Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Shenandoah Valley Gun Show is set to take place from October 31 to November 1, 2026, at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This event will feature over 250 tables filled with firearms, ammunition, and related accessories.
Attendees can enjoy public hours on Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $10 for adults, while children under 12 can enter for free with an adult.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Shenandoah Valley Gun Show runs October 31 - November 1, 2026 at Rockingham County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg, VA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event features over 250 tables showcasing firearms, ammunition, and related accessories.
- 3Admission: Adults pay $10, while children under 12 are free with an adult.
- 4Training: Virginia Concealed Carry Class available during the show for $65.
Why visit
A weekend gun show run by Showmasters at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds on the south edge of Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Shenandoah Valley Gun Show provides access to a targeted audience of firearm enthusiasts and potential buyers. Vendors can showcase their products, network with industry professionals, and increase brand visibility in a dedicated environment. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Firearm manufacturers showcasing their latest models, Ammunition suppliers offering various calibers, Accessory vendors with gear and equipment.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Firearm enthusiasts looking for new products
Collectors seeking rare items
Hunters and outdoor sportsmen
Individuals interested in concealed carry training
Families looking for a fun outing
Local businesses in the firearms industry
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Firearm manufacturers showcasing their latest models
Ammunition suppliers offering various calibers
Accessory vendors with gear and equipment
Training organizations providing safety courses
Local gun shops promoting their inventory
Custom firearm builders displaying unique creations
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Rifles and shotguns for hunting and sport shooting
Handguns for personal defense and competition
Ammunition of various calibers and types
Shooting accessories including scopes and holsters
Gun safes and storage solutions
Training materials for firearm safety and handling
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Rockingham Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall
Rockingham County Fair
4808 South Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Facilities
Parking
Rockingham County Fair in Harrisonburg typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Rockingham County Fair in Harrisonburg typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Rockingham County Fair for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
October 31 - November 1, 2026Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
General admission
Adults
10
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Harrisonburg, United States
Why it matters
On 2026-10-31 to 2026-11-01, Shenandoah Valley Gun Show in Harrisonburg covering Rifles and shotguns for hunting and sport shooting, Handguns for personal defense and competition, Ammunition of various gives defence buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Harrisonburg - University Area by IHG
3-star
University Area, Harrisonburg4.3
Candlewood Suites Harrisonburg by IHG
3-star
Harrisonburg3.8
Quality Inn Harrisonburg I-81
4-star
I-81 corridor, Harrisonburg4.1
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Harrisonburg
3-star
Harrisonburg4.4
Residence Inn by Marriott Harrisonburg
3-star
Harrisonburg4.0
Sleep Inn & Suites Harrisonburg near University
4-star
Near University, Harrisonburg4.2
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Car (drive from Harrisonburg city)
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forHarrisonburg to Rockingham County Fairgrounds, 4808 S Valley Pike
Google Maps shows 5.5-7.2 miles depending on route via Lee Hwy or I-81 S
Bus (Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation / HB Connect)
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forCity bus network serving Harrisonburg; check HB Connect routes for the nearest stop to the fairgrounds
The fairgrounds lie outside the central city grid; a short taxi or rideshare may be needed for the final leg
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forHarrisonburg hotels to Rockingham County Fairgrounds
Short drive on Lee Hwy or I-81 S from most Harrisonburg hotels
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from SHD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forShenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) to Rockingham County Fair
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from CHO to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forCharlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) to Rockingham County Fair
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from IAD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forWashington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Rockingham County Fair
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from DCA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Rockingham County Fair
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from RIC to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forRichmond International Airport (RIC) to Rockingham County Fair
Weather
Late October into 1 November is mid-autumn in the Shenandoah Valley: mild afternoons, cold mornings and a real chance of rain from passing fronts. Expect highs near 60-66 F (16-19 C) and lows near 37-43 F (3-6 C); conditions can swing quickly, so pack layers and a rain shell. Leaf season is at its peak on nearby Skyline Drive, which can add traffic on Route 11 and I-81 at weekends. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday 1 November 2026, so clocks fall back an hour overnight. All figures are climatological approximations - check a local forecast 48 hours before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Casual, rural-Virginia setting
This is a community gun show in the Shenandoah Valley, not a business-attire trade fair. Jeans, boots and hunting gear are normal; no dress code applies. Expect friendly table-side conversation and plenty of local farmers, hunters and collectors.
Firearms etiquette on the floor
Never pick up a firearm from a table without asking the vendor first. Any gun brought into the show should be unloaded with the action open and a chamber flag or zip tie fitted at the door. Staff and vendors take safety rules seriously.
Cash-friendly trading culture
Many smaller vendors and collector tables trade in cash, and haggling over table-to-table prices is common and accepted. Cards are widely but not universally accepted, and on-site ATMs can run out on busy Saturdays.
Virginia transfer rules
Licensed dealers run background checks on-site; private-sale and out-of-state rules differ. Buyers flying home should expect a firearm to be shipped to an FFL near their home address, and should check airline and TSA firearm carriage rules before travelling.
Clocks fall back
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday 1 November 2026. If you are staying overnight, remember the Sunday show hours shift by an hour relative to your Saturday routine.
