What a weekend it's shaping up to be! The events begin on Thursday, with opening of The Compassion Experience educational exhibit at Union Church and the start of the annual River District Festival. The festival is a four-day event that will bring a variety of music, arts, crafts, activities and music at locations throughout the River District.
Friday brings the start of Averett University’s homecoming activities, which isn’t just for students and alumni. Also on Friday, look to see if the high-flying GW Eagles can continue their string of dominating performances on the gridiron as they host district rival Franklin County.
If you are looking for something different for all ages, check out the AAF Tank Museum’s radio control tank battles on Saturday. That evening, celebrity magician Wayne Alan presents his annual Halloween Spooktacular magic show at The Historic North Theatre.
THE COMPASSION EXPERIENCE
When: Various times Thursday through Monday
Where: Union Church, 810 Main St.
The Compassion Experience exhibit is a free event that features an interactive journey through the true stories of children living in developing countries like the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda and the Dominican Republic. In more than 2,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space, visitors will step inside homes, markets and schools — without getting on a plane. Each child's story starts in poverty but ends in hope.
Register for your tour here: cts.compassion.com/events/897
RIVER DISTRICT FESTIVAL
When: Thursday evening, Friday evening, all-day Saturday and Sunday afternoon
Where: Carrington Pavilion and throughout the River District
This four-day event offers a variety of music, arts, crafts, activities and music to the historic River District. Thursday night features local merchant specials along Main, Union and Bridge streets.
Friday night is dedicated to regional performers, a beer garden and dance party, and a 5K Glow Run.
Saturday morning starts with Danville's Half Marathon and a Kids' Triathlon along with a full day of arts, crafts, educational activity stations and food vendors. Saturday night is the featured concert at the Carrington Pavilion. Rock the house with MC Busta Brown and special guest DJ Finesse. The tunes begin with Danville's own K'Shawn Childress and Key Key Hairston, and then warm up with Smoke 'n Guns, followed by an evening of mellow grooves with R&B sensations 112. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Reserved seats are $18 to $28, with general admission $12. Prices increase on the day of the show.
The festival wraps up Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Main Street, with local gospel groups and a community unity choir.
The goal of the festival is to make residents and visitors aware of the transformation of the district. For a full schedule of activities and events, go to www.riverdistrictfestival.org/schedule
GW FOOTBALL
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: J.T. Christopher Stadium, 701 Broad St.
The GW Eagles continue to dominate district opponents, with the latest being a 45-0 win over Magna Vista. This week, the GW Eagles (6-1) will host district rival Franklin County (3-5), which is coming off a 35-28 victory last week over Halifax County.
AVERETT UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: Various campus and off campus locations
The university’s homecoming isn’t just for students and alumni, but for the whole community. Activities begin Friday with a dinner and party at the Community Market on Craghead Street. Saturday begins with an alumni awards ceremony and then moves on to the featured sporting event, the homecoming football game. Join the university for tailgating in the afternoon and enjoy the game at 6 p.m. under the lights at the North Campus, 707 Mount Cross Road.
Ticket reservations are required for the Friday party. Tailgating is free for the football game, but spaces are first-come-first-served, reservations are available. Tickets for the game are available at the gate.
To see the full schedule of events and to purchase Homecoming Hometown Party tickets, visit www.averett.edu/homecoming.
RADIO CONTROL TANK BATTLES
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: AAF Tank Museum, 3401 U.S. Hwy 29
Fun for all ages, come watch these tanks battle it out on the museum’s 6,000 square-foot indoor battlefield. For more information, visit www.aaftankmuseum.com or call (434) 836-5323.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR MAGIC SHOW
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Historic North Theatre, 629 North Main St.
Celebrity magician Wayne Alan presents this family friendly show that features cool Halloween magic tricks, fun comedy and audience participation. Even the youngest members of the family can enjoy this show, as there is nothing too scary or inappropriate for young children in the performance. In addition to this Saturday, shows also are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 28. The Wednesday, Oct. 25, show will be a special matinee that begins at 2 p.m. Cost: Adults $15 to $25 and children 12 & under $10.00. Call 434-793-SHOW (434-793-7469) to reserve tickets. For more information, visit http://thenorththeatre.com/
