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This Week's Top Stories

schools

Staunton Voters to Decide on 1% School Sales Tax at November Election

A referendum on the November 3 ballot would authorize an additional penny on every retail dollar to fund up to $168 million in deferred school repairs.

Staunton voters will face a direct question on the November 3 general election ballot: whether to authorize the city to levy an additional local retail sales tax of up to 1% dedicated exclusively to school capital projects. The measure is the result of a statewide shift — amendments to the Virginia state budget effective July 1, 2026 expanded authority to all Virginia cities and counties to place a school sales tax referendum on local ballots, and 47 localities statewide, Staunton among them, submitted questions for the November vote.

Read the full story: WHSV →
healthcare

Residents Rally Outside Staunton Health Department Over Valley Clinic Closures

Community members gathered Wednesday at three Shenandoah Valley sites, including one outside the Staunton Health Department, to protest Augusta Medical Group clinic closures they link to federal Medicaid cuts.

With Election Day three weeks away, community members rallied Wednesday at the Staunton Health Department at 1414 N. Augusta St., as part of a coordinated series of demonstrations across Staunton, Churchville, and Buena Vista over six hours.

Read the full story: WHSV →
history

Two Historical Organizations to Merge as Shea House Restoration Nears Completion

SACAARS will fold into the Augusta County Historical Society by year's end, preserving decades of African American historical research as the society's founding director retires.

The Staunton-Augusta County African American Research Society (SACAARS) is set to merge with the Augusta County Historical Society, announced this week alongside news that the multi-year restoration of the historic Shea House at Fairview Cemetery is nearly complete.

Read the full story: WHSV →

The week ahead

Staunton · forecast issued October 16, 2026 · National Weather Service

  1. Fri 82°46° Mostly Sunny
  2. Sat 53°34° Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
  3. Sun 54°36° Sunny
  4. Mon 57°41° Sunny
  5. Tue 64°44° Sunny
  6. Wed 63°43° Sunny
  7. Thu 62°43° Sunny

Upcoming & Ongoing in the Community

Saturday, October 17

Queen City Word Fest

The second annual literary festival brings together more than 30 regional and local authors for a free Meet the Authors event, plus ticketed writing workshops and author panels. Hosted by The Book Dragon Shop; free and open to all ages for the main author event.

  • Location:The Book Dragon Shop area, 110 W. Beverley St. and Silver Line Theatre Exchange, 211 N. Lewis St., Downtown Staunton
  • Time:12:00 PM–4:00 PM
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Saturday, October 17

Staunton Pride Festival

The annual LGBTQ+ celebration returns to Gypsy Hill Park with live music, drag performances, community vendors, food trucks, and health and wellness resources. ASL interpretation is provided stage-side for the fourth consecutive year; accessible parking is available via the Deaver Drive entrance.

  • Location:Gypsy Hill Park bandstand, 600 Churchville Ave., Staunton
  • Time:12:00 PM–5:00 PM
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Thursday, October 22

City Council Work Session & Regular Meeting

Staunton City Council holds its regular fourth-Thursday meeting, open to the public. The work session begins at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Agendas are posted on the city website the Friday before each meeting.

  • Location:Rita S. Wilson Council Chambers, City Hall, 116 W. Beverley St., Downtown Staunton
  • Time:5:00 PM (Work Session) / 7:00 PM (Regular Meeting)
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Saturday, October 24

City Council & School Board Candidate Forum

Virginia Organizing hosts a nonpartisan candidate forum for the November 3 City Council and School Board races. Incumbents Brad Arrowood and Alice Woods and challenger Billy Vaughn will participate for Council; several School Board candidates are also confirmed. Community questions are welcome at the event.

  • Location:Booker T. Washington Community Center, 1114 W. Johnson St., Staunton
  • Time:10:00 AM–12:00 PM
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Saturday, October 31

Booker T. Washington Community Center Listening Session

The city's second public listening session on the future of the historically significant Booker T. Washington Community Center, facilitated by The Spark Mill. Residents unable to attend may also submit comments through an online survey on the city's website.

