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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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SAMHAIN SÉANCE: Ancestral Collaboration with Pam Grossman & Janaka Stucky primary image

SAMHAIN SÉANCE: Ancestral Collaboration with Pam Grossman & Janaka Stucky

Sunday • 6:00 PM EST

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026 primary image

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America primary image

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training primary image

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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SAMHAIN SÉANCE: Ancestral Collaboration with Pam Grossman & Janaka Stucky primary image

SAMHAIN SÉANCE: Ancestral Collaboration with Pam Grossman & Janaka Stucky

Sunday • 6:00 PM EST

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026 primary image

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America primary image

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training primary image

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

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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Halloween Party featuring Bloo Lagoon! primary image

Halloween Party featuring Bloo Lagoon!

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Redbeard Brewing Company

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THE BOX PRESENTS: HEY BOO! primary image

THE BOX PRESENTS: HEY BOO!

Saturday • 7:00 PM

The Frenchmen

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Blooming EP Release Party primary image

Blooming EP Release Party

Fri, Nov 6 • 7:00 PM

7764 Thomas Spring Rd

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HISTORIC HAUNTS OF STAUNTON - 19TH SEASON CELEBRATION - ALL TICKETS $15 primary image

HISTORIC HAUNTS OF STAUNTON - 19TH SEASON CELEBRATION - ALL TICKETS $15

Sat, Nov 7 • 7:00 PM

CITY PARKING GARAGE BESIDE THE FORMER STONEWALL JACKSON HOTEL

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Table 4 Tonight: Staunton | Dinner with New Friends small town primary image

Table 4 Tonight: Staunton | Dinner with New Friends small town

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Kids' Cooking Class: Thanksgiving primary image

Kids' Cooking Class: Thanksgiving

Sat, Nov 21 • 1:00 PM

McDowell Presbyterian Church

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Wreath Workshop #2 primary image

Wreath Workshop #2

Sun, Nov 29 • 3:00 PM

Valley Pike Farm Market

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Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid Course primary image

Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid Course

Sat, Feb 6 • 8:00 AM

Bridgewater Town Hall

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Halloween Party featuring Bloo Lagoon! primary image

Halloween Party featuring Bloo Lagoon!

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Redbeard Brewing Company

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THE BOX PRESENTS: HEY BOO! primary image

THE BOX PRESENTS: HEY BOO!

Saturday • 7:00 PM

The Frenchmen

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Blooming EP Release Party primary image

Blooming EP Release Party

Fri, Nov 6 • 7:00 PM

7764 Thomas Spring Rd

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HISTORIC HAUNTS OF STAUNTON - 19TH SEASON CELEBRATION - ALL TICKETS $15 primary image

HISTORIC HAUNTS OF STAUNTON - 19TH SEASON CELEBRATION - ALL TICKETS $15

Sat, Nov 7 • 7:00 PM

CITY PARKING GARAGE BESIDE THE FORMER STONEWALL JACKSON HOTEL

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Table 4 Tonight: Staunton | Dinner with New Friends small town primary image

Table 4 Tonight: Staunton | Dinner with New Friends small town

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Kids' Cooking Class: Thanksgiving primary image

Kids' Cooking Class: Thanksgiving

Sat, Nov 21 • 1:00 PM

McDowell Presbyterian Church

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Wreath Workshop #2 primary image

Wreath Workshop #2

Sun, Nov 29 • 3:00 PM

Valley Pike Farm Market

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Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid Course primary image

Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid Course

Sat, Feb 6 • 8:00 AM

Bridgewater Town Hall

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Nearby cities

Harrisonburg

34 miles away

Staunton

26 miles away

Buena Vista

42 miles away

Wintergreen

42 miles away

Crozet

47 miles away

Covington

47 miles away

Weyers Cave

32 miles away

Waynesboro

36 miles away

Elkton

47 miles away

Grottoes

36 miles away

Bridgewater

28 miles away

Massanetta Springs

35 miles away

Fishersville

32 miles away

Elkins

45 miles away

Harrisonburg

34 miles away

Staunton

26 miles away

Buena Vista

42 miles away

Wintergreen

42 miles away

Crozet

47 miles away

Covington

47 miles away

Weyers Cave

32 miles away

Waynesboro

36 miles away

Elkton

47 miles away

Grottoes

36 miles away

Bridgewater

28 miles away

Massanetta Springs

35 miles away

Fishersville

32 miles away

Elkins

45 miles away

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.