Saturday morning at this recurring community market on West Midland Trail.

Natural Bridge Farmers Market | Natural Bridge | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Shop local at the Natural Bridge Farmers Market at Virginia Gold Orchard.

Root 11 Fall Native Plant Sale | Lexington | 10 a.m.
Root 11 hosts its fall native plant sale at 22 W. Nelson Street in downtown Lexington.

Bash by the James | Buchanan | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Head south to Buchanan Town Park for Bash by the James, one of two community events happening at the park Saturday.

Fall Fest at Ecco Adesso Vineyards | Fairfield | Noon
Fairfield gets in on the fall fun with Fall Fest at Ecco Adesso Vineyards.

Blue Ridge Bat Watch | Natural Bridge | 7–8:15 p.m.
Learn about Virginia’s nocturnal fliers during an evening program at the Skyline Trailhead at Natural Bridge State Park. Virginia is home to 17 species of bats, and the program takes a closer look at the bats that call the park home.

Line Dance Lex | Lexington | 7 p.m.
Courthouse Square turns into a dance floor for an evening of instructor-led line dancing in downtown Lexington. The Buena Vista Arts Council lists the event as family-friendly.

Movies in the Park | Buchanan | 8:30–10:30 p.m.
Bring the family back to Buchanan Town Park for an outdoor movie night under the stars.

Monday-Saturday, September 21–26

Pickin’ Family Music Rally | Buena Vista
Six days of music come to Glen Maury Park from September 21–26. The Buena Vista Arts Council identifies the Pickin’ Family Music Rally as a family-friendly event.

Wednesday, September 23

Lexington Farmers Market | Lexington | 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Make a midweek trip downtown for local produce, foods and goods at the Lexington Farmers Market.

Thursday, September 24

Buena Vista Farmer’s Market | Buena Vista | 2:00–6:00 p.m.
Stop by Magnolia Square in downtown Buena Vista for the weekly farmers market featuring local produce and goods from area growers and makers.

Friday-Saturday, September 25–26

SVU Theatre: Our Town | Buena Vista | 7:30 p.m.
Southern Virginia University presents Our Town Friday and Saturday, September 25–26. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7. This could be a good addition for families with older children and teens.

Saturday, September 26

Run of the Mill 5K | Raphine | 9:30 a.m.
Head to Wade’s Mill in Raphine for the annual Run of the Mill 5K.

Cedar Creek Cleanup | Natural Bridge | 9:00 a.m.–noon
Celebrate 10 years of Natural Bridge State Park by helping park rangers clean up the Cedar Creek Trail. Projects include clearing brush, trimming vegetation and closing unofficial trails. This one could be particularly nice to include for families with older kids looking for a service opportunity.

Natural Bridge Farmers Market | Natural Bridge | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Make a Saturday morning stop at Virginia Gold Orchard for the Natural Bridge Farmers Market.

Carilion Children’s Teddy Bear Clinic | Lexington | 10:00 a.m.-noon
Kids can bring a favorite stuffed animal for a “checkup” at 146 S. Main St. while learning about medical care with Carilion Children’s child life specialists. This free, hands-on event is a fun way to help little ones feel more comfortable with doctors and medical visits.

Botetourt County Honey Festival | Buchanan | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Buchanan Town Park hosts a full day devoted to honey and local agriculture with beekeepers, vendors, food trucks, live music, honey tastings and family-friendly activities.

Hull’s Drive-In Car Show | Lexington | 4:00 p.m.
Show off your ride or come check out the cars at Hull’s Drive-In, with live music, concessions, and a showing of Cars (2006) at 7:00 p.m.

Illumination of the Bridge | Natural Bridge | 8:00 p.m.
See Natural Bridge after dark during the park’s monthly Illumination of the Bridge program. This month’s illumination takes place Saturday, September 26.

Sunday, September 27

Chill on the Hill | Natural Bridge | noon–5:30 p.m.
Great Valley’s Chill on the Hill features music from Koty & Lewane, with food from Lexington Mercantile.

Jacob Collier | Lexington | 7:30 p.m.
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier brings his Light for Days Tour to Lime Kiln Theater. This is a bonus show in Lime Kiln’s 2026 season.

Wednesday, September 30

Lexington Farmers Market | Lexington | 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Shop local produce, foods and goods at McCrum’s Parking Lot on North Jefferson Street in downtown Lexington.