Because this section is free of charge, community events are subject to run based on available space. Email events to calendar@newsadvance.com.
Through Nov. 18
Renaissance Theatre Company’s production of “The Game’s Afoot” by Ken Ludwig, 8 p.m. Nov. 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 at Miller Center Theatre, 301 Grove St., Lynchburg. It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this funny, quirky and thrilling whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. For ticket information, go to https://renaissance.booktix.net.
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Through Nov. 19
Little Town Players production of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” Nov. 10, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 19 at 931 Ashland Ave, Bedford. Set in 1967, a progressive white couple’s liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her black fiancé home to meet them in the stage adaptation of the iconic Sidney Poitier film “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance, and fearful for their future, they quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in their newspaper and welcoming them into their family. With humor and insight, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is sure to delight and inspire. The production is directed by Adam Hughes and stage managed by Lynda Gentry. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at (540) 586-5881 or online at www.littletownplayers.com and clicking the “ticket” button. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Season sponsor is Pack Law Group.
Through Nov. 26
Lynchburg Art Club and Gallery exhibition, open reception, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 during First Friday at 1011 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg. The November exhibition includes work by four outstanding, area artists in four mediums: Karen Covey, photography; Holly Frazier, watercolors; Ed Gowen, oils; and Kimberly Morey, ceramic sculpture. Refreshments will be served. Following the opening, the exhibit can be seen during gallery hours, 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment. Call (434) 528-9434 for more information. The gallery will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Through Nov. 29
MOarts Gallery Display, during regular library hours at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Staunton River High School art students are displaying their work with various mediums being shared — something for everyone. These students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, share a passion for art and creation. They create individual works of art using watercolors, acrylics, graphite and oil pastels. Three award-winning artists from the Smith Mountain Arts Council Art Show are represented in the display. For more information, call (540) 425-7004.
Candlelight Concerts: Candlelight Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more, 7:30 p.m. at the Academy Center of the Arts. Candlelight Concerts are a series of original music concerts created by Fever aimed at democratizing access to culture by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live music candlelit performances played by local musicians in various stunning locations illuminated by thousands of candles. Tickets start at $28. To purchase, go to https://feverup.com/en/lynchburg/candlelight.
Friends of the Forest Library Book Club, 1 to 2 p.m. at Forest Library. The Friends of the Forest Library Book Club meets every second Monday of the month. In November, we’ll be discussing “How the Penguins Saved Veronica” by Hazel Prior.
Adult Book Club, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Stewartsville Library. Join other readers on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss a different book and meet other members of the community. November’s book selection is “Silver Sparrow” by Tayari Jones. Light refreshments will be provided.
Aging in your Community senior housing forum, 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1695 Perrowville Road, Forest. This is the fourth in a continuing series of public forums in the church’s Parish Hall. Brandy Scott, home care liaison with TheKEY (formerly Generation Solutions) will present a talk entitled “Senior Living Spectrum: Your Guide to Choices.” Scott will provide a comprehensive look at the many options available for senior living. From independent and assisted living to memory care and continuing care retirement communities, this session will explore the features, costs and lifestyles of each option to help seniors and their families make informed decisions. The event is free and open to the public, and no advance registration is required. For more information, contact the St. Stephen’s Parish Office by email at ststephensforest@mail.com or by telephone at (434) 525-5511.
Alzheimer’s Workshop on Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Big Island Library. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. It’s a progressive and fatal brain disease and is the most common form of dementia. The workshop is for anyone who would like to know more about how Alzheimer’s affects the brain, detection, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment and more.
Surviving the Holidays: a special holiday grief class, 5:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1215 VES Road, Lynchburg. Grief from the loss of a loved one is hard any day, but it can be especially difficult during the holidays. As an arm of support, First Presbyterian Church is hosting a one-night grief class grounded first on community and second with practical suggestions for walking through this season. Suggestions include preparing for and dealing with emotional ambushes, for managing family traditions and special holiday events, and for other challenges that come during this time of year. Feel free to bring a snack to share. For more information, contact the Rev. Nancy Dawson at nancy@fpcly.org.
