The top outdoor races, festivals, events, and experiences in the Blue Ridge and Beyond. Check out some of our top picks here and online at blueridgeoutdoors.com
Light The Night Series
Wintergreen, Va.
November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28
Gather for a magical tree lighting on the Blue Ridge Terrace from 5pm-6:30pm complete with seasonal decor, entertainment, hot coca, special holiday happenings, and more. Then retreat to one of the various dining outlets to enjoy dinner specials and drinks. Dress in your holiday best for a memorable photo.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Parade
Beech Mountain, N.C.
December 19, 2024
Join the Town of Beech Mountain for the wildly popular procession of festively decorated vehicles along Beech Mountain Parkway. Immediately following the parade, swing by Santa’s Workshop at Town Hall for cookies, cocoa and photos with Santa and his Elves.
New Year’s Eve
Wintergreen, Va.
December 31, 2024
Celebrate the New Year on the slopes at Wintergreen. Ski by day and ring in the New Year by night. There will be an adult party in The Edge and a youth party in Upper Crust Pizza. Everyone is welcome to view the fireworks on the slopes at 9pm.
HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest
Massanutten, Va.
January 9-13, 2025
Massanutten is excited to host the second annual HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest weekend on January 9 – 13, 2025! This weekend event is perfect for the experienced outdoor adventurous to the person who wants to look fly and enjoy a cocktail by the fire! All generations are invited so grab your parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and the kids; there will be something for every age group to enjoy!
Roundtop Mountain Resort Dew After Dark 60th Anniversary
Lewisberry, Pa.
January 10, 2025 (Fridays through February. 21)
Celebrate Roundtop’s 60th anniversary at the Dew After Dark glow-up party. Join select nights in January and February 2025 to ski and ride under the lights, enjoy Mountain Dew samples, and score exclusive swag. Find the party at nearby Vail resorts. For more PA events, visit www.SkiPA.com.
The Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival
Doswell, Va.
January 10-11, 2025
The 24th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival brings together over 90 vendors from across the Mid-Atlantic, including fly fishing lodges, guides, outfitters, custom rodmakers, fly tyers, and artists, as well as 9 vineyards and 3 distilleries. From newbies to veteran anglers, all are welcome.Tastings are included in admission.
50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
Wintergreen, Va.
January 10-12, 2025
Celebrate 50 years of skiing at Wintergreen Resort. Join us for a weekend full of birthday fun including disco night at The Edge, special ceremony presentation on the Blue Ridge Terrace, historical presentation, Birthday Bash (ticketed event), and fireworks on the slopes. It’s a weekend long party and YOU’RE INVITED!
Winterfest at The Omni Homestead Resort
Hot Springs, Va.
January 17 – February 14, 2025
Experience a winter wonderland for the whole family! Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating and more. Warm up with delicious barbecue and burgers at Kober’s and relax in the mineral-rich, geothermal waters of the Warm Springs Pools. Plus, enjoy indoor activities like wine tastings, craft classes, and family bingo.
Ski Sawmill Resort Kids Ski Free Day
Morris, Pa.
January 20, 2025
Kids 15 and under ski FREE on January 20. (Limited to 225 free tickets). Enjoy extended hours from 10 a.m. –5 p.m. Reserve tickets in advance to claim a spot. Don’t miss out on PA ski specials—visit www.SkiPA.com for more details.
The SARA Race
Snowshoe Mountain Resort, W.Va.
February 1-2, 2025
The Southern Alpine Racing Association returns with two thrilling days of Giant Slalom and Slalom ski races. Skiers will test their skills in this high-speed event! Snowboarders, get ready for your own challenge on Feb. 3 with the Cupp Run. Don’t miss the action!
The Cupp Run Challenge
Snowshoe Mountain Resort, W.Va.
February 3, 2025
Get ready for the legendary Cupp Run Challenge! Known for its steep slopes, sharp turns, and intense conditions, this race is the ultimate test for skiers and snowboarders alike. Join us for a historic day of heart-pounding action on the mountain!
Wilderness First Aid 20-hour Certification Course
Charlottesville, Va.
February 22-23, 2025
Learn vital safety skills for outdoor adventures and travel in-person or online. More course dates in Charlottesville (Jan 11-12; March 29-30; May 3-4), as well as classes in the DC area, Baltimore, Richmond, Blacksburg, Lexington, Harrisonburg, Raleigh and more.
Highland County Maple Festival
Monterey, Va.
March 8-9 & 15-16, 2025
Since 1959, visitors have been drawn to Highland County to tour Virginia maple sugar camps for a cultural and culinary adventure! Free tours, over 100 juried artisans and crafters, delicious food, and live entertainment abound at this county-wide family-friendly festival!
HighlandCounty.org/Maple-Festival
Thrive Outside Festival
Bedford, VA
April 5, 2025
Learn how to “Thrive Outside” this year by meeting and learning from local vendors related to Adventure/Recreation, Agriculture/Homesteading, and Health/Wellness. This is a FREE family oriented event with a variety of workshops, demos, kids activities, music, food trucks, regional craft beverages, and more!
Facebook.com/BedfordOutdoorAdventures
21st Spring Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival
Pittsboro, N.C.
May 1-4, 2025
The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, providing a family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art, and education; a Music Lovers’ Paradise! The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Rooster Walk 15
Martinsville, Va.
May 22-25, 2025
Rooster Walk is a lively, family-friendly music and arts festival. This annual Memorial Day weekend event brings together top-notch musical acts across multiple genres, plus camping, food vendors, craft beer, and outdoor activities like disc golf and yoga. Rooster Walk fosters a vibrant community atmosphere that keeps fans coming back year after year.
Meet The Mountains Festival
Johnson City, Tenn.
August 15-16, 2025
This festival serves as a showcase of Northeast Tennessee’s outdoor recreation assets. It provides a one-stop shop to explore our region’s outdoor opportunities. By increasing awareness of our natural assets and encouraging healthy and active lifestyles, we hope this festival contributes to the growth of our outdoor recreation economy.
NC Liver Mush Festival – Mush, Music & Mutts
Upper Shelby, N.C.
October 18, 2025
Enjoy live music, kids activities, RollOver Pet Zone, 100+ vendors and, of course, Liver Mush!! We are proud to bring the festival back better than ever in 2025! Free to attend, pets welcome, and fun for the whole family!
ONGOING EVENTS
Spring Mountain Adventures 4th Grade Season Pass Special
Spring Mount, Pa.
2024/2025 Winter Season
Spring Mountain offers a $500 value 4th Grade Season Pass for just $40. Available in-person only, weekday/non-holiday (excluding December 24 – January 1). Includes unlimited access, one free lesson, and equipment rental. Deadline: January 31st. Bring proof of 4th-grade status. No exceptions. Visit www.SkiPA for more ski specials
SpringMountainAdventures.com/snow-sports/4th-graders-free/
Cover photo: Photo courtesy of Snowshoe Mountain Resort
