Family-friendly events in Lexington, Buena Vista, Rockbridge County, Natural Bridge, Fairfield, Raphine and Buchanan

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.

September 19

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

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.

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.

September 23

Lexington Farmers Market | Lexington | 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Make a midweek trip downtown for local produce, foods and goods at the Lexington Farmers Market.

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.

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 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.

Botetourt County Honey Festival | Buchanan | 10 a.m.–4 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.

Illumination of the Bridge | Natural Bridge | 8 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.

September 30

SVU Theatre: Our Town | Buena Vista | 7:30 p.m.
Miss the weekend performances? Our Town returns to the stage at Southern Virginia University on Wednesday, September 30, with additional performances continuing into October.