Picture a bustling downtown, face painting, live music, kettle corn, handmade crafts and art booths dotting a small-town street. As autumn approaches, we’re all ready to enjoy that last burst of summer. What better way than a small-town festival?
In Farmville, Va., we’re gearing up for one of our favorite annual events, the Heart of Virginia Festival — a celebration of arts, crafts, music, food and community — scheduled for Saturday, September 17!
Giveaway Closed
Your Overnight Retreat: Hampton Inn
When you arrive on Friday afternoon, check into the Hampton Inn for your free night’s stay. Only five minutes from Downtown Farmville, the Hampton Inn offers a convenient location and comfortable rooms along with everything else you might need at your home away from home, including free Wi-Fi and a fitness center. Feeling tired after your drive? Take a quick dip in the outdoor pool (or a catnap in one of the pool loungers) before heading out for the evening.
Kick off the Festivities: Live @ Riverside
Festival fun starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday evening with Live at Riverside, a free summer concert series sponsored by the Farmville Jaycees. September’s event features the band, Soul Expressions, with a crowd-pleasing repertoire that spans classic rock, Motown and popular hits. (Think everything from Michael Jackson to Taylor Swift!) Spread a blanket on the grass by the Appomattox River, grab a bite from one of the local food trucks, watch the sun sink lower in the late summer sky and enjoy the good vibes.
High Street Eats: Bandidos Tacos and Cantina
Getting hungry? After some music by the water, head to High Street’s Bandidos, a newly opened Mexican cantina in Farmville. With your $40 gift card, you can sample local favorites like the pancho, which includes your choice of protein (chicken, steak, shrimp, scallops or a combo) served over rice and topped with fresh or grilled veggies and cheese dip. Or stick with classic quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos and fajitas – it’s all delicious! For kids, Bandidos offers a Little Amigos menu. For adults? They’ve got some of the best drinks around, including domestic and imported beer, daiquiris, sangria, mixed drinks and their signature margaritas, which include frozen, fresh and a unique “margona” option (served with an inverted Coronita)!
Finish the night with a stroll down Main Street — and a sweet treat at Cloud 9 Gelato! With seasonal, one-of-a-kind flavors, Cloud 9 regularly serves up new concoctions. From originals like cold brew and popcorn to summer watermelon or classic chocolate, their signature scoops always impress.
Feast, Fun, Fête: The Heart of Virginia Festival
On Saturday morning, enjoy your free, hot breakfast at the Hampton Inn. From self-service waffles and sausages to omelets and a variety of condiments (care to spice up your eggs with some chunky salsa?), you’ll find everything you need to fuel up for a day of festival fun. Then, head downtown for the event.
Park in your free spot on 4th Street (half a block off Main and only a two-minute walk from the festival hub) and head down to Main Street Plaza and the High Bridge Trail for the Festival 5K/10K. Early birds will see the racers start at 8:30 a.m. If you chose to lounge in bed for a while, you can still see finishers return throughout the morning. Want to join the fun yourself? Runners and walkers can register for the run here.
Then head to the intersection of Main and High streets, for the main event. This year, our festival coincides with Longwood University’s Family Weekend, adding to the general merriment and showcasing our college-town energy. Amble down Main Street and you’ll find handcraft booths selling everything from garden decor to candles, jewelry, homemade perfumes and hand-knitted items. The festival offers live entertainment and free kids’ activities as well as featuring community representatives from nonprofit civic, educational and faith-based organizations.
Walk up historic High street in front of Longwood University’s Rotunda to view the main event, the Fine Craft and Art Show. This juried show kicked off the festival in 1978 and remains its highlight, gathering artists from around the state to exhibit and sell their wares. From watercolors, acrylics and photography to pottery, silversmithing, turned wood, blown glass and weaving, you’ll be able to view (and buy!) works of art while celebrating the skill, creativity and craftsmanship found right here in the heart of Virginia.
And who could pass up festival foods? Vendors will be open for business all day Saturday selling crunchy kettle corn, southern barbecue, international eats and more. When you start getting hungry, grab your coupons and head to Kara’s Grill, a little food booth with big flavor. Bring family and friends because you’ll be treated to four Philly steak sandwiches, four super crunchy sandwiches, four cheese fries and four gyros — plenty to share! Our giveaway winners will also enjoy one free extra-large shaved ice from The Frosty Penguin, a locally owned and operated food truck offering authentic Hawaiian-shaved ice! With up to 36 flavors to choose from and a “Flavor Station” where guests can create their own delicious concoctions utilizing the top ten flavors, you’ll find the perfect combo to cool down.
Finish the day with some festival purchases for friends and family (or for yourself)! Then, before leaving town, make sure to stop by the Downtown LOVE sign right off the High Bridge Trail for a photo. Give us a shout out by tagging us at #VisitFarmville and head home energized and invigorated by Farmville’s late summer festivities!
We can’t wait for you to join us for a celebration of arts, crafts, music, food and our community.