  • Location:Booker T. Washington Community Center, 1114 W. Johnson St., Staunton
  • Time:10:00 AM–12:00 PM
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Saturday, October 31

Historic Haunts of Staunton — Halloween Edition Ghost Tour

Ghosts of Staunton Walking Ghost Tours leads a Halloween-night walk through downtown Staunton's most storied and spooky sites. Tickets required; available on Eventbrite.

  • Location:Departing City Parking Garage beside the former Stonewall Jackson Hotel, Downtown Staunton
  • Time:6:45 PM–8:15 PM
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Through November 14

ASC Fall Repertory: Witch, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein & The Tempest

The American Shakespeare Center is staging three productions in rotating repertory for the Blackfriars Playhouse's 25th anniversary season: Shakespeare's The Tempest, David Catlin's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (through Nov. 14), and Jen Silverman's darkly comic Witch (through Nov. 14). Check americanshakespearecenter.com for the full performance schedule.

  • Location:Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Downtown Staunton
  • Time:Various times
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More from the Community

city government

New Public Works Director Starts October 19

Brennen Duncan will join Staunton's city government on October 19 as the new Public Works Director, the city announced October 8. Duncan arrives after an 11-year tenure with the City of Charlottesville, where he most recently served as City Engineer, and brings a combined 25 years of experience spanning private…

Read the full story: City of Staunton Newsroom →
election

Early Voting Underway Through October 31

Early in-person voting for the November 3 general election is open through October 31 at the Staunton Registrar's office at City Hall, 116 W. Beverley St. Saturday hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) are available on October 24 and October 31; Sunday hours (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) are available October 18 and October…

Read the full story: City of Staunton Registrar →

Community Directory

Other

Downtown Staunton New

Maude & the Bear

Fine-dining tasting menu restaurant and inn

Named to the New York Times' list of the 50 best restaurants in the United States for 2025, this intimate tasting-menu restaurant is set in a restored 1926 Montgomery Ward kit house led by chef Ian Boden.

1106 N. Augusta St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 688-1660

Visit website →
Downtown Staunton Landmark

The Shack

New American small-plates restaurant

A 26-seat James Beard–recognized destination offering sharable handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas Thursday through Sunday under chef Michael Skipper.

105 S. Coalter St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 490-1961

Visit website →

Seafood & American

Downtown Staunton Landmark

Zynodoa

Southern contemporary fine dining

Farm-to-table Southern cuisine in a stylish historic downtown building, with an acclaimed wine program and weekend brunch.

115 E. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 885-7775

Visit website →
The Wharf Landmark

Mill Street Grill

American grill in a historic flour mill

Housed in an 1890 flour mill, this beloved Wharf District destination serves steaks, seafood, ribs, and comfort food in an Appalachian-flavored setting with a 40-foot Victorian bar.

1 Mill St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 886-0656

Visit website →
The Wharf Landmark

Byers Street Bistro

Casual American bistro with live music

A lively, colorful Wharf District staple with indoor and outdoor seating, Southern-style American fare, craft beer, and frequent live music on weekends.

18 Byers St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 887-6100

Visit website →
The Wharf Landmark

The Depot Grille

Steak and seafood restaurant in a historic train station

Set inside Staunton's 1902 train station with original floors, church-pew booths, and an ornate 1918 bar from Albany's Ten Eyck Hotel, serving steak and seafood.

42 Middlebrook Ave., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 885-7332

Visit website →
Downtown Staunton

Chop House Tavern

Steakhouse and tavern

Upscale downtown steakhouse led by chef Ryan Zale, offering refined cuts alongside comfort tavern classics in the heart of historic Staunton.

15 E. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 885-1117

Visit website →
Downtown Staunton

Queen City Bistro

Upscale-casual American bistro

An elevated Beverly Street destination with evening wine pairings, late-night dining on weekends, and a private-event-ready rooftop space.

23 E. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 885-0102

Visit website →
Downtown Staunton

Blu Point Seafood Co.

Seafood restaurant

A highly rated downtown seafood spot praised for its clam chowder, hush puppies, fried oysters, and fresh daily catches.

19 S. New St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 213-0442

Visit website →
Stuart Addition Landmark

Wright's Dairy-Rite

Classic drive-in diner

A beloved Staunton institution since 1952, serving burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and daily specials from carhop-style parking stalls.

