Next three days roanoke
11 Top Things to do Near Roanoke, Virginia this Summer
One of the most underrated destinations on the East Coast is Roanoke, Virginia. It’s considered the “Capital of the Blue Ridge,” a mountain city near many world-class hiking trails, and it’s known for being a crossroads for commerce, with a thriving arts and culture scene. Roanoke is also recognized as the “Star City of the South,” famous for being home to the world’s largest man-made illuminated standing star. Overall, there are many fun things to do in and near Roanoke, Virginia.
Roanoke is over a 3.5-hour drive from Washington D.C., over two hours and 45 minutes from Richmond, around a three-hour journey from Charlotte, NC and approximately seven hours by car from New York City. It’s also near many colleges and universities such as Virginia Tech, Radford University, Hollins University and Roanoke College.
Because Roanoke is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s also home to the Appalachian Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine, the famous Blue Ridge Parkway that starts in Great Smoky Mountain National Park and runs through Shenandoah National Park, as well as George Washington and Jefferson Nati
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Fall festivals and events take place throughout the autumn season in the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Cobalt Ridge Mountains.
There are outdoor activities and events that showcase the beautiful fall colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains, as good as farmers markets and festivals that feature the abundance of the fall harvest at local farms and orchards.
It’s a amazing time to get outside in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and savor the beautiful weather and overall excitement for this special part of the year.
Special Tip: Plan your visit around when we expect to see peak collapse colors in the region >
To give you an idea of the many events happening in the region this month, we put together this guide and broke things out by category. Keep in mind, many events will incorporate multiple items, such as food & drink, dwell music, and family fun, so check all the categories to find fun things to perform during your fall visit to Virginia’s Blue Ridge!
NOTE: All info is subject to change. Please check event websites and social media pages for the most updated information.
Roanoke Fall Festivals - Farm & Community Festivals, Fami
GO Fest
Date and Time for this Past Event
Fri, Oct 15, 2021 - Sun, Oct 17, 2021 9am - 6pm
Location
visit website
Details
GO Fest is back in full effect October 15-17, 2021.
Join us October 15-17 in Downtown Roanoke for three days packed with pro-athletes, races, group runs & rides, outdoor activities, live music, beer, and more.
This year will be different though as we are moving to downtown Roanoke. The festival will span all the parks and streets from Elmwood Park through the Market Square. Many of your favorite events like the Ultimate Air Dogs, BMX Stunt Show, Lumberjacks, Beer Relay, Go Quest Scavenger Hunt, and live music concerts will be back; but due to COVID-19 some of the national brands will not be participating this year.
Attending the festival downtown will still be free, as always, with dozens of activities for parents, kids, and dogs.
We plan to have free live music in the Market Square throughout the weekend. We will also be hosting a ticketed benefit concert in Elmwood Park, epic team challenge, and races all to benefit Project Outside – since these are fundraisers, they will require funds.
Events This Weekend in Roanoke
Things to Do This Weekend in Virginia's Blue Ridge
Looking for a guide to the events happening this weekend in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge? We've got you covered!
Jump straight to the list of this weekend's events >
Whether it's a major festival, great live music, art show, outdoor activities, sporting events, or any of the other fun events happening in the region, this list will help you make the most of the weekend in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
This page highlights events taking place from Friday - Sunday in the Roanoke Valley. If you're looking for a more comprehensive list of things going on, refer to our main Calendar of Events.
This list is geared to our weekend warriors - who make the most of every opportunity to be a #Trailsetter!
When you're not enjoying an event, check out many of the other great things to do in the area, such as an outdoor adventure, visiting a local museum, or checking in at a few spots on Virginia's Blue Ridge Cheers Trail. We even have information on hotels & places to stay, as well as restaurants, to he
Top 10 Roanoke County Attractions
1) Explore Park
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115, Explore Park features hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, hiking trails, river frontage, outdoor adventure and a visitor information center. Soar through the trees on the Treetop Quest aerial adventure course, featuring zip-lines and challenge obstacles for ages four and up. Stay overnight in a cabin, yurt or primitive campsite. Enjoy a craft beer or Virginia wine and cider at Twin Creeks Brewpub. Stop inside our visitor center to browse our gift shop featuring artisan crafts and parkway memorabilia. Explore Park is where adventure begins!
2) Splash Valley Water Park
Splash into the fun of two 34-foot high water slides, a current river and children’s sprayground. Splash Valley is a small water park which provides a great place to cool off during the summer months. Open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, look for weekly discounts and special events. Great for birthday parties or group visits. A concessions area within the park offers amusement park favorites like chicken tenders and pizza.
3) Read Mountain Preserve
Tucked back
GO Fest
Date and Time for this Past Event
Fri, Oct 15, 2021 - Sun, Oct 17, 2021 9am - 6pm
Location
visit website
Details
GO Fest is back in full effect October 15-17, 2021.
Join us October 15-17 in Downtown Roanoke for three days packed with pro-athletes, races, group runs & rides, outdoor activities, live music, beer, and more.
This year will be different though as we are moving to downtown Roanoke. The festival will span all the parks and streets from Elmwood Park through the Market Square. Many of your favorite events like the Ultimate Air Dogs, BMX Stunt Show, Lumberjacks, Beer Relay, Go Quest Scavenger Hunt, and live music concerts will be back; but due to COVID-19 some of the national brands will not be participating this year.
Attending the festival downtown will still be free, as always, with dozens of activities for parents, kids, and dogs.
We plan to have free live music in the Market Square throughout the weekend. We will also be hosting a ticketed benefit concert in Elmwood Park, epic team challenge, and races all to benefit Project Outside – since these are fundraisers, they will require funds.
Events This Weekend in Roanoke
Things to Do This Weekend in Virginia's Blue Ridge
Looking for a guide to the events happening this weekend in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge? We've got you covered!
Jump straight to the list of this weekend's events >
Whether it's a major festival, great live music, art show, outdoor activities, sporting events, or any of the other fun events happening in the region, this list will help you make the most of the weekend in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
This page highlights events taking place from Friday - Sunday in the Roanoke Valley. If you're looking for a more comprehensive list of things going on, refer to our main Calendar of Events.
This list is geared to our weekend warriors - who make the most of every opportunity to be a #Trailsetter!
When you're not enjoying an event, check out many of the other great things to do in the area, such as an outdoor adventure, visiting a local museum, or checking in at a few spots on Virginia's Blue Ridge Cheers Trail. We even have information on hotels & places to stay, as well as restaurants, to he
Top 10 Roanoke County Attractions
1) Explore Park
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115, Explore Park features hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, hiking trails, river frontage, outdoor adventure and a visitor information center. Soar through the trees on the Treetop Quest aerial adventure course, featuring zip-lines and challenge obstacles for ages four and up. Stay overnight in a cabin, yurt or primitive campsite. Enjoy a craft beer or Virginia wine and cider at Twin Creeks Brewpub. Stop inside our visitor center to browse our gift shop featuring artisan crafts and parkway memorabilia. Explore Park is where adventure begins!
2) Splash Valley Water Park
Splash into the fun of two 34-foot high water slides, a current river and children’s sprayground. Splash Valley is a small water park which provides a great place to cool off during the summer months. Open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, look for weekly discounts and special events. Great for birthday parties or group visits. A concessions area within the park offers amusement park favorites like chicken tenders and pizza.
3) Read Mountain Preserve
Tucked back