Best events in
McDowell

Looking for events or things to do in Mcdowell, VA? The area's social calendar revolves around a series of annual festivals rather than a bustling daily scene. Outdoor activities and explorations of its Civil War heritage provide a historical and natural backdrop for any visit.

Start an outing by exploring history at the McDowell Battlefield before heading into the nearby town of Monterey for local flavor.
The annual Highland County Maple Festival is a multi-weekend celebration of the region's signature product, with activities across the county.
Find local produce and crafts from late spring through early fall at the Highland Farmers' Market, hosted at The Highland Center's pavilion in Monterey.

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Nearby cities

Staunton

26 miles away

Harrisonburg

34 miles away

Buena Vista

42 miles away

Wintergreen

42 miles away

Crozet

47 miles away

Waynesboro

37 miles away

Elkton

47 miles away

Covington

47 miles away

Grottoes

36 miles away

Massanetta Springs

35 miles away

Weyers Cave

32 miles away

Elkins

45 miles away

Bridgewater

28 miles away

Clifton Forge

39 miles away

Massanutten

42 miles away

Fishersville

32 miles away

Staunton

26 miles away

Harrisonburg

34 miles away

Buena Vista

42 miles away

Wintergreen

42 miles away

Crozet

47 miles away

Waynesboro

37 miles away

Elkton

47 miles away

Covington

47 miles away

Grottoes

36 miles away

Massanetta Springs

35 miles away

Weyers Cave

32 miles away

Elkins

45 miles away

Bridgewater

28 miles away

Clifton Forge

39 miles away

Massanutten

42 miles away

Fishersville

32 miles away

Online Events

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Events near Mcdowell

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The Great Stokesville Campout

Friday • 10:00 AM

Stokesville Campground, Stokesville Road, Mount Solon, VA, USA

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The Reimagined Runway: An Upcycled Fashion Experience and Marketplace

Saturday • 4:30 PM

19 S Market St (the former Grace Christian High School, across from the American Shakespeare Center)

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WoodmenLife Senior Day 2026 - VA Scenic Railway, Staunton, VA

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 AM

Virginia Scenic Railway

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Women's Fly Fishing Overnight Retreat

Allegheny Farm

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THE BOX PRESENTS: STAUNTON PRIDE AFTER PARTY

Sat, Oct 17 • 6:00 PM

Bricks Restaurant and Pub

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The Mountians Between Us- A Couples Retreat

Sat, Oct 24 • 6:00 PM

Virginia Backcountry Cabins

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SPIRITS OF THE SPOTTS-COFFMAN HOUSE -- HALLOWEN TOUR

Sat, Oct 31 • 6:45 PM

22 S Coalter St

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Halloween Party featuring Bloo Lagoon!

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

Redbeard Brewing Company

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The Great Stokesville Campout

Friday • 10:00 AM

Stokesville Campground, Stokesville Road, Mount Solon, VA, USA

Check ticket price on event

The Reimagined Runway: An Upcycled Fashion Experience and Marketplace

Saturday • 4:30 PM

19 S Market St (the former Grace Christian High School, across from the American Shakespeare Center)

Check ticket price on event

WoodmenLife Senior Day 2026 - VA Scenic Railway, Staunton, VA

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 AM

Virginia Scenic Railway

Check ticket price on event

Women's Fly Fishing Overnight Retreat

Allegheny Farm

Check ticket price on event

THE BOX PRESENTS: STAUNTON PRIDE AFTER PARTY

Sat, Oct 17 • 6:00 PM

Bricks Restaurant and Pub

Check ticket price on event

The Mountians Between Us- A Couples Retreat

Sat, Oct 24 • 6:00 PM

Virginia Backcountry Cabins

Check ticket price on event

SPIRITS OF THE SPOTTS-COFFMAN HOUSE -- HALLOWEN TOUR

Sat, Oct 31 • 6:45 PM

22 S Coalter St

Check ticket price on event

Halloween Party featuring Bloo Lagoon!

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

Redbeard Brewing Company

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Frequently asked questions about McDowell

What are some popular food and drink events in the Mcdowell area?

