The Town of Marion, in partnership with Marion Downtown, announced another stellar lineup of free concerts, cruise ins, festivals and events for 2023.
“We are proud to again provide quality entertainment for the community,” said Marion’s Director of Community and Economic Development Ken Heath. “These events are just part of what we do in our office to help bring people together, and to support our local restaurants and businesses – plus we LOVE getting everybody together to have some fun!”
Marion’s season kicks off Saturday, May 20, with the first of the annual Third Saturday Cruise Ins. Bands include “My New Favorites”, Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillin’, Jarid Reedy, and HB Beverly take the Farmers Market stage from 6 till 9 p.m. May through October.
Memorial Day Weekend brings the flag tribute across downtown, a very special “Letters From Home” show on Sunday, and the Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m. on May 29.
July 4th is celebrated with a classic car show at Riverbend Park, with this year’s entertainment being Mark Larkins and “The Sounds of Summer”. Proceeds from vehicle registration benefit the Iron Warriors and Marion Downtown.
Ranked one of Virginia Living magazine’s “Best Food Festivals in Virginia”, the “Hungriest Mother Food Challenges” are back on the third full weekend in July, along with the Hungry Mother Festival at nearby Hungry Mother State Park July 21-23. Downtown concerts include the annual Main Street Bock Party featuring Phantom on Friday night, and on Saturday, in addition to the food challenges, musical guests include “Soul Sandwich”, country rocker Chris Hennessee, and “7 Bridges: An Eagles Tribute” on July 22.
The second Saturday of October marks the 37th annual Marion Chili Championship, and entertainment includes Morrison & Perkins, Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillin’, and “Bluffett: The Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show”.
Nov. 30 kicks off the Christmas season in America’s Coolest Hometown with the annual downtown open house, “Merry Marion”, and the Community Christmas Tree Lighting. The Marion Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 1.
Additionally, the first Saturday night of each month, the Town of Marion sponsors “Song of the Mountains” live tv taping at the Lincoln Theatre. The Marion Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 til noon through the season and offers special holiday markets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The historic Lincoln Theatre offers a full schedule of programming, from live music to classic movies. The Henderson School provides a free jam session every Monday night for bluegrass and old time pickers, and other local venue, including nearby Hungry Mother State Park, offer live music and entertainment as well.
For more information on events and activities in Marion, visit marionva.org or follow us on Facebook.
Marion’s events are sponsored by The Town of Marion, Marion Downtown, and Beach Waves Radio. Additional support is provided by WCYB. WJHL, The Smyth County News & Messenger, and WMEV.
