Top Smith Mountain Lake Events and Live Music in July (2025)
This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure policy.
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 2025.
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, 2025
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 – 9 p.m.
July 2, 2025
Andy Burnett: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
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 3, 2025
Southlake Farmers Market: Fresh, locally grown and sourced goods like produce, poultry, eggs and breads. Artisan vendors and food trucks on site. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
JD Ross: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 5-8 p.m.
Independence Day Festival “Before the Works”: Music, food trucks, fireworks and more at Liberty Lake Park, Bedford. 5-10 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 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.
July 4, 2025
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. 4-7 p.m.
Christian Q: 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!
Grease Fire: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
On3: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 – 10:30 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, 2025
Bedford Farmer’s Market: Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts and a variety of Bedford and locally grown products. Every Saturday from May 3rd to September 28th. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Beastlake 5K & Obstacle Course
July 5, 2025
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.
Westlake Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal vegetables and large and small fruits, pasture-raised eggs, herbs, bedding plants, jams, jellies, and local honey. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 1-3 p.m.
Keith McFadden: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Karlee Raye: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Big Matt And The Time Machine: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 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.
That 80s Show: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 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 6, 2025
Phat Boyz: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 2-7 p.m.
Wood & Strings: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Marie Anderson: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2 p.m.
Abbey and Andy: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Independence Celebration: Join the fun at this new event at Wind Vineyards featuring live music by The Church Sisters, food vendors, wine and a variety of other beverages. Enjoy family-friendly activities like slides, games, bounce houses, hayrides and monster truck rides. Gates open at 3 p.m., music and events start a 4:30, followed by fireworks around 9.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 3 p.m.
July 7, 2025
Karaoke Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
July 8, 2025
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 – 9 p.m.
July 9, 2025
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.
Jerry Wimmer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Peaks & Pieces Quilt Guild Show
July 9-19, 2025
This free event at the Bedford Public Library showcases Peaks and Pieces Quilt Guild members’ quilts with entries from modern art pieces to wearable quilts to large bed quilts. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
July 10, 2025
Southlake Farmers Market: Fresh, locally grown and sourced goods like produce, poultry, eggs and breads. Artisan vendors and food trucks on site. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wagon Rides & History Tour: Free wagon ride/history tour at Gross’ Orchard, Bedford. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Moneta Farmers Market: Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, bread, jams, jellies, and more, plus local artisans. 3-6 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.
Abbey & Andy: Live music at Drifter’s. 6-9 p.m.
July 11-12, 2025
Smith Mountain Lake Rodeo: Eight professional events, food vendors, shopping and more. 6 p.m.
July 11, 2025
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Travis Reigh: 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.
Dock Wizards: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Glen Shelton: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Creedence Clearwater Recital: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
July 12, 2025
Bedford Farmer’s Market: Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts and a variety of Bedford and locally grown products. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Westlake Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal vegetables and large and small fruits, pasture-raised eggs, herbs, bedding plants, jams, jellies, and local honey. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Blue Connection: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 3-7 p.m.
Christmas in July: Shopping, slushies, games, music, and more. 1-6 p.m.
Noah Spencer: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Abigail Wall: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Sunshine Daydream Festival: Big Matt and the Time Machine, The Dock Wizards and Bigfoot County perform at Mitchell’s Point Marina starting at 2 p.m.
Big Matt And The Time Machine: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Misbehavin: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Same As It Ever Was: Live music from Talking Heads tribute band at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
July 13, 2025
Jimmie Wilson: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2 p.m.
Justin Prillaman: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Jodie Davis: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
John Gillie Jr.: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 1 p.m.
July 15, 2025
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 – 9 p.m.
July 16, 2025
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.
Wildlife Wednesday Cruise
July 16, 2025
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.
You may also like:
Virginia Dare Cruises: A Fun and Easy Way to Experience Smith Mountain Lake
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
July 17, 2025
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.
Southlake Farmers Market: Fresh, locally grown and sourced goods like produce, poultry, eggs and breads. Artisan vendors and food trucks on site. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wagon Rides & History Tour: A Gross Orchard free wagon ride/history tour. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 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.
Robinson Treacher: Live music at Drifter’s. 6-9 p.m.
