The Roanoke Valley and its neighbors have 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:

🎻 Aug 9: Sedaliafest // Sedalia Center - Big Island // "Join us at the scenic Counter Ridge Stage for an unforgettable evening of bluegrass, fresh air, and a beautifully prepared farm-to-table FEAST." // 25+ ↝

🫶🏿 Aug 16: Warren Street Festival // Rocky Mount Farmers Market // "25 years of celebrating black history, culture, community, & legacy. This year’s festival will be like never before, filled with family fun, a car show, history, and community." // free ↝

🇮🇳 Aug 16: Festival of India // Elmwood Park // "Join us for a mesmerizing journey into the vibrant culture and traditions of India, as we celebrate the Festival of India! Immerse yourself in an extravaganza of colors, music, dance, cuisine, and delightful festivities, right here in Roanoke." // free ↝

🪘 Aug 23: Celebration of African Culture // Countryside Park // "This outdoor fair will feature performances, artisan crafts, cuisine, fashion, and more. Come out and experience the rich vibrancy of African cultures. Bring a chair! Expect to hear lots of drumming." // free ↝

🌻 Sep TBA: 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." ↝

🇬🇷 Sep 26–28: Roanoke Greek Festival // Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church // A foodie's dream with "authentic Greek delicacies available including: Pastichio, Moussaka, Dolmades, Tiropita, Spanakopita, Greek Salad, Gyro, Greek Fries, Baklava, Galaktoboureko and Greek Wines. Bring your appetite!" ↝

🏋 Sep 27: Star City Strongfest // Elmwood Park // "Participate in healing arts like yoga, visit health & wellness vendors, experience sports demos, test your strength with challenges and win prizes with the Scavenger Hunt (open to all ages)! Enjoy some yummy food from on-site vendors while watching free amateur and professional Strongman competitions on the stage featuring some of the strongest athletes from around the world." ↝

🏳️‍🌈 Oct 11: SWVA Pridefest // Salem Civic Center // "Thousands will gather at the Salem Civic Center to celebrate the many things that bring us all together! Come browse more than one hundred vendors, see a variety of first-class performances, enjoy lots of delicious food, take part in activities for all ages, and meet new friends!" // free ↝