With so many fun events, festivals, and things to do on the calendar, April is an exciting time of year in the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge!

The following list is only a sampling of the many things happening in the region this month, and we encourage you to check out our complete Calendar of Events to learn more about upcoming events.

Whether you’re taking on the Blue Ridge Marathon - America’s Toughest Marathon (pictured above), listening to great live music at the Harvester Performance Center, cheering on the Salem Red Sox, or touring beautiful homes and gardens for Historic Garden Week, it’s going to be a great month in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

There are also lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, such as paddling on the James River with Twin River Outfitters, zip-lining and aerial obstacles at Explore Park, or taking advantage of the special shuttle service to help you plan your next hike to McAfee Knob.

Check out the sections below to learn more about the unique events and things to do this April.

NOTE: All info is subject to change. Please check event websites and social media pages for the most updated information regarding scheduling and potential changes or cancellations.

1. Salem Red Sox Baseball

Carilion Clinic Field - Salem Memorial Ballpark
It’s time to cheer on the Red Sox in Virginia’s Blue Ridge! The Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox is ready for another exciting season of Carolina League action and Salem Memorial Ballpark has been recognized as one of the most beautiful stadiums in minor league baseball. 

Take the family to the ballgame and enjoy a chance to see many young players who will eventually make their way to the major leagues. The Red Sox will start the 2024 season with a home opener against the Carolina Mudcats on Thursday, April 5.
Salem Red Sox Schedule >

2. Botetourt Restaurant Week 2024 | April 5-13

Various Restaurants
Sample the delicious flavors and dishes of Botetourt County by taking part in Botetourt Restaurant Week! Many local restaurants will be participating with a variety of specials, including tasty options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

As part of the fun, you’re encouraged to share pics of your food on social media and use the hashtag #BoCoEats to be entered to win gift cards.
Botetourt Restaurant Week Details >

3. 2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing | April 8

Natural Bridge State Park & Explore Park
While Virginia’s Blue Ridge will not be in the path of totality, there are still many great opportunities to see the solar eclipse. Natural Bridge State Park and Roanoke County’s Explore Park will both host viewing parties. The eclipse is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m., peak at 3:12 p.m., and end at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Plan accordingly and bring proper solar eclipse viewing glasses to enjoy the experience safely.
Explore Park Solar Eclipse Party >
Natural Bridge State Park Solar Eclipse Viewing >

4. Carbon Leaf | April 11

5 Points Music Sanctuary
Virginia-based Carbon Leaf is known for great live shows and its unique blend of indie, folk, and rock. The quintet combines Celtic, pop, and Americana traditions with an arsenal of instruments and lively stage presence.
Carbon Leaf Tickets >

5. Banda Magda | April 11

Jefferson Center
Take a musical journey around the world when Banda Magda performs at the Jefferson Center in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The group speaks six different languages and includes members from Greece, Japan, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Banda Magda Tickets > 

6. Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | April 11-14

Ferrum College
The Ferrum College Theatre Arts Department presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s colorful tale of the biblical story of Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” It’s a magical musical that follows the journey of Joseph, his father Jacob, his many brothers, and his coat of many colors.
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Details > 

7. Dustin Lynch w. Skeez | April 12

Salem Civic Center
Country music star Dustin Lynch will perform at the Salem Civic Center with special guest Skeez as part of his Killed the Cowboy Tour. Lynch has had multiple Billboard No. 1 hits, including “Thinking ‘Bout You” with MacKenzie Porter, “Stars Like Confetti,” and “Party Mode.”
Dustin Lynch Tickets >

8. Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival | April 12-13

Camp Bethel
Camp Bethel in Botetourt County offers a wonderful setting for a weekend of storytelling and music at the 23rd annual Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival. This year’s event is headlined by nationally-known storytellers Motoko, Kevin Kling, Bil Lepp, and Antonio Rocha, as well as musical guests Common Ground.
Sounds of the Mountains Story Festival Website >

9. Jurassic Quest | April 12-14

Berglund Center
Jurassic Quest returns to the Berglund Center in Virginia’s Blue Ridge! It’s the world’s largest, most popular dinosaur event, with a herd of life-sized dinosaurs, including the apatosaurus, spinosaurus, and the incredible T-Rex. The interactive event also features baby dinosaurs, fossil excavating, and more.
Jurassic Quest Tickets >

10. Daisy Art Parade | April 13

Downtown Roanoke
Pick out the perfect spot along the parade route and get ready for a wonderful day as the Daisy Art Parade makes its way through Downtown Roanoke. The parade will feature giant puppets and art throughout the streets of Roanoke as a vibrant celebration of World Art Day.
Daisy Art Parade Details >

11. SWVA Ballet: Romeo & Juliet | April 13

Berglund Center
The Southwest Virginia Ballet presents the classic William Shakespeare tale of “Romeo & Juliet.” Artistic director Pedro Szalay uses the power of dance to bring the feud of the Houses of Capulet and Montague and the passionate love story of two young people to life.
Romeo & Juliet Details > 

12. Samantha Fish | April 17

Harvester Performance Center
Samantha Fish is part of a great lineup of performances and concerts this month at the Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount. Fish is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for creating an electrifying blend of blues and rock & roll.
Samantha Fish Tickets >

