In Wythe County and surrounding areas, entertainment options abound. Besides the outdoor activities one finds here, there are numerous other ways to spend some time! A wealth of live music, festivals, and fun is available throughout the year.
Look to www.virginia.org and www.wwbchamber.com for more events calendars that are updated regularly.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Chautauqua Festival – Wythe Arts Council’s annual celebration of art, craft, music, and culture. Annually, in June.
Lions Club Carnival – Every July, the Wytheville Lions club puts on a fundraising carnival for charity featuring rides, food, and fun for everyone! This year’s event begins Monday, July 15.
Rural Retreat Heritage Days – Dr. Pepper sponsors Rural Retreat Heritage days this year, taking place the last Saturday of July. Music, food, crafts, vendors, and much more follow the parade kicking it all off.
Annual 4th of July Celebration – Downtown Wytheville, Inc., sponsors a huge event annually that brings thousands to Downtown Wytheville. A car show, the TOP DOG Hot Dog eating contest at Skeeter’s, and lots more fun is capped off with an evening concert and a great fireworks display!
Artisan and art showcases happen every year as well and exhibit some of the great creativity possessed by those in our community.
MUSIC
Concerts in the park, open mic nights, and intimate singer-songwriter music events abound here. Here’s just a sampling:
- After Hours Summer Concert Series
Sponsored by the Town of Wytheville’s Parks and Rec Department, this series brings big bands to the community each month during the summer. Big beach and oldies acts regularly take the stage.
- Chautauqua Festival
Sponsored by the Wythe Arts Council, this week-long summer tradition has existed in its current incarnation in Wytheville for over thirty years. Daily, you’ll find a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. Classes ranging from art and photography to cooking and quilting can be found any given summer. A creative writing competition and art show are part of the festival as well as a flower show and craft exhibition.
- Mountain Top Music
At the iconic local landmark just north of Wytheville – Big Walker Lookout – you can expect to enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday during the warm months. Talent from near and far plays in front of the country store near the observation tower. Definitely worth the scenic drive on US-52 North. Craft and artisan demonstrations are featured, as well.
- WCC Jamboree
In its old time and bluegrass music series, Wytheville Community College brings a talented band to town each month for everyone’s enjoyment.
- Summer Saturdays Concerts
Wythe County’s first winery, West Wind Farm, features live music on the first Saturday of each month from June through October. A variety of bands plays each year but the events remain a great place to relax in the beautiful surroundings while enjoying some great music.
These are but a few of the music events that go on in our area. For more information, consult the venue or contact us at the JIDA if you need some help getting in touch.
THEATRE
- Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre – Wytheville’s own premier venue for musicals has been operating for over twenty years. Original productions and musicals we all know and love are produced here year-round. Upcoming shows include The Sound of Music, Grease, The Marvelous Wonderettes, and the widely loved annual tradition, A Wohlfahrt Haus Christmas. Shows are accompanied by dinner and there’s a lounge open throughout the week for food and beverage.
The State Theater of Virginia is located just an hour southwest in Abingdon. The Barter Theater is renowned for its varied productions and its history.
Also, you’ll find great productions at Wytheville Community College that showcase talent from the school and community, as well.
Regionally, you’ll find a number of other venues to satisfy your appetite for the dramatic as major events come to Roanoke, Greensboro, and Charlotte – all within two hours driving time.