Good morning, Lynchburg.

Volunteer firefighter Claude Esposito was honored for 50 years of service with the Monelison Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, April 27—he began serving on April 26—and his family and colleagues celebrated him with a signed helmet.

The Pierce Street Block Party brought neighbors together on Pierce Street for a celebration with music, food, and games.

Organizers said the event built community spirit and set plans for more local gatherings.

Two people escaped a house fire late Saturday night on the 2300 block of Aragon Street in Lynchburg — firefighters controlled the flames quickly, though two pets died.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested for an armed robbery that occurred Sunday around 12:45 p.m. in the 2100 block of Park Avenue when he approached a woman at a public restroom and took her purse — officers located and detained him within 20 minutes and later found a pellet gun resembling a real firearm, and he now awaits formal charges in juvenile detention.

Lynchburg’s annual Garden Day tour on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will let ticket holders visit four private gardens and seven other sites (such as Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center) to explore local homes and historic landscapes.

Local Catholics in Lynchburg remembered Pope Francis for his humble approach and inclusive outreach; deacon Arturo Fernandez-Lopez said he reached out to society's outcasts—earning him the title 'Pope of the people'—and residents now hope the next Pope continues his compassionate legacy.

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.

Homecoming with Virgil Moore

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $30-$100 — Celebrate the lively melodies of Bernstein’s 'West Side Story' performed by local virtuoso violinist Virgil Moore.

Storming of Thunder Ridge

Cycling event — Routes for all skill levels — Jamerson Family YMCA — Registration required — Experience the beauty of Central Virginia while supporting community programs.

Conference USA Baseball Tournament - All Sessions Pass

3:30 AM — Liberty Baseball Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Experience the thrill of the Conference USA Baseball Tournament live in Lynchburg.