Sizzling Summer Events!

School’s out for summer! Family trips are being planned! Weekend getaways are on everyone’s mind and we want you to put Franklin Southampton, Virginia on your travel list! We have events for all ages that locals and welcomed visitors can enjoy! (Please know this list is not all-inclusive. Check back to our Facebook page for more information on events happening all year.)

Weekly Events

Every Wednesday: Franklin Cruise In

Where: Main Street Parking Lot in front of Fred’s Restaurant (107 S Main St, Franklin, VA 23851)

A weekly Cruise In throughout the summer for car enthusiasts to meet in a family-friendly environment. Open to antique cars and trucks, street rods, and custom bikes. Every week this event grows and on September 12th there will be a Grand Finale drawing for $1,000. Keep in mind that you are entered into the drawing every time you bring your classic, custom, or antique car to the Cruise In.

Contact: (757) 438-2981

Every Thursday: Courtland Farmers Market Produce Auction

Where: 24540 Agri Park Drive # 4, Courtland, VA 23837

There will be farmers from all around Virginia and parts of North Carolina coming to sell their fresh produce to YOU!

If you are a farmer and are interested in selling your produce, you are more than welcome to join. All farmers should start arriving by 4:30 PM to unload and get registered.

If you are a buyer, you may begin arriving at the Farmers Market at 5:45 PM to register for a number and observe the freshest produce this year. The auction starts at 6:30 PM sharp. There is also dinner available all night. The menu includes BBQ sandwiches, chips, drinks, hamburgers, etc.

Contact: (757) 653-0728

Every Thursday: We Be Jammin’

Where: East Barrett St, Franklin, VA, 23851

We Be Jammin’ is a FREE concert series put on by the Downtown Franklin Association in conjunction with local sponsors. Each Thursday a different band comes and entertains starting at 6 PM. Please feel free to bring your lawn chair and come enjoy the beautiful views on the Blackwater River. Visit their website for each week’s band!

Contact: (757) 562-6900

Every Saturday: Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

Where: 120 S Main St, Franklin, VA 23851

Along with your traditional Farmers Market finds, you can sometimes luck up and find local fresh seafood, jams, jellies, and more. The market is open from 8 AM to 1 PM.

Contact: (757) 562-6900

Special Events

June 28th: Patriotism in the Park

Where: East Barrett St, Franklin, VA, 23851

This annual event is planned to give everyone an opportunity to come enjoy music from the U. S. Navy Fleet Forces Wind Ensemble Band and show their support for past and current service men and women. Admission is FREE and you are encouraged to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. It is from 5 to 8 PM with music starting at 6:30 PM. Food and refreshments will be sold.

Contact: (757) 562-6900

July 4th: Newsoms July 4th Celebration

A celebration for July 4th will begin with a parade lining up at the Newsoms Baptist Church between 4 and 4:30 PM. The parade will begin at 5 PM. There will be free hot dogs, chips, corn on the cob, watermelon, desserts and drinks being served behind the Ruritan Building following the parade. The Shiloh Band will perform and there will be games for children so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a great evening in Newsoms.

July 25th: 17th Annual Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Inter-Tribal “Green Corn Dance” Powwow

Where: 27345 Aquia Path, Courtland, VA 23837

From 10 AM to sunset and don’t miss the “Grand Entry” at 12 PM. Bring the whole family and enjoy the drums, Native American Indian dancers in full native regalia, the history of Cattashowrock Town Palisade Village as narrated by Chief Red Hawk, and of course the food and drink (fish and chips, corn on the cob, Indian tacos and frybread). There will be face painting for the children. Admission is $6.00 Adults, $4.00 Children 6-12 and Seniors 65+.

Contact: (757)562-7760

August 12th-15th: Franklin Southampton County Fair

Where: 25374 New Market Road, Courtland, VA 23837

The Franklin Southampton County Fair is going to be HUGE with artists such as Jo Dee Messina and RaeLynn, along with all your fair favorites!

Below you will find this year’s entertainment:

THURSDAY NIGHT: The Chase band at 7 PM.

FRIDAY NIGHT: The Jody Pyles Band at 7 PM followed by national recording artist Jo Dee Messina.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Our own Hickory Knoll Band will open for “The Voice” contestant RaeLynn starting at 7 PM.

Come enjoy great local and specialty foods, home arts, exhibits, livestock shows, petting zoos, talent shows and more. Enjoy events such as watermelon eating contests, magic shows, and CONCERTS! There is also a chance to learn and view local horticulture including the area’s LARGEST sunflowers, watermelons, and pumpkins!

As an added bonus, the Virginia LOVE artwork will be front and center at the fair again this year! There will be opportunities to have your picture taken at the letters or you can snap your very own selfie. We encourage you to share your pictures on Facebook at the Virginia is for Lovers page and on Twitter and Instagram using #LoveVA.

