Good morning, Lynchburg.

Hundreds gathered at Lynchburg City Stadium Sunday evening to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk—killed three weeks ago in Utah—and to celebrate his legacy, with local leaders and students reflecting on his faith and influence.

Local legal experts will host the 3rd Annual Senior Legal Safety Conference in Lynchburg—seniors will receive essential legal guidance and safety tips at an upcoming event.

The Better Business Bureau works to protect local consumers and help companies build trust by addressing complaints and verifying business practices—its efforts aim to promote a fair marketplace in Lynchburg.

Tourism in Bedford County reached a record $82.2 million in spending in 2024 with a 25.2% rise since 2016 that boosted local jobs and tax revenue.

Data from the Virginia Tourism Corporation showed strong spending in lodging, food, transportation, recreation and retail — spurring future investments such as a new hotel near the Bedford Area Welcome Center.

Average gasoline prices in Virginia dropped 7.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.91 on Monday per GasBuddy's survey of 4,081 stations.

The state's prices are 9.5 cents lower than a month ago and 8.6 cents lower than a year ago — national averages fell by a smaller margin.

At Smith Mountain Lake, hydrilla—an invasive aquatic plant—has surged back after nearly a decade when sterile grass carp controlled its growth, and residents like Don Pollock now face boats getting stuck around their docks.

TLAC is surveying the lake floor and will discuss control measures at a November DWR meeting, with new remediation expected early next year.

About two dozen people protested peacefully in front of an ICE facility in Farmville on Monday with signs and chants calling for love and justice—members from Indivisible Lynchburg and Charlottesville said they opposed ICE actions in rural neighborhoods.

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.

Vitamin String Quartet Concert

7-9 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — Ticket prices may vary — Experience innovative string arrangements that blend classical, hip-hop, rock, and pop music.

Blue Ridge Line Dancing Festival 2025

3-10 p.m. — Art Alley — No refunds — Kick up your boots and enjoy line dancing with great performers in Lynchburg!

Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents Dracula

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $75 — Experience the haunting ballet that brings Bram Stoker's legendary vampire to life with stunning choreography and music.

4th Annual Fall Festival

10 AM – 3 PM — The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox — Free entry — Celebrate the season with live music, food, and family-friendly activities in a historic setting.

Phil Vassar: 25 Years of Paradise Tour

7:30-10 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $39–$92 — Celebrate Phil Vassar’s enduring hits and vibrant performance at this special anniversary tour.