7 Essential Smith Mountain Lake Fall Events (2024)
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It’s time to usher in beautiful and bustling autumn, filled with exciting Smith Mountain Lake events that make the season truly spectacular.
This event guide provides a taste of what’s available, but we highly encourage you to really dig in using our monthly SML event guides, where we’ve curated everything from live local music to wine tastings, trivia and poker nights, fundraisers, holiday happenings and much more.
And for ultimate convenience, subscribe to the SML Outlook, our weekly email newsletter. Every Thursday, we’ll deliver the hottest lake-area events (plus other great content) straight to your inbox.
7 Essential Events
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Antique & Classic Boat Show
Sept. 14, 2024
Now in its 32nd year, this annual favorite will take place at Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater (formerly Crazy Horse Marina). Check out beautifully restored wooden boats, meet their friendly owners and peruse a variety of craft and other vendors. The boat show is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SML Wine Festival
Sept. 28-29, 2024
The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, one of the region’s longest-running and most popular events, returns to Bernard’s Landing with its stunning lake and mountain views. The event includes tastings of wine, beer and cider, live music and artisan vendors, and proceeds benefit local charities. It takes place rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
You may also enjoy: Insider’s Guide to the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival (2024)
SML Charity Home Tour
Oct. 11-13, 2024
The SML Charity Home Tour offers visitors a look inside eight spectacular waterfront homes over Columbus Day weekend each year. The event raises money and awareness for area charities, with nearly $5 million donated since the all-volunteer organization’s inception in 1991. Tour by car or boat! See page 36 for more details.
You may also enjoy: Insider’s Guide to the 2024 Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour (Map Included)
SML Fall Chili Festival
Nov. 2, 2024
Savor a variety of chili, shop and listen to live music while enjoying the colorful fall foliage lakeside at Bridgewater Plaza. Gates open for the SML Fall Chili Festival at 11 a.m. for this family-friendly event with tastings from noon to 2 p.m. Vote for your favorites in the “People’s Choice” and “Best Showmanship” categories, and see who the judges crown for “Best Chili.”
You may also enjoy: 10 Reasons Fall is the Best Time to Visit Smith Mountain Lake
SML Lighted Boat Parade
Nov. 2, 2024
Kick off the holiday season with this fun-filled tradition featuring 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 children in need.
SML Turkey Trot
Nov. 28, 2024
Now in its second year, the Smith Mountain Lake Turkey Trot is a family-friendly 5K run/walk and a kids’ 1-miler that starts at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at SML State Park. The race takes place on a scenic, paved route and is open to runners and walkers. There will be a bounce house for kids and an award for the most-spirited family outfits. A portion of proceeds benefit the park.
Santa Around Bridgewater Plaza
Nov. 28, 2024
This beloved Smith Mountain Lake tradition kicks off with Santa arriving to Bridgewater Marina by boat to hear children’s wishes and pose for photos at SML Coffee House. Join the plaza-wide Elf on the Shelf adventure and enjoy treats and special deals at participating businesses. Get more details.
