On Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, Christiansburg will be the site of three events celebrating the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County, and the U.S.
The MCVA 2.50K Family Fun Run/Walk, the Montgomery Museum of Art and History Annual Heritage Day Festival, and a visit from the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will take place. Montgomery County is one of two localities in the Commonwealth of Virginia also celebrating 250 years in 2026.
The day will kick off with the MCVA 2.50K Family Fun Run/Walk at 9 a.m. The event will start and finish at the Christiansburg Recreation Center. The 2.50K is a loop from the Christiansburg Recreation Center along the Huckleberry Trail with a turnaround along the trail at the halfway point.
The first 250 registered participants are guaranteed a commemorative Montgomery County, VA 250 shirt. Participants are encouraged to dress in honor of both Montgomery County’s and America’s once-in-a-generation 250th anniversary celebration by showing off your patriotic pride with creative looks inspired by American history, heritage, and the spirit of the nation.
To sign up go to the RunSignup link at MCVA 2.50K Family Fun Run/Walk.
Following the fun run/walk, the Montgomery Museum of Art and History Heritage Day Festival will take place 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in downtown Christiansburg. Hosted by the Montgomery Museum of Art & History, the annual community event is “being reimagined with an expanded focus on Appalachian lifeways and food traditions, bringing even more energy, flavor, and hands-on experiences to the heart of town,” according to a statement by Montgomery Museum.
“Throughout the day, Main Street, Roanoke Street, and our Pepper Street property will transform into a lively gathering space filled with local vendors, food, music, and activities for all ages,” the museum announced. “Browse over 40 vendors offering handmade crafts, artisan goods, and unique finds, and enjoy a wide variety of food options, including a pie competition bake-off and bake sale you won’t want to miss. This year’s event builds on the traditions our community loves, with live music, family-friendly fun, and interactive experiences around every corner. Guests can enjoy expanded children’s activities, including carnival games, a hayride, and hands-on learning opportunities designed to engage and entertain. Step into the stories of our region through art and history exhibits, including a special VA250 mobile museum experience and an accompanying VA250 exhibit that highlights Virginia’s role in the American Revolution. These engaging displays, along with themed demonstrations and interactive elements, bring history to life in meaningful and memorable ways.”
“Whether you’re a longtime history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend the day, Heritage Day 2026 offers something for everyone,” the announcement continued. “Join us as we celebrate our shared history, culture, and community in downtown Christiansburg.”
The Heritage Day Festival Music performance schedule includes: 11 a.m. – MJAM; 12 p.m. – Kat Mills; 1 p.m. – Ash Devine; 2 p.m. – Ricky Cox and Willard Gayheart; and 3 p.m. – American Roots.
The VA250 Mobile Museum will also be downtown during the Heritage Day Festival. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled “Out of Many, One,” is housed in an expandable tractor trailer. The mobile museum brings key stories of Virginia’s rich history to schools, museums, local events, fairs, and more, highlighting every region of the state. For more information on the mobile museum, go to https://vimeo.com/1092859447?fl=pl&fe=sh.
