Top Family-Friendly Roanoke Events in August 2026

By Jeanne Lawrence

Wondering what to do in August? There are dozens of events for Roanoke Valley families happening all month long! From movie marathons for teens to art activities for toddlers, downtown festivals and date night ideas, we’ve rounded up our favorite local events happening in August.

Accessible Roanoke Events in August

Touch-a-Truck 2026
Where: Greenhill Park
When: August 8, 2026 • Sensory-Friendly Hour 9:00 – 10:00 am
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August Kid Events in Roanoke

Toddler Saturdays
Where: Firehouse Skate ‘N Play
When: Saturdays • 8:30 – 10:00 am
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Science Story Time
Where: Science Museum of Western Virginia
When: August 7 & 14, 2026 • 12:30 – 1:30 pm
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Touch-a-Truck 2026
Where: Greenhill Park
When: August 8, 2026 • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
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Q99’s Summer of Families & Fun with Kids Square
Where: Kids Square
When: August 8, 2026 • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Kids Day at Grand Home Furnishings
Where: Grand Home Furnishings
When: August 8, 2026 • 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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Kids’ Summer Matinee Series – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Where: The Grandin Theatre
When: August 14, 2026 • 10:00 am
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Movies in the Park – Elio 
Where: Kiwanis Park
When: August 21, 2026 • 7:00 pm 
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Kids’ Summer Matinee Series – Dora and the Lost City of Gold
Where: The Grandin Theatre
When: August 21 – 22, 2026 • 10:00 am
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Grandparent’s Day with AARP
Where: Virginia Museum of Transportation
When: August 22, 2026 • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Learn How to Sing! FREE CLASS with Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir
Where: Bethel Baptist Church
When: August 24, 2026 • 6:00 – 6:45 pm
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NINJA KIDZ Live: Infinite Possibilities 
Where: Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
When: August 27, 2026 • 6:30 pm
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Roanoke Events for Tweens and Teens

Teen Game Club
Where: Roanoke Public Library
When: Tuesdays • 4:15 – 8:00 pm
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Board Game Night
Where: Mishap Games
When: First & Third Saturdays • 6:00 – 10:00 pm
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Big Lick Comic Con – Summer Celebration Roanoke
Where: Berglund Center
When: August 8 – 9, 2026 •  Saturday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
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August Community Events in Roanoke

Salem Distance Run
Where: Longwood Park
When: August 8, 2026 • 8:00 am
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Celebration of African Cultures
Where: Harrison Museum of African American Culture
When: August 8, 2026 • 12:00  – 4:00 pm
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Music on the Mountain
Where: Mill Mountain Discovery Center
When: August 9, 2026 • 5:00 – 7:00 pm
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International Wolf Day
Where: Mill Mountain Zoo
When: August 15, 2026 • All Day
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Free Art Venture Community Day
Where: Taubman Museum of Art
When: August 15, 2026 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Festival of India
Where: Elmwood Park Amphitheatre
When: August 15, 2026 • 4:00 – 8:00 pm
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Breakfast with the Fish Eaters
Where: Mill Mountain Zoo
When: August 22, 2026 • 9:00 – 11:00 am
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SWVA Bee Festival
Where: Elmwood Park
When: August 22, 2026 • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Nitro Circus 2.0
Where: Salem Memorial Ballpark
When: August 27, 2026 • 7:00 pm
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Insect Fest at Explore Park
Where: Explore Park Visitor Center Courtyard
When: August 29, 2026 • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Local Summer Saturdays – Free Admission for Residents
Where: Roanoke History & O. Winston Link Museums
When: August 29, 2026 • All Day
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2026 Roanoke Taco Fest
Where: Elmwood Park
When: August 29, 2026 • 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
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August Date Night Out

Delta Dental Party in Elmwood
Where: Elmwood Park Amphitheater
When: Thursdays • 5:00 – 8:30 pm
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Brew at the Zoo
Where: Mill Mountain Zoo
When: August 7, 2026 • 5:00 – 8:00 pm
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Mingle at the Market
Where: Vinton Farmers’ Market
When: August 8 & 22, 2026 • 7:00 – 10:00 pm
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Pickin’ in the Park
Where: Longwood Park
When: August 15, 2026 • 5:30 – 8:30 pm
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Sunset Kayaking 
Where: Carvins Cove Boat Landing
When: August 24, 2026 • 6:00 – 8:00 pm
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Salem After Five featuring Frequency
Where: Salem Farmers’ Market
When: August 28, 2026 • 5:00 – 9:00 pm
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Everything Families Need in Southwest Virginia

Looking for more? RoanokeFamily is the Roanoke Valley’s local guide for parents. Explore our schools and education guide, family health resources, Family Fun events and things to do, and Home & Garden ideas, all written by and for families who live here. Just moved to the valley? Our moving to Roanoke guide will help you settle in. Heading east for a weekend? Our sister publication’s Charlottesville family fun guide covers Central Virginia.