Looking for a way to immerse your family in the stories, sounds, and traditions of Southwest Virginia? Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 23, 2025, and head to downtown Christiansburg for the Heritage Day Festival, hosted by the Montgomery Museum of Art & History!
This free festival runs from 10 AM to 3 PM and transforms Main and Pepper Streets into a vibrant celebration of local culture, music, history, and hands-on fun for all ages.
What to Expect:
Live Traditional Music All Day
Enjoy toe-tapping tunes from beloved regional musicians performing on two stages — the Main Street Stage and the Gazebo at 300 S. Pepper Street. Acts include:
- Willard Gayheart & Ricky Cox
- Virginia Hollow
- Ash Devine
- American Roots
- MJAM
- Kathie & John Hollandsworth
- Mac Traynham
- Mike Mitchell
🪕 Live Demonstrations
Watch instruments come to life as talented craftspeople demonstrate their work:
- Mike Mears (guitars, violins, ukuleles, and banjos) – 11 AM
- Kathie & John Hollandsworth (autoharps) – 1 PM
These presentations highlight the museum’s new exhibit debuting in August featuring the contributions of Appalachian luthiers and their musical heritage — a must-see for music lovers!
🍔 Local Food Trucks + Dozens of Vendors
Grab lunch from a tasty selection of food trucks and explore local artisan and history-related vendor booths lining the street.
🌼 Children’s Activities & Garden Exploration
Kids can enjoy hands-on fun throughout the day, and families are encouraged to stop by the Montgomery Museum Garden at 300 S. Pepper Street to learn all about gardening with native plants.
🎟️ Raffle & Silent Auction Fun
Try your luck in the museum’s raffle to win 4 tickets to the Virginia Tech vs. Louisville football game on November 1! Raffle tickets are available online and on-site, with the drawing taking place September 1.
And don’t miss the silent auction inside the museum lobby — it’s a great way to support the museum and maybe snag a unique item!
Whether you're a history buff, music lover, or just looking for a great family day out, Heritage Day offers something for everyone.
