The Roanoke Valley has no shortage of festivals and parades during the warmer months. Whether you're an attendee, a vendor, or a performer, there are countless ways to be a part of these exciting events:
🌵 Wednesdays: Mid-Week Market // Golden Cactus // "Our Mid-Week Markets are the perfect opportunity for new and small businesses to showcase their work, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and make some sales in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere." // goldencactusbrewing@gmail.com ↝
🎹 Apr 10–13: Down by Downtown // "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." ↝
🪁 Apr 19: Blue Ridge Kite Festival // Green Hill Park // A free festival with kite demos, crafts and activities, and food and craft vendors. "We will fill the sky with thousands of colorful kites, and a fantastic family atmosphere." ↝
🌎 Apr 19: Roanoke Earth Day Celebration // Historic Grandin Village // "Join us at Green Hill Park for the 24th annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival. We will fill the sky with thousands of colorful kites, and a fantastic family atmosphere." ↝
🏳️🌈 Apr 27: Pride in the Park // Elmwood Park // The 33rd annual celebration will include "top-notch entertainment, 70+ vendors, and plenty more." ↝
🍓 May 2 & 3: Strawberry Festival // Community School // "Over 40 years ago, parents at Community School went in search of a fundraiser to help keep tuition costs down. Their decision to create an event to celebrate the strawberry has culminated in a beloved yearly event that draws over 20,000 attendees." ↝
🌼 May 10: Daisy Art Parade // Downtown Roanoke // The Daisy Parade is an annual family-friendly event celebrating Roanoke's art, community, and culture. It eschews business-sponsored floats in favor of creative handmade costumes and moving sculptures. This year's will take place on May 10 and will travel around several blocks downtown before ending at the Henrietta Lacks Plaza. ↝
💃 May 17: Local Colors Festival // Elmwood Park // "Local Colors celebrates global diversity and promotes inclusion, equity, and multicultural understanding...attendees experience cuisine, performances, and displays from around the world." ↝
🎷 May 23–25: Festival in the Park // Elmwood Park // "Four stages, three days of incredible music!" ↝
🖼️ May 31–June 1: Sidewalk Art Show // Taubman Museum // "Hosted on the streets immediately surrounding the Museum, this annual event has become one of Southwest Virginia’s most anticipated events...All of the works exhibited are for sale including original paintings, prints, watercolors, etchings, mixed media, fine art photographs, fine crafts, and sculpture." ↝
🔮 June 6–8: Body Mind Spirit Fest // Unity of Roanoke Valley // "Immerse yourself in a wellness wonderland like no other!" Explore a variety of vendors offering intuitive readings, jewelry, essential oils, crystals, and more. Enjoy live music, drinks, presentations, labyrinth walks, and the Love Offering Metaphysical Book Sale. ↝
🏕️ June 13–15: Noke Fest // Garrett Farms // "Born from a love for the region, NokeFest’s mission is to create a space where people can connect with music, art, and the great outdoors." ↝
🪕 July 23–27: Floydfest // Festival Park, Check // "Vendor selections are made based on diversity of ideas, educational offerings and sense of community. Positive interaction with attendees through imaginative and interactive educational displays, activities and discourse are encouraged." ↝
☕️ Mar–Dec: Vinton RND Coffee Weekend Markets // "The third Saturday of every month, March through December, we’re gonna host other local small businesses in our Vinton cafe to showcase the amazing local talents right here in the Roanoke Valley!" // jes@roanokecoffee.com ↝
🌻 September: Sunflower Festival // Beaver Dam Farm, Buchanan // Since 2016, the festival offers fresh flowers and beautiful views along with "hay wagon rides, a farm animal petting area, over 120 unique hand made craft and food vendors, photo booths and live music." ↝