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.

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

www.nps.gov/bowa

Bower Center for the Arts
305 North Bridge Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-4235

www.bowercenter.org

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.

The Whole Note

570 Blue Ridge Avenue (Westgate Shopping Center)

Bedford, VA 24523

540-947-0208

www.thewholenote.org

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

Upcoming Events

  • May 14 - Dec 31 - 2nd Friday in Centertown Bedford - Experience the unique shops, restaurants and art venues in Bedford's Centertown. This free event is held on the 2nd Friday evening of each month. All art venues will be offering art related events 5:00pm to 8:00pm. - Centertown Bedford - 540-586-2148 - www.centertownbedford.com
  • Sep 11 - Sedalia Country Fair - The event brings back memories of an old-time fair with agricultural displays, lots of animals, kids' activities, and fun for the whole family! Traditional highlights of the event are the Coon Mule Jump and the Food Competitions. Admission for adults is just $5, children 12 and under free! Enter your locally grown food item in this years Country Fair. It’s fun and a great way to get coverage of your product. - Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org
  • Sep 18 - Nov 13 - The Maize at Layman Family Farms - At Layman Family Farms, we specialize in making memories. We've been providing a fun, exciting experience suitable for all ages since we started in the Fall of 2004. So come on out, take a hayride, pick a pumpkin, and get lost in our Maze! Each year we design a great maze for lots "agritainment" fun! Hours of Operation: Friday 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm. General Admission: Adults 18 & up $10.00, Ages 10-17 $9.00, Ages 2-9 $8.00, Under 24 months Free. For group rates and information call 540-966-3056 - Layman Family Farms, 1815 Mountain View Church Road, Montvale - 540-966-3056 - www.laymanfamilyfarms.com

These events and more can be found in our event calendar.

 

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