Memory care support group: Role reversals, 1 p.m. at Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care, 201 Lillian Lane, Lynchburg. Are you caring for a loved one living with memory impairment? Join senior care experts from Heritage Green and other dementia care professionals for a free memory care support group featuring insightful topics to help family caregivers. June McNamara, a social worker at Gentle Shepherd Hospice, shares how you can navigate role reversals to preserve your relationship with your loved one and embrace caregiving. A complimentary lunch includes a sub sandwich, chips, cookie and drink. RSVP by Nov. 10 by calling (434) 385-5102.
ABT Studio Company, at the Historic Academy Theatre, 524 Main St. ABT Studio Company, the junior company of American Ballet Theatre, is made up of 12 to 18 rising stars of the ballet world between the ages of 17 and 21. ABT Studio Company prepares these outstanding young dancers, who hail from all over the globe, to enter American Ballet Theatre or other leading ballet companies worldwide. Nearly 80% of current dancers in American Ballet Theatre are alumni of ABT Studio Company, including eight soloists and 14 principal dancers — among them Misty Copeland, Isabella Boylston and Calvin Royal III. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the box office at (434) 846-8499 or visit academycenter.org.
Lecture series, 5:30 p.m. at Jones Memorial Library, Lynchburg. Peighton Young speaks about “Black Life at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill Plantation.” Young, a public historian, is a project consultant for the Red Hill Quarter Place project.
Alzheimer’s Workshop on Effective Communication Strategies, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Forest Library. Learn how to decode verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
The Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors regular meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spring House Restaurant at 9789 Richmond Highway, Lynchburg. The meeting is open to the public and accessible to persons with disabilities. Call (434) 352-2819 to confirm meeting information or visit www.releeconservation.com.
Rhodora Wine Tasting, 5 to 7 p.m. at 1103 Church St, Lynchburg. During this free tasting, we will offer wine by the glass of any of our featured wines. For more information, visit www.rhodoraspecialty.com or contact Stephanie Atkinson at info@rhodoraspecialty.com.
Is There Still Sex In The City? 7:30 p.m., 524 Main St., Lynchburg. In her new one–woman show, New York icon Candace Bushnell, the international bestselling novelist and creator of “Sex and the City” takes us on a whirlwind tour of New York City, from “Studio 54” to “Sex and the City” to “Lipstick Jungle” and beyond, sharing her remarkable philosophy through stories of fashion, literature and sex while pouring cosmos in Manolos. Tickets range from $20 to $75. Learn more at academycenter.org.
Friday Breakfast Book Club, 10 to 11 a.m. at Bedford Library. The Friday Breakfast Book Club meets on the last Friday of every month to discuss a different book. The month’s selection is “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” by Agatha Christie.
Holiday bazaar, 9 a.m. to noon at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lynchburg. We will have Christmas crafts, boxed lunches, baked goods, jams, jellies and pickles for sale, plus a children’s corner. A silent auction will be held. Enter on 7th Street.
Thanksgiving traditions at Old City Cemetery, 10 a.m. Historian Judi Harvey shares all she knows on the origins of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions. For more information, visit https://www.gravegarden.org/events/.
Country music and dancing with “Glen Shelton” band, 7 p.m. at New London Ruritan Club, 12411 E. Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Forest. Family friendly event. Admission: $10, adult; children, free. Country music starts at 7:30 p.m. Come for free square dance lessons at 5:30 p.m.
La Dolce Vita: A Honey Tasting Experience, 11 a.m. to noon at Bedford Library. Think all honey tastes the same? In the U.S. alone, there are more than 300 unique varieties of honey, with a range of colors, flavors and aromas. Just like wine, the characteristics of each type of honey are determined by its plant sources, geography and climate. Join us as we learn about how bees produce honey and the factors that influence flavor and aroma. We will then move on to a formal tasting of several honey varietals, taking and comparing notes on each sample’s characteristics. For the best experience, please avoid eating or drinking anything besides water, brushing your teeth or smoking for at least one hour before the tasting, and avoid wearing anything with a noticeable scent, such as perfume, lotion, etc. Registration is required. Adults and teens only.
Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut Screening, 11 a.m. to noon at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Join us for a screening of the new documentary film, “Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut,” which tells the story of passionate citizen scientists and researchers working to restore this ecologically and economically important tree species during this pivotal moment. Register for the event if you’d like to receive a reminder via email.
