Your Guide to Autumn – Danville Parks and Recreation
Trunk or Treat at the Market: Families come dressed for Halloween and collect goodies in a safe, festive environment during the Market Monster Mash. Courtesy of Danville Parks and Recreation.
As summer fades and the crisp autumn air settles in, Danville Parks and Recreation is rolling out a season full of events and programs for all ages. From fall festivals and evening concerts to open gym opportunities and outdoor adventures, fall in Danville promises something for everyone. Whether the goal is to stay active, make family memories, or try something new, there is no shortage of fun, engaging ways to enjoy the season.
Live Music, Festivals, and Community Fun
Rhythms by the River
This popular Thursday night concert series is held at the Danville Community Market’s outdoor stage. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy free live music. Remedy Band, known for country, rock, and blues, will take the stage on Aug. 14, followed by West End Mambo, performing classic salsa and Latin jazz, on Sept. 11. There will also be a food truck on site.
Cottingley Fairy Folklore
Inspired by the famous photographs that sparked global imagination, this adult workshop on Aug. 25 at Ballou Recreation Center invites participants to craft their own paper fairies, followed by a whimsical photo session in the park.
There and Back Again: A Hobbit Day Celebration
Fans of fantasy won’t want to miss this Middle-Earth-inspired event on Sept. 22 at Anglers Park. Celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ birthday with a hobbit hike, costume showcase, themed photo ops, and a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages.
Boots & Bling
Line dancing meets party vibes at this western-themed evening of fun on Sept. 25 at Ballou Recreation Center. Music will be provided by DJ Greg Gee. Guests are invited to BYOF (bring your own fan) to keep cool while they dance.
Coates Fall Festival
Now in its third year, the Coates Fall Festival offers everything from pumpkin chunking and face painting to Día de los Muertos displays and sensory activities for kids. This free event takes place on Oct. 3 and is designed to welcome the entire community.
Market Monster Mash
A Halloween favorite, the ninth annual Market Monster Mash is scheduled for Oct. 31 at the Community Market. Families can expect trunk-or-treating, inflatables, face painting, and plenty of seasonal excitement, all at no cost.
Fall Bazaar at the Community Market
The Fall Bazaar returns Sept. 6 with vendors offering local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts. The event will fill both sides of the Danville Community Market and serves as a great kickoff to the autumn shopping season.
Outdoor Adventures & Nature Experiences
Sunday Zipline
There will be various zipline sessions for ages 8 and up at Dan Daniel Memorial Park on select Sundays, Aug. 17 and 31, Sept. 21, and Oct. 5. For $15 per person, participants can experience the thrill of flight in a fun, supervised setting.
Fall River Clean-Up
Held in partnership with the Danville Science Center, the annual Fall River Clean-Up on Oct. 11 focuses on preserving the beauty of the Dan River. Registration is required for this volunteer opportunity, and supplies are limited.
Friday Campfire Series & Night Hike
Select Friday evenings will feature family-friendly campfire gatherings with s’mores, games, and ghost stories. On Oct. 17, nature enthusiasts can take part in a guided Campfire Night Hike along the Riverwalk Trail, complete with fireside treats afterward.
Fitness & Recreation for All Ages
Youth Open Gym Basketball
Youth aged 17 and under can enjoy Open Gym Basketball at the City Auditorium’s fourth-floor gym every Wednesday through Oct. 29. This free drop-in program runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and provides a fun, active after-school option.
Adult Open Gym Basketball
Adults can also experience open gym time at the City Auditorium on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 25. All skill levels are welcome, and the cost is $5 per adult.
Serves & Sunsets: Adult Volleyball Open Play
This casual, drop-in volleyball series invites adults to play under the evening sky at Dan Daniel Memorial Park. Held Wednesdays through Oct. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m., this $5 session is perfect for players looking for fitness and fun without a formal league.
Reflections of Home Arts Festival
Returning Sept. 20-28, the Reflections of Home Arts Festival is a citywide celebration of written, visual, and performing arts. Organized by staff at the Ruby B. Archie Public Library, this year’s festival will open with the Art on the Lawn showcase hosted by Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History and close with a performance of The Wizard of Oz by Bright Star Touring Theatre.
During the week, the library will host its annual art exhibition featuring the theme No Place Like Home. Artists aged 13 and up are invited to submit work in painting, photography, or mixed media. Submissions are accepted Aug. 1 through Sept. 16, with a $5 entry fee.
Library staff are also launching a new literary journal, Words from Home. Writers from Danville and Pittsylvania County aged 13 and up are encouraged to submit poetry, short fiction, or personal essays. The deadline for the first edition is Aug. 29. A maximum of two entries per person is allowed, and selected works will be published in the inaugural volume of this annual journal.
Full festival details, including submission guidelines and event schedules, are available at reflectionsofdanville.com.
A Season of Possibilities
Whether it’s pumpkin festivities, flying down a zipline, dancing in your favorite boots, or sharing stories around a fire, fall in Danville offers countless ways to celebrate the season.
For full event listings, registration, and updates, visit our website, browse through the Play Danville program guide, or follow @PlayDanvilleVA on Facebook and Instagram.
125 N. Floyd Street
Fourth Floor
Danville, Va. 24541
(434) 799-5200
PlayDanvilleVA.com
