Roanoke Spring Events

Spring Events in Virginia's Blue Ridge

As we spring forward and the weather gets warmer, Virginia's Blue Ridge begins budding with unique signature events and festivals.

The Roanoke Region comes alive as the flora blooms, creating the perfect backdrop for a metro mountain adventure. Whether you are experiencing vibrant culture at Local Colors, running America's Toughest Road Marathon, or cheering for the RidgeYaks baseball team in Salem, you will savor every minute of your spring getaway in Virginia's Blue Ridge!

The following is a list of some of our most popular annual spring events in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Roanoke Arts Pop!  - March 6-8

More than 20 arts and culture organizations from across the region flock to the Taubman Museum of Art each spring to offer performances, demos, talks, and hands-on activities. This event is completely free, and it is the perfect family-friendly weekend full of art, science, technology, and more.

St. Patrick's Day Parade & Shamrock Festival - March 14

Roanoke was highlighted by Bustle as one of the 10 Best St. Patrick's Day Cities in the United States alongside other destinations such as Chicago, Savannah, and Boston. See what makes the holiday so special as you enjoy the parade and various parties at local restaurants and bars during the festival.

Salem RidgeYaks Baseball  - April - September

Cheer on the local baseball team in Virginia's Championship City during your next visit. Their home at the Salem Memorial Ballpark is surrounded by a stunning mountain backdrop and has been recognized as one of the best views in minor league baseball. Formerly the Salem Red Sox, the team's new identity embodies the spirit of the region - be sure to pick up some branded merchandise during your stay!

Down by Downtown Music Festival - April 16-19

Venue-hop over the course of four days in Downtown Roanoke as you listen to a variety of genres, from acoustic sets in intimate settings to national acts at the amphitheater in Elmwood Park. Find your new favorite artist at Freedom First's Down by Downtown Music Festival!

Blue Ridge Kite Festival - April 18

Head out to Green Hill Park for a Saturday packed with fun for the whole family, featuring thousands of colorful kites, food trucks, crafts, and activities.

Blue Ridge Marathon - April 18

Runners from all over America flock to Roanoke to challenge themselves at America's Toughest Road Race, which contains more elevation change than any other marathon in the country. Both participants and spectators can enjoy live music, food, and festivities in the center of the action at Elmwood Park, where the race starts and finishes.

Vinton Dogwood Festival - April 24-25

Experience all that the spring season has to offer at the oldest festival in Virginia's Blue Ridge. Watch the parade, listen to live music, check out the antique car show, and browse vendors at this community-focused celebration.

Buchanan Civil War History Weekend - April 24-26

Immerse yourself in history with full-scale battle reenactments, heritage craft demonstrations, and authentic camps demonstrating 19th-century life in the town of Buchanan.

Open Studios Tour - April 25-26

Get a unique opportunity to step inside the studios of local artists and experience their work and creative spaces firsthand. Meet sculptors, painters, jewelers, photographers, and more as you tour the place where their inspiration runs wild.

Roanoke Pride Festival  - April 26

Celebrate the area's LGBTQIA+ community with live entertainment, vendors, and interactive events that raise awareness. Spend the early weekend at the various kickoff parties in the Roanoke Region as you get ready for the downtown festival on Sunday.

Community School's Strawberry Festival - May 1-2

Say farewell to the spring season and welcome summer at the Strawberry Festival in Elmwood Park. Browse the artisan marketplace, enjoy live entertainment and fun children's activities, and eat your heart out with an impressive selection of handmade strawberry desserts.

Local Colors Festival - May 16

Travel around the globe without leaving downtown at Roanoke's premier multicultural outdoor festival with free admission! Eat food, watch performances, shop with vendors, and learn from community partners from all over the world.

Festival in the Park - May

Hang out in the city all weekend long as you listen to music on multiple stages featuring everything from local bands to national headliners. Bring the whole family during the day to explore the "Vendor Village" and dedicated family spaces, then enjoy the evening concerts that turn up the volume at the festival after dark.

Lebanese Festival - May 29-31

Venture into Downtown Roanoke and experience vibrant culture complete with traditional folk dancing, history displays, music, children's activities, and food. Eat your way through Lebanese dishes such as falafel, grilled lamb and beef kabobs, spinach feta rolls, and more. Don't forget to finish off the day with some homemade baklava!

Sidewalk Art Show - May 30-31

Indulge in the arts on the streets surrounding the Taubman Museum of Art with vendor tents bustling with one-of-a-kind pieces. Chat with the artists and shop original paintings, etchings, photographs, sculptures, and more.

This list of featured events is only a sampling of what happens in Virginia’s Blue Ridge during the spring. Check out our Calendar of Events for a complete list of what’s going on in the region, and don’t forget to subscribe to our e-newsletter for monthly updates and special features.