Looking for weekend getaways in Virginia that have something for everyone? September 12-14, 2025, is stacked with unique events and things to do in Farmville, VA, that make Prince Edward County the perfect destination.
Discover the birthplace of America’s student-led civil rights revolution at the Robert Russa Moton Museum. Celebrate arts, culture, live music and local eats at the 2025 Heart of Virginia Festival. And join the excitement of Longwood University’s Family Weekend. Add in scenic trails, historic charm and delicious food, and you’ve got one unforgettable trip!
Here’s your guide to a September weekend getaway in the heart of Virginia.
Celebrate the Arts, Culture & Community at the 2025 Heart of Virginia Festival
Farmville comes alive each September with the Heart of Virginia Festival, one of the region’s most vibrant community events. This free, two-day celebration fills downtown Farmville with art, music, local food and nonstop energy.
Things kick off Friday night, September 12, at 5:30 p.m. with a free outdoor concert at Riverside Park, featuring food trucks, a beer truck and family-friendly fun. Come Saturday, the fun starts early with the Heart of Virginia 5K and 10K at 8:30 a.m. on the High Bridge Trail. Then from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the streets are packed with handmade crafts, live performances, a fine arts and crafts show, children’s area, dozens of local vendors and much more.
Rain or shine, the crowds come out — more than 30,000 strong each year.
Heart of VA Festival at a Glance
Location
Main Street & High Street in Downtown Farmville
Date
Saturday, September 13
Time
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission
Free
Parking
Municipal lots with handicapped accessible parking
Pets
No pets allowed (service animals only)
Rain Plan
Festival is rain or shine; follow on social media for updates
Need a breather during the festival? Step into the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) Friday evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for a free art opening and reception just steps from the action.
Discover History at the VA250 Mobile Museum & Moton Museum
Step into a story that spans centuries — all in one stop. The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience arrives in Farmville, VA, September 12 and 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a limited-time, high-tech experience that dives deep into the 250th anniversary of Virginia, including stories of the Revolutionary Era, Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement.
Hosted on the grounds of the Robert Russa Moton Museum, this interactive exhibit honors the voices too often left out of traditional textbooks, including enslaved Africans, Indigenous peoples, women and student activists. With oral histories, immersive visuals and interactive displays, the museum invites all ages to connect with the past in a personal way. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Virginia history, civil rights in education or educational travel. Admission is free and open to the public.
VA250 Mobile Museum at a Glance
Date/Time
Friday, September 12: Local schools schedule through the Moton Museum
Saturday, September 13: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location
Robert Russa Moton Museum, 900 Griffin Blvd, Farmville, VA
Admision
Free and open to the public
After visiting the mobile museum, step inside Moton’s permanent exhibit, The Moton School Story, to learn how Barbara Johns and her classmates in Prince Edward County helped change the course of public education in America. Want to learn more before you visit? Explore the digital Moton School Story online anytime.
Soak Up College Spirit & Small-Town Charm at Longwood University Family Weekend
There’s nothing quite like the energy of one of the best college towns in Virginia! During Longwood University’s Family Weekend, September 12-13, parents and families reunite with their students on campus for check-ins, casual gatherings and plenty of fun. Think game nights, outdoor movies under the stars and a welcoming campus community that makes everyone feel like part of the Lancer family.
But you don’t have to be a Longwood parent to join the fun. Downtown Farmville VA is just steps from campus and buzzing with restaurants, shops and entertainment. Whether you’re here to visit your student — or simply to soak up the friendly college-town vibes — you’ll find Farmville ready to welcome you.
Quick Guide: Top Things to Do in Prince Edward County
Festivals, history and family fun are just the beginning. Use this quick guide to find the best spots to eat, stay and play while enjoying all the things to do in Prince Edward County.
Eat
- North Street Press Club: Eclectic menu + live music
- The Fishin’ Pig: Southern BBQ and famous fried catfish
- Charley’s Waterfront Cafe: Riverside dining on the Appomattox
- One19: Made-from-scratch tacos, seafood and 119+ tequilas and mezcals
- Taproot Tavern: Upscale tavern with small plates and a cozy atmosphere
- Catbird Rooftop Terrace: Rooftop dining with craft cocktails and sweeping views
Stay
- Hotel Weyanoke: Historic boutique hotel
- Tru by Hilton: Modern comfort
- Holiday Inn Express: Family friendly
- Sandy River Outdoor Adventures: Virginia glamping in luxury tipis
Play
- High Bridge Trail State Park: Walk, bike or catch sunset views 125 feet above the Appomattox
- Downtown Farmville: Browse boutiques and coffee shops
- Green Front Furniture: 1 million square feet of furniture, rugs and home decor — a Farmville legend
- Three Roads Brewing: Craft beer, live music and food trucks
- Longwood Center for the Visual Arts: Free admission with an art opening Friday night
Three big events. One unforgettable weekend. With so many things to do in Farmville, Virginia, this September getaway is packed with history, music, art and family-friendly fun. Plan your visit, explore downtown Farmville restaurants, enjoy the trails and see why Farmville shines as one of the best small towns in Virginia. And before you head home, swing by the brand-new Wawa at 2584 Farmville Road to fuel up and grab a snack for the road.
Photos by Teddy Hodges and Longwood University
