Youth Events
2024 Youth Event Schedule
What’s a Festival without
fun things for kids?
Kids can enjoy making string art murals, finger knitting, punched tin ornaments, and more in the Kids’ Tent next to Barter Theatre’s Smith Stage on the Barter Green. We are delighted that our summer youth events offer both fun and educational events that reflect our festival as a whole: arts, crafts, kindermusik, movement, and outdoor adventures to name a few!
This family-friendly festival has hands-on activities for
budding artists of all ages!
Youth Tent on the Barter Green
July 27, 10am - 2pm
July 29 to August 3, 10am - 2pm
Keep Scrolling’ for detailed info:
Stream Discovery, July 21: 10am-noon
Scavenger Hunt, July 27 to August 3
Community Day, July 27: 10am-2pm
Urban Pathway Walk, July 27, July 30, August 3
3rd Annual Community Day Event
NEW LOCATION AT THE VISITOR’S CENTER
Saturday, July 27, 2024,
10am - 2pm
Virginia Highlands Festival Community Day Event is a free, one day celebration on the lawn of The Martha in downtown Abingdon. Child-centered organizations and local businesses will come set up with activities, games and education. Learn who they are and what they do in our community. Meet a local fireman, police officer, scout, ballet dancer, entrepreneur or volunteer.
Check out the fun on the Visitor’s Center Lawn.
Steam Discovery
Friday, July 26
10am - 12 noon
Free
(Rain date the following Friday, August 2)
White’s Mill, 12314 White’s Mill Road, Abingdon, VA
Wade in a creek and find insects to see how healthy a stream is. Upper Tennessee River Roundtable volunteers will show how to catch and identify macroinvertebrates, the tiny creatures that live on rocky bottom stream beds. The types of bugs found are indicators of stream health. This event is suitable for children, parents, and teachers.
The workshop will be at White’s Mill near Abingdon.
Registration required.
Register by Thursday, July 25, by calling 276-628-1600.
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VHF Fun Hunt 2024
July 27 — August 3
Visit the Youth Tent and grab a scavenger fun hunt card and selfie fan (pictured to the right). Go to locations listed, snap a selfie with your fan, post and hashtag: #VHFfunhunt24. Kiddos need help from adults.
Bring card back to youth tent to redeem for prizes including a specialty VHF milkshake from Shaked Couture Milkshakes.
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Urban Pathway Walk
July 27 & August 3, 10am-2pm
July 30, 3-6pm
Grab your youngsters and your walking shoes! Encouraging kids and families to move together, eat smart together, and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Southwest VA.
Starting Line: A Likely Yarn (be sure to grab a registration card)
Finish Line: Abingdon Farmers Market — “check in at the check out” and your kiddo gets a goody bag complete with a commemorative t-shirt marking their accomplishment.
Abingdon Outdoor Adventure Activity Book
Monday-Friday, July 29-August 2 from 10am-2pm
Barter Green, Youth Tent
Become a VHF Outdoor Adventurer by picking up an Outdoor Adventurer Activity Book and completing activities as you go through Abingdon. Learn about Abingdon’s parks—for butterflies and munchkins. Find out about wyes, muster grounds, and two kinds of Virginia Creepers.
Bring your completed booklet to the Youth Tent to receive your official
Abingdon Outdoor Adventurer button!
