WSET.com - ABC13The Weekender: Oct. 7-9

Reporter: Claudia Rupcich

It's "First Friday" in Lynchburg, which means free entry to the Lynchburg Museum from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. October 7. The art trolley can pick you up and drop you off at the front of 901 Court Street as it makes its way between art galleries, studios and other interesting places in Downtown Lynchburg. The Academy of Fine Arts will debut its October exhibit and will have a reception with music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Appomattox Historic Railroad Festival is Oct. 8-9 on Main Street. The festival kicks off on Saturday with a parade downtown at 10:30 a.m. Events include train exhibits, kids rides, art shows and street dances. On Sunday, the festival will run noon to 5 p.m. 

The River District Festival is on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Newton's Landing, beside Bridge Street, in Danville. The festival is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will have a scavenger hunt, art shows, a beer garden and much more. Organizers created the festival as part of their plan to revitalize downtown. 

Martinsville Speedway is hosting the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 this weekend. Well-known top drivers will compete for $25,000 in Sunday's race. There will be practice is on Friday that people can attend for free. You can watch the qualifying race on Saturday, Oct. 8 for $5. Sunday's race starts at 3 p.m. and is $20 for adults or free from children younger than 12.

Dan River Art Works in Danville is hosting the Festivus for the Rest of Us, a judged art show and festival on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The free festival will showcase several artists whose pieces will be judged. There is no entry fee, and the festival will have free food and live entertainment.

Smith Mountain Lake is hosting a charity home tour Oct. 7-9 in Moneta. You can look at 8 houses by car or by boat. The tours will be held Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5. The tours benefit a number of local charities, including the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake Good Neighbors, and the Bedford Christian Free Clinic. You can buy tickets on site for $25.