Wise, Virginia, is a vibrant community that continually offers a variety of events and developments to engage its residents and visitors.

One of the most anticipated events is the annual Chillin' and Grillin' in the Glades, scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

This festival, hosted by the Hoge Masonic Lodge, has evolved from an amateur BBQ contest into a weekend-long BBQ and music festival.

It features a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned contest to crown the Virginia State BBQ Champion.

Attendees can enjoy activities for children, a Grillmaster 5K run, craft vendors, a food court, and live music at The Big Glades venue in downtown Wise.

For more details, visit the Town of Wise's official website.

In addition to Chillin' and Grillin', Wise hosts several other annual events that celebrate the town's rich culture and community spirit.

The Famous Fall Fling, held the second weekend of October, transforms Historic Wise Main Street into a bustling hub of craft and artisan vendors, food trucks, and live bluegrass, country, and gospel music performances at the Big Glades Amphitheater.

The week leading up to the festival includes a town-wide yard sale, baking competitions, pet shows, and more.

For a comprehensive list of annual events, visit the Wise County tourism website.

On the community development front, the Lunchbox276 program celebrated the grand opening of its new food distribution warehouse on September 19, 2025.

This initiative aims to combat food insecurity among school children in Wise and Dickenson Counties and the City of Norton.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Governor Glenn Youngkin and other state officials, highlighting the program's significance in the region.

Community members can support Lunchbox276 through various platforms, including PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App.

For more information, visit the Lunchbox276 website.

In local government news, the Wise County Board of Supervisors is considering the creation of an electric authority.

A public webinar was held to discuss a referendum on this proposal, aiming to help residents understand the purpose and priorities of the potential electric authority.

Some residents have expressed concerns about the lack of detailed information and the impartiality of the county's promotion of the referendum.

The issue is set to be put to a vote in the upcoming election.

For more information, refer to recent news articles on the topic.

As the holiday season approaches, Wise is gearing up for festive celebrations.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Big Glades is a cherished tradition that brings the community together to kick off the holiday season.

Additionally, the town hosts a gingerbread house competition, adding to the festive spirit.

For updates on these events, keep an eye on local news outlets and the Town of Wise's official announcements.

Wise, Virginia, continues to thrive with a blend of cultural events, community initiatives, and local developments, making it a dynamic place to live and visit.