OCTOBER 9 - 11, 2026
County-wide
FALL IS SWEET HERE!
Celebrate the beauty and bounty of fall at the 34th Hands & Harvest Festival in Highland County, Virginia!
Transport yourself to working farms, arts & crafts, and delicious food amidst outstanding fall foliage.
Enjoy this annual fun, family-friendly weekend in our rural mountain community with so many free activities!
*** Check back often as this page is updated frequently! ***
For more updates, follow us at www.facebook.com/HighlandCounty or www.instagram.com/highland_county_va.
Click to view and download our promotional rack card. To order a physical copy, visit our brochures page.
virginia.org
Want to know when fall colors will peak across Virginia? Check out this new interactive Fall Foliage Report and sign up to receive updates!
2026 Sponsors
***** PLATINUM LEVEL
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***** Renewal by Andersen
3719 Tom Andrews Road NW, Roanoke (Various Other Locations)
Drawing on the Andersen tradition of more than 120 years of quality, innovation and craftsmanship, Renewal by Andersen was founded in 1995 with the objective of creating a different and better window and door replacement experience for homeowners like you. Our process begins with a free in-home consultation to listen to your needs. We then custom-make beautiful, energy-efficient composite windows and professionally install them for optimal performance. Finally, we back both the products and installation with some of the strongest limited warranties in the business. Visit us on the Courthouse Lawn during the Hands & Harvest Festival to learn more!
*** Bath Community Hospital
106 Park Drive, Hot Springs (Located in neighboring Bath County)
Emergency Care: 24/7
At Bath Community Hospital, we take the health of our community to heart. Our providers, nurses, and staff are committed to improving health and wellness in our community. We offer a wide range of services to include four primary care locations, a rehab and wellness center, a pharmacy, and round-the-clock emergency services at the main hospital in Hot Springs.
* Burke & Herbert Bank
195 West Main Street, Monterey
Friday: 9 am - 5 pm • Saturday: 9 am - Noon • ATM is available 24/7
Burke & Herbert Bank has been part of Virginia’s story since 1852. We believe banking should feel personal, and that strong communities start with strong relationships. Whether you’re opening your first account or growing a business, we’re here to help every step of the way. 24/7 ATM available across from the Courthouse in Monterey.
* DuPont Community Credit Union
200 E. Broad Street, Waynesboro (Located in neighboring Augusta County and various Other Locations)
DuPont Community Credit Union is a community credit union. That means if you live, work, volunteer, worship, or attend school in the central Shenandoah Valley you can be a member! Visit our website anytime to learn more about the credit union difference.
* PCB (Pendleton Community Bank)
128 N. Main Street, Franklin, West Virginia (Located in neighboring Pendleton County)
PCB, an Independent Community Bank, is dedicated to facilitating financial success for our customers, encouraging professional success for our team members, and stimulating economic growth in our communities, thereby enhancing the value of Your Bank®.
* The Blue Grass Valley Bank
132 East Main Street, Monterey
2583 Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass
Friday: 9 am - 6 pm • Saturday: 9 am - Noon • ATM available in Monterey 24/7
“Rooted in Community, Focused on Tomorrow”. For more than a century, we’ve been a neighbor, a partner, and a trusted resource. Whether you’re planting roots, growing your business, or planning for the future, you can count on The Blue Grass Valley Bank to be by your side.
Highland Medical Center
120 Jackson River Road in Monterey
Quality care close to home: primary medical care, nutrition services, dental care, physical therapy, behavioral health and onsite pharmacy
Virginia Backcountry Cabins * NEW! *
840 Lower Back Creek Road, Monterey (14 miles south of Monterey in Mill Gap just a short drive off of Rt. 84)
Book your stay at this unique, rustic property with ten cabins on 135 wooded acres. in the Allegheny Mountains.
Interested in being listed here as a Sponsor or Official Participant?
Contact the Chamber for details at director@highlandcounty.org or 540-468-2550.
