Out About Fun Be Ahead

SML Pirate Days

July 14-16: c elebrate all things pirate at S m L! Vendors, costume contests, events, water battles and more. smlpiratedays.com n ote: The events listed here were scheduled when this issue went to press. However, it is best to confirm the date and time of these events with the specific venues before venturing out.

In July

4 | Tuesday

Independence Day Celebration at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest: Come celebrate the 247th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in historic style. Poplar Forest. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 adults, 15-under free. poplarforest.org

6 | Thursday aL so aug . 10 Rain Barrel Building Class: This old idea is making a big splash — harvest rainwater for your garden! Have suitable transportation for this 42-inch high by 24-inch diameter project. Essig Recreation Center, 295 Technology Drive, Rocky Mount. 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. $60.

Registration deadline: one week before class. playfranklincounty.com

7 | Friday

LIve M us IC Michael Franti & Spearhead, with Fortunate Youth: The Coves Amphitheater, 301 Ivy Lane, Union Hall. 7 p.m. (gates open 4:30 p.m.) $57.50-$87.50. covesatsml.com

(click on Amphitheater)

8 | Saturday

LIve M us IC Homegrown Music s eries: A community event for all ages! Open jam 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Band plays 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food truck available. (No alcohol.) Rocky Mount Depot, 52 Franklin St., Rocky Mount. Free for jam, $5 band admission, 12-under free. depot@rockymountva. org, 540-489-0948

12 | Wednesday

Little Town Players Theater Camp: Introduction to basic theater skills such as stage presence, projection, enunciation, improv and using costumes to create or enhance a character. For 3rd to 8th graders.

Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. Jenifer Golston, jgolston@bpls. org , 540-425-7004, ext. 1410

Wildlife Wednesday Cruise: Smith Mountain Lake State Park has teamed up with Virginia Dare Cruises to offer this informative and fun lunch cruise. Reservations required. Virginia Dare Marina, Moneta. Noon to 2 p.m. $45 adults, $30 10-under with lunch ($30/$20 without). 540-297-7100, vadaresml.com

13 |

Thursday

LIve M us IC The Weight Band: Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. $32-$47. harvester-music.com

14 |

Friday

Family Bingo Night: Come take your chances on winning some awesome prizes. Essig Recreation Center, 295 Technology Drive, Rocky Mount. 6:30 p.m. $2 per card. playfranklincounty. com

Family Movie Night: Presented by Bedford County Parks & Rec. Movie TBA. Smith Mountain Lake Pavilion. Movie begins at dark. Free and open to the public.

Independence Day Celebration at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

July 4: Celebrate the 247th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in historic style. Enjoy colonial-style entertainment, demonstrations, children’s activities, pony rides, and more.

14-16 | Friday-Sun.

10tH ann Iversary s mith Mountain Lake pirate Days: Avast! Dress up as a pirate and join in one of the lake’s most beloved annual traditions. Over the weekend, several area buinsesses offer discounts, promotions, contests and and events. Vendors and main events at Crazy Horse Marina. For a full list of events, visit smlpiratedays. com. Highights include:

Pirate Days water Battles: Watch as elaborate local pirate ships compete for control of the lake using water cannons and hoses. July 15 and 16, 2 p.m. Crazy Horse Marina

Pancakes with Pirates: Enjoy breakfast of pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee, plus face painting, balloon animals and a treasure chest filled with goodies for the kids. Come in costume for photos and live interactions with the Pirates of Smith Mountain Lake. July 15, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Mexico Viejo, Bridgewater Plaza. 8 to 10 a.m.

15 | Saturday

Disc Golf for Seniors: Reduce the effects of aging. Come learn the basics of this low-impact, low-cost sport. Ages 50-older. Waid Park, 701 Waid Park Road, Rocky Mount. 9 to 11 a.m. $12 per family. Registration deadline: July 12. playfranklincounty.com

LIve M us IC Rodney Crowell: The Chicago Sessions Tour. The Coves Amphitheater, 301 Ivy Lane, Union Hall. 7 p.m. (gates open 5 p.m.)

