Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Sept.28-30)

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 28-30
NEPTUNE FESTIVAL BOARDWALK WEEKEND -VIRGINIA BEACH
A boisterous and beloved send-off to summer, the Neptune Festival offers everything from a wine tasting and world-class sandcastle competition to numerous athletic competitions, an open-air art show along the Boardwalk, an air show and the famous Neptune Parade. It has been ranked among the top 10 festivals in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Association, and it is one of the American Bus Association's top 100 festivals in the country. 1st to 30th Streets along the Oceanfront Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Children Welcome. Telephone:Virginia Beach Neptune Festival: (757) 498-0215. Virginia Beach Visitor Information: (800) 822-3224. Website:www.neptunefestival.com

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 28 & 29
MCDONALD'S X-COUNTRY FESTIVAL AT MAYMONT - RICHMOND
The whole family can participate in Richmond’s newest sporting event, a 5k cross-country run over rolling tree-lined hills and past wildlife habitats at Maymont. The event features different races for different age groups and genders, so race participants can also be active as spectators to cheer on family members and friends. The Festival is organized by the Richmond Sports Backers, known for their high quality races and dedication to delivering a memorable experience for all participants, and will include live bands and food vendors. A portion of the proceeds benefits Maymont. Hampton Street entrance. Directions: Richmond. 8am to 5pm. All ages welcome. Contact: Richmond Sports Backers. Email: www.sportsbackers.org. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-285-9495.

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 28-30
BOOK FAIR AT BARNES & NOBLE BENEFITING BOOKS LIFT KIDS
Books Lift for Kids will have a table for a volunteer to hand out "Vouchers" for the book fair and a box for donated books. When a customer makes any purchase, during the Book Fair weekend and hands in the voucher to the cashier, Books Lift get 15% of that sale in Barnes and Noble gift cards. When people purchase books to donate, Books Lift also gets 15% of those sales as well. Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Directions: Barracks Road Shopping Center. All ages welcome. Contact: Cyndi Haskins. Email: cyndikay@gmail.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/760-1772.

Saturday, Sept. 29
11TH ANNUAL CHARLOTTESVILLE VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL
Recently voted one of the top two outdoor events in Charlottesville! 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Lee Park, downtown Charlottesville, VA. You don't need to be a vegetarian to have a good time at the Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival! This is one of the premiere outdoor festivals in the southeast, with 6,000-8,000 visitors and 90-100 vendors. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to join in the fun. There's a wide variety of great food and drink (including Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisines, to name but a few), free samples, street performers, body painting and temp tattoos, henna artists, astrology readings, arts and crafts, information tables on healthy/green/cruelty-free living, practitioners of complementary medical therapies, games and activities for kids, raffles, a silent auction, and all sorts of other entertainment suitable for families and singles, children and adults. The festival also features a dog and cat adoption fair and products for pets, such as organic pet food and treats. For more info, call 434-979-1200, Click Here To Email, or visit the website at http://www.cvillevegfest.org

Saturday, Sept. 29
PANCAKES FOR PARKINSON'S
Pancakes for Parkinson's.Student volunteers at the University of Virginia are rasing money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research with FREE Tavern pancakes! Come to the Lawn at UVA before the home football game against Pittsburgh. Come enjoy free Tavern pancakes and join UVa student, faculty and staff in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease! On the Lawn at UVa. 10am to 1pm. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Jackie Bailey. Email: jacbailey@gmail.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 703-577-6621.

Saturday, Sept. 29
UVA VS. PITTSBURG FOOTBALL HOME GAME
Game starts at 7:00pm at Scotts Stadium in Charlottesville.

Saturday, Sept. 29
HARVEST DAY AT CROSSROADS - HARRISONBURG
Experience the Shenandoah Valley's Mennonite and Brethren heritage. Features special activities for children and storytelling events for all ages. Enjoy hayrides in a horse drawn carriage, molasses boiling from sorghum cane syrup, cider pressed from fresh apples, crosscut log sawing, thread being spun from flax and wool, bed covers being quilted and woven, nails and clothes hooks being crafted by blacksmiths, Mennonite and Brethren storytellers, special music groups and numerous other activities. Tasty homemade foods and drinks will also be available. Valley Brethren Mennonite Heritage Center, 711 Garbers Church Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Admission Fee: $8 a carload. Children Welcome. Telephone:Steve Shenk: (540) 438-1275. Email:info@vbmhc.org Website:www.vbmhc.org

Saturday, Sept. 29
4TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE AND FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
Come out and be part of a delicious day filled with live music, fine art, crafts, games, prizes, food and fun! Archangel Arts Center. Directions: 6173 S. Seminole Trail, Rochelle, VA. 10am to 8pm. Email: archangels@crucialisp.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-948-5628.