2026 Hands & Harvest Page Navigation
2026 Map Available Late September
2026 Map with Daily Schedule
Plan your adventure with our official map and daily schedule, available online here in late September!
During the festival, pick up physical copies at the Courthouse Lawn in Monterey, Highland County Visitor Center at 27 W. Main Street in Monterey, or at various locations around Highland County!
2026 Entertainment
* Elk River Ramblers
The Highland Center at 61 Highland Center Drive in Monterey
Saturday: 3 pm • Cost TBD
The Elk River Ramblers are a dynamic string trio, presenting original arrangements and compositions of Appalachian Old-Time, Bluegrass, Celtic, Klezmer, Jazz, and Classic Rock.
The Elk River Ramblers were formed in 2009 by original members Alan Dutchess, Terry Richardson, and Paul Marganian. Originally they were an informal group playing mostly Old-Time Appalachian tunes on Thursday nights at their name-sake venue, The Elk River Restaurant. Over the years, and through many ups and downs, they have evolved into a group playing a wide, eclectic mix of musical genres. With three CD recordings to their name, they can be seen at various locations throughout the Mountain State.
The Elk River Ramblers currently are Seth Maynard on guitar and vocals, Galen Watts on 6-string electric bass and vocals, and Paul Marganian on fiddle, guitar, and vocals.
Come on out and enjoy the performance brought to you by the Highland County Arts Council. The Highland County Arts Council believes the arts are essential to our communities. Their 2nd Saturday series provides top rated performances.
* Square Dance featuring local talents of Ellen and Eugene Ratcliffe and the Little Switzerland Cloggers
Spruce Street next to the Courthouse Lawn in Monterey
Sunday: 1 - 3 pm • FREE! • Bring your own lawn chairs!
Enjoy watching and participating in a good ol' fashioned Square Dance. Everyone is welcome to attend - no experience or partner required! The Little Switzerland Cloggers, one of the oldest Clogging groups in Virginia, began performing in 1985 and enjoy entertaining audiences at fairs, festivals, events, parties, and corporate events throughout Virginia and West Virginia.
2026 Arts & Crafts, Specialty Food
Shop for special gifts and food with the following unique vendors at the Highland County Courthouse Lawn!
165 West Main Street in Downtown Monterey
Friday: Noon – 6 pm • Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm • Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
Afton Mountain Elderberry
Elderberry juice, jelly, and glaze
Alicia and Izzy's Jewelry
Rings, bracelets, earrings, arm cuffs, necklaces, hair accessories
Ariadne's Clue
Handmade crochet plushies
Art4All
Crochet items, handmade jewelry, laser cut gifts, do-it-yourself craft kits, sewn items, artwork, cards
Colorful Llama
Face painting, Henna tattoos, glitter tattoos
Crystal Cove Jewelry and Gifts
Custom jewelry
Fiber & Jewels
Baskets, knitting, jewelry, sewing
Hawk's Nest Knitworks
Upcycled outer wear from pre-loved wool sweaters: warm woolen mittens, hats, and other needful things
Heirloom Rockers
Child rocking chairs, Jacob's Ladders, wooden items
JoyNoel
Novelty items, home décor, jewelry, gifts
McDowell Presbyterian Church
Church ornaments featuring engravings of photos of local churches, upcycled quilt décor, gifts, gourmet candy, caramel apples and treats
Mill Gap Farms
Alpaca and wool items, yarns, Alpaca socks, hats, and gloves, farm house décor, organic maple syrup
Mini Critters
Handcrafted collectible art, gifts, and seasonal décor, including animals, fantasy creatures, interactive Zorbles, jewelry, keychains, bookmarks, and framed three-dimensional artwork
Moseymore Lavender Farm
Lavender products made on their farm
Puff's BBQ from Southernmost Maple
Puff's Maple Pork BBQ, beef brisket, hamburgers, hot dogs, country ham, fries, and chili cheese fries. Dinners include baked beans and coleslaw. Fresh-squeezed lemonade, sweet tea, soda, and water.
