October in Staunton: Can’t-Miss Events You’ll Want on Your Calendar
October in Staunton isn’t just about crisp leaves and cozy nights — it’s also one of the busiest months for music, theater, and community festivals. From downtown block parties to bold new plays, here’s your roundup of events you won’t want to miss this month.
Arcadia Presents — October 4 & October 11
Street-side entertainment with music, dance, and theater.
What it is: A series of outdoor performances in front of the former Dixie Theater (125 E Beverley St). Family-friendly and free to enjoy while you shop and dine downtown.
October lineup:
Oct 4, 6 p.m. | Little Birdies
Oct 11, 5 p.m. | The Blue Ridge Irish Music School
Why go: Casual, community-focused entertainment that shines a spotlight on local and regional talent.
Learn more: Arcadia Project
Staunton Pride Festival — October 11
Celebrate love, identity, and community downtown.
What it is: An inclusive festival with live music, drag shows, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities.
Why go: It’s one of the most joyful events of the year, affirming Staunton as a welcoming, vibrant city.
Learn more: Staunton Pride Festival
Groovin’ in the Garden at Redbeard Brewing — October 11 & October 25
Live music, food trucks, and craft beer fill the beer garden this October.
What it is: Redbeard’s outdoor concert series featuring regional musicians in a relaxed garden setting, paired with rotating food trucks and local brews.
Highlights:
Oct 11: Valerie McQueen
Oct 25: Sun-Dried Opossum closes out the season
Why go: Great tunes, great brews, and the perfect fall patio vibes.
Learn more: Redbeard Brewing Events
MBU Signature Event — Dorie Clark ’97 | October 15
A thought-provoking evening with an acclaimed speaker and author.
What it is: Alumna Dorie Clark returns to campus for a keynote lecture based on her bestselling book Stand Out.
Where: Mary Baldwin University
Why go: Gain insights on leadership, communication, and building your own path.
Learn more: MBU Signature Event
Staunton Jams — October 17–19
A fall “fund-rager” with music, art, food, and community spirit.
What it is: A downtown music festival showcasing local and regional acts, mixing genres, food vendors, and art.
Why go: It’s a celebration of Staunton’s creative culture, bringing new sounds and high energy to the heart of downtown.
Learn more: Staunton Jams on Facebook
The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read — October–November
Pirate queens Anne Bonny and Mary Read burst out of history and into the Blackfriars Playhouse.
What it is: A bold, brash new play at the American Shakespeare Center featuring sea shanties, rebellion, and charting your own course.
Why go: It’s adventurous, musical, and unlike anything else you’ll see this fall.
Learn more: ASC: The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read