In Case You Missed It: A Look Back at 2025 in Harrisonburg
If 2025 went by in a blur, you’re not alone. It was a year of meaningful updates, new beginnings, and a renewed focus on what makes Harrisonburg such a welcoming place to visit. In case you missed it, here’s a look back at what shaped 2025 in the Friendly City.
A Fresh Look Online
2025 marked the launch of a new Visit Harrisonburg website. Designed to be more user-friendly and inspiring, the updated site makes it easier than ever to plan a trip, discover attractions, and uncover hidden gems. From trip ideas to event inspiration, the new website reflects the evolving story of Harrisonburg and how visitors experience it.
Welcoming New Businesses
Throughout the year, new businesses opened their doors, adding even more energy to the city. From downtown storefronts to new dining options and more, these openings brought fresh ideas while reinforcing Harrisonburg’s strong community. Each new business added another reason to explore, shop, and linger a little longer.
New businesses include:
New Murals, New Stories
Public art continued to shape Harrisonburg’s community in 2025 with the addition of meaningful new murals. The Unity in Diversity mural, a work in progress, reflects Harrisonburg’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, representation, and community connection. Nearby and right next to the visitor’s center, the Endless Chapters mural presents an enchanting array of literature-based imagery. It highlights a library’s role as a welcoming and special place to engage with all that reading can offer. These murals added vibrant color and powerful messages to the cityscape inviting visitors to explore Harrisonburg through art.
House Tours at the Hardesty-Higgins House
One of the biggest highlights of 2025 was the Hardesty-Higgins House expanding its role as a gateway to Harrisonburg. In addition to serving as the city’s Visitor Center with several museums, the historic home began offering guided tours, giving visitors and locals a deeper look into the building’s story and its place in Harrisonburg’s past.
Family-Friendly Travel
In 2025, Harrisonburg introduced a new family-friendly itinerary designed to make trip planning easier for visitors traveling with kids. Highlighting hands-on attractions, easy outdoor adventures, welcoming places to eat, and walkable stops, this itinerary helps families build a trip that balances play, learning, and downtime. It showcases how Harrisonburg is a destination where every age can feel included, turning family travel into a seamless, affordable, and memorable experience.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, Harrisonburg is preparing commemorative activities to honor the nation’s 250th birthday that will invite visitors to explore new opportunities to connect with Harrisonburg history. With new experiences, continued investment in visitor services, and a strong sense of community, the Friendly City is ready to welcome what’s next.
If you missed Harrisonburg in 2025, consider this your reminder that there’s always something new waiting for you here.