Saturday, Sept. 29
AMAZEMENT SQUARE'S AMAZING MILE CHILDREN'S RUN - LYNCHBURG
The Amazing Mile Children's Run is the perfect way to encourage youth, ages 13 and under, to stay active and take part in one of the most high-profile races in the Commonwealth! Every year over a thousand spectators enjoy cheering on Central Virginia's future Olympic runners as they make their way down the one-mile course! 8:30am. $10 (race day registration is $15). Contact: Dana Poleski. Email: pr@amazementsquare.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/845-1888.

Saturday, Sept. 29
AMAZEMENT SQUARE'S AMAZING MILE -LYNCHBURG
Amazement Square.Lace up your running shoes as Amazement Square hosts the Amazing Mile in conjunction with the Virginia 10-Miler. With playful obstacles and exciting surprises interspersed throughout the one-mile course, the Amazing Mile is no ordinary run. It gives children under 14 the opportunity to enjoy running in a non-competitive environment. Every finisher will receive a Amazing Mile T-shirt and medal and a complementary lunch. In addition, the top three boys and girls in each age division will receive a special prize! To register, simply drop by the museum or go online to www.virginia10miler.com. ($10 registration fee now, or $15 on race day) Amazement Square, 27 Ninth Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504. 8:15 am. $$10 (or $15 on race day). Recommended for ages 1 to 13. Contact: Amazement Square. Email: pr@amazementsquare.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: (434) 845-1888.

Saturday, Sept. 29
AMERICAN FARM CORNHUSKING BEE AND BARN DANCE ON 1850’S AMERICAN FARM - STAUNTON
Frontier Culture Museum.Work comes before play at harvest time. Join in this annual work party and then do a dance or two in the 1850s barn. Frontier Culture Museum. Directions: Take I-64 toward Staunton, then I-81 North, exit 222 and follow signs . 1 to 4pm. $Regular admission. All ages welcome. Email: info@fcmv.virginia.gov. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-332-7850.

Saturday, Sept. 29
HARRISONBURG INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The 10th annual International Festival features music and dance, plus storytelling, food, a fashion show, and activities for all ages. This is a free event for the entire family. Hillandale Park, Harrisonburg. 12 to 6pm. $free. Contact: Vaunda Brown. Email: vaundabrown@aol.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-433-6228.

Saturday, Sept. 29
SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM DAY - MARTINSVILLE
The Virginia Museum of Natural History is taking part in Smithsonian Museum Day, a nationwide event where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free admission to Smithsonian readers and Smithsonian.com visitors, allowing for one day only the free-admission policy of Smithsonian's Washington, D.C.-based facilities to be emulated across the country. Visit www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ to download your free pass to the Virginia Museum of Natural History good for September 29, 2007. Virginia Museum of Natural History. Directions: 65 West Main Street, Martinsville, VA. $free. All ages welcome. Email: information@vmnh.virginia.gov. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 276-634-4141.

Saturday, Sept. 29
SR-71 BLACKBIRD FORUM - RICHMOND
Virginia Aviation Museum. Listen to crewmembers’ stories and discover what it’s like to fly at speeds faster than Mach 3.3 and altitudes higher than 85,000 feet. Hear personal stories from these crewmembers about flying the Blackbird and their amazing missions. Look inside the cockpit. Explore the navigation system of this amazing aircraft. Virginia Aviation Museum. Directions: 5701 Huntsman Road, Richmond, VA. Take I-64 to Exit 197 and follow brown signs. 10am to 4pm. $5 for youth ages 4-12 and seniors 60+, $6 for adults ages 13-59 and $5.50 for active military. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-236-3622.

Saturday, Sept. 29
STONEWALL SHOWCASE OF BANDS
Stonewall Brigade Band.The marching band meet is a spectacular display of musical abilities and coordination. The energy and talent of these high schoolers is powerful. This demonstration day showcases their abilities and provides a dramatic performance for their admirers. Check out their website to find out when our hometown favorites from Monticello, Charlottesville, and Western Albemarle High Schools are performing. Rain or shine. Memorial Stadium in Gypsy Hill Park. Directions: Staunton, VA. all day event. All ages welcome. Contact: Bob Moody. Email: moody@cfw.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/885-3037.

Saturday, Sept. 29
STREAMWATCH INTRODUCTORY TRAINING
Learn the fundamentals of benthic invertebrate sampling to gauge water quality and stream health. Class size is limited, and a reservation is required. No charge. Ivy Creek Natural Area, Education Building. Directions: Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, Virginia. 10am to 4pm. $Free. All ages welcome. Contact: Rose Brown. Email: rose@streamwatch.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/962-3527.

