SummerFest 26: Show Off Staunton
Photo Credit: Kate Simon
Saturday, August 22, 2026
10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Downtown Staunton
One summer day. Four distinct celebrations. Countless ways to show off Staunton.
SummerFest ’26 takes over downtown Staunton with family activities, adoptable animals, live music, local art, dancing, food, drinks, and plenty of unexpected fun. Start the morning at the Kindness Matters Kick-Off Carnival, enter your pet in the first-ever Pet Grand Marshal Contest for Staunton’s Christmas Parade, enjoy live music on Beverley Street, and finish the evening dancing at the Barrister’s Row Block Party.
SummerFest is free to attend, and you’re invited to join us all day downtown!
SummerFest Schedule & Map
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Kindness Matters Kick-Off Carnival
Location: Out front of City Hall
SummerFest begins with a celebration of kindness presented in partnership with Staunton City Schools.
Families can explore downtown, visit participating businesses, complete acts of kindness, and enjoy activities designed to help students start the new school year with a little more compassion and connection.
Activities include:
Staunton High School Band kick-off at 10am in front of the “You Belong Here” Mural
The “Acts of Kindness” Passport
“Seek Out Kindness” downtown scavenger hunt
Touch-a-Truck experiences
The giant “KIND” sign and family photo opportunities
Glitter Bee
Queen City Mini Donuts
Kona Ice
Two Wheels Tintype Photography
Games, activities, and lots of fun!
Admission is free. Activities will take place throughout downtown Staunton, Start in front of City Hall and grab your Kindness Passport then explore downtown.
12:00–2:00 p.m. — Christmas Parade Pet Grand Marshal Contest
Location: Sunspots Pavilion, next to The Well-Balanced Paw
Does your four-legged friend have the personality, holiday spirit, and star power to lead Staunton’s Christmas Parade?
Bring your pet downtown for the first-ever Christmas Parade Pet Grand Marshal Contest, presented with The Well-Balanced Paw and the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Animal Shelter.
Participating pets will have their portraits taken to enter into the 2 month long contest. On November 1st the pet with the most votes will be selected to serve as the Pet Grand Marshal of the 2026 Downtown Staunton Christmas Parade.
SAWAS will also be on-site with adoptable animals looking for their own holiday miracle, and a place to call home.
Pet owners should know:
Pets must remain leashed or appropriately secured.
Owners are responsible for their pets at all times.
Please consider your pet’s comfort around crowds, children, and other animals.
Contest participation details and public voting information will be announced soon.
2:00–6:00 p.m. — Live Music on Beverley
Turn up the afternoon with four hours of outdoor music in the heart of downtown Staunton.
Presented in partnership with Queen City Music Studios (QCMS), Live Music on Beverley showcases talented local and regional performers in a free, all-ages street concert.
The afternoon lineup includes the Loya Brothers, June Baby, and more artists bringing an energetic mix of sounds to Beverley Street.
Grab lunch from a downtown restaurant, explore the shops, and settle in for an afternoon of live music under the summer sky.
Performer Schedule
2-3pm — QCMS Teacher and Student Showcase
3:15p- 4:15p — June Baby Duo
4:30p-6p — The Loya Brothers
6:00 p.m. — Mary Baldwin University Marching Band
Back by popular demand! The Mary Baldwin University Marching Band returns to SummerFest for a high-energy performance to kick off the evening. They’ll only be playing a couple of songs, so don’t be late!
6:00–10:00 p.m. — Barrister’s Row Block Party
Location — Mevluda Tahirovic Memorial Garden
Close out SummerFest with music, dancing, art, style, and local drinks in the Mevluda Tahirovic Memorial Garden (behind the R.R. Smith Center for History & Art on Barrister’s Row)
The Barrister’s Row Block Party brings a little of that MADcon energy back downtown for one colorful summer night. Dance in the garden, strike a pose for style photography sponsored by Heard & Friends, Dance to the beats the DJs bring under the stars and the light of projection art provided by the Staunton Augusta Art Center. Enjoy local wine, beer, and cider (for sale to attendees 21+)
Music Lineup
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Melody Munroca of Femme Fatales
8:00–10:00 p.m.
DJ Transgender Basketball Player and DJ Soul Conductor
Throughout the Evening
Dancing in the garden
Style photography sponsored by Heard & Friends
An art experience provided by the Staunton Augusta Art Center
Local wine, beer, and cider
Plenty of creative SummerFest energy
The Block Party is free and open to all ages of the public. Guests wanting to purchase alcohol must be 21 or older present, present a valid ID and receive a wristband to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Street Closures
Sections of Beverley Street, Barrister’s Row, and nearby activity areas will be closed or have limited vehicle access during portions of the event.
A complete street-closure schedule and event map will be posted before SummerFest.
Accessibility
SummerFest activities take place along downtown streets, sidewalks, parking areas, and outdoor event spaces. Accessible parking is available downtown, though the closest available spaces may change because of event-related street closures.
Guests who need accessibility information or assistance planning their visit may contact SDDA at
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SummerFest free?
Yes! SummerFest and its four main event experiences are free to attend. Food, beverages, merchandise, and purchases from participating businesses are not included.
Is SummerFest one event or several?
It’s both! SummerFest is a full-day downtown celebration made up of four distinct events. Attend the portion that interests you most or stay downtown for the entire day.
Is SummerFest family-friendly?
The Kindness Matters Kick-Off Carnival, Pet Grand Marshal Contest, and Live Music on Beverley are designed as all-ages experiences. Families are welcome at the Barrister’s Row Block Party, although its evening programming and alcoholic beverage service may appeal more to an adult audience.
Can I bring my pet?
YES! Leashed pets are welcome all throughout downtown. Leashed pets are welcome at the Pet Grand Marshal Contest. Please consider your animal’s comfort around crowds, children, music, and other animals. Individual indoor businesses maintain their own pet policies.
Will alcohol be available?
Local beer, wine, and cider will be available for purchase during the Barrister’s Row Block Party. Guests 21 or older must present a valid ID, and wear the event wristband to purchase or consume alcohol within the designated event area.
What happens if it rains?
SummerFest is currently planned as a rain-or-shine event. Severe-weather updates or schedule changes will be posted through SDDA’s website and social media channels.
Where can I find the latest updates?
Follow the Staunton Downtown Development Association on Facebook and Instagram for performer announcements, contest details, maps, weather updates, and everything you need to know before August 22.
Parking
Parking is available in the following locations:
New Street Parking Garage (free on weekends)
Johnson Greet Parking Garage (free all times)
Wharf Parking Lot, entering from Byers Street.
Augusta Street Parking Lot
Other private lots may be available downtown. Please follow any posted signage to avoid towing fees.
Thank You to Our Partners
SummerFest ’26 is organized by the Staunton Downtown Development Association in partnership with:
Staunton City Schools
Queen City Music Studios
The Well-Balanced Paw
Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Animal Shelter
Heard & Friends
Staunton Augusta Art Center
Barrister’s Row Boutique Hotel
Mary Baldwin University
Queen City Mini Donuts
The Glitter Bee
Two Wheels Tintype Photography
Kona Ice
Participating downtown businesses, artists, vendors, volunteers, and community organizations