Take full advantage of the last few weeks of summer in the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains!

We celebrate August as Virginia Craft Beer Month with a variety of great beer-related events at local craft breweries, which are a big part of our Virginia's Blue Ridge Cheers Trail. 

Ready for some fun? Here are 25 events to add to your calendar this August in Virginia’s Blue Ridge!

Fairs, Festivals, Community Events

1. Botetourt County Fair | Date: August 1-2 | Location: Buchanan Town Park | A classic county fair experience with rides, games, and entertainment for the whole family. Event website >

2. Big Lick Comic Con | Date: August 2-3 | Location: Berglund Center | A must-attend for comic book, sci-fi, and fantasy fans, with vendors, artists, and celebrity guests. Event website >

3. Grandin Chillage | Date: August 8 | Location: Grandin Village | A community event featuring local artists, food trucks, and live music in the heart of Grandin Village. Facebook event >

4. Touch-A-Truck | Date: August 9 | Location: Green Hill Park | A family-friendly event where kids can get up close and personal with all kinds of big trucks and vehicles. Event website >

5. Franklin County Agricultural Fair | Date: August 13-16 | Location: Franklin County Recreation Park | Celebrate the area's heritage with livestock shows, local food, and unique agricultural displays. Event website >

6. Festival of India | Date: August 16 | Location: Elmwood Park | Immerse yourself in Indian culture with music, dance, food, and vendors. Event website >

7. Dirty Dancing Summer Festival | Date: August 16 | Location: Mountain Lake Lodge | Relive the iconic film where it was shot, with live music, dancing, and fun activities. Event website >

8. SWVA Bee Festival | Date: August 23 | Location: Elmwood Park | Learn about the importance of bees and beekeeping with educational exhibits, honey tastings, and family-friendly activities. Facebook event >

Live Music & Performances

9. Shrek the Musical | Date: Through August 10 | Location: Mill Mountain Theatre | A hilarious and heartwarming musical based on the beloved animated movie. Tickets >

10. Guys & Dolls | Date: Through August 10 | Location: Attic Productions | Catch this classic Broadway musical comedy with its memorable songs and vibrant characters. Tickets >

11. Blackberry Smoke, Mike Campbell, The Dirty Knobs | Date: August 3 | Location: Berglund Center | A night of Southern rock and classic tunes. Tickets >

12. Atlanta Rhythm Section | Date: August 8 | Location: Harvester Performance Center | Enjoy the timeless hits of this legendary Southern rock band. Tickets >

13. Lost 80s Live | Date: August 9 | Location: Elmwood Park | Take a trip back in time with a lineup of your favorite 80s artists. Tickets >

14. Hinder | Date: August 13 | Location: Dr Pepper Park | Rock out with this multi-platinum band known for their hard-hitting anthems. Tickets >

15. Sara Evans | Date: August 15 | Location: Dr Pepper Park | Enjoy an evening of country music with this award-winning singer. Tickets >

16. Bluegrass Pickin’ in the Park | Date: August 16 | Location: Longwood Park | Bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of live bluegrass music in a beautiful park setting. Event info & schedule >

17. Alice Cooper | Date: August 19 | Location: Salem Civic Center | Experience a legendary rock show with the "Godfather of Shock Rock." Tickets >

18. Mavis Staples | Date: August 23 | Location: Harvester Performance Center | Mavis Staples is a musical and civil rights icon, winning three Grammy Awards, an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a Kennedy Center honoree. Tickets >

19. Train | Date: August 24 | Location: Elmwood Park | Sing along to the hits of this popular rock band in a beautiful outdoor setting at Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke. Tickets >

20. Gavin Adcock | Date: August 29 | Location: Salem Civic Center | Enjoy a night of country music with this rising star. Tickets >

Sports & Outdoor Activities

21. Farm Strong Obstacle Course Race | Date: August 2 | Location: Waid Park | Test your strength and endurance in this challenging and fun obstacle course. Event website >

22. Concerts by Canoe: Corey Hunley & Matt Powell | Date: August 8 | Location: at Philpott Lake: Paddle out onto the water and enjoy a unique concert experience from your canoe or kayak. Event website >

23. Salem Distance Run | Date: August 9 | Location: Longwood Park |  Lace up your running shoes and participate in this annual race. Race registration >

24. All Elite Wrestling: Collision | Date: August 9 | Location: Berglund Center | Witness high-flying action and thrilling matches from some of the biggest names in professional wrestling. Tickets >

25. VBR Gran Fondo | Date: August 24 | Location: Botetourt County | A scenic and challenging cycling event through the beautiful Blue Ridge countryside. Event website >

Looking for more information about what’s going on in Virginia’s Blue Ridge? Check out our Events Calendar for a complete list of events and give us a follow on Social Media, where we regularly post about special events and other exciting things happening in the region.

You can also subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to receive updates about unique things to do and experiences in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Header photo: Concerts by Canoe in Franklin County | Photo courtesy of Matt Ross - Franklin County Parks & Recreation