Traveling doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and Harrisonburg, Virginia, proves it with a variety of budget-friendly activities. Harrisonburg offers enriching experiences, from vibrant arts and culture to engaging museums and beautiful outdoor spaces, without breaking the bank. Enjoy a variety of activities from a night of fun at local arcades offering duckpin bowling, pool tables, skee-ball, and classic games for a small fee to discovering the rich history of the Shenandoah Valley on a guided tour of historic buildings. Whether you’re a fan of art, music, history, or the outdoors, there’s something here for everyone. Here are some free or budget-friendly attractions to fill your itinerary in Harrisonburg:
Arts and Culture
- Downtown Public Art Tour: Discover the thriving arts scene with new murals and sculptures, including a four-story chess player mural by Niels Westergard and several bronze duck sculptures. The self-guided tour highlights Harrisonburg’s creative spirit and cultural richness.
- Art Galleries: Visit the Oasis Fine Art & Craft and Smith House Galleries to admire local artwork and crafts and meet their artist in residence.
- Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series: Enjoy free live concerts every Wednesday until September 11, featuring a diverse range of musical genres. Local food vendors and a beer garden enhance the experience.
- Harrisonburg Farmers Market: The producer only market is celebrating 45 years and hosts live music on Saturdays.
- First Fridays of the Valley: On the first Friday of each month, more than 20 venues in downtown Harrisonburg showcase art, live music, and community events.
Museums
- Explore More Discovery Museum: The museum offers interactive exhibits ranging from a science lab to a full-sized airplane, perfect for sparking children’s curiosity. Tickets are usually just a small fee, but you can enjoy free admission on the first Friday of each month from 5-7 PM.
- Valley Turnpike Museum: Located inside the historic Hardesty-Higgins House, this museum explores the history of the Valley Turnpike (U.S. Route 11). Admission is free.
- Larry W. Shifflet Fire Museum: Dive into the history of Harrisonburg’s Fire Department with old fire memorabilia, equipment, and photographs. Admission is free.
- Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center: Take a guided tour of this heritage center to learn about the Brethren and Mennonites’ history and culture. The tour includes historic buildings and beautiful panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.(Admission fee)
Outdoor Activities
- Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Have a scenic picnic in the lush gardens or by the pond, explore three miles of wooded trails, and enjoy the serene stone labyrinth. Children can also climb the giant troll in the At Home in the Woods Family Garden.
- Harrisonburg-Rockingham Trail Guide: Pick up a free trail guide to explore 15 of the area’s best trails, from peaceful wooded paths to challenging mountain bike trails.
- Public Parks and Trails: Walk, bike, or picnic at one of Harrisonburg’s 11 public parks and trails.
- A Dream Come True Playground: Watch your kids enjoy this accessible park with rainbow arches, shade structures, hammock swings, a drawing wall, and a wheelchair-accessible swing.
More Fun
- Ruby’s Arcade: Enjoy a night of fun at local arcades with duckpin bowling, pool tables, skee-ball, and arcade games for a small fee
- Downtown Harrisonburg: Throughout the year, Downtown Harrisonburg sponsors a variety of events and activities, many of which are free or available for a small fee. Visitors can enjoy the Best. Weekend. Ever. during the summer, offering a wide range of activities and entertainment across the district for all ages. Highlights include live music, magicians, community art projects, arts and crafts activities, walking tours, food specials at restaurants, food trucks, sidewalk sales, touch-a-truck, Sip & Stroll, and more. In winter, the magic continues with Winter Wonderfest, featuring carriage rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, performances, and other festive experiences in Downtown Harrisonburg.