July 18, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Noah Spencer: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
The Wallflowers: Live performance at the Coves Amphitheater. 6 p.m.
Big Matt And The Time Machine: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Pirate’s Ball: Live music by Funky Bone, pirates, costume contest, specialty drinks and more at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Supafly: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
July 19, 2025
PIRATE DAYS
Pancakes With Pirates: Family-oriented breakfast at Cancun Mexican Restaurant 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) may be purchased online here. 8-10:30 a.m.
Main Pirate Festivities: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater (formerly Crazy Horse Marina). Enjoy food and craft vendors, live pirates and mermaids, black powder cannon and small arms demos, The Motley Tones, The Shadow Players and more.
Admission is $5 for adults, free for kids 5 and under. Wristbands from Friday’s Pirate Ball will be honored if still intact. Lawn chairs are welcome. No coolers.
NEW! Pirate Days After Party: Live music by The Pizzaz Band at Mango’s Bar & Grill. Live pirates, specialty drinks and more. Costumes encouraged. 7:30-11:30 p.m.
MORE EVENTS
Bedford Farmer’s Market: Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts and a variety of Bedford and locally grown products. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Westlake Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal vegetables and large and small fruits, pasture-raised eggs, herbs, bedding plants, jams, jellies, and local honey. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lakeside Local
July 19, 2025
Enjoy a vibrant market bringing talented local vendors to the heart of SML. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Abbey & Andy: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Tim Rowlett: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Rodeo
July 19, 2025
BLM Bull and Rodeo Company will be at Wind Vineyards for all of your cowboy entertainment, including bull riding, barrel racing and mutton busting for the kids. 3-8 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.
Tim Martin: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Home Grown Music Series: Live music from Up Jumped Trouble at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Pizzaz: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
July 20, 2025
PIRATE DAYS
Main Pirate Festivities: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater. Enjoy food and craft vendors, live pirates and mermaids, black powder cannon and small arms demos, The Motley Tones, The Shadow Players and more.
Admission is $5 for adults, free for kids 5 and under. Wristbands from Friday’s Pirate Ball will be honored if still intact. Lawn chairs are welcome. No coolers.
MORE EVENTS
Karlee Raye: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2 p.m.
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Hunter Overstreet: 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. 5 p.m.
July 22, 2025
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 – 9 p.m.
July 23, 2025
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.
Jerry Wimmer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
July 24, 2025
Southlake Farmers Market: Fresh, locally grown and sourced goods like produce, poultry, eggs and breads. Artisan vendors and food trucks on site. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wagon Rides & History Tour: A Gross Orchard free wagon ride/history tour. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 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.
July 25, 2025
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.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 6 p.m.
Elizabeth Davidson: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Stone Country: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
In The Meantime: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Everclear: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
July 26, 2025
Bedford Farmer’s Market: Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts and a variety of Bedford and locally grown products. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Westlake Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal vegetables and large and small fruits, pasture-raised eggs, herbs, bedding plants, jams, jellies, and local honey. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Live music: At Harvest Moon Marketplace. 1-5 p.m.
Jessi Pugh: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 1-3 p.m.
Marie Anderson: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Big Matt And The Time Machine: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
A Killer Christmas in July: Join Jump into Mystery at Fables and Feathers Winery for a Christmas in July interactive murder mystery event 6:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Cimmaron: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 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.
July 27, 2025
Live music: At Harvest Moon Marketplace. 1-5 p.m.
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 2 p.m.
Mike Dill: Live music at Drifter’s. 2-5 p.m.
Travis Reigh: 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. 1 p.m.
July 28, 2025
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, 2025
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 – 9 p.m.
July 30, 2025
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.
Justin Prillaman: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
July 31, 2025
Southlake Farmers Market: Fresh, locally grown and sourced goods like produce, poultry, eggs and breads. Artisan vendors and food trucks on site. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wagon Rides & History Tour: A Gross Orchard free wagon ride/history tour. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 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.
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
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Andie has been covering Smith Mountain Lake since 2000 for a variety of publications, including the SML Visitor and Newcomer Guide, SML HOME Magazine, The Roanoker 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.
