55th Annual Labor Day Festival

The City of Buena Vista invites residents and visitors to celebrate Labor Day at the 55th Annual Labor Day Festival on Monday, September 7, 2026. This free, family-friendly event features a full day of activities including a downtown parade, live entertainment, local vendors, food and much more.

Visitors can also explore the VA250 Mobile Museum, which will be open both Sunday September 6, and Labor Day, Monday September 7, offering an interactive look at Virginia’s history and its role in the nation’s founding as we continue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Another special highlight of this year’s festival will be the Time Capsule Ceremony beginning at 12:30pm at the Main Pavilion in Glen Maury Park. Building on the excitement of opening Buena Vista’s historic time capsule during this past 4th of July celebration, the community will come together to create a new time capsule to preserve memories and milestones for future generations. Following the ceremony, the capsule will be buried on Inspiration Hill, near the Double Decker Pavilion, where it will remain until 2076, when it is scheduled to be opened during America’s 300th anniversary celebration.

Schedule of Events

Camden Field

8:00 am — Kids Fun Run
8:30 am — 5K Road Race
9:00 am — VA250 Mobile Museum Opens

Festival Activities

9:30 am — Labor Day Parade begins on 23rd street and will continue down Magnolia Ave

Glen Maury Park Main Pavilion

11:00 am — Opening Ceremony & Speeches
12:30 pm — Time Capsule Ceremony
1:00 pm — Blue Ridge Mountain Cloggers
2:00 pm — Vinyl Nation
6:00 pm — Movin on Wayne Carter

Please note: All event times are approximate and subject to change

Festival Highlights

Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy:

• the VA250 Mobile Museum, featuring interactive exhibits celebrating Virginia’s role in American history
• Live music and entertainment
• Food vendors and concessions
• Community organizations
• Opportunities to meet local political candidates
  

The Paxton House will also be open for tours and activities from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Whether you’re cheering on the parade, exploring the VA250 mobile museum, witnessing Buena Vista’s newest time capsule being dedicated, enjoying live music, or spending time with family and friends in Glen Maury Park, there’s something for everyone! We hope you’ll join us for one of the City’s longest-standing community traditions.

For additional information, please contact Buena Vista Parks & Recreation at (540) 261-7321