The weather is cooling, and soon, the mountains will burst with brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Fall is on the way, and with it comes tons of fun things to do in Harrisonburg, especially if you’re a fan of James Madison University!
Whether you’re gearing up for another epic football season or planning to visit your kids for Parent’s Weekend, our Vacation Properties Made Simple cabin rentals provide an exceptional home base for all your JMU fall fun. Check out our ultimate list of things to do in Harrisonburg, and start planning your fall getaway today!
Family Weekend 2024
Family Weekend at JMU offers three days of incredible events designed to give parents a taste of campus culture and a chance to visit with their JMU students. Scheduled for September 27-29, the weekend is an opportunity to step inside your student’s shoes. Enjoy everything from academic conferences where you can meet professors to fine art shows, pop-up shopping events, and more!
Top Family Weekend Events Include
Friday Night Flights
Gather with alumni, students, parents, and fans of JMU for a beer- and wine-tasting extravaganza at Bridgeforth Stadium from 7 PM to 10 PM on September 27th. Participants will include places like Pale Fire Brewing Co., White Oak Lavender Farm’s Purple Wolf Vineyards, and more from across the Shenandoah Valley.
University Recreation Family Hours
Happening all day Saturday the 28th, you’re invited to visit the UREC and UPARK centers with your student. Enjoy hours of fun swimming or testing your skills at indoor rock climbing. Afterward, head to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for the Fall Plant and Bulb Sale.
Sporting Events
Catch a volleyball, field hockey, or women’s soccer game and cheer on the DUKES! Then, take the competition up a level with some head-to-head challenges for families and visitors of all ages and abilities.
The JMU Occupational Therapy department is hosting an afternoon of competitive games designed to highlight the importance of their field of study. Grab some purple and gold beads and snap a picture in the family photo booth to commemorate your weekend!
These are just a few of the activities happening during Family Weekend. Check out the entire schedule of events and start planning your visit now. As one of the most popular annual events in Harrisonburg, some activities are already sold out, and vacation rentals are going quickly. Browse our available Massanutten and Harrisonburg properties and book your visit before they’re all gone.
Homecoming Weekend at JMU
James Madison University Homecoming is a chance to reconnect with former classmates and friends, celebrate traditions, and cheer the Dukes on to victory. Taking place October 25-27th, the campus is preparing for a weekend of fun that includes everything from carnival rides to golf tournaments, and it all begins with QuadFest!
Join the fun from 5 PM—7:30 PM on October 25th as JMU hosts its FREE Homecoming kickoff event. Enjoy performances from the marching band, the Dukettes Dance Team, cheerleaders, and more! Free food, photo booths, raffles, and rides all make this a can’t-miss event during your Homecoming weekend.
If you’re a JMU alum, be sure to grab your ticket for the Homecoming Reunion Reception happening right after QuadFest. Your $20 ticket grants you one free drink and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the Hall of Presidents.
On the day of the game, head to Hanson Field four hours before kickoff for the Homecoming Tailgate. Featuring face painting, music, food, photo booths, and more, it’s guaranteed to be the hottest spot on campus. Tickets are required, and the first 100 registrants receive free parking near the stadium.
Your registration grants you free all-you-can-eat BBQ, four drink tickets, soft drinks, and water, as well as exclusive Homecoming activities and giveaways. Whether you’re watching the game from a nearby bar or you’ve got a ticket on the 50-yard line, Homecoming Weekend is guaranteed to be full of exciting family fun you won’t want to miss.
Football Season
While Homecoming Weekend is certainly one of the most popular things to do in Harrisonburg, it’s hardly the only exciting part of JMU’s football season. Military personnel, first responders, and their families are invited to attend Heroes Day on November 9th, and if you’re celebrating a graduating student, Senior Day will take place on November 23rd.
Additional Fall Events at JMU
Beyond football and parent’s weekend, JMU hosts a plethora of fall events, so no matter when you visit, there’s likely something exciting going on. Here are a few to keep on your radar:
- International Week: September 23 – 27: A celebration of global cultures with events like international food tastings, cultural performances, and a parade. View available properties for this event.
- Furious Flowers Poetry Conference: September 18 – 22: A major literary event celebrating African American poetry, attracting scholars, poets, students, and visitors. View available properties for this event.
- Parade of Champions: October 5: This is a major marching band competition held at JMU, drawing high school bands from across the region. View available properties for this event.
- Hall of Fame Weekend: October 19: A weekend designed to celebrate the newest inductees into the JMU Athletics Hall of Fame. View available properties for this event.
Local Attractions and Activities to Add to Your Vacation
In addition to all the fun you can have with JMU fall events, there’s a lot happening in Harrisonburg and nearby areas this time of year, too.
Turn your football weekend into a proper fall vacation by incorporating these activities into your trip:
Mountain Biking
Before the snow begins to fall and the trails and slopes are filled with skiers and snowboarders, head out on a mountain biking adventure for an exhilarating day of fun. As one of the top outdoor things to do in Harrisonburg and Massanutten, there are local shops where you can rent equipment and trails perfect for everyone, from beginners to advanced riders.
Harrisonburg Farmers Market
The Harrisonburg Farmers Market has been a staple in the community since 2008, when it gained its permanent home at Turner Pavilion. The year-round market features goods from local vendors and is the perfect place to visit during your fall vacation. Stock up on home-grown vegetables and goods to enjoy at your vacation rental or when you return home. From food to artisan products, it’s like your very own hyper-local gift shop waiting to be explored. Keep a look out on their events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Mulberry Hills Farm
Stock up on all your fall decorations, like pumpkins and mums, when you visit the Mulberry Hills Farm. They even have a petting zoo with adorable farm animals and hayrides. With photo sites and backdrops set up across the grounds, be sure to bring your camera so you can snap a fall family photo while you’re here.
Wineries and Breweries
Did you know October is Virginia Wine Month? With roughly 50 wineries within an hour’s drive from our Vacation Properties Made Simple rentals and some only 15 minutes away, adding some tastings and vineyard visits to your itinerary is a must. To celebrate, wineries will be hosting special events all month long. If you’re planning on visiting during October, ask us about plotting the perfect wine-tasting road trip during your stay!
Discover Harrisonburg this Fall
From the top JMU fall events to epic things to do in Harrisonburg, now is the perfect time to secure your mountain vacation rental before they’re all booked. With thousands of people expected to attend these events, hotels and rental properties will fill up fast.
At Vacation Properties Made Simple, we have everything from quiet cabins to luxury homes designed to fit every family’s needs and budget. Browse our available vacation rentals and book your fall vacation directly with us today! We can’t wait to welcome you this fall.
