Good morning, Lynchburg.

The Lynchburg Fire Department and the Lynchburg Humane Society announced a fundraising campaign on Tuesday for a special 2025 holiday ornament—featuring Dalmatian Smoky with a fire hat—that will support the Fire Department Museum and aid lost and homeless pets at LHS.

The limited-edition ornaments will be available for preorder and will arrive in late September.

A fire at a Lynchburg apartment on Tuesday displaced several residents—fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from a first-floor window and all 12 residents evacuated safely—and the American Red Cross with restoration officers are helping those affected.

Driftwood Seafood Co. and Raw Bar began a soft opening this week at 708 Crowell Lane off Timberlake Road to bring coastal seafood flavors to Lynchburg.

Owner Chris England said dinner service will start next week and the menu will change with fresh catches and a raw bar serving crab legs, shrimp, and oysters—cooked right in front of customers.

Matt Rhodes returned to lead St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church after years on Capitol Hill and in the Navy Reserve—he now guides the church with a focus on community outreach and shared leadership while supporting local programs.

His ministry builds on past experience and gives back to Lynchburg through board roles and volunteer work.

The Bedford County school board discussed a rezoning plan that would move 143 students from New London Academy and Forest Elementary—83 from New London Academy would attend Otter River while Forest Elementary students would be split among Thomas Jefferson, Boonsboro and Otter River. The board has not yet approved the plan and will hold a public hearing next month.

Lynchburg Regional Airport announced its Runway 4-22 Rehabilitation Project will finish by the end of September instead of October 31 and will add new pavement, markings & LED lights that will boost safety and lower long-term maintenance costs.

Essential Hands held a ribbon cutting for its new four-bedroom group home in Lynchburg that will serve adults with mental health challenges—residents can apply by phone or email as admissions start Oct.

1. The facility is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and plans to expand its services.

Mods & Rockers 2025

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. — Three Roads Brewing — $40 — Experience the thrill of scooters and motorcycles with group rides, live music, and fun competitions.

Lynchburg Art Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — E.C. Glass High School Grounds — Free entry — Celebrate over fifty years of artistic talent with original works from local artists.

Brain & Cognition Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Millie's Living Cafe — $15 — Explore memory and cognitive health while enjoying complimentary brain-boosting tea.

LSO Presents: Bold Sounds & Bright Stars

An incredible performance by the fully professional Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra (LSO), led by music director David Glover, featuring some of the greatest works of classical music, including Beethoven's Third Symphony, Piazzolla's Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, and Vaughn Williams' English Folk Song Suite.

Black Violin Live Concert

7:00-8:30 PM — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $30 – $78 — Experience the genre-blending sounds of Grammy-nominated duo Black Violin.

An Evening with Melissa Etheridge

7-9 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $48 – $107 — Experience the raw energy and powerful vocals of rock icon Melissa Etheridge live on stage.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

10 AM – 11 AM — Linkhorne Middle School — Registration required — A five-week running program for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade promoting health and activity.

Masterworx Community Theater: Newsies - The Musical

7-10 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the excitement of Newsies in an engaging community theater setting.

Wine & Garlic Festival

11 AM – 5 PM — Rebec Vineyards — Admission fee may apply — Enjoy two days of garlic-themed fun with wine tastings, music, and family activities.

Masterworx Community Theater: Newsies - The Musical

2-5 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Broadway hit as local talent brings the story of young newsboys to life.