346 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 886-0435

Visit website →

Vegetarian & Vegan

Downtown Staunton Landmark

Cranberry's Grocery & Eatery

Natural-foods café and grocery

A downtown institution housed in what may be Staunton's oldest commercial building (circa 1758), serving organic wraps, soups, locally roasted coffee, fresh juices, and breakfast seven days a week.

7 S. New St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 885-4755

Visit website →

Bars & Wine Bars

Downtown Staunton

Yelping Dog Wine

Wine bar and bottle shop

Family-owned neighborhood wine bar on Beverley Street offering more than 1,500 bottled wines, craft beer, gourmet grilled cheese, and charcuterie boards.

9 E. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 885-2275

Visit website →

Coffee & Cafés

Downtown Staunton Landmark

The Pampered Palate Cafe

Lunch café

A cozy Beverley Street lunch spot open Tuesday through Saturday serving quiches, house-made soups, salads, and creative sandwiches.

26 E. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 886-9463

Visit website →
Downtown Staunton

The By & By Cafe and Beer Garden

Café and beer garden

A relaxed downtown gathering spot offering good coffee, a casual menu, and an outdoor beer garden atmosphere in the heart of Staunton.

4 E. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 712-0070

Visit website →

Brunch & Breakfast

Stuart Addition Landmark

Kathy's Restaurant

American diner

A no-frills, locals'-favorite diner on Greenville Avenue serving hearty breakfasts and lunches at wallet-friendly prices.

705 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401  ·  (540) 885-4524

Know of a listing that's wrong or a business that's closed? Report a correction →

Sources & Editorial Notes

Stories in My Town News are compiled from public sources, and with assistance from AI. Please verify important details at the cited source. All named individuals appear only in their publicly documented roles. Directory listings reflect publicly available contact information and are updated periodically.
1

City of Staunton pursues sales tax referendum for SCS

 ·  https://www.whsv.com/2026/10/13/city-staunton-pursues-sales-tax-referendum-scs/

2
3

Staunton Voters Face 1% Sales Tax Hike to Fix $168M School Repair Backlog

 ·  https://hoodline.com/2026/10/staunton-voters-face-1-sales-tax-hike-to-fix-168m-school-repair-backlog/

4

Community members rally in Staunton, Churchville, Buena Vista over Shenandoah Valley clinic closures

 ·  https://www.whsv.com/2026/10/15/community-members-rally-staunton-churchville-buena-vista-over-shenandoah-valley-clinic-closures/

5

Rallies Planned in 3 Shenandoah Valley Towns Over Clinic Closures

 ·  https://hoodline.com/2026/10/rallies-planned-in-3-shenandoah-valley-towns-over-clinic-closures/

6

Staunton-Augusta Co. African American Research Society to merge with Augusta Co. Historical Society

 ·  https://www.whsv.com/2026/10/15/staunton-augusta-co-african-american-research-society-merge-with-augusta-co-historical-society/

7

Staunton: Event on Saturday to commemorate restoration of Shea House

 ·  https://augustafreepress.com/news/staunton-event-on-saturday-to-commemorate-restoration-of-shea-house

8

City Hires New Public Works Director

 ·  https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/Home/Components/News/News/2684/1612

9

Staunton candidate forum planned for Oct. 24 at Booker T. Washington

 ·  https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/staunton-candidate-forum-planned-oct-083047233.html

10
11

Queen City Word Fest returns to Staunton in October

 ·  https://rocktownnow.com/news/218812-queen-city-word-fest-returns-to-staunton-in-october/

12

Staunton Pride returns to Gypsy Hill Park on Oct. 17

 ·  https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/staunton-pride-returns-gypsy-hill-083039468.html

13

ASC Fall 2026 Calendar

 ·  https://americanshakespearecenter.com/calendar/

14

Booker T. Washington Community Center Listening Sessions

 ·  https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/residents/newsroom-1612

15
16

City of Staunton Public Meetings Calendar

 ·  https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/government/public-meetings

17

Early Voting for November General Election

 ·  https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/departments/registrar