Welcome to Elk Fest!

Elk Fest is an annual festival held in Grundy, VA to celebrate the mountain heritage and culture of the region. Grundy is the elk capital of Virginia, where the elk population was restored and the herd has thrived, providing opportunities for elk viewing.

Want to Ride Spearhead?

Spearhead Trails offers ATV and side-by-side trails that connect directly to Breaks Interstate Park at Southern Gap. A valid Spearhead Trails permit is required to ride. Permits can be purchased using the link below.

Purchase Trail Permit

Elk Fest Schedule

The Elk Fest schedule is subject to change as more event times are confirmed.

- 6:30 p.m.
  - Wild Game Dinner & Live Auction
- Vendor setup Thursday evening
  - - Official time coming soon.
- ATV/Sasquatch Scavenger Hunt begins
  - Official time coming soon.
- 7:00 a.m.
  - Elk Viewing Tour
- 8:30–9:00 a.m.
  - Buchanan County 7th Grade programming begins
- Official time coming soon.
  - DWR Canine Officer and Elk Biologist Program
- Official time coming soon.
  - Virginia Wildlife Center Presentation
- Official time coming soon.
  - Archery and demonstrations
- 9:00 a.m.
  - Mountain Arts Showcase opens for submissions.
- Official time coming soon.
  - Vendor activities and demonstrations.
- 4:30 p.m.
  - Friday Evening Elk Viewing Tour
- 6:00 p.m.
  - Storytelling followed by Community Jam Session
- 7:00 a.m.
  - Elk Viewing Tour
- 9:00 a.m.
  - Buchanan County Birding Club Birding Hike
- 10:00 a.m. start
  - Cornhole Registration Tournament Start
- 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  - Kids Fishing Tanks
- 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  - Hayrides and Archery Range
- 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  - Little Critters Petting Zoo
- 3:00 p.m. Inside the Visitor Center
  - Bird/Wildlife Program
- Official time coming soon.
  - Vendor activities and demonstrations
- 4:00 p.m.
  - Mountain Arts Showcase Judging
- 1:00 p.m.
  - Appalachian Games
- 5:00 p.m.
  - Awards for the Appalachian Games
  - Cornhole Tournament Awards
  - Pie Bake off Awards
  - Art Contest Awards
- 6:00 p.m.
  - Zoe Howard & Yellow Line Bluegrass Performance
- 7:00 p.m.
  - Ralph Stanley II and the clinch Mountain boys Performance

Want to be a Vendor?

We’re excited to welcome local vendors and artisans Back to the 2026 Elk Fest!

Interested in becoming a vendor? We are currently accepting vendor applications for this event. There is no setup fee, but all vendors must complete an application to be considered for approval. Most vendor spaces will be outside and vendors are responsible for bringing their own tents, tables, chairs, and setup materials.

Limited electrical access may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food vendors must follow all health department regulations, and food items must be pre-packaged.

To apply, please use the Vendor Application button here.

Vendor Application