Top Family-Friendly Roanoke Valley Events in October 2026
GO Outside Festival, community movie nights, family fun runs and more across Roanoke, Salem and Botetourt this month
By Jeanne Lawrence
The leaves are changing and cooler temperatures are arriving, and fall is a perfect time to enjoy what our beautiful outdoors has to offer. The annual Carilion GO Outside Festival takes over Elmwood Park and Explore Park this October, along with community movie nights in Buchanan, the Salem Half Marathon kids fun run and the G.I.R.L. Construction Experience. We've gathered some exciting October events to share with you. Don't worry, you can also find all the amazing Fall Festivals around Southwest Virginia and lots of Halloween fun on our website.
Planning a pumpkin run or a corn maze afternoon too? Our Roanoke Valley pumpkin patch guide and our favorite corn mazes near Roanoke have you covered.
Before heading out, double-check dates and times, since schedules can change.
Accessible Roanoke Events In October
Special Needs Story House (ages 3-8)
Where: Fincastle Library
When: October 3, 2026, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
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Sensory Friendly Tuesdays
Where: Firehouse Skate 'N Play Family Fun Center
When: October 13, 2026, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Learn more
October Kid Events in Roanoke
Have little ones at home? Our guide to where Roanoke Valley parents take babies, toddlers and preschoolers has more ideas for any week of the year.
Family Music with Treble Makers Music
Where: Taubman Museum of Art
When: October 1 and October 8, 2026, 10:30 am to 11:00 am
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G.I.R.L. Construction Experience
Where: Branch Headquarters
When: October 10, 2026, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
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DIY Firefighting Plane
Where: Lowe's Home Improvement Stores
When: October 17, 2026, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Elmo's Got The Moves
Where: Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
When: October 21, 2026, 6:00 pm
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Roanoke Events for Tweens & Teens
Make Your Mark: Teen Writers Group
Where: Glenvar Library
When: October 8, 2026, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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Nature Lab: Public Lands
Where: Mill Mountain Discovery Center
When: Wednesdays, October 21 to November 18, 2026, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
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Date Night Out Ideas for Parents
Bourbon, Bubbly and Brew 2026
Where: The Patrick Henry Ballroom
When: October 3, 2026, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
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The R.E.A.L. Funny Comedy Festival
Where: The Spot on Kirk
When: October 9, 2026, 7:30 pm
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Star-B-Q
Where: Salem Farmers Market
When: October 21, 2026, 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
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Things that Go Bump in the Night Hike
Where: Natural Bridge State Park
When: October 24, 2026, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
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Community Events & Festivals in the Roanoke Valley
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Where: Downtown Roanoke
When: October 3, 2026, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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Savvy Swap Kids Consignment Sale
Where: Towers Shopping Center
When: October 8 to October 18, 2026
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Outdoor Family Game Night
Where: Camp Roanoke
When: October 9, 2026, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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BOCO Night Out
Where: Buchanan Town Park Carnival Grounds
When: October 9, 2026, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
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Daniel in The Lions' Den, Featuring Queen Esther
Where: Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
When: October 9, 2026, 6:30 pm
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LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run
Where: Downtown Salem
When: October 10, 2026, 8:00 am
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2026 Roanoke Heart Walk
Where: River's Edge Park North
When: October 10, 2026, 8:30 am
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Buchanan Movies in the Park
Where: Buchanan Town Park
When: October 10, 2026, 7:30 pm
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Crystal Spring Block Party
Where: The River and Rail
When: October 11, 2026, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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New Rescue Pup Meet and Greet
Where: Kids Square
When: October 12, 2026, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Carilion GO Outside Festival
Where: Elmwood Park and Explore Park
When: October 16 to 18, 2026
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Roanoke October Events FAQ
The Carilion GO Outside Festival runs October 16 to 18, 2026, at Elmwood Park and Explore Park.
Yes. Firehouse Skate 'N Play in Vinton holds Sensory Friendly Tuesdays, including October 13 from 5 to 6 pm. Fincastle Library hosts a Special Needs Story House for ages 3 to 8 on October 3.
The LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run is Saturday, October 10, 2026, in downtown Salem, starting at 8 am.
Already thinking about summer? VirginiaSummerCamp.com (https://virginiasummercamp.com/) is the Commonwealth's most comprehensive summer camp directory. And if you're headed to Charlottesville this month, our sister publication CharlottesvilleFamily (https://charlottesvillefamily.com/) has Central Virginia covered.
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