September is one of Lexington’s busiest months — the Virginia Horse Center runs shows nearly every week, Lime Kiln Theater wraps its summer concert series, downtown Lexington fills up with festivals, and the Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival returns for its 32nd year. Here’s exactly what’s happening, when, and how to get there without worrying about parking or driving home afterward.
Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival — Saturday, September 12
Now in its 32nd year, this local favorite runs from 12:00 to 6:00 PM at Lime Kiln Theater, with live music, food trucks, and a wide selection of local beer and wine tastings. Tickets range from $20 to $200 depending on the tasting package.
This is exactly the kind of event where a designated ride matters most — book a shuttle from your hotel or downtown Lexington so everyone in your group can enjoy the tastings without anyone stuck driving.
Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo — September 10–12
A classic county fair at the Virginia Horse Center, with livestock shows, fair food, rides, and family fun all weekend. Thursday night (September 10) also features a mechanical bull riding competition — no need to compete to watch the fun.
Virginia Horse Center — A Packed Month
Beyond the Fair & Expo, the Horse Center hosts several other events in September:
- September 3–6 — Virginia State 4-H Championship Horse and Pony Show, now in its 65th year
- September 12–13 — House Mountain Horse Show
- September 17+ — Virginia NBHA State Championship (barrel racing)
- September 19 — Shenandoah Valley Ducks Unlimited Fall Banquet
- September 26 — 6th Annual Cornhole Tournament, benefiting Rockbridge County Public Schools Foundation
With this many multi-day events running back to back, hotel-to-venue shuttle service is worth booking well ahead of your dates.
Live Music at Lime Kiln Theater
Friday, September 18 — Jake Worthington, with Kenny Whitmire opening. Doors at 6:00 PM, show at 7:30 PM. Tickets are limited for this one.
Sunday, September 27 — Jacob Collier (bonus show, sold out). A seven-time Grammy winner, Collier’s Lexington stop is outside the regular season pass and already sold out — worth checking the waitlist if you want a chance at tickets.
Full details and ticket links are on Lime Kiln Theater’s 2026 season page.
Downtown Lexington: Festivals & Local Events
Friday, September 4 and Friday, September 11 — Boxerwood Music in the Garden. A beloved local summer series at Boxerwood Nature Center, with live music from 6:30–8:00 PM. Bring a chair and enjoy a relaxed evening outdoors.
Saturday, September 19 — Line Dance Lex. A new event from Main Street Lexington featuring instructor-led line dancing, local vendors, and beer and wine sales on Main Street, 7:00–10:00 PM.
September 25 — Annual Apple Fest at Lexington Farmers Market. The weekly market goes all-in on apple season with baked goods and local apple varieties.
Sunday, September 27 — Apple Day at Stonewall Jackson House. From 10 AM to 1 PM, experience 19th-century harvest traditions with cider pressing, period games, and live music.
VMI Football — Home Weekend
September 11–12 — VMI Keydets vs. Bucknell Bison at Alumni Memorial Field. A busy football weekend means extra downtown traffic and full hotels — worth planning transportation ahead if you’re in town for the game.
Quick Reference: September 2026 Lexington Events
| Date | Event | Venue |
| Sept 3–6 | Virginia State 4-H Championship Horse Show | Virginia Horse Center |
| Sept 4 | Boxerwood Music in the Garden | Boxerwood Nature Center |
| Sept 10–12 | Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo | Virginia Horse Center |
| Sept 11 | Boxerwood Music in the Garden | Boxerwood Nature Center |
| Sept 11–12 | VMI Keydets vs. Bucknell Bison | Alumni Memorial Field |
| Sept 12 | Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival (32nd annual) | Lime Kiln Theater |
| Sept 12–13 | House Mountain Horse Show | Virginia Horse Center |
| Sept 17+ | Virginia NBHA State Championship | Virginia Horse Center |
| Sept 18 | Jake Worthington | Lime Kiln Theater |
| Sept 19 | Line Dance Lex | Downtown Lexington |
| Sept 19 | Ducks Unlimited Fall Banquet | Virginia Horse Center |
| Sept 25 | Annual Apple Fest | Lexington Farmers Market |
| Sept 26 | Cornhole Tournament | Virginia Horse Center |
| Sept 27 | Jacob Collier (bonus show, sold out) | Lime Kiln Theater |
| Sept 27 | Apple Day | Stonewall Jackson House |
FAQ
Do I need to book transportation for the Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival?
We’d recommend it — with tastings running all afternoon, a scheduled ride means no one in your group has to stay sober to drive home.
Is there shuttle service between hotels and the Virginia Horse Center during September’s events?
Yes — we run scheduled and on-demand routes between Lexington-area hotels and the Horse Center throughout multi-day events like the Rockbridge Regional Fair, the 4-H Championship Show, and House Mountain Horse Show.
What’s the best way to handle a busy weekend like September 11–12, with VMI football, Boxerwood, and horse shows all overlapping?
Book early. Between the football game, Horse Center events, and evening concerts, that weekend sees some of the heaviest local traffic of the month.
Can I book a group shuttle for a wedding or private event happening the same weekend as these festivals?
Absolutely — September is one of the busiest months of the year locally, so book your transportation early to guarantee availability. See our wedding transportation services for details.
Missed last month? Check out our August 2026 Lexington Events Guide.
Ready to book? Contact Traveller Shuttle Services or call (540) 784-4022 for availability.
