Top Smith Mountain Lake Events and Live Music in September (2025)
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Welcome to the ultimate guide for Smith Mountain Lake events in September!
We’ve rounded up dozens of fun-filled things to do at SML this month. Keep scrolling to find the best SML activities this weekend and beyond.
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!
September’s Best Bets
Submit an event: [email protected]
Sept. 1, 2025
SML State Park Activities: Amazing Monarchs, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Beach Kids Crafts, 2-4 p.m., Beach Bubbles, 4-4:30 p.m.
Travis Reigh.: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Nobodies from Nowhere Band: Jimmy Buffet tribute live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 3-7 p.m.
Sept. 2, 2025
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30-9 p.m.
Sept. 3, 2025
Jerry Wimmer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Sept. 4, 2025
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.
Dave Owens and Tate Tuck: Live music at Mitchell’s. 5-8 p.m.
Sept. 5, 2025
Mango’s Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 5, 2025
Enjoy lunch or dinner at Mango’s and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 11 a.m.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines featuring Jose Zarhi of Calyptra Vineyards & Winery in Chile. 4-7 p.m.
Solacoustix: Live music at Mitchell’s. 6-9 p.m.
Dock Wizards: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
SML Boomer Band: Live music, dancing and singalongs presented by the Smith Mountain Arts Council at The Coves Amphitheater. Doors open at 6 p.m. Concert starts at 7.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. $25 gift cards go to the winners of each round. 7:30 p.m.
Second Shift: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 6, 2025
Bedford Farmers Market: Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts and a variety of Bedford and locally grown products. 8 a.m.-noon
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
The Dock Wizards: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 3-6 p.m.
Wood & Strings: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Big Matt & The Time Machine: Live music at Mitchell’s. 6-9 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
SupaFly Five: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 6 p.m.
Sept. 7, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 1 p.m.
The Dock Wizards: Live music at Mitchell’s. 1-4 p.m.
John Gillie, Jr.: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 1-5 p.m.
Justin Prillaman: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 8, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 3 p.m.
Acrylic Painting Gathering: Bring your project or start a new one each Monday in September at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. Weekly themes. 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 2025
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30-9 p.m.
Sept. 10, 2025
Crafty Cards Workshop : Learn how to make your own greeting cards and meet new friends a Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. Free supplies provided. 10 a.m.
Daniel & Mitch: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
The Farmhouse Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 10, 2025
Enjoy lunch at The Farmhouse and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
The Blackwater Café Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 10, 2025
Enjoy dinner at The Blackwater Cafe and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
Sept. 11, 2025
Bruno’s Clubhouse Bistro Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 11, 2025
Enjoy lunch or dinner at Bruno’s Clubhouse Bistro and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
Tiff’s Lakefront Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 11, 2025
Enjoy lunch or dinner at Tiff’s at Mariners Landing and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
Jake’s Place Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 11, 2025
Enjoy dinner at Jake’s Place and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
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.
Sept. 12, 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.
The Tradition Band: Friday night coffeehouse with live music at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. Free with donations welcome. 6:30 p.m.
Karlee Ray Band: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. $25 gift cards go to the winners of each round. 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 13, 2025
Bedford Farmers Market: Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts and a variety of Bedford and locally grown products. 8 a.m.-noon
Smith Mountain Lake Antique and Classic Boat Show
Sept. 13, 2025
Now in its 33rd 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 show is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Blue Ridge Bee Festival: Explore a swarm of 50+ vendors, sample sweet local honey, see six live observation hives up close, and enjoy guest speakers, kids’ activities and live music. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Rarely Available Band: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 2-6 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Travis Reigh Band: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Montgomery Gentry at Wind Vineyards
Sept. 13, 2025
Live music at Wind Vineyards, featuring Eddie Montgomery. Tickets available now. 4-10 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.
Beginnings – A Celebration of the music of Chicago: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Sept. 14, 2025
The Copper Kettle Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 14, 2025
Enjoy lunch or dinner at The Copper Kettle and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
Ben Trout Trio: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 1-5 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.
Sept. 15, 2025
Crafty Needles: Meet new friends and work on knitting and crocheting projects at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. Beginners welcome. 2 p.m.
Napoli by the Lake Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 15, 2025
Enjoy dinner at Napoli by the Lake and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
Friends of SML State Park Meeting: Take an interest in the preservation & promotion of SML State Park in Bedford County and enjoy a potluck. At SMLSP Discovery Center. 5:30 p.m.
Acrylic Painting Gathering: Bring your project or start a new one each Monday in September at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. Weekly themes. 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 16, 2025
Magnum Point Marina Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 16, 2025
Enjoy lunch or dinner at Magnum Point Marina and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30-9 p.m.