Friday and Saturday ONLY!
Renewal by Andersen (Platinum Sponsor)
Learn about a better window and door replacement experience
Shadowlands Farm
Locally-raised pastured pork: brats, kielbasa, ribs, sides, drinks
Studded Hippie Designs
Hand-made/hand-crafted animal bone, antlers, and fur jewelry, accessories, and wall décor
Sun & Spruce Soaps
Handmade soaps, scrubs, whipped scrubs, body butters, candles, wax melts, shower oil, body spray, room spray, bubble bath, bath bombs
Young Shiitake
DIY pre-inoculated Shiitake mushroom logs, fresh shiitake mushrooms (in season), dried shiitake mushrooms, mushroom seasoning powders
Interested in being a vendor?
We're full for 2026, but please contact us at director@highlandcounty.org
or 540-468-2550 to be placed on a waitlist!
*** Southernmost Maple
7738 Big Valley Road, Bolar
Friday and Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm (Bluegrass music starting at noon on Saturday)
Family fun! Enjoy old-fashioned apple butter and cider making, and a country store offering Puff's Maple BBQ, sauces, maple syrup, Maple Donuts, cheeses, jams, jellies, baked goods, and Amish-made rockers. Browse vendors, and view old-fashioned blacksmith demonstrations. Trout fishing pond, petting zoo, and more for children! Bluegrass music starts at noon on Saturday. Hot food served all day, including breakfast, with inside dining available. Handicapped accessible.
* Back Creek Farms
7781 Upper Back Creek Road, Monterey (From Rt. 84, 3.5 miles northeast on Rt. 600)
Friday: 10 am – 4 pm • Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Bring your own apples and make cider on our cider press throughout the weekend, or help us make apple butter in our copper kettle on Saturday starting at 9 am. Chili, cornbread, and drinks served by donation. Our gift shop includes pure, infused, and barrel-aged syrups, books, toys, puzzles and housewares.
Elegius Mini Equine Sanctuary
4661 Doe Hill Road, McDowell (5 miles northeast of McDowell on Rt. 654)
Friday: 1 - 4 pm • Saturday: Noon - 5 pm • Sunday: Noon - 4 pm
Walk the farm and interact with mini equine in residence! Free, with donations appreciated. Wheelchair accessible. Pets not permitted.
* Fair Lawn Farm (Duff's Sugar House)
3118 Mill Gap Road, Monterey (7 miles south of Monterey in Meadowdale on Rt. 84)
Friday and Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm • Sunday: Noon - 4 pm (Apple peeling Friday, making apple butter Saturday, apple cider pressing Saturday & Sunday)
Bring the entire family to this Victorian homestead, farm, and sugar camp, complete with antique tractor rides and a large pumpkin patch. Sample apple-wood smoked cheese and see the process of creating fresh apple butter and cider. Enjoy specialty syrups and treats like milled cornmeal and grits from Crooked Spur Farm.
* Highland Barn Quilts Studio
2608 Meadowdale Road, Monterey (On Rt. 640 between Meadowdale and Hightown)
Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
At this open studio, view the process of painting barn quilts (painted quilt designs on wood) with artist Margie Boesch.
- Did you know that Highland County is home to Virginia's first barn quilt trail? Click here to discover more about the Highland County Barn Quilt Trail.
Laurel Fork Sapsuckers Sugar Camp
10677 Mountain Turnpike, Hightown (10 miles west of Monterey on Clay Hise Lane)
Friday: 10 am - 2 pm • Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
Friday apple peeling; Saturday apple butter cooking, sugar camp tours, hiking trails with scenic views, food available.
* Mill Gap Farms
2760 Mill Gap Road, Monterey (7 miles south of Monterey in Meadowdale on Rt. 84)
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Tour Virginia's only USDA Certified Organic maple farm. Products for sale on farm and Highland County Courthouse.
