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The calendar is filled with fun events during the summer in the Roanoke Region of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. It’s a perfect time to go outside with friends and family, and there are various outdoor activities, summer concerts, and other exciting festivals happening throughout the month.
For things to do this month, here’s a preview of some of the special events happening this July in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
1. July 4th Fireworks & Celebrations
Various Locations
Fireworks, parades, fun runs, concerts, and historic reenactments are some of the many ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Grab your red, white, and blue, and explore the numerous opportunities to enjoy the holiday across the region.
2025 4th of July Celebrations & Fireworks Displays >
2. Salem Fair - July 2-13
Salem Civic Center
You know it's summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains when you see the lights of the Salem Fair! This signature annual event in the City of Salem is the largest fair in Virginia and has been recognized as one of the top 100 fairs and expositions in the country. Don’t miss your favorite fair foods, classic rides, concerts, and other great summer traditions.
3. Zoobilee - July 2
Mill Mountain Zoo
Zoobilee celebrates the 73rd birthday of the beloved Mill Mountain Zoo! Honor the zoo’s incredible history and journey with a day full of activities, including crafts, educational sessions about conservation, and birthday cake.
4. Buchanan Community Carnival - Through July 5
Buchanan Town Park
The annual Buchanan Community Carnival provides the quintessential small-town summer experience in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, with the carnival located on the bank of the James River in the charming Town of Buchanan in Botetourt County. Enjoy amusement rides, games, and classic fair foods like Carnival Chili Burgers & Fries, which are always popular with locals.
Buchanan Community Carnival Info >
5. Roanoke River Floatilla - July 6
Roanoke Mountain Adventures to Starr Hill Brewery
Join the fun float with Play Roanoke & Roanoke Outside and float down the Roanoke River. This is a “bring whatever floats” event that starts at Roanoke Mountain Adventures (which also offers tube rentals) and ends at the Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage for post-float beers. You will be responsible for shuttling yourself between the two locations afterward, so it’s best to partner with a group and park vehicles at both spots.
Roanoke River Floatilla Info >
6. Them Dirty Roses - July 10
Dr Pepper Park
Specializing in Southern rock, Them Dirty Roses is an Alabama-based band inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr. Living the American rock & roll dream, the group delivers live shows with blistering guitar solos, earth-shaking bass, and soulful lyrics that hit hard.
7. Concerts by Canoe: Ashlee Watkins & Andrew Small & Friends - July 11
Twin Ridge Recreation Area - Philpott Lake
Enjoy live music on the water at the Concerts by Canoe summer music series at Philpott Lake. Organized by Franklin County Parks & Recreation, this unique event features a band performing on a floating stage at the water's edge, allowing people to listen while floating on kayaks, tubes, and boats, or from chairs and blankets on the grass near the stage. This month’s concert features a performance by Ashlee Watkins and Andrew Small & Friends.
8. Minka w. The Big Debbies - July 11
5 Points Music Sanctuary
Philly-born band Minka has been described as a “cross between Bowie and Prince, sprinkled with some Talking Heads.” On July 11, they’ll perform at 5 Points Music Sanctuary, joined by the local band The Big Debbies from Bent Mountain, offering a mix of groove and power for a uniquely energetic musical experience.
Minka w. The Big Debbies Tickets >
9. Time to Go Bananas in Salem! - July 11-12
Salem Memorial Ballpark
Banana Ball is coming to Salem—Virginia’s Championship City! The Banana Ball World Tour will stop in Virginia’s Blue Ridge on July 11-12 as the Firefighters take the field at Salem Memorial Ballpark for two nights of fun, entertainment, and games.
10. Whimsical Wishes Royal Eras Party - July 12
Mountain View Mansion
Step into a world of royalty and nostalgia at the Royal Eras party at Roanoke’s Historic Mountain View Mansion. This is the first of a series of three events hosted by the princesses and characters of Whimsical Wishes, featuring themed snacks, vintage games, crafts, photo opportunities, and more.
Whimsical Wishes Party Details >
11. Hinder - July 13
Dr Pepper Park
Known for hit songs such as "Get Stoned," "Lips of an Angel," and "Use Me," Hinder is a multi-platinum American rock band that has achieved remarkable longevity and success. The group has produced numerous Billboard 200 singles and albums, establishing itself alongside the likes of Aerosmith, Nickelback, and 3 Doors Down.
12. 2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships - July 14-20
Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Cheer on top cyclists from across the country, including future Olympians, at the 2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships in Virginia's Blue Ridge. It promises to be an exciting week of action with cross-country marathon racing at Carvins Cove, short track racing at Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke, and cross-country Olympic racing at Roanoke County's Explore Park.
These venues will offer fantastic settings for spectators and fans, and there will also be a special Welcome to Roanoke: Community Social on Wednesday, July 16, in Elmwood Park as part of the festivities.
