Sights and Sounds of the Valley: Celebrating Summer Arts and Entertainment in Luray and Page County
From the big screen to the small stage and outdoor venues to indoor galleries, Luray and Page County in August (or any time of year) are an art lover's dream.
As the kids prepare for a new school year, summer days get a little shorter, and the season begins to wind down, head to the Shenandoah Valley for a unique array of events, art, and entertainment.
Catch a late-summer sunset as the sky swirls with cotton-candy hues and music fills the warm August evenings against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Massanutten mountains. Pack a lawn chair and the kids and head out to a free outdoor movie night beneath the stars. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel and a step back in time at the Page Valley Fair. See hundreds of triathletes take to winding country roads as they emerge from early-morning misty waters. And explore thousands of large- and small-scale artworks by regional creators and artisans — or use the beauty of the Valley to inspire your own creation.
Virginia’s Cabin Capital is not only a haven for outdoor adventurers and solace seekers but arts-and-entertainment lovers.
SEE PAINTINGS, SCULPTURES, MURALS AND MORE
Luray and Page County nurtures a unique art scene and is home to hundreds of artists of all ages and walks of life.
With a short walk through Downtown Luray, art is everywhere, from intricate metal sculptures along Main Street to detailed murals on the sides of buildings and colorful paintings along the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway. Each of the thirty creations tells a different story of the Shenandoah Valley’s history and beauty, and is part of the Appalachian Mural Trail. Spend an August afternoon seeing the artworks — the perfect backdrop for unique photos — by viewing mural maps and building your own itinerary with directions and detailed information about the artworks you select.
Take in more local creations at the ten-thousand-square-foot Warehouse Art Gallery in Downtown Luray and view more than a thousand creative works by more than ninety regional artists. Contemplate paintings created with watercolors, acrylics, and oils; marvel at sculptures large and small both indoors and out; and see bone sighs, stained glass, baskets, turned bowls, photography, handcrafted furniture, and more. The Warehouse is also home to Expressions Studio, where free children’s crafts and activities are offered periodically throughout the year on Saturdays.
Catch a flick at the iconic pink Page Theater in Downtown Luray and be wowed by its unique aesthetics both inside and out; stop by the town’s newest pocket park, Creekside Commons, for a special photo op behind a large metal frame overlooking the Hawksbill Creek; or commemorate your visit in the state that’s for lovers with keepsake photos at two oversized LOVEworks, including a “Logs of Love” sign on the grounds of Luray Caverns and seasonal letters in front of the Visitors Center in Downtown Luray (be sure to share them with us with #visitluraypageva and #LoveVa).
Don’t forget the shops for handmade artisanal mementos, customizable gifts, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Our merchants, boutiques, and studios offer handmade jewelry, locally-made art, custom primitive and holiday decor, handcrafted furniture, and a wide variety of clothing, magnets, mugs, hiking sticks, ornaments, and more to keep for yourself or gift to someone special.
SAVOR SUMMER FUN AT THE PAGE VALLEY FAIR AND LURAY TRIATHLON
Enjoy funnel cakes and fun at the 69th annual Page Valley Agricultural and Industrial Fair at the fairgrounds in Luray during the final full week of August.
Held Aug. 23 through Aug. 28, each night of the six-night event features fan favorites ranging from grandstand events and midway eats and treats to a staple of the 69-year-old fair — 4-H and FFA showcases and exhibits. Take a step back in time at the small-town fair with carnival-style rides and games, live music and entertainment, and truck and tractor pulls, diesel dirt drags and a demolition derby. Visit the fair’s Facebook page for a full schedule of events.
Watch hundreds of athletes conquer the course as they swim, bike, and run during the 15th installment of the Luray Triathlon, headquartered at the town’s Lake Arrowhead. Join hundreds of spectators along the beach, throughout the park, and along winding country roads during the two-day event, beginning with an international triathlon and duathlon on Saturday, Aug. 21. Watch as athletes enter the lake just after sunrise for a loop swim, followed by a 41-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run on area roads. Head to the Luray park on Sunday, Aug. 22, to catch shorter sprint races beginning at 8 a.m.