The region celebrates its local products with several annual festivals. A highlight is the Highland County Maple Festival, which features sugar camp tours. The Highland Center also hosts the yearly "Taste of Highland" event, showcasing local food and drink.

Where can families find fun activities around Mcdowell?

The annual Highland County Fair is a great choice for all ages. It offers carnival rides, a parade, and live entertainment each year. For a weekly outing, the Highland Farmers' Market in Monterey provides a chance to browse local goods in a relaxed setting.

Are there many outdoor events in Highland County?

Outdoor recreation is central to the area, with events for active enthusiasts. The annual Mountain Mama Road Bike Challenge takes cyclists through the scenic mountains. For a historical outdoor experience, the McDowell Battlefield has a hiking trail with interpretive signs.

How can visitors experience the local culture and history in Mcdowell?

Exploring the McDowell Battlefield provides a direct connection to the area's Civil War past. The annual Hands & Harvest Festival also offers a glimpse into local traditions. Many community gatherings and cultural events are centered in the nearby town of Monterey.

What kind of nightlife is available in the Mcdowell area?

Nightlife here is more about stargazing than nightclubs, thanks to the area's dark skies. Local astronomers host Highland County Star Parties for public viewing. For a quiet evening, Big Fish Cider, Co. in Monterey is a popular spot for a local craft beverage.

What's a good date night idea near Mcdowell?

A visit to Big Fish Cider, Co. in Monterey offers a relaxed setting for a date. The cidery hosts unique annual events like its Wassail celebration. Pairing a visit there with a local dinner in Monterey makes for a complete evening out.

Where is the main hub for community events near Mcdowell?

Monterey serves as the county seat and the center for many regional events. The Highland Center in Monterey hosts the weekly Highland Farmers' Market and other gatherings. Many of the county's major annual festivals also have activities centered in the town.

Are any events free to attend in the Mcdowell area?

Many community traditions are accessible without an admission fee. Browsing the Highland Farmers' Market is free, as is exploring the historical trail at the McDowell Battlefield. Some annual festivals may also have free components, like parades or street vendors.

Nearby cities

Staunton

Harrisonburg

Buena Vista

Wintergreen

Crozet

Waynesboro

Elkton

Covington

Grottoes

Massanetta Springs

Weyers Cave

Elkins

Bridgewater

Clifton Forge

Massanutten

Fishersville

Staunton

Harrisonburg

Buena Vista

Wintergreen

Crozet

Waynesboro

Elkton

Covington

Grottoes

Massanetta Springs

Weyers Cave

Elkins

Bridgewater

Clifton Forge

Massanutten

Fishersville

Online Events

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Events near Mcdowell

The Great Stokesville Campout

The Reimagined Runway: An Upcycled Fashion Experience and Marketplace

WoodmenLife Senior Day 2026 - VA Scenic Railway, Staunton, VA

Women's Fly Fishing Overnight Retreat

THE BOX PRESENTS: STAUNTON PRIDE AFTER PARTY

The Mountians Between Us- A Couples Retreat

SPIRITS OF THE SPOTTS-COFFMAN HOUSE -- HALLOWEN TOUR

Halloween Party featuring Bloo Lagoon!

The Great Stokesville Campout

The Reimagined Runway: An Upcycled Fashion Experience and Marketplace

WoodmenLife Senior Day 2026 - VA Scenic Railway, Staunton, VA

Women's Fly Fishing Overnight Retreat

THE BOX PRESENTS: STAUNTON PRIDE AFTER PARTY

The Mountians Between Us- A Couples Retreat

SPIRITS OF THE SPOTTS-COFFMAN HOUSE -- HALLOWEN TOUR

Halloween Party featuring Bloo Lagoon!

Things to do around McDowell

What are some popular food and drink events in the Mcdowell area?

Where can families find fun activities around Mcdowell?

Are there many outdoor events in Highland County?

How can visitors experience the local culture and history in Mcdowell?

What kind of nightlife is available in the Mcdowell area?

What's a good date night idea near Mcdowell?

Where is the main hub for community events near Mcdowell?

Are any events free to attend in the Mcdowell area?