USA Cycling MTB Championships Preview >
Photo Courtesy of Specialized, Cardinal Bicycle, and Brett Winter Lemon Photography
13. Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days - July 18-20
Smith Mountain Lake
One of the most popular and unique yearly events in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is an exciting pirate-themed weekend of fun at the lake! Special events include the Pirate Ball with live music and costume contests, pancakes with pirates, and specials at local restaurants and businesses. You’ll also see many boats on the lake ready for battle with water guns.
14. The Wallflowers - July 18
Coves at Smith Mountain Lake
For over 30 years, The Wallflowers have been one of rock’s most meaningful bands, blending timeless songwriting and storytelling with a strong, modern musical style. The group has produced popular hits for decades, such as “Bringing Down the Horse” in 1996 and “Glad All Over” in 2012.
15. Jazz in July - July 19
Longwood Park
Enjoy a free night of fantastic jazz music at Salem’s Longwood Park. The lineup features The Sway Kats, Vosbein-Magee Big Band, Shawn Spencer & Star City Swag, The Jazz Allstar Band, and Melissa Mesko & the Growlers.
16. Diamond Rio - July 19
Dr Pepper Park
Originally known as the Tennessee River Boys as part of an attraction at Opryland USA, Diamond Rio has been performing country music for over 40 years. The group has recorded several Billboard Hot Country No. 1 hits, including “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” and “I Believe,” and has received multiple Country Music Awards and one Grammy Award.
17. Whiskey Myers - July 20
Salem Civic Center
Having kicked off 2025 with a sold-out performance at the San Antonio Rodeo in front of 16,000 fans, multi-Platinum band Whiskey Myers added 23 shows this summer with the newly announced What We Were Born To Do Tour. The tour stops at the Salem Civic Center on Sunday night, July 20th.
18. Leaving Iowa - July 24 - August 3
Showtimers Community Theatre
A funny and heartfelt play that serves as a love letter to everyone who recalls the family road trip. Leaving Iowa takes us on two very different journeys: one that celebrates idealism, optimism, and roadside attractions, and another of discovery and reconciliation.
19. Guys & Dolls - July 24 - August 10
Attic Productions
Set in the vibrant world of 1950s New York City, Guys and Dolls is an energetic musical comedy that explores the unlikely love stories of a smooth gambler, a conservative missionary, a showgirl dreaming of marriage, and a craps game that can't stay hidden. Packed with timeless songs, lively dance numbers, and memorable characters!
20. Aaron Lewis & The Stateliners - July 24
Salem Civic Center
Aaron Lewis first found success as a member of Staind, but he stepped out of the hard rock scene to follow his own path as a country artist, releasing several highly popular albums, including "Town Line" in 2011 and "Sinner" in 2016. No matter the setting, Lewis writes and sings to express his truth, which he showcases in his most recent album, "The Hill."
21. Billy Currington & Kip Moore - July 25
Elmwood Park
Billy Currington has spent nearly twenty years topping the country charts, using his rich, emotion-filled tenor and keen songwriting talent to create some of the genre’s most memorable hits. He'll perform in concert with Kip Moore, who is also among music's most beloved artists, known for hits like "Something 'Bout a Truck," "Hey Pretty Girl," and "Beer Money." They will take the stage at Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke on July 25 as part of the Budweiser Summer Concert Series.
Billy Currington & Kip Moore Concert Details >
22. Everclear - July 25
Harvester Performance Center
Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2022, and founder, vocalist, and guitarist Art Alexakis has made it clear that he has no plans to slow down. Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a long career by any measure, with 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified Gold or Platinum.
23. Shrek the Musical | July 30 - August 10
Mill Mountain Theatre
Shrek, The Musical (Theatre for Young Audiences version), is a family-friendly adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, based on the beloved animated film. Join Shrek, a lovable ogre, on his quest to rescue Princess Fiona, who has a surprising secret of her own.
24. Summer Music Games - July 30
Salem Stadium
Head to Salem Stadium on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, for an unforgettable night of music and movement at the 2025 Summer Music Games. This exciting event features top drum and bugle corps from across the country performing powerful, high-energy shows in a captivating display of artistry and athleticism.
25. Salem Red Sox - Various Dates
Salem Memorial Ballpark
Cheer on the Salem Red Sox and enjoy a game at Salem Memorial Ballpark, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is often listed as one of the prettiest stadiums in minor league baseball. For dog lovers, several fun promo nights are planned for July, including Bark in the Park nights on July 19 and July 24, along with a Bluey-themed night on July 26.
Looking to learn more about what’s going on in Virginia’s Blue Ridge? Check us out on Social Media and sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter! You can also visit the Calendar of Events for a complete list of upcoming events.
