What To Do
Cultural Activities
From the stage to the gallery, from outdoor concerts to theaters, Bedford and surrounding areas offer an exciting range of outstanding cultural events. Rediscover the traditions of bluegrass, blues and country music, attend festivals with an international flair, explore the artists of the 18th and 19th centuries, or take in opera, ballet or plays that draw crowds from the entire area. Bedford, just one-half hour from Roanoke and Lynchburg, opens the doors to cultural opportunities. Check out our calendar for a listing and dates of all regional events.
Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library
201 East Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-4520
www.bedfordvamuseum.org
Collections that tell Bedford's story from its earliest Native American residents through the last half of the 20th century. Popular exhibits include the Company A of the 116th Infantry, a Native American and African American exhibits. Genealogical records and other materials for research about Bedford and Virginia are here. Inquire about our research assistance for genealogists outside the Bedford area. The museum is open from 10:00am-5:00pm Monday thru Friday. Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Bedford Community Orchestra
540-947-0208
Email: BedfordCommOrch@hotmail.com
The Bedford Community Orchestra (BCO), founded in 1989, is a non-profit organization serving Bedford County and surrounding communities. The orchestra has two seasons per year, ending in free public concerts in the spring and fall. The orchestra is sponsored by the Bedford County Parks and Recreation Department and by the Elks National Home.
BCO's repertoire consists of orchestral scores representing the baroque, classical, impressionistic and romantic periods as well as contemporary movie scores, jazz and pop arrangements. Concerts include full orchestra and small ensembles.
Bedford Council for the Arts
The Cultural Committee of Bedford Main Street, Inc.
108 E. Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-2148
The Bedford Historical Society
315 North Bridge Street
P. O. Box 602
Bedford, VA 24523
Email: bedfordhs@aol.com
www.bedfordhistory.org/
Bedford Main Street & Bedford Walking Tour
108 E. Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-2148
www.centertownbedford.com
Booker T. Washington National Monument
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, VA 24101
540-721-2094
Bower Center for the Arts
305 North Bridge Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-4235
For additional information, schedules and ticket information on regional cultural events. We have a variety of adult classes, youth classes, concerts/performances and exhibits.
The Friends of the Bedford Public Library
321 North Bridge St
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-8911 ext 18
www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org
Email: folbedfordva@qmail.com
Little Town Players
Elks National Home Theatre
P. O. Box 437
Bedford, VA 24523
Patsy Martin, President
540-586-5881
540-586-5144 - Fax
Email: president@littletownplayers.com
www.littletownplayers.com
Bedford's award winning community theatre, offering a yearly Fall to Spring season of comedies, dramas and musicals with Summer Theatre camps for youth.
The National D-Day Memorial Foundation
P.O. Box 77
Bedford, VA 24523
800-351-DDAY, 540-586-DDAY
www.dday.org
The Sedalia Center
1108 Sedalia School Road
Big Island, VA 24526
434-299-5080
434-299-6463 - Fax
Email: events@sedalia.center.org
www.sedaliacenter.org
Visitors to the Center enjoy large cultural festivals featuring internationally known talent in the outdoor covered pavilion. The Center also offers a wide range of art related classes for adults and children, along with monthly Coffeehouses. The Sedalia Center is the perfect destination for families to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a fun and safe environment.
Stillwaters Coffee House
117 South Bridge Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-583-1003
Email: stillwaterscoffee@hotmail.com
www.stillwaterscoffeehouse.com
Stillwaters Coffee House was conceived to benefit the community by providing opportunities for fellowship, Christian entertainment, and educational seminars as well as recovery programs for people desiring to be free from drug, alcohol and related addictions. Stillwaters Coffee House will provide a unique environment which will allow people to experience authentic Christian faith in a relaxed, friendly and uplifting atmosphere. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 3:00pm to 10:00pm for fellowship, coffee and snacks. Open Mic night Thursday thru Saturday 7:00pm to 10:00pm. $5.00 door charge Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings when entertainment is provided.
The Whole Note
570 Blue Ridge Avenue (Westgate Shopping Center)
Bedford, VA 24523
540-947-0208
Our goal at the Whole Note us to provide a fertile ground for local musicians to present their art. Through education, performance opportunities, music library and more, the Whole Note strives to create a musically interactive facility where musician and music lovers can come and feel at home within the world of music. The Whole Note is a Smoke Free Environment. Check website for upcoming events.
Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
P.O. Box 419
Forest, VA 24551
434-534-8118
www.poplarforest.org
The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge
20 East Church Avenue
Roanoke, VA 24011
540-342-5790
www.theartscouncil.org
Smith Mountain Lake
800-676-8203, 540-721-1203
www.visitsmithmountainlake.com
Lynchburg
1-800-REAL VA 1, 434-847-1811
www.lynchburgchamber.org
Roanoke
800-635-5535
www.visitroanokeva.com
Franklin County
540-483-9009
www.visitfranklincountyVA.org
Nelson County
800-282-8223, 434-263-5239
www.nelsoncounty.com
Lexington/Rockbridge County
877-453-9822, 540-463-1105
www.lexingtonvirginia.com
Appomattox County
800-388-9119, 703-838-4200
www.appomotox.com
Charlottesville/Albermarle
877-386-1102, 434-293-6789
www.pursuecharlottesville.com
Salem
888-VA SALEM, 540-375-4044
www.visitsalemva.com
© 2007 Bedford Tourism and Welcome Center
816 Burks Hill Road | Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: 540-587-5681 | 1-877-447-3257 | Fax: 540-587-5983
Photos used on the website are courtesy of Lynn Kirby, Stimulus Advertising,
Don Hall Photography, and Gar Brandt Photography. All Rights Reserved.
