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 flying kites at the Blue Ridge Kite Festival, 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. Attic Productions: Sense & Sensibility | April 3-6

Attic Productions - Fincastle
Jane Austen’s “Sense & Sensibility” is the latest show by Attic Productions, a community theater based in Botetourt County. Support the local performing arts scene in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and enjoy this classic story of love, heartbreak, and sisterly devotion.

2. Salem Red Sox Opening Night | April 4

Salem Memorial Ballpark
Baseball season is back in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cheer on the Salem Red Sox and catch a game at Salem Memorial Ballpark, which has repeatedly been recognized as one of the most beautiful stadiums in minor league baseball.

3. Spring Home Show | April 5-6

Salem Civic Center
Looking for inspiration for spring cleaning, renovations, and decorating? Head to the Spring Home Show at the Salem Civic Center to find the latest trends and ideas, as well as the opportunity to connect with various vendors, contractors, and professionals who can help bring your dreams to life.

4. The SteelDrivers | April 5-6

Harvester Performance Center
The 20th anniversary tour for The SteelDrivers will include two nights of shows at the Harvester Performance Center in Franklin County. The Grammy Award winners are known for their distinct bluegrass soul, combining bluegrass roots with country, soul, blues and other influences for an unapologetic hybrid style.

5. Down by Downtown Music Festival | April 10-13

Various Venues - Downtown Roanoke
The Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival is one of the best weekends of the year for music lovers in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The festival features 4 days of live music at various venues throughout Downtown Roanoke. This year’s festival is headlined by The Hip Abduction, which will perform in Elmwood Park on Saturday, April 12.

6. Blippi: Join the Band Tour | April 10

Berglund Center
B-L-I-P-P-I is making his way to Virginia’s Blue Ridge! Your kids’ favorite YouTube star will be performing at the Berglund Center for a show that explores the exciting world of music. Blippi will also be joined on stage by Meekah and other dancing buddies and live musicians.

7. Chance Crawford Softball Benefit Tournament | April 11-13

Various Locations
The 44th annual Chance Crawford Softball Tournament is a wonderful annual event that benefits the local community and honors Chance Crawford, a former Salem High School quarterback who suffered a spinal cord injury during a high school football game. This year’s tournament will host over 200 teams competing at fields throughout the region, with proceeds benefiting local causes and supporting multiple college scholarships.

8. Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, Half Marathon, Anthem StarK 10K | April 12

Elmwood Park
Cheer on the competitors in America’s Toughest Road Marathon! The Blue Ridge Marathon is a festive scene in Downtown Roanoke and a great showcase of the outdoor spirit of the region. In addition to the marathon, there are numerous other ways to participate, including the Half Marathon, Anthem Star 10k, and the Sunday SlowK. The finish line at Elmwood Park is an awesome scene for spectators.

9. The Magnetic Fields | April 14-15

Jefferson Center
The Magnetic Fields will spend two nights at the Jefferson Center performing all the works from its 69 Love Songs album, which received notable acclaim from outlets such as Rolling Stone, The New York Times, SPIN, and Pitchfork. Featuring multiple singers, the band presents orchestral pop arrangements with cello, ukelele, guitars, and keyboards.

10. Hawthorne Heights | April 19

Harvester Performance Center
Hawthorne Heights are touring to showcase the release of the band’s 8th studio album - The Rain Just Follows Me. The group is known for its blend of emo, post-hardcore, and pop-punk that features emotional and introspective lyrics.

11. Longshot Comic & Toy Show | April 19

Salem Civic Center
Find comics, toys, and other unique collectables at the Longshot Comic & Toy Show at the Salem Civic Center. Show off your own collection and style with other cosplayers and see if you can track down that elusive collectible that’s been on your list.

12. Blue Ridge Kite Festival | April 19

Green Hill Park
The Blue Ridge Kite Festival is a wonderful annual event and scene at Green Hill Park in Roanoke County. Framed by the surrounding mountains, hundreds of colorful kites fill the sky for a fantastic, family-friendly atmosphere that is free to attend. There will also be kite demos from the Richmond Air Force Kite Club and various crafts & activities.