MARK THE MONTH WITH AUGUST EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Take in the sights and sounds of August with a full slate of family fun, afternoon dates, and late-summer outings filled with live music, arts and crafts, events, and entertainment throughout Page County in the towns of Luray, Stanley, and Shenandoah. Happenings include:
WHITE-OAK BASKET MAKING
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays in August, including Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 19, and Aug. 26: Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park
Join Page County basket artisan, Clyde Jenkins, as he teaches participants how to make a white-oak basket with techniques handed down through generations. Structured for beginners to intermediate, the cost is $70 per person and session, and includes all materials to craft one basket. Reservations are encouraged by calling 877-847-1919.
EVENINGS ON MAIN
• 5-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 6: Ruffner Plaza, Downtown Luray
Catch a special edition of Luray’s summer concert series at Ruffner Plaza in Downtown Luray during a tribute concert in memory of the late Mokey, a well-known and loved local musician. The concert will feature performances by Luray singer-songwriter Mollee Kuhn, Jay Powell, The Hasty Brothers, and The Roadducks.
• 7-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20: Ruffner Plaza, Downtown Luray
Music will fill Downtown Luray during its Aug. 20 installment of the summer concert series Evenings on Main. Held at Ruffner Plaza along the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, beneath the Main Street Bridge, the concert will feature a variety of styles performed by The Robbie Limon Band.
CRUZ-IN ON FIRST STREET
• 6-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 6: Town of Shenandoah
Gather on Shenandoah’s First Street for the August installment of the town’s summer Cruz-In series to see classic vehicles in the historic downtown area and enjoy music, food, and fun. All makes, models, and years are welcome. There are no registration fees. The event’s rain date is Aug. 13.
MUSIC UNDER THE ARBOR
• 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7: Wisteria Farm & Vineyard
Enjoy live music and local wine at the Stanley vineyard during its seasonal Music Under the Arbor series. The Aug. 7 installment features originals and covers performed by Richmond, VA-based duo Haze & Dacey.
• 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 14: Wisteria Farm & Vineyard
Savor the blend of blues, rock, and folk with a retro twist with singer-songwriter Emily Julia Kresky, a Charlottesville, VA-based musician.
• 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21: Wisteria Farm & Vineyard
The Aug. 21 installment of the music series features singer-songwriter Michael McCray performing original compositions, contemporary folk, and an eclectic mix of traditional Americana, rock, jazz, bluegrass, and more.
MOVIES ON MAIN
• 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 10: Page Theater
Head to the iconic pink theater in Downtown Luray for a free showing of the 1939 musical fantasy film “The Wizard of Oz,” sponsored by the Luray Downtown Initiative and presented by Luray Parks and Recreation and the Page Alliance for Community Action. Concessions will be available for purchase.
PAL CONCERT
• 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 14: Performing Arts of Luray
Gather at the PAL Center’s plaza in Downtown Luray and journey back to the 1990s with cover band Waking Napster. Gates open at 5:15 p.m. The cover charge is $10 per person.
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
• 8:30-10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20: Town of Shenandoah
Pack a lawn chair or a blanket, grab the kids, and head to the Town of Shenandoah’s First Street to catch a free outdoor showing of the 2001 Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” The event includes free popcorn and a drink while supplies last. The movie night’s rain date is Aug. 27.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
• 7-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 27: Big Gem Park
Grab your lawn chair and settle in at the Town of Shenandoah’s Big Gem Park for an installment of the town’s concert series Music in the Park, featuring progressive and old-time bluegrass performed by A New Shade of Blue.
PAINT AND SIP
• 7-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 27: Studio 31.13
Join special guest host Greatful Cookies for a sunflower-inspired Sip and Paint event at the Downtown Luray studio as you decorate cookies to take home and sip on complimentary beer and wine. Registration is required. The cost is $35 per person.
PICK ‘EM & STOMP ‘EM
• 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 28: Wisteria Farm & Vineyard
Join owners and friends at the Stanley vineyard for a fun-filled day for all. Arrive early for an annual Blessing of the Vines and help harvest Wisteria’s first grapes of the season. Once the grapes have been picked, the stomping begins! Lunch, as well as a “vertical tasting,” will be provided to volunteers. The event is dependent on weather and the harvest’s cycle. Check Wisteria’s website for any changes. Reservations are required by calling (540) 742-1489.
ANNIVERSARY PARTY AND MUSIC
• 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 29: Wisteria Farm & Vineyard
Celebrate the vineyard’s eleventh anniversary with munchies, wine, and music, featuring reggae, roots, and rock performed by Greg Ward.