* Sugar Tree Country Store
185 Mansion House Road, McDowell
Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Celebrating 40 years, they will have their famous Brunswick Stew available for purchase in addition to the old time way of making apple butter and apple cider. Tour their maple producing facility, and shop merchandise in the country store.
2026 Activities & Attractions
5K Fall Color Run by the Highland County Recreation Commission
78 Highland Park Drive, Monterey (Pool complex parking lot)
Saturday: 10 am Start Time (In-person registration from 9 - 9:45 am)
Join in the fun with the 5K Fall Color Run! The 5k Fall Color Run is a five-kilometer, untimed event. Color Runners are covered from head to toe in fall-colored powder. Participants wear white at the starting line and finish the race plastered in fall color.
Charles Pinckney Jones House Museum
144 West Main Street, Monterey
Friday: 11 am - 4 pm • Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm • Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm
Historic Highland County house museum, period clothing, furnishings, and interpreters.
* Hayfields State Park
524 Hayfields Lane, McDowell (Approximately 7 miles south of Rt. 250 on Bullpasture River Road)
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 9 am - 7 pm
Explore 4+ miles of trails at Virginia's Newest State Park! Enjoy fall colors, crisp mountain air, and several ponds, with access for fisherman along the Bullpasture River. Special educational programming is offered during the festival. Visit the office in a beautifully restored circa 1878 home that hosts a gift shop.
* Highland County Public Library Annual Used Book Sale
31 North Water Street, Monterey
Friday: 9 am - 6 pm • Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm • Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm
The popular Annual Used Book Sale to benefit the Highland County Public Library returns and includes thousands of books, movies, music, games and puzzles. The 4th Annual Community Tiny Art Show will be open for display in the library meeting room.
* Historic Highland Inn Renovation Information and Monterey Walking Tours
68 West Main Street, Monterey
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am - 4 pm (Walking tours both days at noon)
Stop by the historic Highland Inn where Blue Grass Resource Center board, staff, and volunteers will give updates on the renovation project. At noon on Saturday and Sunday you are also invited for a free walking tour of historic Monterey. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
Want to know more about Historic Monterey? Check out our new brochure!
* Oktoberfest Celebration at the Barn at Monterey Inn
32 West Main Street, Monterey
Saturday: 4 – 8 pm (Live music 5- 7 pm)
Join in the Oktoberfest celebration with specialty food to include brats, beer, and pretzels. Enjoy Oktoberfest-themed clothing on staff and the overall fun atmosphere. Live music between 5 and 7 pm.
Sounding Knob Fire Tower
On top of Jack Mountain (just east of Monterey) up a gravel drive up Sounding Knob Road just 1.3 miles south of its intersection with Rt. 250
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Sunrise to sunset
Climb over 100 steps for a lasting memory – and maybe some wobbly legs! This restored fire tower boasts breathtaking views.
* Please be sure to exit right when leaving Sounding Knob Road and entering Rt. 250. Vehicles with very low clearance may have difficulty with water breaks on Sounding Knob Road, but most vehicles have no issues.
Valley AeroSpace Team Rocket Launch
Launch is held at Jack Mountain Village, 3 miles south of Monterey off of Rt. 220 (look for Rocket Launch signs next to Rt. 220).
Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm • Sunday: 11 am – 3 pm * Weather permitting both days; Lawn/camp chair recommended for spectating
FREE rocket to each child attending; Larger rockets flown at the top of each hour!
2026 Shopping, Dining, & Lodging
* Art on Main at The 3rd Space
132 West Main Street, Monterey
Friday: 11 am - 5 pm • Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm • Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm
Gallery showcasing a variety of beautiful local art. Festival special: artist demos on Saturday; extended hours to be open Sunday.
* Big Fish Cider, Co.
