10 Essential Smith Mountain Lake Summer Events (2025)
This site contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure policy.
Smith Mountain Lake comes alive in the summer with exciting events, and SML Insiders is your ultimate resource for everything happening around the lake.
Below are the area’s top events, but our monthly SML event guides unlock the full SML experience, highlighting live music at favorites like Drifter’s, Mango’s, Hot Shots and Bottles & Bites, plus so much more.
For the ultimate convenience, subscribe to the SML Outlook, our weekly email newsletter. Every Thursday, we deliver the hottest lake-area events (plus other great content) straight to your inbox.
Summer 2025 Events at SML
Open Mic Competition
May 28 and June 4, 11, 18
Come watch some of the area’s most talented musicians compete at the SML Songwriters Festival Open Mic Competition. This six-week event takes place Wednesday nights on the outdoor stage at Mango’s Bar & Grill, all in support of local children’s charities. Weekly winners will compete in the finale on June 19 for a chance to perform at the SML Wine Festival in September.
Wind Vineyards Rodeo
June 7
Get ready for an action-packed event at Wind Vineyards with sanctioned, professionally produced bull riding, barrel racing and more. Now in its second year, this event features high-level professional riders from across the country, offering an exciting, top-quality rodeo experience. Don’t miss the Grape Crusher monster truck, and enjoy food and drinks available for purchase throughout the day. Additional rodeos are set for July 19 and Aug. 30.
Harmony4Hope Music Festival
June 8
The Harmony4Hope Music Festival brings the community together through music to support the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Featuring performances by Kimberley Dahme, Jason Long, Martin and Kelly, and Big Daddy Ray, this festive event takes place lakeside at Mango’s Bar & Grill and aims to raise $300,000 for the cause.
SML Songwriters Festival
June 20-22
Returning for 2025, this local favorite will take place at various venues around the lake, both on and off the water. The SML Songwriters Festival features Ty Herndon and 18 other talented singer-songwriters from Nashville to Austin. Presented by local nonprofit Hook, Lines & Singers, all donations benefit SML Good Neighbors, an organization that provides summer enrichment day camps and other programs for students in Bedford and Franklin counties.
Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks
Parkway Marina
July 4, 2025
The largest over-the-water fireworks display at SML, this event is a fundraiser for the Saunders Volunteer Fire Company. Enjoy live music by Tate Tuck, as well as food and drink vendors. Gates open at 5 p.m., with music at 6 and fireworks at dusk. Find out more.
Mitchell’s Point Marina
July 5, 2025
This fun-filled 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 are accepted for various charities. Find out more.
You may also enjoy: Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks by Boat: Map and Safety Tips
Wind Vineyards
July 6, 2025
Join the fun at this new celebration featuring live music, food vendors, wine and a variety of other beverages. Enjoy family-friendly activities like slides, games, bounce houses, hayrides and Grape Crusher monster truck rides. Don’t miss a special performance by the Walking Tall monster truck before sunset, capped off by a spectacular fireworks display. Find out more.
Pirate Days
July 18-20
Set sail on a weekend of excitement for scallywags of all ages. Pirate Days events take place at participating businesses around the lake, and most are free or low cost. The rollicking Pirate’s Ball kicks things off on Friday at Mango’s with live music and a costume contest. Pancakes with Pirates, a kid-friendly breakfast hosted by the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce, is Saturday. There are also pirate-themed cruises on the Virginia Dare (complete with water battles) throughout the weekend, too.
You may also enjoy: Ultimate Guide to Smith Mountain Lake Events and Festivals (2025)
Wine, Balloons and Tunes
August 1-2
Enjoy a fun-filled day at Wind Vineyards with live music, hot air balloon chartered flights and tethered rides, plus a special appearance by the Grape Crusher monster truck. There will be a number of activities for kids, along with a variety of beverages to taste, including wine, ciders and non-alcoholic options. Food trucks and artisan vendors will also be on hand.
Monster Truck Show
August 9-10
Don’t miss the Harvest Festival and Monster Truck Show at Wind Vineyards. Enjoy world-famous monster trucks, meet the drivers, watch mini monster truck action and take a ride on the Grape Crusher. The event also features motocross riders, a festival with rides, slides and games, plus food and drink vendors for a full day of excitement.
