HARRISONBURG, VA (James Madison University) — James Madison University students and senior leadership, including President Jim Schmidt, who began his term as JMU’s seventh President July 1, will participate in this year’s “Block Party in the ‘Burg” event.  

“The Block Party in the ‘Burg is a powerful opportunity to build meaningful, lasting connections between JMU students and Harrisonburg’s vibrant local businesses as well as create a ‘stickiness’ that will help cultivate lifelong relationships,” said Schmidt in a release. “The Harrisonburg community and JMU are interdependent; core to what constitutes the JMU experience is the Harrisonburg experience, and I’m proud to be part of a tradition that strengthens that bond.”

“Block Party in the ‘Burg” will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Downtown Harrisonburg.