Good morning, Lynchburg.

On Friday, May 2 at 3:00 p.m., the City of Lynchburg and the Kiwanis Club will host a ribbon cutting at the new Kiwanis Centennial Riverfront Playground—1100 Jefferson Street—to mark the opening of the city’s first fully accessible playground for all children.

City leaders, including Mayor Larry Taylor and City Manager Wynter C. Benda, will speak before free kid-friendly beverages, local discounts, and open play begin.

Delta Star Inc. announced on Thursday a $35 million investment to expand its Lynchburg facility by 80,000 square feet and create 300 new jobs, and the company will start the expansion and job search immediately.

Local partners helped secure the project (highlighting the region’s strong manufacturing base) and expect it to boost local employment.

A historic grocery store in Lynchburg is being restored as a museum and community hub by nonprofit Pierce Street Gateway.

The Calloway Store, which opened in the late 1800s as one of the city’s first black-owned grocery stores, has had its exterior painted and roof repairs started — it will be fully restored in about one year while hosting community events.

GasBuddy's survey shows Virginia gasoline prices averaged $3.03 per gallon on Monday, down 0.9 cents from last week—though prices remain 8.3 cents above last month's average.

The national average dropped 3.4 cents to $3.10 per gallon as over 150,000 gas stations reported prices.

Longtime German teacher Debbie Williams-Arthur received the April Education Impact Award after returning to William Byrd to support the German program despite retiring in 2019—her nearly 50-year career inspires students to pursue further education.

The award was presented during a German class, highlighting her dedication and the lasting impact of her teaching.

On Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sheriff Don Sloan and the Lynchburg Sheriff’s Office will join Horizon Behavioral Health and Lynchburg Kroger stores at 2012 Wards Road, 7805 Timberlake Road, and 4119 Boonsboro Road to collect unused prescription drugs, vape pens, and E-cigarettes while offering free Narcan training and drug safety information — residents should note that labels need not be removed and no sharps will be accepted.

On April 21, the City of Lynchburg set up traffic controls as Lynchburg Water Resources and contractors Prism and Culy began repairing nearly 7,500 linear feet of sewer pipes and 30 manholes using trenchless liner methods to prevent costly backups.

Motorists experienced minor delays — emergency vehicles maintained uninterrupted access.

Beginning Monday, April 21, Lynchburg Water Resources worked with contractors Prism and Culy to start a 10‐week project to rehabilitate 7,500 linear feet of sewer pipes and 30 manholes using trenchless liner installation methods—residents near work sites are asked to remove vehicles and items and motorists may experience minor delays in traffic.

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.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans vs. Lynchburg Hillcats

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Bank of the James Stadium — Prices vary — Enjoy an exciting Minor League Baseball game between the Pelicans and Hillcats.

Lynchburg Pops Presents And All That Jazz

7:30-10 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $15-$20 — Enjoy a night of classic jazz tunes performed by the Lynchburg Pops Community Band featuring local talent.

Jstop Latin Soul

7-10 p.m. — Flutes Wine Shop & Lounge — No cover charge — Experience an exquisite evening of live jazz, soul, R&B, and blues paired with fine wines and a delicious dinner menu.