200 Years of Heart & History: Welcome to the Bicentennial Season!
Neighbors, the wait is over! Following our high-energy Bicentennial Bash, Mount Jackson is officially off to the races for our 200th Anniversary year. In 1826, a spirited crossroads known as "Mount Pleasant" became the Town of Mount Jackson. Today, we aren't just looking back at where we’ve been—we’re celebrating the people who make this community a living, breathing, and vibrant place to be. As we celebrate our own milestone alongside the national American250 commemorations, 2026 is set to be our most historic year yet. This is our moment to pause, connect, and build the future together.
What’s on the Horizon?
Our 2026 calendar is packed with "Flea, Farm, and Folk" energy! Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone:
Junk & Jams: Flea, Farm, and Folk Mashup / When: 2nd Saturdays | April – September Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: Mayor’s Park Gazebo
Get ready for Mount Jackson’s newest Saturday tradition! Junk & Jams is a high-energy monthly market where the garden meets the groove. We’re blending the grit of a vintage flea market with the freshness of a farmers’ market, all set to an upbeat local soundtrack. Think: Rust, Roots, and Rhythm! This isn't just a place to shop—it’s the ultimate community hangout. Grab a coffee, discover a one-of-a-kind treasure, and catch up with neighbors while soaking in the local talent. Whether you’re hunting for heirloom tomatoes, mid-century kitsch, or just a great vibe, you’ll find it here.
The 2026 Seasonal Vibes: While you'll find "all the things, all the weeks," we invite our "Vibe Tribe" to dress up and lean into our monthly themes:
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APRIL 11: Retro & Roots (Rockabilly & Mid-Century Kitsch)
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MAY 9: Floral & Fiddles (Bluegrass Picking & Garden Rust)
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JUNE 13: Boots & Berries (Classic Country & Peak Strawberry)
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JULY 11: Vinyl & Veggies (Motown, Soul, & Summer Squash)
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AUGUST 8: Sunflowers & Southern Rock (Honky-tonk & Heirlooms)
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SEPTEMBER 12: Apples & Americana (High-energy Folk & Fall Crops)
Join the Jumble! Are you a farmer, picker, maker, or foodie? Or perhaps a musician looking for a lively spot to busk and share your sound? We want you to help us keep the gazebo groovin'! VENDORS: Applications are officially open! Download the form below or pick up a physical copy at the Mount Jackson Town Office. PLAYERS: If your sound fits the vibe, give us a call—we’d love to chat about busking opportunities! Questions? Give us a shout at 540-477-2121 or email info [at] mountjackson.com (info[at]mountjackson[dot]com). Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest "Vibe" updates!
STEP INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY: MAD HATTER’S MARKET & TEA!
Shenandoah County SEARCH, Inc. (“SEARCH”), in a spirited partnership with the Town of Mount Jackson, is thrilled to announce the most anticipated event of the season: the inaugural Mad Hatter’s Market & Tea. On Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Mount Jackson Town Hall, Library and Mayors Park will transform into a living storybook, inviting dreamers of all ages to fall down the rabbit hole for a cause that touches the heart.
CALLING ALL MAKERS: SECURE YOUR SPOT IN THE BAZAAR! We are officially opening the gates for Artisans, Creators, and Food Vendors! This isn't just a market; it’s a high-visibility showcase for the region's most curious and creative talents. We are looking for vibrant vendors to help us build this "Wonderland."
- Showcase Your Magic: From hand-crafted curiosities to delectable treats, we want your unique voice in our Artisan Market.
- Vibrant Foot Traffic: Join hundreds of families and tea-lovers in the heart of Mayor’s Park.
- A Fair with a Heart: Every vendor fee ($25 for Artisans / $75 for Food) is a direct, non-refundable donation to the SEARCH Group Home, providing housing and life-skills for local adults with intellectual challenges.
- APPLY NOW ON OUR WEBSITE (Mad Hatter Vendor Application is at the bottom of this page) SPACES ARE FILLING FAST!