59 Spruce Street, Monterey
Friday: 3 – 7 pm • Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm (Apple cider pressing 11 am - 3 pm, Live music 4 - 7 pm) • Sunday: Noon – 5 pm
Taste award-winning ciders made with Virginia-grown apples. Big Fish Cider is a micro cidery that focuses on quality. Their ciders range from single varietals and blends that drink like fine wines to innovative flavors from Virginia-grown fruits and local agricultural products. Come by and taste the difference. Enjoy apple cider pressing on Saturday afternoon, followed by live music from 4 - 7 pm.
* Blue Grass Mercantile
2558 Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass
Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 7 pm
BBQ and other hot food, grocery items, maple products, local honey, beer, wine, Big Fish Cider, and more!
* Bolar Ruritan Scholarship Foundation Food
11 East Main Street, Monterey
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm or sold out!
Eat for a good cause! Serving Brunswick Stew in the parking lot of Highland Roots Market.
The Church at the Old Oak
3898 Meadowdale Road, Monterey (7 miles south of Monterey in Meadowdale just off Rt. 84 on Rt. 640)
Friday: 1 - 5 pm • Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm • Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
Renovated country church with local vendors selling baked goods and handcrafted jewelry, accessories, home décor, and other items.
* Claire's Cakes & Café
107 West Main Street, Monterey
Friday: 8 am - 2 pm • Saturday: 8 am – 4 pm • Sunday: 8 am – 2 pm
Open for breakfast, lunch, assorted pastries, & espresso & barista style coffees. Special seasonal items available!
* The Curly Maple
174 West Main Street, Monterey
Friday: 9 am - 3 pm • Saturday and Sunday: 8 am - 3 pm
Storefront and restaurant highlighting local provisions, gifts and apparel, gluten-free items, coffee and lattes, breakfast and brunch menu and fall-inspired lunch specials.
* Ginseng Mountain Farm & Store
6359 Potomac River Road, Blue Grass (6 miles north of Monterey)
Friday: Noon - 5 pm • Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm • Sunday: Noon - 5 pm
"New time" country store! Grass-fed beef and lamb, sheepskins, braided rugs, honey, maple syrup, books, and more. On Saturday: samplings of local goods from their grilling marinade to hand-churned apple butter! All three days: pop-up thrift shop that includes housewares, antique clothing, and the latest fashions out of Megan’s Closet.
Highland County Girl Scouts Food at Monterey Presbyterian Church (Indoor/Outdoor Seating)
50 Spruce Street, Monterey
Friday: 4 - 6 pm • Saturday: 11 am - 5 pm
Loaded baked potatoes, chili, and hot dogs to support our local Girl Scouts.
Highland County Humane Society Benefit Yard Sale
58 Potomac River Road, Monterey
Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm
Name your price furniture, household items, vintage pet supplies, and more located at the Highland County Volunteer Fire Department.
* Highland Roots Market
11 East Main Street, Monterey
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
Local maple syrup, cinnamon rolls, and baked goods, BBQ, fresh pressed cider, locally harvested goods, local pastured meats, locally roasted coffee, Halloween pumpkins, healthy snacks, grocery.
* Highlander
27 West Main Street, Monterey
Friday and Saturday: 11 am - 9 pm • Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
Pizza, fried chicken, desserts, and souvenirs.
- The Highland County Visitor Center is located within the Highlander for local brochures and information!
* High's Restaurant
73 West Main Street, Monterey
Friday and Saturday: 11 am - 8 pm • Sunday: 11 am - 7 pm
As seen on America’s Best Restaurants Show and CBS Discover, High’s offers superb burgers, trout, Italian delights, phillies, tenders, steaks, sandwiches, desserts and gluten-free options.
* Outpost * NEW *
8555 Highland Turnpike, McDowell
Friday and Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Cozy country store hangout where good food, made from scratch, baked goods and mountain charm all meet.
* Townsend Draft Goods * NEW LOCATION! *
26 Fleisher Avenue in Monterey
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm • Online 24/7
Natural goods and products that support a healthy lifestyle. Goods are rooted in nature and the practice of Ayurveda, yoga, and herbalism.