Sperryville This Saturday: SperryFest + Artisan Woodworking at The Marketplace

If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to make the drive out to Rappahannock County, Saturday, April 25, 2026 might be it. Sperryville has two distinct draws happening simultaneously — the beloved annual SperryFest street festival on Main Street and Schoolhouse Field, and a special custom woodworking order event at The Marketplace in the River District featuring master craftsman Alfred Regnery of Blue Ridge Windsors. Together, they make for a full and deeply satisfying spring Saturday in one of Virginia's most charming small towns.

SperryFest 2026: Rubber Ducks, Food Trucks, and Live Music

SperryFest is the kind of community festival that reminds you why small-town Virginia is worth the drive. The anchor event — the Great Rubber Duck Race down the Thornton River — is as delightful as it sounds, drawing crowds to the riverbank to cheer on their chosen duck downstream. It's become something of a Rappahannock County institution, equal parts silly and spectacular.

Beyond the duck race, SperryFest spreads across Sperryville's Main Street and Schoolhouse Field with:

Artisan vendors showcasing handmade goods from regional makers
Food trucks serving up everything from savory to sweet
Live music keeping the energy up throughout the day

The festival is organized by the Sperryville community and has the kind of grassroots warmth that larger events can't manufacture. Arrive early to park and explore the village before the crowds peak. Sperryville is walkable and compact — SperryFest essentially takes over the whole town.

At The Marketplace: Meet Alfred Regnery of Blue Ridge Windsors

While the festival fills Main Street, the River District — just a short walk from the action — offers a quieter but equally compelling reason to visit. This Saturday, Alfred Regnery of Blue Ridge Windsors will be at The Marketplace to meet with visitors, describe his meticulous process, and take custom orders in person.

Blue Ridge Windsors specializes in handcrafted Windsor chair replicas, rocking chairs, and flip-top pie tables — furniture rooted in early American tradition and built with the kind of care that simply isn't available off a showroom floor. If you've ever wanted a piece of furniture that tells a story, this is a rare opportunity to sit down directly with the maker, ask questions, and commission something built to your specifications.

The Marketplace itself is Sperryville's indoor dining and shopping hub in the River District, home to local restaurants, vendors, artists, and food purveyors — making it a worthwhile stop on its own even before you factor in the Blue Ridge Windsors appearance. The venue recently posted about the event, noting that Regnery will walk visitors through his detailed process for each piece — so come with questions if you're curious about materials, joinery, or timelines for custom work.

How to Make a Full Day of It

The geography of Sperryville makes it easy to do both. Start at SperryFest on Main Street — grab something from a food truck, browse the artisan vendors, and stake out a spot for the Rubber Duck Race on the Thornton River. Then wander down to the River District to check out The Marketplace and meet Alfred Regnery. The two areas are close enough to visit on foot.

A few things worth noting about the broader Sperryville scene this spring: several longtime venues — including The Corner Store, River District Arts, River District Potters, and Hopkins Ordinary Ale Works — have not had recent verified activity and may have changed their status or hours. If you're planning to visit any specific spot beyond the confirmed Saturday events, we recommend calling ahead or checking their websites before making them a centerpiece of your itinerary.

Planning Your Visit

SperryFest

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: Sperryville Main Street and Schoolhouse Field, Sperryville, VA
Organizer: Sperryville Community
Highlights: Great Rubber Duck Race on the Thornton River, artisan vendors, food trucks, live music

Blue Ridge Windsors at The Marketplace

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: The Marketplace, Sperryville, VA (River District)
Website: themarketplacesperryville.com
What's available: Custom orders for Windsor chair replicas, rocking chairs, and flip-top pie tables from Blue Ridge Windsors
Note: This is an in-person order and consultation event — bring your measurements and design ideas if you're interested in commissioning a piece

Getting There

Sperryville sits at the intersection of Routes 211 and 522 in Rappahannock County, about 70 miles from Washington, D.C. — roughly 90 minutes without traffic. It's a straightforward drive through the Blue Ridge foothills and makes for an ideal spring day trip from the DC metro area. Parking in Sperryville is limited on festival days; arriving by 10 a.m. is advisable.