Entertainment options in the Rockbridge area are surprisingly varied and rich. From an acclaimed outdoor theater, to a lively schedule of music festivals and events, to the nation’s only community-owned drive-in movie theater, this area has a lot to offer.

Theater at Lime Kiln

Imagine a place “Where Entertainment Comes Naturally,” where talented actors, musicians, and other performers gather to create magical evenings “…Under the Stars.” Theater at Lime Kiln is that place - a unique outdoor entertainment venue in historic Lexington, Virginia, acclaimed "one of the most agreeable spots in the western world" by The Roanoke Times.

Founded in 1983, Lime Kiln Arts presents arts events in its uniquely beautiful setting - the ruins of a 19th century lime quarry and kiln. Since its beginnings, the theater has had an enduring commitment to presenting theatre and music that celebrate the history and culture of Virginia, making Theater at Lime Kiln a choice destination for great entertainment in the Shenandoah Valley.

The twelve-acre site has three performance spaces: the Kiln, the Bowl, and the Tent. The Tent is used in case of rain and can be rented for family events, corporate events or social events. All of Lime Kiln's areas are handicapped accessible. The gates open at 6:00 p.m. to accommodate picnickers. Plays and concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise. At Lime Kiln, the fun is ageless and the dress is casual. Please remember that summer nights can be cool, so always plan to bring a sweater or light jacket.

The variety of dinner packages makes a pre-show meal easy and affordable. Some area restaurants offer discounts for Theater at Lime Kiln patrons. Lime Kiln also offers sandwiches, pizza, snacks and beverages on site at the concessions stand.

On weekends from May 17^th through the October 25^th, Theater at Lime Kiln will host three series of events: Music Under the Stars Concert Series; Lime Kiln Arts Presents Theatre Series; and Bands in the Bowl Area Artist Series. In all, Lime Kiln will present 34 performances of 16 events.

From bluegrass to Celtic to rock to the blues, Lime Kiln will present an array of talented musicians in The Bowl. The ever-popular Seldom Scene returns June 1. Robin and Linda Williams will grace the stage July 27. The Barra MacNeils, a great Canadian Celtic ensemble plays August 10. Area artists such as Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Gary Ruley and Muletrain and the Just Jazzin’ big band will entertain on selected Saturday nights. The Kiln stage will see the World Premier of a new musical called Patsy… Honky Tonk Angel, based on the life of Shenandoah Valley’s own Patsy Cline, running July 11-13 and July 18-20. Also in the Kiln this season will be Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. A fall production, The Enchanted Kiln, Folktales by Firelight will open in October. Check the events calendar on page 00 for a list of performances as of press time.

Regular adult admissions to concerts vary, but ticket prices generally range from $10 - $25. Lime Kiln’s plays are offered at $5 to $15. Packages are also available from $40 for the Theatre Series to $250 for the entire 16-event season. Lime Kiln's on site box office opens with the gates. For more information on the season or to buy tickets visit www.theateratlimekiln.com or call 540-463-7088.

Theater at Lime Kiln is supported in part by a number of organizations and foundations, including the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Lexington, Rockbridge County, Dominion Power, Fashion Floors and Cabinets, Kendal of Lexington, The News-Gazette, Barger & Sons, Brierley Hill Bed & Breakfast, Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers, Public Radio WMRA and numerous business and individual contributions. Hotel accommodations for concert artists are generously provided by The Best Western Lexington Inn, and meals for the concert artists are graciously served by The Southern Inn.

Hull’s Drive-In Theater

Most people over the age of 35 or 40 can remember going to the drive-in movies as a child, but most drive-ins have closed over the past quarter century. In Virginia, only eight drive-in theaters remain, and one is right here in Rockbridge County.

Hull’s Drive-In and its predecessors date back to 1950. As Hull’s, the drive-in was operated for 40 years by Sebert Hull of Buena Vista. Hull’s was famous for reasonable ticket prices, its great snack bar with real cheeseburgers and french fries, and the friendly reception of Mr. and Mrs. Hull. After Mr. Hull died prior to the 1998 season, a local group calling themselves Hull’s Angels formed to save the drive-in and preserve the distinct character that had attracted families and visitors from as far away as Roanoke and Charlottesville for so many years. Thanks to this determined group of local citizens, Hull’s Drive-In now has the distinction of being the only community operated drive-in in the United States, and the only one with 501c(3) status as a non-profit organization.

Hull’s Drive-In is located four miles north of Lexington on U.S. Rt. 11. The 2008 season begins March 28 and runs through mid-October, with double feature shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The drive-in is very family-friendly and kids enjoy playing on the grass in front of the big screen before showtime. Movies are chosen, as much as possible, to showcase a film for all audiences for the first show, and a more grown-up film for the second. The movies switch order for Sunday night. For more information on what’s playing, check the movie listings in The News-Gazette or online at www.lexingtonva.com. If you want to contribute to saving Hull’s Drive-in, send your check to Hull’s Angels, P.O. Box 1, Lexington, VA

Music Festivals

The Rockbridge area has a long tradition of making music – all kinds of music. For the music-lover, there are a plethora of music festivals, open-air concerts and other musical venues. Traditional Appalachian music, bluegrass, gospel and beach music will be represented with festivals at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista.

May 2-3 begins the festival season in the park with Bluegrass Jam. The 15^th Annual Maury River Fiddler’s Convention will bring traditional Appalachian music to the park June 19-21. The Virginia Southern Gospel Jubilee will entertain and inspire July 10-12, and beach music rocks the park stage during the Beach Music Festival July 25-26. September sees the 22^nd Rockbridge Mountain Music and Dance Festival on the 5^th through the 7^th, and the Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass Festival returns the 25^th through the 27^th.

Both Lexington and Buena Vista have Friday evening outdoor concerts with food and beverages during the summer. Lexington’s Friday’s Alive takes place at the Liberty Hall ruins just west of Lexington off Rt. 60 West. The first event is June 6. Friday’s In The Park brings music, food and beverages to Glen Maury Park, and kicks off May 23 with The Worx. See the calendar on page 00, and online at www.lexingtonva.com for more detailed information and dates.

The Virginia Horse Center hosts Old Time Music Jam at the center generally the second Tuesday evening each month. Check the calendar also for specific dates.

Don’t forget that Lime Kiln Theater’s concerts begin in May and run through September. A number of local restaurants have live music in the evenings, and W&L’ Lenfest Center offers a rich menu of music, dance and drama. Lenfest productions are also listed in the calendar, and are open to the public.