$47.50-$77.50. covesatsml.com (click on Amphitheater)

Faux Stained Glass Boxes: Learn about stained glass and its history and significance, then make a faux stained glass box to take home. Supplies provided. Ages 16-older. Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Jenifer Golston, jgolston@bpls.org, 540-425-7004, ext. 1410

16 |

Sunday c anoe Basics: Develop confidence during this beginner flatwater class. No experience necessary. All equipment provided. Ages 17-older. Woody Lake, Sontag Road. 9 to 11 a.m. $25. Registration deadline: one week before class. playfranklincounty.com

LIve M us IC Tommy e mmanuel, c .G.P. with Richard Smith: The Coves Amphitheater, 301 Ivy Lane, Union Hall. 7 p.m. (gates open 5 p.m.)

$47.50-$77.50. covesatsml.com (click on Amphitheater)

19 | Wednesday

Rainbow Puppet Productions presents “That’s the Truth:” Join us for a whirlwind visit with three classic characters from children’s literature: Pinocchio, Rumpelstiltskin, and the Wolf Crier. For all ages. Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Jenifer Golston, jgolston@bpls.org , 540-425-7004, ext. 1410

20 | Thursday

Stitch i t, Don’t Ditch i t: Adults and teens will learn how to make simple repairs to clothes and other fabric items from members of the Lake Quilters Guild. Materials, supplies and equipment provided. Bring fabric item(s) in need of simple repair. For adults and teens; ages 12-15 must attend with an adult. Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free. Jenifer Golston, jgolston@bpls.org , 540-425-7004, ext. 1410

21 | Friday m ovies on the m ove: “Puss in Boots.” Outdoor games and kids activities 30 minutes prior to movie. Dress accordingly and bring a chair, blanket and light source. Snacks and drinks for sale. Recreation Park, Sontag Road (rain location: Essig Rec Center). 8:45 p.m. Free. 540-483-9293, playfranklincounty.com aL so J u Ly 28-30 “Annie warbucks:” The sequel to the beloved musical “Annie.” Little Town Players, Bedford. Time, price TBA. littletownplayers.com

21-23 | Friday-Sun.

22 | Saturday

LIve M us IC, aL so aug . 26 Ray Judd’s m usic in the Park: The Friday n ite Band: Bring the whole family for an evening of foot-stompin’ music. Band will be accompanied by the Old Dominion Cloggers dance group. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Beach Pavilion. 8 to 10 p.m. $7, 12-under free. 540-297-6066, smlake@dcr.virginia. gov

Virginia Boating Safety e ducation classroom course: This course covers the required topics that all recreational boaters must know. SML Water Treatment Facility, Moneta. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. $40. Register at register-ed.com/ events/register/193017. Randy Stow at 540-588-0270

24 | Monday

LIve M us IC n ickel creek with Aoife o’Donovan: The Coves Amphitheater,

2 Moons of August Night Hikes

August 1 and 30: August features two full moons this year, known as blue moons. e njoy a casualpace hike under the moon at waid Park in Rocky m ount. m ust Register by July 27. playfranklincounty.com

301 Ivy Lane, Union Hall. 7 p.m. (gates open 5 p.m.) $57.50$87.50. covesatsml.com (click on Amphitheater)

27 | Thursday

Family Fun Back-to-School clothing Swap: Come pick out some new-toyou clothes to add to your child’s back-to-school wardrobe. Shopping is by appointment only; please call to schedule your time. Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free. 540-4257004

28-30 | Friday-Sun.

“Annie warbucks:” See Friday, July 21.

29 | Saturday

Scruggs Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Triple event: Open house, Touch a Truck, and a backpack school supplies collection. 2130 Bluewater Drive, Moneta. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations appreciated. scruggsfirerescue.com

In August

1 | Tuesday aL so aug . 30 2 m oons of August n ight h ikes: Every few years there are two full moons in the same month; the second is called a blue moon. Join us for a casual-pace hike during the first full moon of August. Ages 10-older. Waid Park, 701 Waid Park

Road, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. $10. Registration deadline: July 27. playfranklincounty.com

6 | Sunday

LIve M us IC Dustbowl Revival: Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. $37, $27, $200 VIP table. harvester-music.com

9 | Wednesday wildlife wednesday cruise: Smith Mountain Lake State Park has teamed up with Virginia Dare Cruises to offer this informative and fun lunch cruise. Reservations required. Virginia Dare Marina, Moneta. Noon to 2 p.m. $45 adults, $30 10-under with lunch ($30/$20 without). 540-297-7100, vadaresml.com

10 | Thursday

Rain Barrel Building class: See July 6.

