Good morning, Lynchburg.

Downtown Lynchburg is getting a new entertainment venue as construction moves ahead at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater — a 5,000-seat project managed by the city and Mason Lane Entertainment.

The amphitheater will open in summer and is planned to serve all local residents.

The Pedlar Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad will celebrate its 50-year anniversary on Oct.

25 — marking a milestone in its community service. The event will honor decades of volunteer work.

Cavalier Store, known as The Cav in our town, was featured in Southern Living magazine for its rustic design and classic dive bar food like burgers and wedge fries—its ceiling is covered in license plates and its wooden booths tell decades of stories.

This local gem has earned extra sparkle from the national review.

Lynchburg City Schools will soon use walk-through metal detectors at its high schools—official plans ask local residents to share their views and join a review committee; the move aims to keep schools safe during sessions.

A government shutdown may jeopardize renewals for SNAP benefits in Lynchburg, affecting 12,000 individuals in 6,500 households beyond October 31—residents will still use benefits issued this month.

Local organizations are coordinating with food banks as state and federal agencies update the community on available resources.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has issued an avian flu alert after dead turkey and black vultures infected with the virus were found around the state, including in Lynchburg, Franklin County, Wythe County and Danville—if you see a dead bird, do not touch it but call the VDWR or your local health department.

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.

15th Annual Mabel Glass Craft Fair

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Heritage United Methodist Church — Free entry — Explore unique crafts and local creations at this beloved community fair.

Puccini’s Madame Butterfly

November 7-9 — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $15-$240 — Experience the heart-wrenching tale of love and betrayal in one of opera's most beloved classics.

MARCUS 2025

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Randolph College — Registration includes meals — Presenting undergraduate scholarship across various disciplines.

Virginia State Conference of Young People in AA

5-4 p.m. — Liberty Mountain Conference Center — Registration details available — A gathering for young people in AA focusing on community and support.

In Gratitude: A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $58 — Experience the vibrant tribute to the legendary band with powerful performances and choreography.

Exploring the Gardner Heist and the Essence of Art

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Sydnor Performance Hall — Free entry — Delve into the infamous Gardner Museum heist and discover the enduring significance of art in American culture.