Mathews ArtFest
Join us throughout the month of September to celebrate all forms of art in Mathews. Whether you're interested in visual arts, performances, or music, Mathews has something going on all month to engage and entertain you.
You can stroll around town and enjoy a variety of exhibits and markets during the day. Listen to music or dance the night away at various venues. Take a class at The Bay School or enjoy watching creatives at work during the county-wide Mathews Plein Air Paintout. There are so many opportunities to enjoy creativity in all its forms throughout the month of September!
Download a copy of the following calendar of events & check back regularly for updates and additions to the schedule.
Additional Information for Scheduled Events and Classes
Sep 3 at 7:00 pm, Sep 10 at 2:00 pm, Sep 17 at 2:00 pm: The Mathews Memorial Library hosts a series of virtual live author talks which can be accessed HERE. If you miss the live session, you can still access the talks and listen to the recording at your convenience.
Sep 5-6: Mathews Market Days is celebrating its 51st year in 2025! Visit their website to get all the details on the activities happening throughout the weekend, including the Kids' Block Party, the Street Dance Party, Car Show, and much, much more!
Sep 5: Mathews Land Conservancy is hosting Party at the Wharf from 5-9 pm at Williams Wharf. Visit their event calendar for more details.
Sep 13: Donk's Theatre, Virginia's Li'l Ole Opry, will celebrate the songs of stars who have graced the stage of the Opry over the years. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the door. Doors open at 7:00 pm. The show starts at 7:30 pm. Learn more.
Sep 14: Concerts by the Bay will present Bad Moon Rising, the #1 Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Band in the US. The performance will be held at Mathews High School at 3:00 pm. Purchase tickets.
Sep 19-20: Mathews Plein Air Paintout will bring together plein air artists working in a variety of media to explore and paint Mathews and the surrounding area over the course of two days. This event requires pre-registration to participate as an artist. A reception will be held Thursday, Sep 18, 5-7 pm for artists to meet and check-in. Artists will be working throughout the county and will participate in a Plein Air Wet Paint Sale at The Bay School on Sep 20, 5-7 pm, with award recognition at 6 pm. Learn more.
Sep 27: The Bay School will hold its annual Gala & Art Auction with the theme A Night in Paris. Learn more and buy tickets.
Every Thursday is Open Mic Night at Southwind Pizza from 6-8 pm.
Every Monday, Mike Reed Music will be at Hole in the Wall, starting at 5:30 pm.
Sep 6, 12, 19, 26: The Hatchery has various bands playing throughout the month, starting times vary so check their event calendar for starting times before you visit.
Sep 6, 27: Mi Casa Azteca has bands playing 9 pm-12 am.
The Bay School has several exhibits running throughout the month of September in the Art Speaks Gallery: The Pumpkin Pop-Up Show (Starts Sep 4); Local Scenes Exhibition; and work by September Artist of the Month, Jack Banks.
The Mathews Museum will have on display an exhibit, The Art of the Quilt throughout the month. Check their website for more information.
Sculptures will be on display throughout the town of Mathews, creating an opportunity to stroll around town and enjoy 3D art by regional artists.
The Mathews Memorial Library will have poetry on display throughout the library during the month, exhibiting the work of local contributors.
Many classes are running during the month of September at The Bay School. All require pre-registration. You can learn more about all available classes and register online or by calling 804.725.1278.