LIve M us IC chatham Rabbits: Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. $32, $22, $180 VIP. harvester-music.com

11 | Friday

Family Bingo Night: Come take your chances on winning some awesome prizes. Essig Recreation Center, 295 Technology Drive, Rocky Mount. 6:30 p.m. $2 per card. playfranklincounty. com

LIve M us IC Yellow Brick Road – A

Tribute to e lton John: Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 to 10 p.m. $37-$47. harvester-music. com

12 |

Saturday

LIve M us IC h omegrown m usic Series: A community event for all ages! Open jam 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Band plays 7 to 9 p.m. Food truck available. (No alcohol.) Rocky Mount Depot, 52 Franklin St., Rocky Mount. Free for jam, $5 band admission, 12-younger free. depot@rockymountva.org , 540489-0948

SedaliaFEST. This year’s theme for our annual fundraiser is Suburban Cowboy. Check out our car show and live music. Sedalia Center, Big Island. 5 to 10 p.m. $10 advance, $15 at the gate, 12-under free. sedaliacenter.org

13 |

Sunday

LIve M us IC Sierra h ull: (Rescheduled from May) Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. $32-$52. harvester-music.com

14 |

Monday

S m L n ewcomers: Our topic will be volunteering opportunities presented by SML Charity Home Tour and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Free refreshments starting at 10 a.m. All are welcome. Trinity Ecumenical Parish, Moneta. 10:30 a.m. Free. 540721-4330

16 | Wednesday

LIve M us IC Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-whirl Band with “ king” Solomon h icks: Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. $47-$67. harvester-music.com

18 | Friday m ovies on the m ove: “Lightyear.” Outdoor games and kids activities 30 minutes prior to movie. Dress accordingly and bring a chair, blanket and light source. Snacks and drinks for sale. Jamison Mill Park, 2000 Jamison Mill Road, Henry (rain location: Essig Rec Center). 8:30 p.m. Free. 540-4839293, playfranklincounty.com

Family Movie Night: Presented by Bedford County Parks & Rec. Movie TBA. Smith Mountain Lake Pavilion. Movie begins at dark. Free and open to the public.

19 | Saturday poplarforest.org

Face the Forest 5 k o bstacle course Run: Challenge yourself to beat the clock as you take on a 3.1-mile obstacle race through the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s retreat. Poplar Forest. 7:30 a.m. Price TBA.

Disc Golf for Families: Looking for an affordable activity and a chance to get outside? Come learn the basics of this game. All ages. Waid Park, 701 Waid Park Road, Rocky Mount. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. $12 per family. Registration deadline: Aug. 16. playfranklincounty.com

20 | Sunday

LIve M us IC Arrival From Sweden – The m usic of ABBA: The Coves Amphitheater, 301 Ivy Lane, Union Hall. 7 p.m. (gates open 5 p.m.) $42.50-$62.50. covesatsml.com (click on Amphitheater)

26 | Saturday

LIve M us IC Ray Judd’s m usic in the Park: h andmade m usic Band by Floyd country Store: See July 22.

LIve M us IC kinnfolk: Celtic folk music from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bower Center for the Arts, Bedford. 6:30 p.m. $15 advance, $20 at the door. bowercenter.org

30 | Wednesday

2 Moons of August Night Hikes: See Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Coming Sept. 2

Country Fair & Gathering: A gathering of local farmers, gardeners and other folks dedicated to rural life — what it gives to us and what it needs from us. Sedalia Center, Big island. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10, 12-under free. sedaliacenter.org

Ongoing

StoryWalk. See July listing.

SEND US YOUR EVENTS! Email the date, location and a brief description including admission cost and contact information to christina.koomen@roanoke.com