Things to Do in Harrisonburg
Right outside your door…
Harrisonburg offers a robust array of opportunities to enjoy traditional and new entertainment, food, and festivals. Harrisonburg’s vibrant community is supported by active members and leaders who encourage everyone to get involved. There are so many things to do and so many ways to be part of Harrisonburg! Take a look around, and you’re sure to find a new hobby or favorite restaurant. The many Virginia attractions near your Harrisonburg apartment allow you to enjoy the charm of country life while maintaining easy access to all the amenities of nearby city apartments. Preston Lakes Apartments’ location allows residents to take advantage of local Harrisonburg events. If you are looking for it, it’s within reach at Preston Lake Apartments in Harrisonburg, VA!
Upcoming Events in Harrisonburg
We invite you to check out Harrisonburg’s upcoming events:
Rocktown Turkey Trot
Start your Thanksgiving with the Rocktown Turkey Trot and Gobble Dash, featuring a four-mile run and kids’ race with festive fun.
Winter Wonderfest
Enjoy carriage rides, photos with Santa, carolers, holiday shopping, performances, a holiday movie, and more at Winter Wonderfest!
HolidayFest at JMU’s Forbes Center
Celebrate HolidayFest at JMU’s Forbes Center in Harrisonburg with seasonal music, choral performances, and a traditional holiday sing-along.
Endless Options…
Living in Harrisonburg puts you in the center of everything the Shenandoah Valley has to offer- from world-class historic sites to breathtaking natural beauty with gorgeous views, a diverse selection of local shops and restaurants, fresh farmers’ markets, and so much more! Use the links below to begin experiencing all that Harrisonburg has to offer:
Dining in Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg dining is a collection of great food that was made to be enjoyed with family and friends. As the craft beer culture continues to thrive, Harrisonburg has become the home of delicious brews and brewers who are happy to share their knowledge (over a beer or two, that is). Great bistro and gourmet eateries rub shoulders with outstanding comfort food and traditional Southern fare. Harrisonburg is also gifted with impressive quality and variety, allowing residents to enjoy excellent foreign and ethnic food choices without sacrificing small-town appeal. Dining in Harrisonburg is also family-friendly, allowing you to enjoy “date night” even when you bring the kids along. Below are a few of our favorites:
- Bella Luna Wood Fired Pizza
- Beyond
- Billy Jack’s Wing & Draft Shack
- A Bowl of Good Café
- Brother’s Craft Brewing
- Bruster’s Ice Cream
- Capital Ale House
- Ciro’s Lasagna House
- Clementine
- Cook Out
- Drifters Cafe
- El Charro
- El Sol Taquería Mexicana
- Finnigan’s Cove
- Gator’s Sports Bar & Grill
- Golden China
- Greenberry’s Coffee Company
- Grilled Cheese Mania
- Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
- Kline’s Dairy Bar
- Kyoto Japanese Steak House
- Local Chop & Grill House
- The Little Grill
- Little Italy Pizza
- Macado’s
- McAlister’s Deli
- Mr. J’s Bagels & Deli
- O’Neill’s Grill
- Oriental Café
- Romano’s Italian Bistro
- Three Notch’d Brewing Company
- Thunderbird Café
- Vito’s Italian Kitchen
- Xenia Kabob Grille
Shopping in Harrisonburg
Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley are truly wonderful places for shopping. Whether you are looking to decorate your Harrisonburg apartment home, searching for that perfect gift, or simply looking to relax, Harrisonburg is home to a wide variety of businesses and shops. Enjoy shopping at a diverse variety of independent retailers, boutiques, and galleries, as well as shopping centers with national brand stores. Wander through unique local specialty shops and antique stores, or shop at the national chains you love. Check out just a few of the many options below:
- Asdelia Mae Boutique
- Booksavers
- Downtown Books
- Elk Run Mining Co.
- Frame Factory & Gallery
- Gift & Thrift
- Great.full Goods
- Green Hummingbird Fair Trade Clothing
- Heartworn Vintage
- James McHone Antique Jewelry
- Lineage
- The Lady Jane
- Liberty St. Mercantile
- New Creation
- Oasis Fine Arts and Crafts Gallery
- (Parentheses) Books
- Ragtime Fabrics
- Rocktown Games
- Rocktown Gift Shoppe
- Rolling Hills Antique Mall
- The Secret Lair
- Shops at Agora
- Snow and Ice
- Ten Thousand Villages
- Tiller Strings Violin Shop
- Tried & True Thrift Shop
- Valley Mall
- Walkabout Outfitter
- Water Street Vintage & Bohemian
- WithSimplicity
- Wonder Skate & Music
- The Yellow Button
- You Made It Pottery
Harrisonburg Culture & Recreation
Harrisonburg offers something for everyone with its wide variety of attractions! From one-of-a-kind museums, historic sites, art galleries, theaters, access to unmatched recreational activities, world-class hiking trails, and much more, Harrisonburg has something for every age and interest!
- A Dream Come True Playground
- Arts Council of the Valley
- Blue Ridge Parkway & Skyline Drive
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
- Explore More Discovery Museum
- Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market
- Heritage Oaks Golf Course
- Hillandale Park
- James Madison University
- Massanutten Regional Library
- Massanutten Resort
- Oasis Fine Art Gallery
- Purcell Park
- Ralph Sampson Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Virginia Quilt Museum
- Westover Park
Historic Sites in Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a city rich in history, including many historic sites that attract visitors from near and far. Harrisonburg offers a glimpse into our country’s past through a collection of well-preserved landmarks, museums, and architectural gems. Below are a few of the notable historic sites in Harrisonburg:
Annual Events in Harrisonburg
Explore all the events Harrisonburg has to offer! Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, this city provides something for everyone with fairs, food festivals, concerts, art shows, parades, events, recreational opportunities, and much more.
- Apple Harvest Festival at Sage Bird
- Best.Weekend.Ever.
- Block Party in the ‘Burg
- Chocolate Walk
- Christmas Village at the Fair
- Electronic Recycling Drive
- Fear Forest
- First Fridays of the Valley
- Fishersville Antiques Expo
- Food Truck Fest
- Harrisonburg Egg Hunt
- Harrisonburg Winter Market
- Harrisonburg’s Winter Wine Weekend
- Heifetz Festival of Concerts
- Historic Garden Week: Harrisonburg
- Independence Day Fireworks
- JMU 9/11 5K
- Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series
- Massanutten Fall Festival
- Massanutten’s Weekends at Base Camp
- New Year’s Eve Glow Run
- Red Wing Roots Music Festival
- Rockingham County Fair
- Rocktown Turkey Trot
- Skeleton Festival
- Summer Jam
- Taste of Downtown Restaurant Month
- The Gathering Market
- ValleyFest
- Veterans Day Parade
- Winter Roots Concert
- Winter Wonderfest
Events & Activities in Harrisonburg
Learn even more about some of our favorite local events from our blog! Check out these posts for more information:
What residents are saying...
S. Tetzloff
I had a fantastic experience at Preston Lake Apartments! Gracie and the construction/maintenance crew were extremely helpful and accommodating when I needed to move into an apartment on short notice. The apartment is clean and in great condition, and the pool and fitness center truly are state of the art. I even received a new resident goody bag at move-in. I would highly recommend Preston Lake!