The cost of admission is $10.00 per day but we encourage you to visitwww.franklinsouthamptoncountyfair.org to purchase a 4-day pass for $20.00 plus fees.

July 9th and August 13th: Ladies’ Night Out with Downtown Divas and Dudes

Where: Downtown Franklin, VA

Get the girlfriends together and have a night out on the town! Come spend an evening exploring Downtown Franklin’s shops where they feature specials even those penny pinchers can enjoy! After you shop, refresh yourself by having dinner at one of our three downtown restaurants.

September 12th: Franklin Cruise In Grand Finale

This event is from 8 AM to 5 PM and is expected to be HUGE! On top of the famous $1,000 drawing, the Island Boy Band will be performing from 11 AM to 4 PM, the VFW will be selling BBQ, and Monster Energy drinks will have their show truck on site and they will have giveaways. The event is expected to feature between 200-300 vehicles. So make plans to end your summer with some fun in Downtown Franklin!

Contact: (757) 438-2981

Kid-Focused Events

July 6th-10th: Rawls Museum Arts Summer Camp-“Let’s Get ‘Poppin’ with Roy Lichenstein”

Where: 22376 Linden Street, Courtland, Virginia 23837

Bring your little students to come design a short comic book from their artwork created at camp. They will learn fun facts about pop artist Roy Lichenstein. There will be a focus on hard edge lines and benday dots, which will make for a great week at camp! This camp is split into two groups: ages 5-8 will be from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, and ages 9-14 will be from 12:30 PM to 3 PM. Cost includes snacks and supplies and is $60 for Rawls Museum Arts members and $70 for non-members.

Contact: (757)653-0754

August 3rd-7th: Rawls Museum Arts Summer Camp-“How Many Faces Can You Wear, Oh Mr. Leonardo Da Vinci!”

Where: 22376 Linden Street, Courtland, VA 23837

During this week camp will focus on the genius painter, botanist, writer, architect, and sculptor from Italy, Leonardo Da Vinci. Various types of art will be created to honor the inventive imagination of the late, great Leonardo. This camp is split into two groups: ages 5-8 will be from 9 AM to 11:30 AM and ages 9-14 will be from 12:30 PM to 3 PM. Cost includes snacks and supplies and is $60 for Rawls Museum Arts members and $70 for non-members.

Contact: (757)653-0754

Ongoing: Blackwater Regional Library-Summer Reading Program

Where: Franklin Branch: 280 North College Dr., Franklin, VA 23851

Courtland Branch: 22511 Main St., Courtland, VA 23837

Both the Franklin and the Courtland branches will be offering special events throughout the summer including storytellers, science tellers, magic shows, and family carnival days! These events are free unless otherwise noted and you are encouraged to pre-register. For more information, such as dates and times, visitwww.blackwaterlib.org and click on the “Read to the Rhythm!” box on the homepage and find the “Children’s Summer Reading Program” link.

Contact: Franklin: (757) 562-4801

Courtland: (757) 653-2821

Ongoing: Paul D. Camp Community College Kids College

Where: 100 North College Drive, Franklin, VA 23851

If you have kids who like to stay busy, this is the resource for you! Paul D. Camp Community College offers TONS of events throughout the summer for rising 2nd to 12thgraders. The programs are designed to teach new skills, develop new interests and hobbies, and explore future career opportunities. There are classes on acting and singing, history (including the history of ham!), baking, sewing, tie dying, fishing, robotics, kayaking, and SO MUCH MORE! Please visit http://www.pdc.edu/workforce-development/kids-college/ for more information including dates and times of classes, costs, how to register, and how to pay for classes.

Contact: (757)569-6058 or (757)569-6700

Day-Long Activities For The Family

Bear Path Acres Where: 34574 Smith’s Ferry Rd, Franklin, Virginia 23851

Bear Path Acre conveniently located in Southampton County, Virginia, just 9 miles south of the City of Franklin. You can leisurely stroll along the walkways to enjoy the vast assortment of wonderful animals. Spend an hour or pack your lunch and spend the day! Learn interesting facts about their wonderful assortment of animals. They will allow you to take a closer look at your agricultural roots by providing a clean, safe, nurturing and stimulating environment. Come have a relaxing time at “Your Hometown Zoo”! For more information visit their website. Cost of admission is 0 – 3 Free, 4 – 12 $7.00, 12+ $12.00.

Contact: (757)516-8774

Blackwater Outfitters/Nottoway River Guides

Where: 22225 Main Street, Courtland, VA 23837

Not only a retail store for all your kayaking needs, but Blackwater Outfitter/Nottoway River Guides offer guided tours and rental services if you want to explore on your own. Our rivers are beautiful and full of fish, so this is a great fun way to get the whole family outdoors! Visit their website for more information.

Contact: (757)653-9223

Photo Credit: Photography by Shawn Geary