The Virginia Gourd Show and Sale is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14-15 at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst St. Admission to the show is free.

The Virginia Gourd Show and Sale, an annual show, sale and competition run with the Virginia Lovers’ Gourd Society, returns to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst St., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15. Admission to the show and sale is free.

Updated Nov. 12: the museum now lists free gourd decorating demonstrations each day and a People’s Choice vote.

Last checked 2026-11-14.

Upcoming dates

  • Sat. Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sun. Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The museum lists the show as a two-day special event. It is held once a year, so these are the only 2026 dates; the organizer lists dates through Nov. 15.

What it is

Members of the Virginia Lovers’ Gourd Society bring their work to the museum for the show and its competition, and gourd artists are on hand to talk about how the pieces are made. The museum says more than a dozen regional artisans sell finished gourd art, from luminaries and birdhouses to bowls and ornaments, and raw, cleaned gourds are also for sale for anyone who wants to make their own. The show fills the first floor of the museum’s galleries building.

  • Demonstrations: 15-minute walk-up sessions at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. each day show how to decorate gourds with common, inexpensive supplies.
  • People’s Choice: visitors vote for a favorite entry in the “A Gourd Revolution” gourd art challenge, inspired by the museum’s “Revolutionary Valley” exhibition.

With Thanksgiving two weeks later, it is also an early stop for handmade holiday gifts. For the rest of the season’s markets and craft shows, see our holiday shopping guide.

Where it is and parking

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is at 901 Amherst St., on the west side of Winchester. The campus holds the museum’s galleries building, the Glen Burnie house and gardens and the Trails at the MSV, a free park open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk.

The museum does not publish separate parking directions for the show on its event page. For the trails and the wider campus, see our parks and trails guide. The museum’s box office is at 540-662-1473.

Tickets and cost

  • The gourd show and sale: free.
  • The museum’s galleries and gardens: regular admission fees apply if you want to visit them the same day. The museum says buying general admission online saves 20%, and members get in free.

The galleries and gardens are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the same hours as the show.

What to know

  • Pets: only service animals are allowed inside the galleries building and the gardens, under the museum’s policies. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Trails at the MSV.
  • Photos: the museum encourages casual personal photos; only non-flash photography is allowed in the galleries, and tripods are limited to the gardens.
  • Weapons: the museum prohibits firearms and other dangerous weapons anywhere on its campus.

Dates and venues as listed on the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Virginia Gourd Show and Sale in Winchester?

Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

Is the Virginia Gourd Show free?

Yes. Admission to the show and sale is free. The museum charges its usual admission to visit its galleries and gardens.

Where is the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley?

At 901 Amherst St. in Winchester. The museum’s box office number is 540-662-1473.

Are there demonstrations at the Virginia Gourd Show?

Yes. Free 15-minute walk-up demonstrations on decorating gourds run at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. both days.

Can I bring my dog to the gourd show?

Only service animals are allowed inside the museum’s galleries building and gardens. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Trails at the MSV outside.