Stop by the B99-9 live broadcast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. while you are in the park!
Run, paddle, cast, and bike your way to fun at Smith River Fest! Held annually at the Smith River Sports Complex in Henry County, Virginia, this event is truly a celebration of all things associated with the Smith River and our great outdoors.
Ride the river, learn to fly fish, browse vendors, and challenge yourself in the Helgramite Hustle 5K Mud Run.
Join us as we celebrate the Smith River and its 45 miles of scenic beauty flowing through our community and the nearly 20 miles of shared-use trails that make up the Smith River Trail System.
Admission and parking are free!
Learn more about the organizers, vendors, and variety of activities offered throughout the weekend here:
https://www.henrycountyva.gov/365/Smith-River-Fest
River Tubing
Presented by: Auto Rehab
You can check out a tube and life jacket and enjoy the approximately 30-minute ride on the cool and beautiful Smith River!
Rules:
- Must be at least 50 pounds
- Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
- One rider per tube
- Must wear PFD
FREE
Time: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm (every 30 minutes)
Paddling Demo Pool
Presented by: Farm Bureau Insurance
Nervous about getting out on the Smith River? Relax! The Paddling Demo Pool will offer inexperienced boaters the opportunity to feel what it is like to get on a kayak, while having the security of a shallow pool beneath them, instead of the intimidation of the depth of a river. This will allow many first-timers to get a feel for the basic of paddling and maneuvering through water.
FREE
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Casting Pool
Presented by: Martinsville Speedway
Try your hand at casting a fly rod and bait casting at our 40-foot long casting pool. You can meet anglers from Smith River Trout Unlimited, Casting For Recovery and the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries and learn tips from all of them.
The casting pool doesn’t have fish but it does have plenty of targets so that you can test your aiming skills.
FREE
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Near Kids Zone
Kids Cycle Station
Presented by: Center for Pediatric Therapies
In this activity area, children ages 12 and under can get some one-on-one instruction from members of Henry County Parks & Recreation.
More advanced young riders can challenge themselves to a mini biking course complete with obstacles and small ramps.
Youth bikes and helmets will be provided for use by the YMCA’s Mobile Bike Barn.
FREE
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Near Water Gun Battle Zone
Hammock Villages
Presented by: R&J Tire Service
Need a break from all the fun? Relax in a hammock at our Hammock Village overlooking the Smith River Fest stage!
These outdoor hammocks, made of breathable and quick-drying nylon, can easily fold it up into the compression stuff sack for storage or transport.
You’ll also find another Hammock Village down by the river for a relaxing break.
FREE
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Locations: Along the bank of the Smith River
Kids Zone
Presented by: The Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge
In the Kids Zone at Smith River Fest you can enjoy all the fun of bounce houses and the inflatable slide for free.
You can also get up close to the cuddly creatures from Infinity Acres Petting Ranch!
You’ll see animals from around the world including alpacas, rabbits, sugar gliders, tortoises, snakes and more. Educational animal encounters and pony rides will be offered at this area free of charge throughout the day.
FREE
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Left Back Corner of Festival
Mobile Bike Barn
Presented by: the Martinsville-Henry County YMCA
Borrow a Bike & Bring it Back! That’s the motto of The Bike Barn presented by the YMCA.
The bike barn is bringing their fleet of bikes to Smith River Fest. Simply show your photo ID to check out a bike (helmet included) and enjoy a leisurely ride around the Smith River Fest grounds.
Toddler trailers and adult trikes are also available.
FREE
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Fly Tying Demos
Presented by: Smith River Trout Unlimited
Tying flies for fishing is an art that uses a diverse array of mediums. Feathers, fur, felt, thread and beads are some of the common supplies that you’ll see used but you might be surprised by some of the more creative materials used in making these functional works of art.
Watch as fishermen from Smith River Trout Unlimited practice their craft throughout the day.
FREE
Times: 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Beside Casting Pool
Beer Garden
Presented by: Martinsville Henry County YMCA
Join us and our friends at this year’s Beer Garden!
Renewal Brewing will provide a variety of domestic beers.
Price: varies by selection
Times: 11 am – 4 pm
Water Gun Battle Station 
Presented by: Henry County Parks & Recreation
Kids, and kids-at-heart, get ready for a cool time! Have a ball and cool off at the same time as you battle it out at our water gun battle station
Location: next to the Kids Cycle Station.
FREE
