The Best Friend Festival offers a variety of fun events for the whole family. Follow the festival on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bestfriendfestival) for updates. See below for the 2024 schedule of events.

Sunday, June 2 

• Kids Fishing Day: 4–6 p.m.  at the Norton Reservoir. Driving Directions

Monday, June 3

• Gospel Night: 6–9 p.m.  Main Stage in the Norton Municipal Parking Lot. Featured groups will include Billie Osborne, Kings Messengers, and Souls Journey. Kids activities will also be available.

Tuesday, June 4

• Bike Rodeo: 1 p.m. at the Norton Expo Center, 115 8th Street SW, Norton
• Paint-A-Trash Can: 2 p.m. Main Stage in Norton Municipal Parking Lot 
• Outdoor Crafts: 2 p.m. Main Stage in Norton Municipal Parking Lot 
• Norton Friends and Farmers Market: 4-6 p.m. at the Norton Expo Center, 115 8th Street SW
• Pet Show: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Main Stage in Norton Municipal Parking Lot
• Talent/Karaoke Show: 7:30 p.m. Main Stage in Norton Municipal Parking Lot. Call (276) 679-0961 to register.

Wednesday, June 5

• Senior Day: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Norton Expo Center, 115 8th Street SW
• Lion’s Club Kids Night: 5-9 p.m. at Norton City Park
• The Music School and Shop presents “A Music Showcase”: 6 p.m. Featured band will be This Weekends Band

Thursday, June 6

• Norton Cinema City Kids Day: Shows will be held at 10 a.m. and noon.
• Hometown Heroes Family Fun Event: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Event will be held in downtown Norton between 6th and 7th streets. Come down and show your appreciation and see your first responders and city trucks on display.
• Crankin’ with Crutchfield: 8-11 p.m. Main Stage Area in Norton Municipal Parking Lot

Friday, June 7

• First Bank & Trust Hotdog Appreciation Lunch: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the First Bank & Trust parking lot.
• Kids Place: 6-10 p.m. (Main Street)
• Gymnastics: 6 p.m. JBEN Gymnastics
• Line Dancing (Linda Hamilton)
• Live Music: Music starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Norton Municipal Parking Lot. Featured bands: From The Edge and Midlife Crisis

Saturday, June 8

• Second Annual Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk: 10 a.m. at the J.I. Burton High School Track.  Sponsored by Royal Arch Masons of Virginia 11th Capitular District.
• Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast: 7-11 a.m. at the Norton Expo Center, 115 8th St. SW
• Citywide Yard Sale: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.