Local season
The show sits just before late-fall hunting season in western Virginia, so hunting rifles, scopes, camo and black-powder gear are in demand. Expect vendor tables and buyer questions to lean toward hunting and practical shooting rather than competitive or tactical-only gear.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Harrisonburg has no major commercial airport, so plan a connection through a larger Virginia gateway and finish by road. A Google Flights check for New York to Harrisonburg on 31 Oct 2026 showed one-stop itineraries in the 1.5 to 2 hour flight range plus a rail alternative into Staunton; compare fares early because prices were flagged as high for the weekend.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Harrisonburg; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Rockingham County Fair: University Area, Harrisonburg: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Harrisonburg - University Area by IHG; Harrisonburg: Candlewood Suites Harrisonburg by IHG; I-81 corridor, Harrisonburg: Quality Inn Harrisonburg I-81.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Harrisonburg; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation (HB Connect) runs the city bus network; review its routes and schedules to see whether a stop is walkable to the Rockingham County Fairgrounds on S Valley Pike, otherwise combine a bus ride with a short taxi or rideshare for the final leg.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Rockingham County Fair; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 37-66 F (3-19 C) across the weekend: afternoon highs near 60-66 F and early-morning lows near 37-43 F. Mark as climatological estimate; check a local forecast before travel.
Seasonality: Mid-autumn in Harrisonburg brings peak leaf season and passing frontal rain, with roughly a 25-30% chance of a wet day on any given late-October or early-November date. Rain is usually showery rather than all-day, but a waterproof layer is worth packing. Daylight saving time ends Sunday 1 November 2026. Approximate seasonal guidance only - confirm the forecast close to the show.
Packing: Approx. 37-66 F (3-19 C) across the weekend: afternoon highs near 60-66 F and early-morning lows near 37-43 F. Mark as climatological estimate; check a local forecast before travel. Mid-autumn in Harrisonburg brings peak leaf season and passing frontal rain, with roughly a 25-30% chance of a wet day
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Shenandoah Valley Gun Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm the 31 October to 1 November 2026 dates and door hours on showmastersgunshows.com, then check whether Saturday or Sunday suits your schedule better.
T-2
Book a Harrisonburg hotel early; the show falls on a late-fall weekend when Shenandoah Valley lodging can fill with leaf-season and university-visit traffic.
T-3
Decide your budget and withdrawal cash, since many table vendors prefer cash and on-site ATMs can run dry.
T-4
Make a shopping list by category: calibers, optics footprint, holster fit, reloading components or collector items you actually want.
T-5
Check current Virginia firearm transfer and private-sale rules if you plan to buy or trade, and confirm what ID you need.
T-6
If bringing a firearm to sell or appraise, unload it, fit a chamber flag or lock, and check the show's entry policy in advance.
T-7
Plan the drive to 4808 S Valley Pike and note that the fairgrounds sits south of town off US-11 and I-81, so a car or rideshare is the practical option.
T-8
Check the late-October forecast for Harrisonburg and pack layers; mornings are often in the 40s F.
T-9
Download or print the vendor list if the organiser posts one, and mark the tables you want to visit first.
T-10
Arrange a meet-up point and a bag for small parts so you are not juggling loose purchases on the floor.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Rockingham County Fair
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Shenandoah Valley Gun Show registration concourse
Rockingham County Fair
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Rockingham County Fair
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 10 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 10 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Shenandoah Valley Gun Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Shenandoah Valley Gun Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Rifles and shotguns for hunting and sport shooting solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Shenandoah Valley Gun Show in Harrisonburg.
Min. budget
$510.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Rifles and shotguns for hunting and sport shooting products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,295.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Harrisonburg show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- FFL (Federal Firearms License)
- The federal licence a dealer needs to legally buy, sell and transfer firearms in interstate commerce. Most tables selling new or used guns at a gun show are staffed by FFL holders; a private collector selling from a personal collection may not be.
- NICS background check
- The FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System, used by FFL dealers to clear a buyer before a firearm transfer. At a show, the dealer typically calls or submits the check on-site and completes the transfer once it clears.
- FFL transfer
- The paperwork and background check a licensed dealer performs to legally hand a firearm to a buyer, including when the gun is shipped in from another state or bought from an out-of-state seller.
- Private sale
- A sale between two individuals who are not licensed dealers. Rules vary by state; Virginia has specific requirements for private firearm sales, so buyers should confirm current law before trading table to table.
- C&R (Curio and Relic)
- A federal classification for firearms of special interest to collectors that are at least 50 years old or on the ATF's official list. A C&R licence lets eligible collectors buy qualifying firearms across state lines under specific rules.
- Modern sporting rifle (MSR)
- The industry term for semi-automatic rifles built on the AR-15 and similar modular platforms, usually offered with rails, optics and aftermarket furniture.
- Reloading components
- The press, dies, powder, primers, brass and bullets used to assemble ammunition at home. Shows typically host several tables of reloading gear and hard-to-find powders and primers.
- Optics and red dots
- Sights mounted on firearms, including scopes, red-dot sights, holographic sights and low-power variable optics (LPVO). Buyers usually want to look through the glass and check reticles in person.
- EDC (everyday carry)
- The knife, light, holster and sometimes compact firearm a person carries daily. Gun shows carry a wide range of EDC knives, holsters, belts and lights alongside firearms.
- Militaria
- Collectible military items such as uniforms, insignia, helmets, field gear, bayonets and historical documents, often mixed with surplus firearms on collector tables.
- Chamber flag / action open
- A safety practice at gun shows: any firearm brought onto the floor has its action open and a bright plastic chamber flag or zip tie inserted so staff and visitors can see at a glance that it is unloaded.
- Muzzleloader / black powder
- Traditional and inline firearms that load from the muzzle, plus the powder, patches, caps and bullets they use. Virginia's black-powder deer season makes these a seasonal draw.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Harrisonburg gun show
- gun shows in Virginia
- 2026 gun show
- gun show tickets
- Shenandoah Valley Gun Show 2026
- Shenandoah Valley Gun Show Harrisonburg 2026
- Harrisonburg United States
- Rifles and shotguns for hunting and sport shooting
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.