Southwest Virginia, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Southwest Virginia is brimming with vibrant events throughout September, promoting community engagement through family-centered shows, reenactments, and local festivals. Highlights include Barter Theatre’s 2025 family-themed season launch, Bingo nights, Kids’ Day Out camps, and the Sorghum Festival, offering various activities for families and individuals alike. These gatherings illuminate the region’s cultural richness and strengthen community ties, making it an ideal destination for entertainment and enrichment.
Upcoming Events in Southwest Virginia: Family, Arts, and Community Engagement Highlights
The vibrant region of Southwest Virginia is set to host a variety of exciting events throughout September, focusing on community engagement, family participation, and cultural enrichment. Among the highlights are performances, historical reenactments, fundraisers, and local festivals, catering to residents and visitors alike.
Barter Theatre’s 2025 Season Launches with Family-Themed Shows
Leading the lineup of events is Barter Theatre’s Artistic Producing Director, Katy Brown, who has revealed plans for the theatre’s 2025 season, emphasizing a family-centered theme. As one of the region’s most recognized arts institutions, Barter Theatre continues to offer quality performances that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Regular Community Events – Bingo, Reenactments and More
The weekend entertainment lineup includes a weekly Bingo night at the Smyth County Moose Lodge every Friday, starting at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. In addition, Saltville will host a Civil War reenactment from September 12-14, featuring living history demonstrations and battle reenactments that bring history to life for attendees.
Kids’ Day Out and Community Engagement Activities
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is organizing Kids’ Day Out camps on September 2 and September 12 for children aged 6 to 12. For a fee of $10, children will participate in activities similar to summer camp, fostering creativity and fun.
Arts and Culture Performances
The Gilliam Center for the Arts at UVA Wise will present the performance The Missing Element on September 12 at 7 p.m., featuring street dancers and beatboxers. Tickets are priced at $15, and students are admitted free. Similarly, Theatre Bristol will showcase “The Mockingbird Sings” from September 12 to 18, with tickets ranging from $12 to $16.
Supporting Local Initiatives
On September 13, the Boots and Bowties event in Abingdon will raise funds for Community Dental Care in Southwest Virginia, offering an evening of dinner, live entertainment, and auctions. Concurrently, Family Crisis Support Services will conduct a significant community giveaway in Norton, distributing over $1.5 million in merchandise to residents in need.
Fall Festivals and Fundraising Events
The 26th Annual Sorghum Festival will take place on September 13, featuring a range of activities including breakfast, live music, and local vendor participation. Additionally, the Octagon House will host a fundraising yard sale on the same day at the Adwolfe Fire Hall, featuring baked goods and hot dogs.
Educational and Musical Events
Dr. Yosef Garfinkel will present a free lecture on Biblical kings at Tusculum University on September 15, open to the public. For those with musical interests, the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department will offer youth and adult guitar lessons from September 18 to October 30, costing $100 per student.
Upcoming Festivals and Competitions
The Chilhowie Community Apple Festival will ignite local festivities from September 20 to 28, including a beauty pageant. Meanwhile, the Jeff Little Trio is set to perform on October 4 at The Rex Theater in Galax, showcasing their innovative music style. Additionally, the annual Marion Downtown Chili Championship on October 11 will feature entertainment, food vendors, and chili competitions for all to enjoy.
This array of events not only highlights the cultural richness of Southwest Virginia but also strengthens community ties, making the region a fantastic destination for family-oriented activities and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme for the Barter Theatre’s 2025 season?
The theme is centered around family, featuring family-oriented shows in the lineup.
When does Bingo night occur?
Bingo takes place every Friday night at the Smyth County Moose Lodge, starting at 6:30 p.m.
What activities are included in the Kids’ Day Out camps?
The camps offer activities similar to summer camp for children aged 6 to 12, focusing on creativity and fun.
Is there a cost for attending The Missing Element performance?
Tickets for The Missing Element performance are priced at $15, with students admitted for free.
What is the purpose of the Boots and Bowties event?
The event aims to support Community Dental Care in Southwest Virginia through fundraising efforts.
Key Features of Upcoming Events
| Event | Date | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barter Theatre 2025 Season Launch | Upcoming | Family-themed shows | Not specified |
| Bingo Night | Fridays | Weekly Bingo games | Entry fee |
| Civil War Reenactment | Sept. 12-14 | Living history demonstrations | Not specified |
| Kids’ Day Out Camps | Sept. 2 & Sept. 12 | Activities for children | $10 |
| The Missing Element Performance | Sept. 12 | Street dancers and beatboxers | $15 |
| Boots and Bowties Event | Sept. 13 | Fundraiser for dental care | Not specified |
| Sorghum Festival | Sept. 13 | Food, music, local vendors | Not specified |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Morristown Community Updates: Achievements and Events
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Dr. Saul Reyes Appointed President of Walters State Community College
Additional Resources
- Garden & Gun: 7 Historic Southern Theaters
- Wikipedia: Southern United States
- WCYB: Barter Theatre II Now Barter’s Smith Theatre
- Google Search: Barter Theatre
- Newsweek: Rescue Dog Acting Debut
- Google Scholar: Animal Rescue
- Knoxville Moms: Family Road Trip to Abingdon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Abingdon, Virginia
- Blue Ridge Outdoors: Southern Small Town Christmas
- Google News: Southern Town Christmas 2023
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
