Summer Events Not to Miss

Summer is almost here and it’s time to plan a fun getaway with your family. Sometimes taking time away from work for an extended vacation is difficult or the family budget might not allow for that expensive theme park trip you’ve been wanting. Have no fear, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy time with your loved ones this summer without having to travel far or break the bank!

Free Events

Movie In the Park – Enjoy an evening under the stars at Jack Dalton Park in Collinsville. Each month, June through August, a different blockbuster movie will be shown on a giant 10 x 21 foot screen. Popcorn, snacks and other refreshments will be sold, and there’s plenty of fun for all ages at this free event. June 19: Paddington, July 10: Dolphin Tale 2, August 14: Cinderella

Canoe Day at Beaver Creek Reservoir – Bring the family out to enjoy the fun of paddling. This scenic 165-acre reservoir in Martinsville offers fee-based canoe rentals on a daily basis, but on June 16 and July 16 rentals will be offered, at no cost to you, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Martinsville Motorsports Madness – At this full day of motorsports fun on June 20, you’ll begin your day with “Cars & Coffee” at the breathtaking Philpott Lake overlook in Bassett then enjoy a police-escorted cruise through town to JP Superior Solutions on the Jim Mills Automotive Campus for a Car Show and Mean Machine Dyno Championship. Admission to see the cars and join the cruise is free.

Celebration 2015 at Martinsville Speedway – What do you have when you combine carnival rides, Carolina beach music band The Tams and a thrilling fireworks show? A free evening of family fun for all generations on July 3. Rides open at 3 p.m., music begins and 7 p.m. and the evening will conclude with a fantastic fireworks display.

Quilt Shop Rally – Load up the car and go on an old-fashioned road trip through Southwestern and Southern Virginia. This four-day rally will take participants to quilt shops in six cities where they will collect free quilt patterns, earn prizes and have lots of fun along the way. The rally is on July 9-12 and stops in Martinsville, Radford, Wytheville, Lynchburg, Roanoke and Moneta.

Events for $10 or Less

TGIF Outdoor Summer Concert Series - Martinsville Uptown invites you to come dance, sing and enjoy great music at the TGIF Outdoor Summer Concert Series. For over 20 years now, these concerts have been THE destination to meet family & friends to hear terrific music at a great price.

Wine Tastings at Hamlet Vineyards - Sweeten your Sunday afternoons with a trip to Hamlet Vineyards in Bassett. Each Sunday, from 1-5 pm, you can enjoy a wine tasting for only $5. Wines include: 2013 Pinot Gris, 2013 Viognier, 2012 Petit Verdot and 2012 Old Virginia Red. Cheese plates are available, a la carte, upon request. Wine tastings are a perfect afternoon activity for couples, best friends, girls’ days or just because.

Martinsville Mustangs Dollar Mondays – Come out to enjoy baseball at Hooker Field on Dollar Mondays for a great evening of family fun and entertainment. EVERYTHING'S just $1. That's right, $1 tickets, $1 hotdogs, $1 candy, $1 chips and $1 beer! Games begin at 7:00 p.m. June 15 Martinsville Mustangs play the Fayetteville Swamp Dogs on June 22 they play the Wilson Tobs and on June 29 they play HP Thomasville.

Night Fishing – Beaver Creek Reservoir in Martinsville normally closes at dusk but on June 27, the 165-acre reservoir will remain open for fun night-time fishing between 7 p.m. to midnight. A 50/50 cash payout will be awarded to the biggest catfish of the night. Admission is $10.

Events Worth the Splurge

“Back to Broadway Musical Revue” – TheatreWorks Community Players have been wowing audiences for ten seasons now and this show will be no different. Enjoy an evening of your favorite show tunes and feel free to sing and dance along. Performances are June 18-21 and 25-28. Tickets are $20.

“Music From the Movies: 80s & 90s Revue” – The PHCC Patriot Players end this season off with a fantastic musical revue. Don’t miss the chance to sing along to some of the most memorable music from movies of the 80s & 90s. The show runs July 23-26.

Global Cuisine with Chef Colleen – Each month participants create (and eat!) a gourmet meal from scratch under the direction of Chef Colleen Butker. Hosted at The Artisan Center of Martinsville, this program is fun for all ages and a great way to develop a lifelong skill while having fun. The sessions are $30 per person and all supplies are provided.

For details on these and other events see www.VisitMartinsville.com or call 276.632.8006.