AVOCA 250: LIGHTS, LIBERTY, & LEGENDS
Join us for this one-time special event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary!
Thursday, July 9 - Sunday, July 12, 2026
Parking & Directions
FAQ
Coming soon!
Set against the historic grounds of Avoca Museum, Avoca 250: Lights, Liberty & Legends is a four-day community celebration honoring 250 years of American history, heritage, and hometown spirit. From live music and fireworks to living history demonstrations, carnival rides, food trucks, and family activities, this special anniversary event will bring the past and present together in the heart of Altavista.
Throughout the weekend, guests can explore immersive Revolutionary-era experiences featuring reenactors, artisans, musicians, and historical interpreters from across Virginia. Saturday’s signature Living History Celebration will highlight stories of early America through blacksmithing, colonial cooking, spinning, pottery, military encampments, educational presentations, and more. Evening festivities will continue with live entertainment, local food and drinks, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Whether you come for the history, the music, the carnival, or the community atmosphere, Avoca 250 invites visitors of all ages to gather, celebrate, and reflect on the stories that shaped our nation and our region.
Admission to all programming is completely free, making this a celebration for the entire community to enjoy together.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES FEATURING:
Living History Celebration
Revolutionary War encampment
Blacksmithing, pottery, spinning, and colonial cooking
Colonial music and Quaker life demonstrations
Rifle and cannon demonstrations
Presentations on the lives of enslaved individuals and Native Americans during the Revolutionary era
Virginia Statewide 250 Mobile Museum
Special appearances portraying Colonel Charles Lynch and Penelope Lynch
Official launch and signing of the first biography of Colonel Charles Lynch
Preview of the upcoming Charles Lynch documentary
Carnival by Cole Amusements
Thursday, Friday, Sunday | 6-10 PM
Saturday | 5-10 PM
Live Music
Friday | 6-9 PM Say No More
Saturday | 4-7 PM The Pete Turpin Band
Saturday | 7-9 PM Landslide
Food & Drink
Friday | 6-9 PM
Slow Smoke Bistro
Draft Beer Truck, Danville Distributing
Saturday | 6-9 PM
The Harvest Hut
Love Umami
Draft Beer Truck, Danville Distributing
Firework Finale!
Saturday | 9:15 PM
Live Music Opening