Good morning, Lynchburg.

Lynchburg is changing the downtown riverfront with a new playground and restrooms opening May 2nd—beginning a project that will add an amphitheater in spring next year.

City officials say the project, built with the Kiwanis Club, will help local events by offering permanent amenities.

On Friday at about 5:30 p.m., Lynchburg Fire Department and Appomattox County Fire Department rescued a cow that fell into a steep ravine and injured its leg — crews used an LAR Rescue Glide and Grip Hoist to lift the cow from the creek, load it into a livestock trailer, and transport it to a veterinarian while the owner expressed gratitude.

Today a nine-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Montvale Overlook to U.S. 460 is closing for a road restoration project that will last until fall 2026—costing $75 million and including repairs like slope stabilization and drainage improvements.

A signed detour will guide travelers along Virginia 43 through Bedford and U.S. 460 north of Vinton.

Lynchburg City Council will vote later this spring on a $12.5 million plan to modernize the main library in the former Sears building.

Library Director Beverly Blair said the renovations will fix failing infrastructure—adding new meeting rooms, a digital media lab and improved lighting to better serve nearly 500 daily patrons.

The Professional Disc Golf Association will host the 2026 PDGA Champions Cup at New London Tech Disc Golf Course in Bedford County from April 9 to 12, and county leaders say the event—set to begin just under a year from today—will boost local tourism and support local businesses.

The tournament is expected to attract visitors from across the globe, highlighting the county's natural beauty and outdoor appeal.

2025 Spring Job Fair

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Jefferson Forest High School — Free entry — Connect with over 40 employers offering various job opportunities in the Bedford area.

Clay Mottley Concert

2:30-6:30 p.m. — City Stadium Complex — Cost not provided — Enjoy a master craftsman of melody with clever and catchy original songs.

Lyle Lovett & His Acoustic Group

7:30-10 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $39–$102 — Experience the captivating sounds of Lyle Lovett blending country, jazz, and folk in an iconic live performance.

Lynchburg Hillcats Game Night with Rise Up Lynchburg

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Bank of the James Stadium — $8.00 — Cheer on the Hillcats while supporting a great community cause.

2nd Annual Spring Vendor Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Overlook at Stonemill — Free entry — Enjoy a lively day of shopping local crafts and delicious treats to kick off the spring season.

Jefferson Choral Society: Handel's Messiah

4-5:45 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $25 – $50 — Experience the powerful choruses from Handel's Messiah performed by Central Virginia's largest adult choir.

Historic Garden Week Tour

11 AM – 5 PM — Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center — Ticketed event — Experience Lynchburg's architectural beauty and garden diversity at this charming tour.

2025 Student Productions

May 1-3, 7:30 PM – Thoresen Theatre — Ticket information not provided — Experience captivating one-act plays performed by senior theatre students.

The Great Gatsby Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — Tickets required — Experience the glamour and tragedy of the 1920s through this stunning ballet adaptation of The Great Gatsby.

Freedom 4/24's Run 4 Their Lives 5K & Thrive LYH Wellness Expo

Come out for Freedom 4/24's Run 4 Their Lives 5k. Join the fight to prevent and end Human trafficking by walking or running with us! Friday: Family Fun Night/Kids Run & Packet Pick Up. Saturday: Run 4 Their Lives 5K & Thrive LYH Expo. After the race, make plans to attend the Thrive LYH Health and Wellness Expo. Check out all the best health and wellness resources, freebies, and experiences that LYH has to offer.

Open House Event in Lynchburg

4-6 p.m. — 1381 Tamer Ln, Lynchburg, VA — Free entry — Explore 38 homes for sale in Landfall with virtual tours and meet a Compass agent.