Buena vista celebrates 55th annual labor day festival

Buena Vista, VA (September 2026) – The City of Buena Vista invites residents and visitors to celebrate the 55^th Annual Labor Day Festival on Monday, September 7, 2026. While the annual festival has long been one of Buena Vista’s most cherished traditions, this year’s celebration will feature several exciting new experiences.

The festivities begin early at Camden Field with the annual Kids Fun Run and 5K Road Race, held as a fundraiser to support the Parry McCluer High School Cross Country Team. Participants of all ages can start the holiday by enjoying the morning races while supporting local student-athletes. The Labor Day Parade will step off at 9:30 am on 23^rd st and travel along Magnolia Ave, welcoming spectators as it makes its way through the heart of Buena Vista. In keeping with a tradition that has defined Buena Vista’s Labor Day celebration for generations, the festivities will continue with the annual stumping speeches and live entertainment.

For the first time, Buena Vista will welcome the VA250 Mobile Museum to the City on Sunday, September 6, and Monday September 7. The traveling exhibit has been touring communities across Virginia and gives visitors and opportunity to explore Virginia’s role in the nation’s founding as communities across the Commonwealth continue commemorating America’s 250^th anniversary. The museum will be available to visitors during its special Labor Day weekend visit to Buena Vista.

Festivalgoers will also notice a NEW Food Truck Court in Glen Maury Park, bringing together seven food trucks in one location and offering visitors an even greater variety of food options throughout the day. Combined with local vendors, community organizations, and live entertainment, the expanded festival experience gives families more opportunities to spend the day enjoying everything Buena Vista has to offer. In addition to the festival activities, the Buena Vista City Pool will host a Labor Day pool party. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their favorite pool toys and noodles for an afternoon of fun, with complimentary sodas available while supplies last.

Perhaps the most anticipated addition to this year’s festival is the Time Capsule Ceremony. Earlier this summer, residents gathered to open Buena Vista’s historic time capsule during the Fourth of July celebration, offering a fascinating glimpse into the City’s past. Now, the community has the opportunity to create history once again by dedicating a new time capsule that will be buried on Inspiration Hill near the Double Decker Pavilion and remain sealed until 2076, when it will be opened during America’s 300th anniversary celebration.

“The Labor Day Festival showcases everything that makes Buena Vista a special place to live and visit,” said City Manager Krystal Onaitis. “As we continue expanding family-friendly events in Glen Maury Park and throughout downtown, we’re excited to introduce new experiences like the VA250 Mobile Museum, our Food Truck Court, and the community time capsule ceremony. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a memorable Labor Day celebration.”

After 55 years, the Labor Day Festival remains a celebration of the people, traditions, and community spirit that make Buena Vista special. With new attractions, familiar favorites, and opportunities to make new memories, this year’s festival promises to be an exciting celebration for residents and visitors of all ages.

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