DAYTON VA: (Rocktown Now) – The annual Dayton Days Autumn Celebration returns to downtown Dayton this Saturday, bringing more than 200 vendors, dozens of food offerings, live entertainment and family-friendly activities to one of the Shenandoah Valley’s largest fall festivals.
The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Main and College streets, according to event coordinator Christine Wade, who said visitors can expect a mix of returning favorites and new attractions throughout the day.
“We’re pretty much full to the max,” Wade said, noting that the festival has continued to grow and now extends beyond its traditional footprint.
New Vendors Join Returning Favorites
Among the new food vendors this year are Try Fabulous Foods, featuring seafood and pizza, and Valley Pretzels, offering fresh-made pretzels. Festival-goers will also find returning favorites such as crab cakes, Thai cuisine, barbecue and other specialty foods.
The vendor lineup extends far beyond food. Wade said attendees can shop from a wide variety of handmade goods, including hand-painted barn quilts from Possum Hollow Barn Quilts of Roanoke, personalized pet accessories, handcrafted purses, table runners, macramé wall hangings and unique succulent pumpkin creations.
One of the festival’s distinguishing features is its emphasis on handcrafted items.
“Lots of things are handmade,” Wade said, highlighting the wide range of artisans and craftspeople who travel from across Virginia and neighboring states to participate.
More Than 30 Food Vendors Expected
Food remains one of the biggest draws of the annual event.
Visitors will find everything from traditional festival fare to specialty offerings. Churches and community groups will be serving homemade favorites, while returning vendors will offer items including soft pretzels, baked goods, milkshakes, burgers, hot dogs and nachos.
A new addition this year is Sweet Baby Cheeses, which will serve artisan grilled cheese sandwiches, seasoned fries and tater tots.
“We’ve got lots of different things,” Wade said. “From hamburgers to artisan food.”
Live Entertainment Throughout the Day
In addition to shopping and dining, attendees can enjoy live performances throughout the festival.
Entertainment will include the High Horse Cloggers, featuring performers of all ages, as well as musical performances by Josh Davidson and Mike Davis.
Visitors can enjoy the entertainment while relaxing in the festival’s wine and beer garden located in Dove Park.
Expanded Parking and Shuttle Service
With thousands of visitors expected, organizers have expanded transportation options to make getting to the festival easier.
Shuttle service will run from Wilbur Pence Middle School, Woodmen of the World, Turner Ashby High School, and John Wayland Elementary School parking areas. New this year, school buses will transport visitors from satellite lots to the festival grounds.
To enhance the shuttle experience, Harvest Table and Glory Day Bus will provide coffee, beverages and snacks for those waiting at shuttle pickup locations.
Handicap-accessible parking will be available at Wilbur Pence Middle School. Additional parking will also be available at Coogler Field.
Museums Open Free of Charge
As part of the celebration, the Rocktown History Museum and the Virginia Quilt Museum will open their doors to the public free of charge for the day.
Festival growth has also led organizers to expand vendor space into several additional locations, including the Fuzzy Duck area and the former Pit Stop property.
Community Support
Wade credited volunteers and local sponsors for helping make the event possible.
Organizers are still seeking volunteers to assist with festival operations, including parking and shuttle coordination. Interested individuals can contact Dayton Town Hall for information.
This year’s platinum sponsors are CC Flooring & Design and Pittman Farms, both based in Dayton.
Festival Merchandise Available
Festival T-shirts, which debuted last year, will return for 2026. Shirts will be available for purchase for $20 at the Dayton Days booth located in Dove Park.
For more information about the Dayton Days Autumn Celebration, visit daytonva.gov or search for “Dayton Days Autumn Celebration” online. The event takes place Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Dayton.
