Sunset Market Returns in Harrisonburg

This summer, the Sunset Market is returning to Harrisonburg once again. Now in its third year, this popular event brings together local food, live entertainment, and community spirit—all under the open-air Turner Pavilion.

Hosted by the Harrisonburg Farmers Market, the Sunset Market takes place every third Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, running from June through September. This community gathering is designed to highlight the best of the Shenandoah Valley, with activities for all ages.

While Harrisonburg’s Tuesday and Saturday morning markets are already quite popular, the Sunset Market shifts the experience into the evening with a more interactive, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the kind of event where you can enjoy dinner from a local food truck, listen to live music, shop from local farmers and makers, and participate in hands-on activities, all in one night.

Each Sunset Market plans to include:

• Live music
• Drum circle
• Face painting
• Workshops and activities hosted by community organizations
• Food trucks and mobile vendors
• Fresh grocery shopping and artisan goods
• Yoga and meditation sessions

Halee, the Market Manager, notes, “It’s fun to see the Pavilion come alive in the evening. I like seeing new faces that can’t always make it to our morning markets. The evening setup gives us the chance to offer more activities and create a different kind of experience.”

June Market Highlights

The season kicks off on June 19 with a full schedule of engaging experiences:

• Yoga and meditation with Jonny Morris
• Free chair massages from Cedar Stone School of Massage
• Mosaic activity with Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
• Children’s programming with Explore More Discovery Museum
• Crafts with Friendly City Safe Space
• Gear demos by the Community Gear Library
• Books and storytelling with Massanutten Regional Library

Local vendor Rose from HomeAgain Farm is bringing something special to the event: “My son Jacob and I are doing a ‘Farm & Fantasy’ theme. Alongside my farm-raised meats, he’ll be offering handmade foam sparring swords. Visitors can learn to spar while shopping for fresh pork, goat, chicken, and more.”

And pets are welcome! As Jennifer from Thistle Hill Pet Treats says, “When we say bring the whole family, we mean everyone, including the dogs. And if you haven’t heard Betsy in the Verse, June’s featured musician, she’s an amazing talent.”

Upcoming Sunset Market Dates

Mark your calendar for the following Thursdays:

• June 19
• July 17
• August 21
• September 18

Supporting Access to Fresh Food

Thanks to the Virginia Fresh Match program, SNAP/EBT customers can double their benefits up to $30. That means more access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables—at no extra cost.