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:

🌳 Nov 1: 4th Annual Gingko Festival // Century Plaza // "Celebrating the oldest tree on earth." Enjoy live music, children's activities, and sculptures honoring Roanoke's sister cities. // free ↝

🏮 Nov 1: Fall Harvest Festival of Light // Morningside Urban Farm // "This event will feature creative activities and performances centered around light as a symbol of hope and healing. Join in a shared ceremony of release and renewal with the Burden Boat, an interactive art piece by Kurt Steger that will travel from Carilion's Roanoke Memorial Hospital to the farm." // free ↝

🎁 Nov 11–13: Stocked Market // Berglund Center // As the local Junior League's biggest fundraiser of the year, your ticket purchase helps fund grants for local nonprofits and projects in the Roanoke area. Browse aisles and aisles of holiday gifts and decor from area and nationwide vendors! // $10 adv. $12 day of ↝

🎄 Nov 22–Jan 4: Illuminights // Explore Park // "Wander a half-mile wooded trail filled with over 650,000 dazzling lights, new themes, and festive fun for the whole family. While you’re here, shop for presents in our artisan market, roast marshmallows around the campfire, and enjoy a visit from Santa on select nights." Bonus: leashed pets are welcome on the trail. // $18 adult, $8 child ↝

🎅 Dec 5, 12, &19: Dickens of a Christmas // Downtown Roanoke // On the first three Fridays of December, enjoy live music and Victorian carolers, seasonal treats from local vendors, a parade (Dec 12), pet costume contest, and the Christmas tree lighting. // free ↝

☃️ Dec 6: Grandin WinterFest // Grandin Village // Take pictures with Santa, explore the children's area, warm up with cocoa, and sing along to holiday tunes while you cross your Christmas list with local vendors. Don't forget to break out your ugly sweaters for this year's contest! // free ↝