13. Parker McCollum w. Corey Kent & Catie Offerman | April 18

Berglund Center
Parker McCollum is one of the fastest-rising stars in country music. He’ll be performing around the country this summer for his own Burt It Down Tour and playing on stages with Morgan Wallen as part of Wallen’s One Night at a Time World Tour. McCollum will perform at the Berglund Center with special guests Corey Kent and Catie Offerman.
Parker McCollum Tickets > 

14. Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival | April 18-21

Downtown Roanoke
This multi-day music festival in Downtown Roanoke coincides with Blue Ridge Marathon weekend and features a great lineup of bands and performances at various local venues. This year’s festival will be headlined by Margo Price, who will perform in Elmwood Park on April 19.
Down by Downtown Website >

15. RSO: We Will Rock You - The Music of Queen | April 19

Salem Civic Center
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will present the iconic music of legendary band Queen with a special We Will Rock You concert at the Salem Civic Center. The full symphony orchestra will perform many of Queen’s biggest hits, including We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions, and many others.
RSO: We Will Rock You Tickets >

16. Mill Mountain Theatre’s 60th Anniversary Concert | April 19-20

Mill Mountain Theatre
Mill Mountain Theatre will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a captivating 90-minute extravaganza featuring beloved Broadway hits spanning six decades. The show will include performances by current MMT artists, theatre alumni, and special guest appearances from the Conservatory program’s young artists.
MMT Anniversary Concert Details >

17. Blue Ridge Kite Festival | April 20

Green Hill Park
Head to Green Hill Park in Roanoke County for an incredible scene as hundreds of kites fill the sky for the 23rd annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival. This free event offers a fun, festive atmosphere for the entire family, and there will be various opportunities to learn more about the best ways to fly a kite, including demonstrations by the Richmond Air Force Kite Club.
Blue Ridge Kite Festival Details >

18. Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, Half Marathon, & Anthem StarK (10K) | April 20

Elmwood Park
Head to Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke to cheer on the racers in America’s Toughest Road Marathon, one of the signature weekends of the year in Virginia's Blue Ridge! The finish line features an exciting, family-friendly atmosphere for spectators. 

The event also offers multiple options for participating, including the full marathon, double marathon, half marathon, 10K, family 1-miler, relay, Sunday Slow-K, and more.
Blue Ridge Marathon Website >

19. World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra | April 26

Harvester Performance Center
The Glenn Miller Orchestra came to define an entire musical genre and is recognized as the most famous popular big band and swing dance group in the world. The orchestra has been performing in various iterations for nearly 100 years and has created numerous hits that have spanned multiple generations.
Glenn Miller Orchestra Tickets >

20. Buchanan Civil War History Weekend | April 26-28

Buchanan Town Park
History comes alive in the Town of Buchanan in Botetourt County for the town’s annual Civil War History Weekend. The event features a reenactment, living history camps, and other activities representative of the era.
Civil War History Weekend Details >

21. Vinton Dogwood Festival | April 26-27

Town of Vinton
The 69th annual Vinton Dogwood Festival is one of the signature spring events in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The annual celebration includes a carnival, annual parade, live music & entertainment, crowning of the Dogwood Queen, lots of activities and fun for kids, and over 90 vendors showcasing handmade arts & crafts.
Vinton Dogwood Festival Website >

22. Historic Garden Week in Roanoke 2024 | April 27

Various Locations
April 20-27 is Historic Garden Week in Virginia and this year’s Roanoke tour will feature private homes and gardens in the Lakewood Neighborhood, which has not been showcased as part of Historic Garden Week for over 40 years. The tour will present architectural styles and gardens that spotlight historic charm and modern beauty.
Historic Garden Tour Tickets >

23. Puppapalooza 2024 | April 27

Virginia Museum of Transportation
The Virginia Museum of Transportation will host Puppapalooza, an obviously pet-friendly event that features a community dog show, costume contest, training demos by Well Trained Dog, on-site pet adoptions, live music, kids crafts, and more. The Dog Show is free to enter and will include categories such as best smile, best costume, best mutt, best trick, and best in show.

We’re going to go ahead and rate each dog 10/10 and declare all of them winners, deserving of all the snacks, scratches, and pats on the head.
Puppapalooza Tickets >

24. The Peaks Wine, Beer, and Art Festival | April 27

Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center
Take part in this inaugural Wine, Beer, and Art Festival at The Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center. There will be a variety of art vendors showcasing unique works and craftsmanship, food trucks, live music, and a great selection of local craft beer and wine.
Peaks Wine, Beer, and Art Festival Website >

25. Open Studios Tour Roanoke 2024 | April 27-28

Various Locations
The 24th annual Open Studios Tour is a free, family-friendly, self-guided driving tour that features professional artists at different studios and galleries throughout six different neighborhoods in the City of Roanoke.

Artwork will be displayed in artists’ homes, studios, and public parks, allowing visitors to experience the art in unique, inspiring settings.
Open Studios Tour Roanoke Website >

Save the Dates for May

• Community School Strawberry Festival - May 3-4
• Sara Evans - May 17-18
• Local Colors Festival - May 18
• NCAA DIII Women’s Lacrosse National Championship - May 22-26
• Festival in the Park - May 23-26

Visit our Calendar of Events to learn more about what’s going in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and request a free copy of our Visitor's Guide. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to keep up with what’s happening in the region.