Waynesboro draws thru-hikers from the Appalachian Trail every summer, and an event to celebrate them, Hiker Fest, will return for the third year in June.
Hiker Fest 2025 will be offered June 6-7 and will feature live music, outdoor-themed vendors, yoga sessions and other activities. Free breakfast will be available for hikers, and camping and shuttles will be offered.
The event recently received a $5,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation to help promote the event, draw more visitors and increase overnight visitation.
Destination Downtown Waynesboro will supply $6,096 in matching funds for the festival.
The event aims to support local businesses and showcase Waynesboro as a hub for outdoor recreation and cultural events.
The VTC grant program is designed to leverage local marketing and event production dollars with matching state funds to increase overnight visitation, improve the visitor experience and increase traveler spending at Virginia special events and festivals.
This funding cycle, local partners will commit more than $4.8 million in private-public sector funds to match the VTC funding, providing more than $5.62 million in new marketing and event production activity focused on increasing overnight visitation to Virginia in 2025.
“Hiker Fest is the perfect opportunity to highlight Waynesboro’s connection to the Appalachian Trail and our growing downtown,” said Meghan Swanson, marketing communications manager for Waynesboro Economic Development & Tourism and acting president of DDW. “This funding will enhance production and marketing of the festival, helping us support local businesses while inviting visitors to take time discovering everything our community has to offer.”
A full list of funding recipients for all grant programs can be found here.
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Crystal Graham
