Summer seems to end earlier every year, but we have to admit, we love Fall in our region! The cooler temps and a plethora of family friendly events are things we look forward to every year. We've rounded up some of the top Fall Festivals for you to plan ahead for family fun! Save the date for these family friendly fall festivals in Virginia's Blue Ridge!
Roanoke Taco Fest (August 29, 2026)
Experience Roanoke's favorite tacos in one place! An array of tacos and beverages will be available for purchase from local favorites like El Gordo’s Kitchen, Birriera La Vaca, CharLee Tropical Ice, Pink Lemonade, and more! Taco lovers will have the chance to vote for "People's BEST Taco." Taco Fest also offers Live Music and Performances, a Kids Zone featuring a foam party, bubbles, and more. Plus, there will be nonprofits, small businesses, and other vendors to visit. Children under 12 are free! Taco Fest benefits Huddle Up Moms, a Roanoke-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering mothers through education, connection, and support.
Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival (September 11 - 20, 2026)
Celebrating it's 9th year this September, activities consist of hay wagon rides, a farm animal petting area, over 115 unique hand made craft and food vendors, photo booths and live music. During the weekdays, field trip opportunities for preschoolers, senior citizens and special needs kids and adults are offered. In addition to ever popular catered sunset dinners in the sunflowers and goat yoga. There is something for everyone!
Boones Mill Apple Festival (September 12, 2026)
Enjoy a wide array of fantastic vendors and exhibitors, a full day of live musical performances from local favorites, a tractor pull, informative demonstrations and interactive educational opportunities, kids' entertainment, and a wealth of treats and foods sure to delight. New this year! Enjoy live music on Friday evening to kick off the festival. All funds from this celebration will be dedicated to Healing Strides of Boones Mill, Virginia!
Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival (September 19 - November 1, 2026)
Celebrating its 34th year, the award winning Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival has something for everyone. Admission includes hayrides, several games and activities for the kids, like the super slide and petting the farm animals. There are also food trucks, vendors and live music. The last weekend of the festival features a regional wine festival. Stay connected to Macaroni KID Roanoke for a chance to win a family pass to the festival!
Henry Street Heritage Festival (September 19, 2026)
The Henry Street Heritage Festival is a community event presenting an array of diverse regional and national live entertainment, educational forums, and exposure to African-American heritage as expressed through the performing arts, crafts, cuisines, customs, merchandise, art, and children’s activities.
Roanoke Greek Festival (September 25-27, 2026)
One of our favorate food festivals will look a little different this year. You'll be able to get your mousakka, pastichio, spanakopita and more at the Big Greek Drive Thru at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in September.
Olde Dominion Fantasy & Medieval Faire (September 27-28, 2026)
New event for the region, hosted by Wind Vinyards at Smith Mountain Lake. The event will feature comedy, crusader knights and themed entertainment for all ages. The fabled theme, The Legend of the Grail, will transport you to a world of chivalry, magic, and destiny.
Local Colors Hispanic Month Celebration (October 3, 2026)
The Local Colors 6th annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration is a free, family friendly event that spotlights the rich cultures of Latin America and recognizes the positive contributions of the Latino community in our area. This 4 hour event features dance and live music performances, educational segments, storytelling, and more. Vendor booths will be present with a diversity of Latin American cuisine, artisan crafts, Latino owned businesses, and community services.
GO Fest Go Outside Festival (October 16-18, 2026)
An annual three-day celebration of everything outdoors in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The GO Outside Festival is a collaboration between Roanoke Outside Foundation and Roanoke Parks and Recreation. With two distinct locations (Basecamp and Adventure Outpost), this isn’t your ordinary sit-in-your-seat kind of festival – you’re encouraged to get involved. Wander through Roanoke, in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, for three days to try your hand at endless outdoor activities. Here, you can test drive a bike, demo a stand-up paddleboard, learn to fly cast, join a race, and sample craft beer all in one afternoon. Explore the world of outdoor sports when you watch inspiring outdoor films or take in a pro-athlete show. Discover a community of enthusiasts for virtually any outdoor passion and find yourself at home in the Roanoke region’s outdoors. Macaroni KID Roanoke will be sharing the parents guide to GO Fest, you don't want to miss out on this fall tradition!
Blue Ridge Folklife Festival (October 24, 2026)
Celebrating its 53rd year! On the fourth Saturday of October, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has presented musicians, moonshiners, craftspeople, cooks, motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, coon dog racers, antique tractor buffs, and old-time gamers for a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region.
Covering much of the Ferrum College campus and the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum’s living history farm museum, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has something for everyone. It’s a family friendly affair. Rain or shine, the festival will go on. As always, parking is free. Proceeds from the festival help to fund the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum and all of its programs.
