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SperryFest
Featured Event

SperryFest

The Mighty Thornton River Street Festival

When
Saturday, April 25, 2026 · 10:00 AM
Where
Main Street & Schoolhouse Field
Admission
Free
SperryFest is Sperryville's largest and most vibrant annual celebration. Centered on Main Street and the Schoolhouse Field, the festival draws thousands of visitors for a full day of community spirit in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park. The signature event is the Great Rubber Duck Race Down the Mighty Thornton River, where 1,000 numbered rubber ducks are released from the Main Street bridge and race to the finish line behind the Sperryville Schoolhouse. The festival features 40+ juried artisan vendors (all items must be handcrafted), food trucks, local wineries, breweries, and sips from a local distillery, live music on multiple stages from community-based musicians, a Community Zone highlighting 20+ local nonprofit organizations, and a dedicated kids zone with free interactive activities. SperryFest is 100% volunteer-organized and run by the Sperryville Community Alliance. Thanks to generous donors, admission and parking are completely free. Proceeds directly support other beloved community events including the Sperryville Summer Concert Series, Scaryville Halloween Trick-or-Treat, and the Merry Sperry Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.

Highlights

Great Rubber Duck Race

2:00 PM

Main Street Bridge → Schoolhouse

1,000 numbered rubber ducks are released from the Main Street bridge and race down the Mighty Thornton River to the finish line behind the Sperryville Schoolhouse. Tickets are $5 each with cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers. All 1,000 tickets sold out in 2025!

Kids' Duck Dash

1:00 PM

Schoolhouse Field

Children paint and decorate their own rubber ducks, then race them in a special kids-only heat on the river. Free for all kids — a beloved tradition that lets the little ones get in on the duck racing action.

40+ Artisan Vendors

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Main Street

All vendors are juried and every item must be handcrafted — no mass-produced goods allowed. Browse pottery, woodwork, jewelry, textiles, paintings, and more from local and regional artisans lining Main Street.

Food & Drink

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Main Street & Schoolhouse Field

Local food trucks plus restaurants from Sperryville and the surrounding area serve everything from BBQ to gourmet bites. Local wineries, breweries, and a distillery offer tastings so you can sip your way through the festival.

Live Music

10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Main Street Stage & RAAC Stage

Community-based musicians perform on two stages throughout the day: the Main Street Stage and the RAAC (Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community) Stage. Genres range from bluegrass and folk to rock and Americana.

Community Zone

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Schoolhouse Field

Over 20 local nonprofit organizations showcase their missions and connect with the community. Learn about conservation, education, arts, and service organizations making a difference in Rappahannock County.

Kids Zone

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Schoolhouse Field

A dedicated area with free interactive activities for children of all ages. Face painting, games, crafts, and more — all completely free. A perfect spot for families to let the kids play while enjoying the festival.

Ducks After Dark

5:00 PM – Late

Veditz & Company Brewing

The official SperryFest afterparty at Veditz & Company Brewing. Continue the celebration with craft beer, food, and live music after the festival wraps up on Main Street. Open to all ages.

Program

Main Street Vendors & Activities10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

40+ artisan vendors, food trucks, beverage providers along Main Street.

Live Music – Main Street Stage10:00 AM – 3:45 PM

Featured musical acts performing throughout the day.

Kids Zone10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Free interactive activities for children including face painting, duck decorating, ring toss, and scavenger hunts.

Community Zone10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

20+ local nonprofit organizations showcasing their missions, sharing stories, offering resources, games, and prizes.

Kids' Duck Dash2:00 PM

Children purchase a rubber duck ($5), paint it, and race it in an exclusive kids-only race on the Thornton River.

The Great Rubber Duck Race4:00 PM

The signature event: 1,000 numbered rubber ducks released from the Main Street bridge into the Thornton River.

Winner's Circle AwardsAfter Duck Race

Awards presented at the Sperryville Schoolhouse. Winning duck owner can receive up to a $500 gift card.

Ducks After Dark6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Official afterparty at Veditz & Company Brewing with live music and craft beer.

What to bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Cash for vendors and duck race tickets
  • Lawn chairs or blankets
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Reusable water bottle
SperryFest
SperryFest
SperryFest
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