Smith Mountain Lake Events and Live Music in May (2024)
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Welcome to the ultimate guide for Smith Mountain Lake events in May!
Whether you’re in search of lively festivals, thrilling concerts or local live music, we’ve got you covered. Discover the top things to do at Smith Mountain Lake this weekend and throughout the month of May.
Please note, this post is updated throughout the year as events are finalized so please check back often or sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to hear about everything going on at SML!
May’s Best Bets
Submit an event: [email protected]
May 1, 2024
Moneta Farmers Market: Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, bread, jams, jellies, and more, plus local artisans. Adjacent to the Moneta-SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road. 3-6 p.m.
May 2-5, 2024
Mercury Marine Blue Ridge Big Bass Classic: Fishing tournament at Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater (formerly Crazy Horse Marina) with $175,000 in prizes.
May 2, 2024
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7-11 p.m.
May 3, 2024
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-6 p.m.
Steve Guidus: Live music at The Copper Kettle Co. 6-8 p.m.
Kevin Reardon: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Five Dollar Shake: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Agents of Good Roots: Live music at Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
May 4, 2024
SML Triathlon: Test your endurance while swimming, cycling, and running through one of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks. 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Cleanup Day: Annual initiative to keep SML clean, safe and healthy. Volunteers events are scheduled at various locations around the lake. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Swing Fore Hunger Charity Golf Tournament: To benefit Stepping Stone Mission of Franklin County and the SML Lions Club. 11 :30 a.m. at Copper Cove Golf Club.
Christian Q. & the Groove: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Kentucky Derby Party: Live music by Ben Trout, food and drink specials at Bruno’s Clubhouse Bistro. 6-9 p.m.
Karaoke: at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Patchwork: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Sam Grisman Project: Live music at Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
May 5, 2024
Marie Anderson: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2-6 p.m.
Wood & Strings: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 3 p.m.
May 6, 2024
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
SML Photo Club Meeting: At the SML / Moneta Library at 7 p.m.
May 8, 2024
Moneta Farmers Market: Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, bread, jams, jellies, and more, plus local artisans. Adjacent to the Moneta-SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road. 3-6 p.m.
Open Mic Competition: Week 1 of the Hook, Lines and Singers Songwriters Festival Open Mic Competition at Mango’s Bar & Grill to benefit local children’s charities. Registration at 6 p.m. (come with at least four songs and your instrument if you plan to perform). Competition begins at 6:30 p.m.
Five Dollar Shake: Live music performance 7-10 p.m.
May 9, 2024
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
May 10, 2024
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-6 p.m.
Carter Mullins: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Steve Guidus: Live music at The Copper Kettle Co. 6-8 p.m.
Adam Mitchell: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
The Bogeys: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Fore the Pets Charity Golf Tournament: Captain’s Choice event at The Waterfront Country club to benefit the Franklin County Humane Society. Registration at 11 a.m., lunch at noon, shotgun start at 1 p.m.
May 11, 2024
Arts Expo: Free event with live music, interactive art mobile, giveaways, food and drink, kid activities and demos presented by the Smith Mountain Arts Council. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish.
Mother’s Day Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 11 a.m.
Justin Prillaman: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Karaoke: at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Fuzzy Logic: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
May 12, 2024
Christian Q.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Karlee Raye: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2-5 p.m.
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
May 13, 2024
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
May 15, 2024
Moneta Farmers Market
Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, bread, jams, jellies, and more, plus local artisans. Adjacent to the Moneta-SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road. 3-6 p.m.
Open Mic Competition: Week 2 of the Hook, Lines and Singers Songwriters Festival Open Mic Competition at Mango’s Bar & Grill to benefit local children’s charities. Registration at 6 p.m. (come with at least four songs and your instrument if you plan to perform). Competition begins at 6:30 p.m.
May 16, 2024
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
May 17, 2024
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-6 p.m.
Steve Guidus: Live music at The Copper Kettle Co. 6-8 p.m.
Dave Owens & Tony Wright: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Glen Shelton: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Sara Evans: Live music at Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
May 18, 2024
Tom Maynard Memorial Poker Run: Register to participate or just head to one of the card stops to see some awe-inspiring boats, as well as lively crews decked out with fun-filled themes. Not a race but a game of chance, this popular event benefits local nonprofits. Boats depart at 11 a.m. from Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater (formerly Crazy Horse Marina).
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon and 6 p.m.
Travis Reigh: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Karaoke: at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Pizzaz: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Sara Evans: Live music at Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
May 19, 2024
Annalyse Marie: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2-6 p.m.
Travis Reigh: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 3 p.m.
May 20, 2024
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
May 21, 2024
Soulacoustix: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2-6 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 6 p.m.
May 22, 2024
Moneta Farmers Market: Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, bread, jams, jellies, and more, plus local artisans. Adjacent to the Moneta-SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road. 3-6 p.m.
Open Mic Competition: Week 3 of the Hook, Lines and Singers Songwriters Festival Open Mic Competition at Mango’s Bar & Grill to benefit local children’s charities. Registration at 6 p.m. (come with at least four songs and your instrument if you plan to perform). Competition begins at 6:30 p.m.
May 23, 2024
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue: Live music at Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
May 24, 2024
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-6 p.m.
Steve Guidus: Live music at The Copper Kettle Co. 6-8 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 6 p.m.
Music by Sunshine: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
The Dundies: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Charity Golf Tournament: Fundraising event at Mariners Landing to benefit the Virginia Conservation Police Association. 11:30 a.m. R
May 25, 2024
Hunter Overstreet: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 6 p.m.
Karaoke: at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Out of Spite: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Bo & Jodie Show: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
May 26, 2024
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 1 p.m.
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Steve & Robin: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
NashAngeles: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7-11 p.m.
May 27, 2024
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
May 29, 2024
Moneta Farmers Market: Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, bread, jams, jellies, and more, plus local artisans. Adjacent to the Moneta-SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road. 3-6 p.m.
Casino Night Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 6 p.m.
Open Mic Competition: Week 4 of the Hook, Lines and Singers Songwriters Festival Open Mic Competition at Mango’s Bar & Grill to benefit local children’s charities. Registration at 6 p.m. (come with at least four songs and your instrument if you plan to perform). Competition begins at 6:30 p.m.
May 30, 2024
Bailey Williams: Live music at Drifter’s. 5-7 p.m.
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
May 31, 2024
Trinity Treasures Sale: Annual church yard sale with low-cost household goods, furniture and more at Trinity Ecumenical Parish. 12-6:30 p.m. Also June 1.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-6 p.m.
Karlee Raye: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
SML Boomer Band: Live music from the 50s, 60s and 70s at the Pavilion at Bernard’s Landing to benefit SML Good Neighbors. 5:30-9 p.m.
The Frequency: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Mac McAnally: Live music at Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Visit our Monthly Event Guide page for links to things to do in June, July, August and beyond!
Submit to our Smith Mountain Lake events calendar: [email protected]
Ultimate Guide to SML Events & Festivals (2024)
Fun-filled Smith Mountain Lake events take place year-round here. For the most popular annual festivals and events, be sure to check out this comprehensive blog post!
Andie Gibson
PUBLISHER
Andie has been covering Smith Mountain Lake since 2000 for a variety of publications, including Smith Mountain Laker Magazine, The Roanoker, SML Visitor and Newcomer Guide, SML HOME Magazine and Life Outside. As a partner in G&C Ventures, LLC, she oversees all content for our suite of websites, including Smith-Mountain-Lake.com and LakeLubbers.com.