THE CROWN JEWEL: THE ROYAL TEA AT "THE PALACE ON MAIN" This is the ticketed experience of the summer! For those seeking true Wonderland elegance, "The Palace on Main" (Mount Jackson’s Town Hall) will be reimagined as a breathtaking, climate-controlled indoor garden sanctuary. This is more than just tea—it is a theatrical culinary journey. Guests will be treated to:
- Tiered Towers of Whimsy: Featuring "Eat Me" delicacies, savory scones, and artisanal finger sandwiches.
- Exclusive "Drink Me" Blends: A curated selection of specialty teas served in vintage finery.
- Immersive Atmosphere: Relax in a lush, floral wonderland while the Queen reigns, her court mingles and the Mad Hatter serves out treats and riddles.
- Price: $25 per person. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 8, 2026. Warning: Seating is limited and expected to vanish like the Cheshire Cat!
DISCOVER THE MAGIC: FOUR UNIQUE WONDERLANDS
- The Palace on Main (The Royal Tea): Our formal, pinky-up garden party inside Town Hall. (Ticketed)
- The Mad Hatter’s Artisan Market: A bustling bazaar in Mayors Park. Explore local makers and don't miss the Tea Tasting Flights—a chance to sample exotic brews while you shop! (Free Admission)
- The Cheshire Cat’s Kid Zone: Located at the Mount Jackson Community Library. Featuring "Curiouser" craft stations, riddle-solving quests, and whimsical story hours for the little ones. (Free Admission)
- The Queen’s Court: Witness the high-energy Queen of Hearts Croquet Tournament! Watch players navigate the lawn with flamingo-themed mallets in a spectacular display of "painting the roses red." (Free to Spectate)
CASTING CALL: JOIN THE ROYAL COURT! We are building a world, and we need YOU to inhabit it! We are seeking local personalities to portray our lead characters: Alice, The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, The White Rabbit, and The Cheshire Cat. * No costume? No problem! Our amazingly talented costumers and the SEARCH Thrift Shop team are custom-designing world-class wardrobes for our cast.
- Card Guards Wanted: We need aces to join our team as event ambassadors.
- Auditions/Meet-and-Greet: Sunday, April 26 at 2PM, Mount Jackson Community Library. Just bring your community spirit, willingness to get up, say a few lines, have some fun and show off your best royal wave!
MISSION AT THE HEART OF THE MAGIC! While the day is filled with nonsense, its impact is life-changing. Every dollar raised supports the SEARCH Group Home, ensuring our residents have a nurturing environment, 24/7 support, and the independence they deserve.
CLAIM YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE
- Sponsorships: Opportunities range from $100 to $2,500. Help "paint the roses red" and get your business in front of the entire county!
- Tea Tickets: Available starting May 8 at the SEARCH Thrift Shop (5982 Main Street, Mt. Jackson).
What else is coming up this year....?
- Bicentennial Signature Events: From "Transportation Thru Time" at the Yellow Barn to the Roots & Resilience program, we’re honoring our legacy in style.
- Community Classics: Get ready for the return of TaterFest, National Night Out, and the beloved Yard Crawl.
- A Legacy in Print: Don't forget to grab your copy of the Mt. Jackson Museum’s new book, Mount Jackson, Virginia: Celebrating 200 Years of History, the definitive archive of our first two centuries.
Join the Story: Vendors, Volunteers, & Neighbors
As Town Manager Olivia Hilton says, "We are the authors of the next 200 years." We want you to help us write this chapter! Below, you’ll find everything you need to dive into the festivities:
- Become a Vendor: Grab your application for Junk & Jams or Merry on Main.
- Register to Participate: Sign up for the Spooky House contest, Holiday Cheer Challenge or the Holiday Homes Tour.
- Volunteer Your Time: We’re looking for friendly faces to help our Bicentennial events run smoothly.
Scroll down to explore the full 2026 Event Calendar and download your registration forms. Let’s make some history!