Roanoke Annual Events

Annual Events in Virginia's Blue Ridge

There are certain events in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge that hold a special place on the calendar every year.

While the region hosts a variety of celebrations, festivals, concerts and much more throughout the year, we also have numerous annual events that have become synonymous with Virginia's Blue Ridge.

We kick off the spring season with the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival, a celebration that has earned Roanoke the reputation of being one of the best cities in the U.S. to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Runners from around the world visit every April to challenge themselves at the Blue Ridge Marathon - America's Toughest Road Marathon. Music lovers make their way to the Roanoke Valley in May for Festival in the Park. Every summer, families flock to the fun and entertainment of the Salem Fair.

We also enjoy challenging competitions in the summer such as the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge Triathlon, USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships, and Virginia's Blue Ridge GO Cross Cyclocross Race.

Foodies enjoy food & drink delights at the Strawberry Festival, Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, and the Roanoke Wing Fest.

The Concerts by Canoe series at Philpott Lake in Franklin County is an annual summer celebration of live music and the outdoors.

In September, experience the beautiful blooms of the Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival - the largest sunflower festival on the East Coast.

Outdoor adventurers come together every October for the Roanoke GO Outside Festival.

We celebrate our unique culture and heritage every fall with Olde Salem Days and the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival.

And everyone joins in the holiday spirit with the Dickens of a Christmas festival every December and the incredible Illuminights holiday light display at Explore Park.

Below is a list of our popular annual events in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

You can also see our full list of events by viewing our main Calendar of Events.

Spring Events in Virginia's Blue Ridge

• Blue Ridge Kite Festival
• St. Patrick's Day Parade & Shamrock Festival
• Vinton Dogwood Festival
• Historic Garden Week
• Franklin County Moonshine Heritage Month (April)
• Open Studios Roanoke
• Community School's Strawberry Festival
• Local Colors
• Pigg River Ramble Weekend
• Blue Ridge Marathon
• Pride in the Park
• Down by Downtown Music Festival
• Salem Red Sox Baseball

Summer Events in Virginia's Blue Ridge

• Salem Fair
• Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge
• Star City Motor Madness Car and Truck Show
• Taubman Museum of Art Sidewalk Art Show
• USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships
• Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days
• Franklin County Court Days
• Peaks of Otter Winery Horse & Hound Wine Festival
• Buchanan Community Carnival
• SWVA Antique Farm Days
• Green Hill Highland Games
• T-Rex Trail - Explore Park
• Star City Arts Festival
• Juneteenth Celebration
• Festival in the Park
• Roanoke Wing Fest
• Concerts by Canoe
• Troutville Trail Days
• Festival of India
• Virginia's Blue Ridge GO Cross Cyclocross Race

Fall Events in Virginia's Blue Ridge

• Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival
• Olde Salem Days
• Franklin County Agricultural Fair
• Henry Street Festival
• Virginia's Blue Ridge Gran Fondo
• Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
• Mountain Magic in Fall Festival
• Blue Ridge Folklife Festival
• GO Outside Festival
• Open Studios Botetourt
• Salem Half Marathon
• Boones Mill Apple Festival
• Blue Ridge Nightmares
• CIAA Football Championship

Holiday & Winter Events in Virginia's Blue Ridge

• Illuminights
• Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas
• Fashions for Evergreens
• Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail
• Elmwood On Ice
• Dickens of a Christmas
• The Nutcracker Ballet
• Train Lover's Day
• Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Hockey
• Winterfest Beach Bash
• Big Lick NYE Downtown Countdown
• Roanoke Arts Pop
• Restaurant Week
• Ice Bumper Cars
• Lunar New Year Celebration

Header photo: Concerts by Canoe at Philpott Lake in Franklin County - photo courtesy of Matt Ross - Franklin County Parks & Recreation