Community Kitchen Supply Swap, 11 a.m. to noon at Stewartsville Library. Cleaning out your kitchen before the holidays? Need supplies for cooking Thanksgiving dinner? Join us for a free community kitchen supply swap. Bring any kitchen items, utensils, dishes, pots and pans, baking dishes, and other items that are in good condition, clean and usable to swap for other items. Bring your items the day of the swap or drop them off the week before.
A Christmas to Remember, 6:30 p.m. in the Historic Academy Theater, 524 Main St., Lynchburg. Building Bridges Productions, Inc. and G.L. Stewart Productions present “A Christmas to Remember.” This holiday event for the whole family includes a variety of performances ranging from singing to dramatic storytelling. Find the true meaning of Christmas where the spirit of unity is alive and well as we celebrate community leaders, talented youth and the power of love. Several local community leaders will be honored and scholarships will be awarded to three high school students who have participated in the arts. Highlighting the evening will be the play, “Give Love,” by local playwright Teresa Harris, The Give Love Community Youth Choir and a special performance by Steve Henderson and the gospel group Roanoke Voices. There’s something for everyone including vendors, prize drawings and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 dollars and may be purchased from academycenter.org/event/Christmas-to-remember or by calling (434) 846-8499. For more information, contact BBP Executive Director Janice Benejan at (434) 845-7808 or jbenejan64@gmail.com.
Pet photos with Santa, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moneta Farm & Home Center, 11739 Moneta Road, Moneta. Bring your pets to have their pictures taken with Santa. $15 per photo, framed in a Christmas card. All proceeds benefit the Bedford Humane Society.
Little Bits of Love Fundraiser for Elizabeth Brown, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Smith’s Pumpkin Patch, 6210 Fort Ave., Lynchburg. Elizabeth is a single mother of two young children and has recently been diagnosed with a very rare type of breast cancer for her age. She is being treated at Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. Event will include a craft fair, silent auction, bake sale and yard sale. Vendor spaces are available (10×10 space is $15). If interested, text Maria Brown at (434) 316-4626 or Lenaya Smith at (434) 316-4224 or lenya6k@aol.com. Baked good donations welcomed. All proceeds go toward the fundraiser.
French cinema showing the film “Molière,” 5 p.m. in Leggett Hall No. 537 at Randolph College, 2500 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg. In French with English subtitles. Discussion following the film (rated PG-13). Sponsored by L’Alliance Française de Lynchburg and Randolph College. For more information, go to http://web.randolphcollege.edu/explore. Free
Lynchburg Coin Club, 7 p.m., upstairs at Scarlett’s Antiques, 1026 Main St., Lynchburg. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Door prizes, 30-minute talk, followed by auction. Free admission. Anyone interested in coin collecting is welcome. Call (434) 528-0488 (Apoth Coins) for any questions.
Adult Book Club, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Big Island Library. Join us to read the book of the month and share insights and stories. The book club is held on the third Tuesday of every month. This month, we’ll be reading and discussing “White Gardenia” by Belinda Alexandra. Sponsored by the Friends of the Big Island Library.
Ginuwine at Historic Academy Theatre. Attendees can expect to hear Ginuwine’s hit “Pony” as well as songs from across his expansive catalog such as “In Those Jeans,” “So Anxious,” “Differences” and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the box office at (434) 846-8499 or visit academycenter.org.
Holiday Maker’s Market 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Academy Center of the Arts’ Warehouse Theatre. Free.
Shout B-9 at the Forest Library, 11 a.m. at Forest Library. This senior citizen bingo event is open to all seniors in the community. We will provide a welcoming and friendly environment where seniors can interact with each other, socialize and have a good time. Space is limited, so registration is required. You may register online at bplsonline.org or by calling the Forest Library at (540) 425-7002. Light refreshments and prizes are available.
Saturday Matinee Presents: Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Join us for a monthly afternoon screening of a movie for adults and teens. This month, we’ll be presenting “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part I,” starring Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames and others. As enemies encroach from all sides and old alliances sour with betrayal, the skilled Impossible Missions Force agent Ethan Hunt faces the twilight hour of his storied career as he knows it. Cautioned against pursuing his course of action, Hunt continues to fight for what he believes to be right. Along the way, Hunt faces overwhelming odds, new threats and former flames in his tireless quest for justice.