BROWNTOWN — “It’s the Mayberry of festivals.” That’s how Martha Buracker, president of the Browntown Community Center and chairman of the festival, describes the 23rd Annual Redbud Festival, returning Saturday, April 18, 2026 to the scenic village of Browntown, Va.
“It’s small town, lots of good fellowship with neighbors, but we get a lot of outside people that come in too,” Buracker said.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Browntown Community Center — also known as the Old Browntown Schoolhouse — at 96 Browntown Rd. Admission and parking are both free. A free shuttle will run from the back parking lot to the Community Center via side-by-sides.
Buracker has been part of the festival for its entire 23-year run. Her family bought land in Browntown in 1962 as a weekend property, and her parents moved there full time in 1976. She finished high school in Browntown and has lived there ever since.
The festival takes its name from the redbud trees that bloom in brilliant pink and purple each spring across the Shenandoah Valley, though Buracker acknowledges that nailing the timing has proven elusive. “When we first started, we tried to hit that date, which technically would have been last weekend. It seems like for years it was either cold or rainy, so we decided to move it back.” This year’s blooms have already peaked, she noted — “kind of like the Apple Blossom Festival” — but she hasn’t given up. “We may move it earlier next year and try again. But it’s just hard to get people to sit out and listen to music when it’s chilly outside. If we’re doing an outdoor festival, we’re trying to make it as comfortable as possible.”
Dave McDermott Annual Antique Car Show
This year’s festival carries a special tribute. The antique car show has been renamed the Dave McDermott Annual Antique Car Show in memory of a man Buracker describes as an irreplaceable part of the event.
“One of the guys that always helped with the car show, at least for the last five years, and was a big volunteer at the community center — he passed away around Christmas from pancreatic cancer,” Buracker said. “So we have renamed our little car show in memory of Dave McDermott.”
Sponsored by Manor Line Ranch of Browntown, the car show runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in between 8 and 9 a.m. in the grassy lot between the museum and the Community Center. Owners of antique and classic cars are invited to register and display their vehicles. The registration fee is $15, with checks payable to the Browntown Community Center Association. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Registration forms can be mailed to BCCA, 96 Browntown Rd., Browntown, VA 22610, or obtained by contacting Martha Buracker at 540-671-6349 or [email protected].
Trophy prizes will be awarded in four categories: People’s Choice, Participant’s Choice, Best Paint and Best Interior. Voting ends at 1 p.m., with prizes presented at 2 p.m. at the BCCA Stage. Attendees should bring their own chairs. No alcohol is permitted.
Gooney Creek Duck Race
The Gooney Creek Duck Race is one of this year’s featured attractions, with organizers making a push to raise its profile. “We’re trying to promote the duck race a little bit more. It’s popular, and we’ve actually got a sponsor for that this year — Revolution Mortgage sponsored the duck race. We’ve got a big banner hanging up in the middle of town,” Buracker said.
The race is set for 1 p.m., with cash prizes of $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third. Winners need not be present to collect. Tickets are $5 each and are available now at OJ Rudacille General Store in Browntown (540-636-2149), through Martha Buracker-Weichert Realtors in Front Royal (540-671-6349), and at the Browntown Community Center on the day of the festival.
Live Music
The festival will feature live outdoor music throughout the day. “We’ve got Ryan Jewel for entertainment — he’s the main entertainment — and we’ve got a local band from the Browntown area called Caney Ridge. We’ve got music all day. It’s just gonna be a fun day,” Buracker said.
The Caney Ridge Band kicks things off from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by Nashville recording artist and Warren County native Ryan Jewel from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs. The music stage is sponsored by 84 Lumber.
Something for Everyone
Beyond the car show, duck race and music, the festival offers a wide range of activities. Redbud seedling trees will be available for sale, along with craft sales at two locations — the Browntown Community Center and Browntown Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. A silent auction runs through 2:30 p.m. There will also be a bake sale, a full kitchen menu, face painting and a barrel train for kids, and the Browntown Museum will be open for visitors.
For craft vendor entry forms or more information, contact Emma Bricker at [email protected]. For car show entry forms or silent auction donations, contact Martha Buracker at 540-671-6349 or [email protected]. For Browntown Baptist Fellowship Hall craft space inquiries, contact Jayne Guilford at 540-636-4231 or [email protected].
Attendees are asked to leave pets at home. No alcohol is permitted.
Browntown is located approximately 8 miles south of Front Royal. From Front Royal, take Route 340 South half a mile and turn left onto Browntown Road. Follow Browntown Road 8 miles to the village of Browntown.
Edited by Dan McDermott.
