Year-round, a Massanutten-focused adventure is one that’s designed to inspire visitors. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, resort-style excitement, or relaxing moments in between, Massanutten has something for you. In the spring, this part of Virginia also hosts a calendar of events that are sure to provide a great time for everyone. From festivals and live music to fishing extravaganzas, be sure to check out these can’t-miss spring events in Massanutten and see how many you can add to your itinerary!
Enjoy time at ValleyFest This Spring
A getaway to the scenic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is always exciting for travelers. That said, visitors who are planning on enjoying time here in the spring will have even more to enjoy, particularly if they’re in town during May. This is when the highly anticipated annual ValleyFest comes to Massanutten Resort.
This year, ValleyFest will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Set on the slopes of Massanutten Resort, ValleyFest is an experience that combines music, food, and art with proceeds going to a variety of community initiatives that are supported by the Rotary Clubs of Rockingham and Harrisonburg counties alike. Tickets can be purchased via the early bird special for $20 a person between March 15th and April 15th. Advance ticket prices are $30 per person from April 16th to May 24th, and day-of tickets will cost $40. If you plan to purchase tickets in person, they can be found at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, The Market, or The General Store. Note Military discounts are available, and children 7 and under get in free.
While the 2024 musical performers are still being finalized, notable 2023 acts included The Barons, Vertigo Red, Totally Stoked, and Mike Davis. This eclectic blend of genres ensures there’s something everyone will enjoy. In addition to an exciting musical lineup that will have you dancing all day, guests can also look forward to mouthwatering treats from a variety of local vendors. Previous years have seen Bayou Kitchen, Sherri’s Crab Cakes, Just Fries, and Posh Fairy Floss Cotton Candy just to name a few!
A visit to ValleyFest is also an opportunity for guests to browse a variety of arts and crafts vendors. Homemade candles, fair trade apparel, and accessories, as well as wreaths, jewelry, yarn, and retail items from Massanutten Resort, are all available to purchase during ValleyFest. It’s a spring event Massanutten visitors simply won’t want to miss!
Book a Spring Performance
Just a quick 30-minute drive from Massanutten in Harrisonburg, VA., you’ll find the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. A hub for local theater and music, the Forbes Center has an epic lineup of shows that range from the kid-friendly Sponge Bob Musical to chamber choir singers, JMU Symphony Orchestra, and even classics from Puccini. Whether you’re looking for a night of cultural indulgence or something the whole family will love, their spring calendar doesn’t disappoint. Check out their current shows as you plan your Massanutten vacation, and support local theater during your stay!
Elkton Kids Fishing Day
A Massanutten getaway in May is typically a chance for travelers with kids who like to cast a line to participate in the Elkton Kids Fishing Day event. This gathering often happens in mid-May and is hosted in waters near the Elkton Area Community Center. The event is often held between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm and is open to participants 15 and under. Bring your own gear and enjoy a 6-trout limit with an included lunch and goodie bags to follow!
Book Today and Enjoy These Massanutten Events
Taking time to enjoy a getaway to Massanutten is always a good idea. Travelers who book accommodations through Vacation Properties Made Simple can rest assured that luxury, comfort, and style will always be a part of the experience as well. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options and to get started planning your spring trip with these Massanutten events!
The joy of a family vacation is always pure but often negated by the bank account charges that appear on your next statement, but when you choose a family vacation in Massanutten, there are many ways to temper the after-break sticker shock. And because we at Vacation Properties Made Simple want to help with the money-saving traditions of spending your getaway with us, we offer fully equipped kitchens that allow guests to save a little money by eating at home, lower prices than a hotel stay, and this wonderful guide to family-friendly Massanutten events that won’t break the bank!
Fall Festival at Massanutten, October 8, Massanutten Resort
No one gets more excited about fall than the residents of our Virginia hometown and if you want the proof, just attend our Massanutten Fall Festival. Offering chairlift rides through the brilliantly hued trees, live entertainment, arts and crafts, wine, and delicious foods that no fall party should be without! Costing between $5 and $15 dollars if you purchase tickets in advance, this affordable fun may be the highlight of your trip! Tickets can be purchased here.
Skeleton Festival, October 15, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance in Harrisonburg
Halloween is our favorite time of the year and this exciting festival features the best of the holiday! Starting at 2 PM and lasting until 5 PM, the Skeleton Festival is a free event, offering a pumpkin carving contest and so much more! Your children’s favorite part will be the trick or treating, ensuring that they get 2 chances to beg for candy; 1 at the festival and 1 when they return home, so don’t forget their costume! The costume contest is open to all ages, so if you’re in the mood to be spooky, do your best and maybe you will be a winner!
Annual Halloween Spooktacular Carriage Ride, October 22, 42 Island Ford Road in McGaheysville
Located just minutes away from the Massanutten Resort, the First Annual Halloween Spooktacular Carriage Ride is a free event that will be enjoyed by every member of your family! Taking place on October 22 and lasting from 1-3 PM, Valley Olive Oil & Balsamics is the sponsor of this once-in-a-lifetime carriage ride of fun and spookiness! Offering a horse-drawn carriage ride through a “field” of Halloween inflatables, this is the event guaranteed to put your entire family in the mood for trick or treating, costumes, and the beauty of the Harvest Moon! Spend the day shopping in the shops of McGaheysville, tasting the fall wares sold (don’t you just love a jar of locally made pumpkin butter?), and take the littles to the petting zoo where the baby animals never fail to charm! Really get into the holiday mood by wearing your Halloween Costume and if you want picture proof that this beautiful day really happened, take a selfie in front of the Halloween backdrop!
Veteran’s Day Parade, November 6, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance in Harrisonburg
Everyone loves a parade and although the Veteran’s Day Parades of our youth seem to be rapidly disappearing from America’s holiday landscape, small town Harrisonburg is keeping the tradition alive! Free to watch and containing all the vintage charms that you remember, this special parade serves as a thank you to all the men and women who have sacrificed to keep us free! Watch beautifully restored classic cars, and shiny firetrucks, and feel the pride of being an American bring tears to your eyes as you stand in your place on the sidewalk of the Main Street of Harrisonburg, surrounded by flags waving beautifully in the fall breezes!
Fall in Love With These Massanutten Events
The best part of your Massanutten escape will be the moments you spend with your family. You don’t need to take part in a family-friendly event to have a great time, you can just enjoy a quiet (or raucous!) hike through the trees all dressed in their autumn finest with those you love most! Costing nothing and offering priceless memories there is no better way to enjoy time with the family than spending those moments with us at Vacation Properties Made Simple. Reserve your favorite sanctuary today!