Culpeper Downtown

May 2026 Newsletter

Support Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. and Local Heroes During Give Local Piedmont

April 28 - May 12

Join Us for Give Local Piedmont: Support Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.!


Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. (CRI) is excited to announce its participation in the Give Local Piedmont campaign! This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for community members to come together and support local organizations that make a difference in our town. Your donations will play a crucial role in helping CRI further its mission to revitalize and enhance downtown Culpeper.


Why Your Donations Matter

Your contributions can have a significant impact on our community. Here are some of the key program impacts that will be supported by your donations:

  • Community Events: Funding will help us organize local events that foster community spirit and engagement, attracting visitors and residents alike.
  • Historic Preservation: Donations will support initiatives aimed at preserving Culpeper’s rich history and architectural heritage.
  • Business Development & Retention: Your support will enable us to provide promotional opportunities and grants for local businesses, helping them expand, improve and thrive in a competitive market.
  • Public Spaces: Contributions will aid in the beautification and maintenance of public spaces, making downtown Culpeper a welcoming place for all.
  • Youth Programs: Funds will be allocated to programs that engage the youth in our community, ensuring a vibrant future for Culpeper.
  • Support Local Artist: Your support will fund public art projects that celebrate our community’s culture and history, beautifying our public spaces and celebrating local artist.


About Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.

Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of downtown Culpeper. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by promoting economic development, historic preservation, and vibrant public spaces. Through collaborative efforts with local businesses, community members, and government entities, CRI works tirelessly to create a thriving downtown that reflects the unique character of our town.


How You Can Support CRI

  • Donate: Visit our Give Local Piedmont page April 28 - May 12, 2026, to make a donation. Every dollar counts and will go directly towards our mission.
  • Spread the Word: Share our campaign with friends, family, and on social media. The more people know about CRI and Give Local Piedmont, the greater our impact can be!
  • Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers. Your time and skills are invaluable to our mission and the community.


Together, we can make a difference in Culpeper! Mark your calendars for May 12 and help us continue our important work in our beloved downtown.


For more information about our programs and how to get involved, visit our website or contact us directly. Thank you for your continued support!


Donate: https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/organization/CRI-glp

Every donation directly supports local businesses and strengthens the downtown community.


For more information about Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. and our program of work, visit www.culpeperdowntown.com or cridirector@culpeperdowntown.com


Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market Returns– Bigger, Brighter and Bursting with Local Flavor

Saturday mornings in Downtown Culpeper are about to get a whole lot tastier. The Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market returns Saturday, May 2, inviting families, foodies, and friends to kick off the season at the longest-running and most successful farmers market in the area. Overseen by Culpeper’s nonprofit Main Street program, Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. (CRI), the market features an incredible lineup of 37 full-time and 25 part-time vendors including farmers, growers, bakers and craft artisans.


From meats to mushrooms, honey to hydrangeas, and breakfast biscuits to bath bombs, each Saturday offers something new to discover. And be sure not to miss out on market staples like eggs, bread, jam, hot sauce, hard cider, dog treats, and more.


The market will take place every Saturday May 2 through October 31 from 7:30am-12pm in the Culpeper Baptist Church parking lot located at 318 S. West Steet, rain or shine.


Thank You to Our Community Partners

CRI and the Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market are grateful that this year’s market programs will benefit from increased funding thanks to the PATH Foundation. Their generosity along with support from key community partners, helps CRI continue producing quality programs that are community-driven, fun, and educational.


CRI would like to thank our community partners that make the farmers market possible including Kid Central, Culpeper Human Services, Rappahannock Rapidan Regional Commission, Culpeper Farm Bureau sponsoring on May 9, Culpeper Baptist Church, and the Town of Culpeper.


Programs That Make Fresh Food More Accessible

The Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market is proud to offer programs that help families stretch their food dollars while enjoying the freshest local ingredients.


Farm Fresh Dollars for Kids: Every Saturday, children ages 2 to 13 can stop by the green Market Information Tent to pick up $5 in Farm Fresh Dollars (limit once per month per child). Farm Fresh Dollars can be used all season long on food or food-producing plants.


New this Season: Healthy Plate Pop-Up & Children’s Entrepreneur Market

New this year is the Healthy Plate Recipe Program, featuring monthly shoppable recipe cards, so shoppers can purchase all ingredients right at the market. Best of all, recipes can be purchased using Farm Fresh Dollars and SNAP tokens.


Exciting news for young entrepreneurs! The first-ever Children’s Entrepreneur Market comes to Culpeper in partnership with Kids Markets. Young business owners ages 5–17 can register to sell their own products and services. Events are scheduled for June 20 and September 19 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. To register and for more information, visit https://www.kidsmarkets.com/markets/culpeper.

 Summer Nights Start Here:

May 3rd Thursday Concert! 

Summer is officially on the horizon, and we’re kicking it off in the best way possible—together in Culpeper Downtown.


Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. is thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 23rd Annual 3rd Thursday Summer Concert Series, one of our biggest annual fundraisers supporting a downtown that’s vibrant, welcoming, and thriving.


Our first concert of the season is Thursday, May 21 at The Depot (111 Commerce Street) from 5:00–9:00 PM. Bring your friends, bring the family, and don’t forget your lawn chairs—this is the kind of evening that turns into a summer tradition.


We’re starting the season with a bang thanks to the En’Novation Band. Expect a genre-blending party of country grooves, funky rhythms, and soulful vocals—the kind of high-energy set that gets you dancing up front, singing along with friends, and leaving with a smile.


Each 3rd Thursday night is designed to be an easy, feel-good night out in your downtown. At the May concert you’ll find live music and a great dance-floor atmosphere, a kids area to keep little ones entertained, a food court with plenty of options, refreshing beverages, and downtown merchants set up so you can shop and support local. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please remember: no pets, coolers, or solicitation.


Tickets are $10 for the May concert and will be available at Culpeper Artisan Collective (201 Waters PL Suite 110), Oakview National Bank (450 James Madison Hwy), online at www.culpeperdowntown.com  and at the entry gates. We can’t wait to see you at The Depot on May 21—come be part of the music, community, and the fun!


May Culpeper Downtown Calendar of Events

Join the Fun: Volunteer for CRI's Downtown Spring Clean-Up Day! 

Hey there, Culpeper friends! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and put on your gardening gloves because Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. (CRI) is inviting YOU to be a part of our Downtown Spring Clean-Up Day on Saturday, May 16 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM!


🌞✨ What’s Happening? We’re gathering volunteers to help spruce up our beautiful downtown area. Together, we’ll be: Removing debris in two key spots: E.B. Wood Community Park and the 200 blocks of West Culpeper and West Streets. Volunteers will also clean out planter beds and plant vibrant spring flowers in E.B. Wood Community Park.


 💐Why Join Us?

 Enjoy the Fresh Air: Get outside, meet new friends, and make a difference in your community! 

Free Coffee & Donuts: Who can resist the deliciousness of Knakal's donuts and a cup of coffee to fuel your efforts? ☕🍩

Tools Provided: We’ll supply gloves, contractor bags, and tools for the day's activities, so you can focus on the fun!


Bring Your Own Tools (If You Can!) If you have any gardening tools like rakes, hedge trimmers, hand rakes, or trowels, feel free to bring them along!


Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re interested in joining this exciting downtown improvement project, please complete the volunteer form below. We can’t wait to see you there!


Let’s bloom together and make Culpeper shine! 

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127 West Davis Street, Culpeper, VA 22701

540-825-4416

cridirector@culpeperdowntown.com

www.culpeperdowntown.com