Ultimate Guide to Smith Mountain Lake Events and Festivals (2024)
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Explore the most popular annual Smith Mountain Lake events and festivals! We’ve curated this handy list so you’ll always be able to find the best things to do at Smith Mountain Lake in 2024.
You may also enjoy: SML Event Guides for every month of the year
Smith Mountain Lake Calendar of Events
This post is updated throughout the year as plans are finalized, so be sure to check back regularly.
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SML Business Expo
April 9, 2024
Each spring, the SML Business Expo showcases a diverse range of industries related to home, business and life. Over 100 local businesses participate in this annual event, presenting their products and services to attendees.
Smith Mountain Lake Restaurant Week
April 17-30, 2024
This annual event showcases the diverse restaurant scene in the greater SML region. Sample specials and deals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and drinks from a wide range of eateries.
Sunset Saturdays
Select Saturday nights from mid-April through early October
Enjoy local musicians, dancing, food and wine as you watch the sun dip below the vines and the stars come out over Hickory Hill Vineyards. Family friendly.
Portside BBQ Battle
April 27, 2024
Sample some of the best barbeque around at this competitive cookoff to benefit Lake Christian Ministries. Enjoy live music, a car show, fresh oyster bar and fun drinks at Beacon Seafood Pub and Portside.
Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon
May 4, 2024
A scenic 750-meter swim, 20K bike race and 5K run that’s been a tradition at SML for decades. Participate, come cheer on the racers or sign up to volunteer!
Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Cleanup Day
May 4, 2024
Our annual community cleanup day helps ensure SML is clean and safe heading into boating season. Volunteers receive supplies, an appreciation gift and a ticket to a post-cleanup celebration.
Tom Maynard Memorial Poker Run
May 18, 2024
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.
You may also enjoy: SML Event Guides for every month of the year
A Day at the Lake
June 8, 2024
This free event, organized by the Smith Mountain Lake Association, brings the community together for fun and interactive activities (in water and on land) and is dedicated to protecting the water of SML and promoting safe recreation.
Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 2024 (tentative)
Living history demonstrations, guided tours, gospel music concert and more highlight this annual event, which commemorates the release of approximately 4 million people of African descent from the bonds of slavery after the end of the Civil War.
4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks
The largest over-the-water fireworks display at SML, this event is a fundraiser for the Saunders Volunteer Fire Company. Live music by Tate Tuck, food and drink vendors. Gates open at 5 p.m., music at 6 and fireworks at dusk. If coming by boat, please remember this is a NO-WAKE event!
July 5, 2024
Mitchell’s Point Marina Fireworks
This fun SML tradition runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Parking is limited at the marina so fireworks are best viewed by boat near channel marker C3 on Craddock Creek. Donations accepted for charities.
July 6, 2024
Fire WORX Fest
Festivities start at 5 p.m. and include live music by The Worx, food, drinks, vendors, games and fireworks. Takes place at Downtown Moneta and benefits the Moneta Fire Department.
Free celebration at Spring Valley Farm from 4 to 10 p.m. Live music, food and craft vendors, pony rides, petting zoo, wagon rides and, of course, fireworks at dusk!
Beastlake 5K & Obstacle Course
July 6, 2024
A fundraiser for Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy, this event features a 5k, a 5K Obstacle Course and a 1.5-mile Obstacle Course Fun Event.
Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days
July 19-21, 2024
SML Pirate Days is a fun-filled weekend for scallywags of all ages. Pirate-themed events include a Pirate’s Ball with live music and a costume contest, pirate ship battles on the lake, a marketplace, magic shows, a kid-friendly breakfast and much more.
Labor Day Weekend Concert and Fireworks
Sept. 1 or 2, 2024 (tentative)
Enjoy food vendors, activities for kids, live music and a spectacular fireworks show.
Smith Mountain Lake Antique and Classic Boat Show
Sept. 14, 2024
Come see beautifully restored wooden boats, meet their friendly owners and peruse a variety of vendors at this popular lakeside event that’s been going on for more than 30 years.
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
Sept. 28-29, 2024
One of the region’s longest-running and most popular events, this festival includes wine, beer, cider and spirits, live music and artisan vendors. Proceeds benefit local charities. Read more about the festival’s move to Bernard’s Landing this year.
Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour
Oct. 11-13, 2024
Tour eight spectacular waterfront homes while raising money for lake-area charities. Come by car or boat!
Dive deeper with our SML Event Guides for every month of the year
Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival
Nov. 2, 2024
Sample a variety of chili, shop and enjoy live music and amazing fall foliage lakeside at this family-friendly event.
Smith Mountain Lake Lighted Boat Parade
Nov. 9, 2024
This fun-filled tradition features decorated boats cruising up and down the lake starting at 7 p.m. Enter your boat (free), book a spot on the Virginia Dare (fee) or head to a vantage point along the lakeside parade route. All are invited to donate jackets, gloves and toys for distribution to local kids in need.
Smith Mountain Lake Turkey Trot
Nov. 28, 2024
Now in its second year, the SML Turkey Trot is a family-friendly 5K run/walk and a kids’ 1-miler that takes place on Thanksgiving Day morning. A portion of proceeds benefit Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Santa Around Bridgewater Plaza
Nov. 30, 2024
Bring the kids to see Santa arrive by boat and hear wish lists, participate in the Elf on the Shelf contest, shop Small Business Saturday specials and more at this long-running holiday tradition.
Bedford Festival of Trees
All month
Immerse yourself in holiday ambiance at the Bedford Area Welcome Center, where local businesses and community organizations display creatively adorned Christmas trees.
Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas
Dec. 6, 2024
Celebrate the season in the heart of downtown Rocky Mount with a festive Christmas parade, tree lighting, dancing, music, shopping, and more.
In addition to the annual events featured above, you’ll also want to check out happenings at The Coves Amphitheater, Harvester Performance Center and SML Pavilion.
Need accommodations? Consult our comprehensive SML Vacation Rentals and Lodging Guide or download our FREE SML Lodging eBook.
Andie Gibson
MANAGING PARTNER
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.
