Top Smith Mountain Lake Events and Live Music in July (2024)
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Welcome to the ultimate guide for Smith Mountain Lake events in July!
We’re kicking things off with Independence celebrations and fireworks at Smith Mountain Lake, one of our favorite weeks of the year. Then we’ll move right into SML Pirate Days. Arrrrg!
We’ve also rounded up dozens more fun-filled things to do at SML this month. Keep scrolling to find the best SML activities in July 2024.
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!
July’s Best Bets
Submit an event: [email protected]
July 1, 2024
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
July 2, 2024
Michael Franti & Spearhead: Live music at The Coves Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m.
July 3, 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.
July 4, 2024
Karlee Raye: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Parkway Marina Fireworks
July 4
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!
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a front-row seats for the fireworks at Parkway Marina aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 8 p.m.
July 5, 2024
Common Ground: Live bluegrass music at Lake Denim. 12-3 p.m.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Christian Q.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Archie Mullins: Live music at The Copper Kettle. 6-8 p.m.
Out of Spite: Live music at Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater. 6-9 p.m.
Elizabeth Davidson: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
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.
The Dundies: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a front-row seats for the fireworks at Mitchell’s Point aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 8 p.m.
July 6, 2024
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.
Keith McFadden: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Justin Prillaman.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
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.
Ben Trout: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Pizazz: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
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 at Eastlake Community Church. 8 a.m.
July 7, 2024
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 1 p.m.
Christian Q.: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Wood & Strings.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
July 8, 2024
Literary Lakers Book Club: Open meeting at the Moneta/SML Library. 3 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
July 9, 2024
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.
July 10, 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.
The Embers featuring Craig Woolard: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
July 11, 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.
Trivia with Wes Hale: Trivia night at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
July 12-14, 2024
SMAC Photo Contest and Show: Annual display of local photography sponsored by the Smith Mountain Arts Council at Kaleidoscope: The Gathering Place. Times vary.
July 12, 2024
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.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Carter Mullins.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Danielle Gray: Live music at The Copper Kettle. 6-8 p.m.
Andy Burnette Trio: Live music at Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater. 6-9 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.
July 13, 2024
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Jessie Pugh.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 1-3 p.m.
Jim & Sherry: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Annalyse Marie.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Creedence Clearwater Recital: Live music at Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater. 6-9 p.m.
Abbey & Andy: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Float-In and Concert: Live music by Five Shades of Gray at Gills Creek Marina. 6-9 p.m.
Misbehavin: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Larry Sigmon & the Virginia Girls: Live music at Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
July 14, 2024
Justin Prillaman: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Noah Spencer.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Jodie Davis: 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. 3 p.m.
July 15, 2024
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
July 17, 2024
Wildlife Wednesday Cruise
July 17, 2024
Enjoy a meal, a tour down to the dam and a presentation by an SML State Park interpreter about the wildlife that call SML home. Noon.
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Virginia Dare Cruises: A Fun and Easy Way to Experience Smith Mountain Lake
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.
July 18, 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.
Bingo: Bingo night at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
July 19-20, 2024
Wine, Balloons & Tunes: Live music, hot air balloon chartered flights and tethered rides, an appearance by the Grape Crusher monster truck, kid activities, wine, sangria, slushies, ciders, non-alcoholic beverages, food trucks and more at Wind Vineyards. 2:30-9 p.m.
Music schedule
Friday
3-6 p.m. – The Frequency
6-9 p.m. – SupaFly Five
Saturday
3-6 p.m. – The Bubba Chandler Band
6-9 p.m. – Tin Can Locomotive
July 19-21, 2024
SML Pirate Days
Celebrate a weekend of fun-filled activities for scallywags of all ages with a wide range of pirate-themed events. Pirate’s Ball with live music and a costume contest, pirate ship battles on the lake, a marketplace, magic shows, kid-friendly breakfast, and much more.
July 19, 2024
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Flick & Float: Showing of the movie “Jaws” at SML Community Park beach. Hot dogs, popcorn, shaved ice, door prizes and more for ages 14 and up. Limited to 200 people. 6 p.m.
Travis Reigh.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
Music by Sunshine: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Pirate Ball with That 80s Show: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
David Stewart Wiley & Akemi Takayama: Live music at The Coves Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m.
July 20, 2024
Pirate Days – Pancakes With Pirates: Family-oriented breakfast at Bridgewater Plaza. Come in costume for photos and live interactions with the Pirates of SML. Face painting, balloon animals and a treasure chest filled with goodies for the kids. Advance tickets required. 8-10 a.m.
Tate Tuck: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Christian Q.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Dave Owens & Tony Wright: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Fuzzy Logic: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
July 21, 2024
Justin Prillaman.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Marie Anderson: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Annalyse Marie Duo: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2-6 p.m.
July 22, 2024
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
July 23, 2024
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.
July 24, 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.
July 25, 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.
Trivia with Wes Hale: Trivia night at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
July 26, 2024
Robinson Treacher: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 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.
Ella Folk & The Shenandoah Sound: Live music at Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater. 6-9 p.m.
Tim Martin: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Vinyl Nation: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
July 27, 2024
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.
Blue Connection: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 1-5 p.m.
The Jodie Solo Show: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
The Megan Doss Band: Live music at Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater. 6-9 p.m.
Andrew Winn & Brian Mesko: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Breaking the Chain: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
July 27-28, 2024
Monster Truck Festival: Wind Vineyards presents monster trucks, activities and games for kids and a pit party pit party that allows patrons to get up close and personal to the trucks, collect autographs, take pictures and meet the drivers. Grape Crusher monster ride truck will be giving rides. Kids can register to participate in the Power Wheels Race. 3-8 p.m.
July 28, 2024
Wood & Strings Outlaw Country: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Karlee Raye: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Chris Suter: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Travis Reigh: Live music performance at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 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.
July 29, 2024
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6-8 p.m.
July 29-Aug. 2, 2024
Youth Arts Camp: Half-day sessions sponsored by the Smith Mountain Arts Council for kids ages 8 to 15 at Kaleidoscope: The Gathering Place. 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
July 30, 2024
Christopher Cross: Live music at Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
July 31 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.
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.