We are fortunate to have so many free and inexpensive fairs and festivals in Roanoke, Virginia to attend from April through October! We've compiled a list of some of our favorites here so you can plan ahead and save the dates.
April 15, 2023
Blue Ridge Kite Festival is hosted each spring at Explore Park. Thousands of kites fill the air, including really BIG kites from the Richmond Kite Club. There are always lots of activities for kids, vendors, and food trucks. https://roanokecountyparks.com/365/Kite-Festival-April
April 20-23rd, 2023
Down by Downtown
Down by Downtown celebrates music for 4 days at 11 different venues in Downtown Roanoke and coincides with the Blue Ridge Marathon each year. Performances include a variety of genres from acoustic sets in intimate settings, to rock concerts at outdoor breweries, to funk and reggae shows at local venues, to national acts in Elmwood amphitheater. Many events are free; check with each venue for details. https://downbydowntown.com/
April 29th
The Vinton Dogwood Festival
The festival features an annual parade, over 90 vendors featuring handmade crafts and Business Showcase, Friday night concert, festival entertainment stages, antique car show, crowning of the Dogwood Festival Queen and presentation of court, free Kids’ Zone, free Teen Space, street entertainment and virtual reality area. For additional information visit www.vintondogwoodfest.com.
May 5th and 6th
The Roanoke Strawberry Festival is in it's 43rd year as Community School's primary fundraiser. The event is held the first weekend of May in
Elmwood Park and is free to attend. In addition to delicious berry desserts, there are kids activities, and tons of artisan vendors.
www.strawberryfestivalroanoke.org
May 20th
Local Colors Festival, Elmwood Park
Local Colors is one of our family's favorite events! It's fascinating that our community is home to over 96 nationalities, many of them are represented in the Procession of Nations. The event is a great place to learn about our neighbors cultural heritages and the food is amazing. There are many activities to keep the kids busy and edutained. We wish it was a 3 day event so we could eat there more than once! https://localcolors.org/events/2023-local-colors-festival
May 26th
Festival in the Park, Elmwood Park
Festival in the Park has also been hosted for decades and brings a lot of Family Fun! There are many performances, activities, and events for kids and adults alike. For the kids, the best petting zoo around, performances on their own stage, arts and crafts, small games, inflatables and bouncy houses, Friends from PBS Kids, and a huge playground. I've always enjoyed The Beatles Tribute show. https://www.roanokefestival.com/index.php
June 28th- July 9th
The Salem Fair
A regionally based agricultural fair in the western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Salem Fair is the largest fair in the state and has been recognized as one of the top 100 fairs and expositions in the country that brings in an estimated attendance of 350,000. The fair is free to enter and wristbands or tickets are available for the rides and games. There is music, and extensive expo, tons of free shows, and of course some of the best fair food. https://www.salemfair.com/
July 3rd-8th
Buchanan Community Carnival
The Buchanan 4th of July Celebration featuring Cole Rides is a true community celebration. This is our favorite fair to attend, with it's hometown feel, smaller crowds, plenty of thrills of a large carnival but with the welcoming touch and amenities of an amusement park. Guests coming to The Buchanan 4th of July Celebration will experience Cole Rides’ variety of rides from the thrilling Brute to the family friendly Merry Go Round. There are rides for all age groups, fun games, great music, and delicious fair food. We also highly recommend the hand cut fries with vinegar that supports the fire department.
July 15th-29th
The Sinkland Farms Sunflower Festival features 8 acres of sunflower fields, with over 200,000 blooms, and 20 different varieties of flowers. Just like Sinkland's Pumpkin Festival, the Sunflower Festival is becoming a summer family tradition. While our sunflowers will be the star of the show, we will have 3 weekends jam-packed with kids activities, music, food, and fun you won’t want to miss. Enjoy all the festivities at Sinkland Sunflower Festival, unlike any other!
July 14th-16th
Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is a series of events that pop up all around Smith Mountain Lake. From Breakfast with Pirates to Mermaid Camp, Live Performances, Cannon demos, and a marketplace at Crazy Horse Marina- it's a great way to spend the day or weekend at Smith Mountain Lake. smlpiratedays.com
August 11th - 12th
Botetourt County Fair.
Come out and enjoy all that Botetourt County Agriculture, 4-H and FFA has to offer: 4-H and FFA Youth Livestock Show, Draft Horse Pull, Agriculture Demonstrations, Traditional Fair Contests Open to ALL: Baked/Canned Goods, Produce, Woodworking, Photography, Fine Arts, Needlework/Sewing/Quilting, Eggs, Crops/Hay, Food Vendors, Kids Corral: Inflatables, Mechanical Bull, Agriculture activities & more!
August 26th
Roanoke Wing Fest
Roanoke’s largest one-day food festival is back celebrating 14 years of deliciousness! Join us on Saturday August 26th for the 14th annual Roanoke Wing Fest featuring great live music, tons of wing vendors, children's activities, contests and more throughout the day!