Sept. 17, 2025
Wildlife Wednesday Sightseeing Cruise: 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.
Jerry Wimmer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Sept. 18-21
The Addams Family Musical: Presented by The Lake Players on stage at Westlake Cinema. This marks the first live event produced by the SML Center, which aims to purchase the cinema and create a hub for arts, education and entertainment. Sept. 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at 2 p.m.
Sept. 18, 2025
Napoli Cowboy Hosts Dine Out to Lift Up
Sept. 18, 2025
Enjoy dinner at Napoli Cowboy and 10% of your tab will benefit Lake Christian Ministries’ hunger relief programs!
Senior Expo: Free event presented by the Franklin County Office of Aging. 80+ vendors, food trucks, live music and door prizes at the Essig Recreation Center, Rocky Mount. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
SMLA Annual Meeting: Open to the SML community, this event will take place at Trinity Ecumenical Parish and will feature exhibits, light refreshments, program updates and door prizes. The presentation begins at 6:15 with leaders of key initiatives sharing results from the past year. 5:30-7:30 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.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Sept. 19-20, 2025
Joyous Junque: Huge yard sale at Resurrection Catholic Church, Moneta, to benefit local charities. Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sept. 19, 2025
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines featuring Jean-Marc Descabannes of Jeff Welburn Selections. 4-7 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.
Pleading the Fifth: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. $25 gift cards go to the winners of each round. 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20, 2025
SML Walk to End Poverty
Sept. 20, 2025
Take in scenic lake views on a paved 5K or 10K course at the SML Walk to End Poverty, held at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Organized by Lake Christian Ministries, the event aims to raise $100,000 to support services for vulnerable families facing economic hardship. Participate as an individual or join a team.
Bedford Farmers Market: Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts and a variety of Bedford and locally grown products. 8 a.m.-noon
Lakeside Local: Enjoy a vibrant market bringing talented local vendors to the heart of SML. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bedford Centerfest: The event features a family friendly atmosphere with vendors, food trucks, live music, artisan market, children’s activities, and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dirty Dog Dare MTB Race: The Dirty Dog Dare isn’t your average mountain bike race. It’s a multi-format mountain bike event for all kinds of dirt lovers. A true test of determination, legs, and tail-wagging endurance. Register now. 12 p.m.
Rocky Mount Fest
Sept. 20, 2025
A lively community celebration featuring live music, tasty food and unique local vendors. The festival draws residents and visitors alike for a fun-filled day of entertainment and hometown pride. 3-10 p.m.
Lenny Marcus Jazz Trio: Live music at The Bower Center, Bedford. 6-8 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
That 80’s Show, presented by Out of Spite: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Sept. 21, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 1 p.m.
Live Music: At Harvest Moon Marketplace.
The Robert Cray Band: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Sept. 22, 2025
Acrylic Painting Gathering: Bring your project or start a new one each Monday in September at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. Weekly themes. 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 23, 2025
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30-9 p.m.
Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Sept. 24, 2025
Wine Tasting, Charcuterie & Art: A local collaboration between SML Fine Wines, Anchor Meadow Farm and Hawaii Fluid art. Sip, sample and create at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Noah Spencer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Sept. 25, 2025
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.
Sept. 26, 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.
Hoppie Vaughn: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. $25 gift cards go to the winners of each round. 7:30 p.m.
Rumours ATL: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Sept. 27, 2025
Bedford Farmers Market: Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts and a variety of Bedford and locally grown products. 8 a.m.-noon
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Live Music: At Harvest Moon Marketplace.
Dock Wizards: Live music at Bottles & Bites. 6:30 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Big Matt & The Time Machine: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Whitey Morgan – Acoustic Songs & Stories Tour: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Sept. 27-28, 2025
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
One of the region’s longest-running and most popular events, this festival includes wine, beer, cider and spirits, live music and artisan vendors. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Bernard’s Landing Resort.
Olde Dominion Fantasy & Medieval Faire
Experience the thrill of live medieval combat, fantasy fun and family-friendly entertainment at the Olde Dominion Fantasy & Medieval Faire at Wind Vineyards. This year’s theme, The Legend of the Grail, will feature full-contact armored battles, food, crafts, cosplay and live performances. Enjoy a variety of food, wine, cider and other refreshments. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sept. 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.
Sept. 29, 2025
Acrylic Painting Gathering: Bring your project or start a new one each Monday in September at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. Weekly themes. 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 30, 2025
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30-9 p.m.
Geoff Tate’s Operation Mindcrime: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Submit to our Smith Mountain Lake events calendar: [email protected]
Ultimate Guide to SML Events & Festivals (2025)
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.