Saturday, Sept. 29
THE PARAMOUNT THEATER'S FAMILY FLICKS
The Paramount's Family Flicks will feature the film "Viva Las Vegas", starring Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret. The Paramount Theater. Directions: Downtown Mall. 4pm and 7pm. $6; $4 for kids 18 and younger. All ages welcome. Email: info@theparamount.net. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/979-1333.

Saturday, Sept. 29
VOICES FOR FRAGILE X BENEFIT CONCERT
A cappella concert to benefit Fragile X Syndrome. There will be six a cappella groups performing throughout the evening and raffles will be drawn after the show. Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center. Directions: Take Rio Rd. south to Melbourne Rd. Turn right. Turn left at the Charlottesville High School entrance. Follow signs to the CPAC at the rear of the school.. 6:30pm with doors opening at 6pm. $10.00. All ages welcome. Contact: Michelle Rocker. Email: mlrocker1014@yahoo.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/964-1283.

Saturday, Sept. 29
PERFORMING ARTS IN THE PARK - DOUTHAT STATE PARK
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Douthat State Park's beautiful beach for an evening of live beach music and entertainment. Concessions and souvenirs are available as well. Special thanks to the many local businesses that make this event possible. Douthat State Park, Route 1, Douthat Road, Millboro, VA 24460. Opens: 7:00 PM. Admission Fee. Children Welcome. Telephone:voice: (540) 862-8100. reservations: (800) 933-PARK. visitor services specialist: (540) 862-8117. Fax: (540) 862-8104. Email:douthat@dcr.virginia.gov Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/dou.shtml

Saturday, Sept. 29
FREDERICKSBURG AREA OKTOBERFEST 2007
OOOOOOOOmpah! Join us! In traditional Bavarian fashion, Fredericksburg comes together under the big tent to celebrate Oktoberfest in September.Family fun, for all. Music, Magic, Song and Dance. Great German food. Newly released authentic Oktoberfest Beer and German Hefeweizen from Blue & Gray Brewing. Free Admission. Numerous vendors selling delicious German foods, desserts and pastries available all day. Fall crafts table for the kids. Free samples of Blue & Gray Oktoberfest beer while it lasts. Beer for sale in 12 oz cup or 16 oz or 34 commemorative 2007 stein. A 1/2 off coupon for 2007 Stein on the website. 11:00 am LOW'n'BROWS Oktoberfest band OOOMPAH! 1:00 German Shepherd Exhibition Spotsylvania County K-9 Unit (Invited). 2:00 pm - Ray Dempsey Roving Accordion and MusicianSing along for prizes. Spotsylvania County Business Park, 3321 Dill Smith Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22408. 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Children Welcome. Telephone:Owner, Jeff Fitzpatrick: (540) 538-2379. Brewery phone: (540) 371-7799. Fax: (540) 898-8598. Email:jeff@blueandgraybrewingco.com Website:www.blueandgraybrewingco.com

Saturday, Sept. 29
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA HARVEST FESTIVAL - SOUTH BOSTON
Downtown South Boston will come alive with the annual Southern Heritage Harvest Festival. The festival promises to be a day of great activities, entertainment, food, crafts, and fun. During the day, the festival will take to the streets of downtown from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and the Prizery from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The rest of the evening will be focused in Constitution Square with a party from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Arts and crafts will line the streets and visitors to the festival will also see and hear a wide variety of entertainers on three stages continuous with a great variety of music plus a family entertainment stage. There will be lots of delicious food, including those delicious Cinn-sational Cinnamon Rolls. Town of South Boston, Various places, South Boston, VA 24592. Telephone:Phone: (434) 572-2543. Email:tvest@southbostonva.us Website:www.southboston.com/

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 29 & 30
SAVOR THE VALLEY WINE, FOOD & CRAFT FESTIVAL -NEW MARKET
The festival features the best the Shenandoah Valley has to offer including wine, food, crafts, family entertainment, and living history. No general admission charge, but a wine tasting charge and small parking fee. Shenandoah Caverns, VA. Directions: I-81 to exit 269, five miles north of New Market, VA. Shenandoah Caverns is one mile from the exit. Follow signs. 10am to 4pm. $admission free, $2 parking fee. All ages welcome. Email: Shencave@shentel.net. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-477-3115.

Sunday, Sept. 30
FOXFIELD FAMILY DAY
In addition to exciting steeplechase races there will be loads of special activities this fall for the kids like cheering for the Jack Russell Terrier Races and visiting the Fox Den Tent for lots of hands-on activities. Directions: Old Garth Road. 10:30am to 3:00pm. All ages welcome. Reservations are required. Once you pay for admission, all other activities are free. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/293-9501.

Posting events a little early this week. Enjoy!

Karen
www.move2va.com