Rocky Mount Fest has been recognized with the 2026 Virginia Main Street Merit Award for Promotional Innovation, a statewide honor celebrating innovative district-wide initiatives that build community identity, attract visitors, increase economic activity, and strengthen downtown revitalization efforts.
The award was presented June 10 during the Virginia Main Street Awards luncheon held as part of the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) Summer Membership Meeting in Blacksburg. Missy Morris, Main Street Executive Director for the Town ofRocky Mount and Community Partnership, and Daniel Pinard, Cultural & Economic Development Director, accepted the award onbehalf of the Town of Rocky Mount and Community Partnership of Rocky Mount.
Originally created as part of Rocky Mount’s 150th anniversary celebration, Rocky Mount Fest has evolved into one of the region’s premier free, family-friendly music festivals, celebrating the community’s heritage through music, arts, local businesses, and shared experiences throughout the Rocky Mount Historic District. The 2025 festival featured 18 bands across five stages, welcomed approximately 65 vendors, and attracted an estimated 20,000 attendees. The event encourages visitors to experience the Historic District through live music, local businesses, family activities, and a dedicated Kids Zone designed to engage attendees of all ages…