13. World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby | April 22

Jefferson Center
Step into the glitzy, jazzy world of the Roaring Twenties as the World Ballet Company presents The Great Gatsby, based on the iconic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The show features a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, lavish, groundbreaking sets, and beautiful hand-crafted costumes.

14. Amos Lee | April 23

Jefferson Center
Amos Lee is known for heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals, and he’s collaborated with many of music’s biggest stars, including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Willie Nelson. Some of Lee’s biggest hit songs include Sweet Pea, Arms of a Woman, and Worry No More.

15. Peter & the Starcatcher | April 23 - May 4

Mill Mountain Theatre
Peter & the Starcatcher is the latest production by Mill Mountain Theatre as part of its Young Audiences series. Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the story is meant to serve as a whimsical prequel to the tale of Peter Pan. 

16. CoComelon | April 24

Berglund Center
Ms. Appleberry invites JJ, his friends, and you to come along for a Melon Patch Musical field trip in the mesmerizing world of CoComelon. Young children will love this fun, live performance that will include many of their favorite songs, such as the Wheels on the Bus, If You’re Happy and You Know It, and many more.

17. 70th Annual Vinton Dogwood Festival | April 25-26

Downtown Vinton
The Dogwood Festival is a beloved annual celebration and tradition in the Town of Vinton. The festival includes a parade, crowning of the Dogwood Queen, antique car show, festival foods, live music and entertainment, arts & crafts vendors, and much more.

18. Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival | April 25

Camp Bethel
Take part in a weekend of great storytelling, performances, music, and food at Camp Bethel for its annual Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival. The event helps raise funds for the camp and shines a spotlight on local storytelling and celebrates the arts of Botetourt County and Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

19. Brews & Burlesque: Comedy Cabaret | April 25

Golden Cactus Brewing
Golden Cactus Brewing in Downtown Roanoke will host this hot and hilarious burlesque and variety show. Laugh through the night while enjoying great performances and craft brews. Note - this is a 21+ event that will contain adult themes and topics.

20. Buchanan Civil War History Weekend | April 25-27

Buchanan Town Park
The annual Buchanan Civil War History Weekend offers attendees a glimpse at what life was like during the Civil War. The weekend schedule includes living history camps, craft demonstrations, a camp bonfire, church services, Civil War history films, guest speakers, and more.

21. Roanoke Pride 33 | April 25-27

Elmwood Park
Roanoke’s 33rd annual Pride Weekend will take place April 25-27, headlined with an exciting day of celebrations on April 27 in Downtown Roanoke’s Elmwood Park. Roanoke Pride will offer top-notch entertainment, 70+ vendors, and lots of great parties, including multiple events at The Park Dance Club.

22. BBQ Cook-Off & Moonshine Heritage Car Show | April 26

Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum
The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum at Ferrum College will host the 2nd annual BBQ Cook-Off for backyard chefs. The event will also feature the 10th annual Moonshine Heritage Car Show, as well as moonshine tastings by Five Mile Mountain Distillery, the Living Proof Beer Garden, live music, and more.

23. Open Studios Tour: Roanoke | April 26-27

Various Studios
Celebrate the 25th year of the Open Studios Tour in Roanoke, showcasing amazing local artists throughout the city. This year’s self-guided tour includes 14 unique studio locations and over 40 talented local artists, specializing in a diverse range of art forms and mediums.

24. Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre | April 27

Harvester Performance Center
The Martin Barre Band will present an intimate, unplugged evening of acoustic music with this special performance at the Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount. Expect acoustic guitars and basses, mandolins, and flutes, all put together in an exclusive and unique performance that also features one-of-a-kind storytelling.

25. Short Track Preview - On the Rocks at Elmwood Park | April 30

Elmwood Park
PLAY Roanoke is hosting a special preview event for riders to check out the new Short Track Course in Elmwood Park for the upcoming USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships that will take place in Virginia’s Blue Ridge later this summer. This event is meant to serve as a fun, festive scene to highlight the exciting new feature in Elmwood Park and to help spread the word about the national championship races taking place in July.

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.