Family Festivals
Our running list of the valley's annual festivals and events covers the rest of the year.
Fall Festivals in the Roanoke Valley: Every Date Worth Circling This Season
By Cathy Garland
Olde Salem Days on September 12, GO Fest downtown in October, Zoo Boo up on Mill Mountain, and the farm weekends in between, with drive times from downtown Roanoke.
You can feel the season turn at the City Market before you see it anywhere else. One Saturday the vendors have apples where the tomatoes were, somebody's selling mums out of a truck bed, and the kids stop asking about the splash pad.
Fall in the Roanoke Valley moves fast once it gets here. Between Salem, Vinton, Botetourt County, and downtown Roanoke, there's a fun weekend waiting to be booked from Labor Day weekend into early November, and the most popular events can fill their parking lots before 10 a.m.
To build this guide, we gathered the official 2026 dates from event organizers and asked 14 families across Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, and Botetourt County about the fall traditions they return to each year. We combined those insights with our own family's favorite outings to create this roundup. Whenever organizers had published 2026 dates, we've included them. If a date hasn't been announced yet, we've clearly noted that rather than guessing. Drive times are approximate and measured from Center in the Square.
Roanoke Valley Fall Festivals: Quick Answers
Fall festival season in the Roanoke Valley typically begins around the second weekend of September, with Olde Salem Days kicking things off on September 12, 2026.
In the weeks that follow, the Botetourt County farm festivals open their gates, and the region's autumn calendar quickly fills with harvest celebrations, craft fairs, pumpkin patches, and community events.
The largest fall festival in Roanoke is the Anthem GO Outside Festival (GO Fest), which runs October 16 to 18, 2026, at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke and Explore Park.
Elmwood Park serves as the festival's Basecamp, while Explore Park hosts the Adventure Outpost. Each location offers its own schedule of activities, so it's worth checking the official event calendar before you go. GO Fest is free to attend, attracts around 40,000 visitors, and is built for kids as much as adults. Lots of free swag from vendors and sponsors makes it a favorite for any outdoorsy family!
Jeter Farm in Botetourt County and Layman Family Farms in Blue Ridge are two of the Roanoke Valley's best-known pumpkin patch and fall festival destinations, each about 20 minutes from downtown Roanoke.
Layman Family Farms is known for its huge variety of family attractions, including a giant corn maze, hayrides, cow train, apple cannon, zipline, giant slides, Birdhouse Village, and one of our favorite toddler attractions in the region: the giant Corn Crib. Jeter Farm offers many of the same fall favorites, including corn mazes, hayrides, giant slides, a jump pad, zipline, corn box, toys for the littles, and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. (Pumpkin cannon shots are sold separately but are oh so satisfying!) Admission varies by date and whether tickets are purchased online or at the gate. Children ages 2 and under are free. Jeter Farm admission is $15. Layman Family Farms typically offers discounted online tickets, including a preseason Fall Flash Sale. Some attractions require an additional fee.
Yes. GO Fest, the Vinton Fall Festival (October 10, 2026), and Olde Salem Days are all free to attend, and the Historic Roanoke City Market costs nothing to wander.
The Historic Roanoke City Market has a festive feel throughout the fall and is open year-round except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Planning multiple trips to hear local musicians and pick up fresh produce has become one of our favorite family traditions. We like giving our kids a few dollars to choose fruits or vegetables for the whole family to cook together and eat (or at least try!).
A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is another free way to enjoy the season, and parking is free at the Mill Mountain Star, where you'll also find a wonderful playground and walking trail. Finally, many local churches and ministries host free fall festivals almost every weekend, complete with bounce houses, games, and enough candy to keep the kids happily sugared up but sleeping great that night.
September Fall Festivals in the Roanoke Valley
Franklin County Agricultural Fair
September 2-5, 2026 | Rocky Mount, Franklin County | 35-minute drive
The Franklin County Agricultural Fair will be held September 2-5, 2026, in Rocky Mount, Franklin County, which is about a 35-minute drive south of downtown Roanoke. Parking is free.
A proper agricultural fair, which around here means livestock shows, tractor shows, historical agriculture exhibits, a local beauty pageant, live music, good food vendors, and a midway. If your kids have never seen a 4-H showmanship class, this is where that happens. It’s a full four days, so there's usually one that fits our family’s schedule.
Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival
September 11-20, 2026 | Buchanan, Botetourt County | 25-minute drive
The Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival will run on the weekends from September 11–20, 2026, in Buchanan, Botetourt County, about a 25-minute drive north of downtown Roanoke.
The farm's been in the same family since 1900, first a tomato cannery, then a dairy, and today it's known for the 20 acres of black oil sunflowers planted back in 2015 that turned into a full-blown festival. Weekends bring hay wagon rides, a farm animal petting area, live music, and more than 115 craft and food vendors, and weekdays open up field trips for preschoolers, seniors, and kids and adults with special needs. There's even a catered sunset dinner out in the sunflowers, and goat yoga if that's more your family's speed.
Olde Salem Days
September 12, 2026 | Downtown Salem | 15-minute drive
This year, Olde Salem Days will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Families walk through downtown Salem stores and browse vendor tables along Main Street. Salem is about 15 minutes from downtown Roanoke. Parking and closed streets are possibly the trickiest part of this excursion unless you know your way around town.
The Rotary Club of Salem has hosted this business-boosting event since 1982, and it's a handmade-only show, so what's on the tables is genuinely made by the person standing behind them. Add classic cars, live music, and a food court, and it's a walkable morning with a stroller. Main Street closes early, starting around 5:30 p.m., along with a stretch of side streets, so plan to park a few blocks out and walk in. The event is rain or shine.
Healing Strides Apple Festival in Boones Mill
September 12, 2026 | Boones Mill, Franklin County | 25-minute drive
The Healing Strides Apple Festival in Boones Mill will be held September 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Boones Mill, Franklin County. This year, they’ve added a second day, Friday, September 11, 2026, featuring the Apple Smash Concert by Supa Fly 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission for Saturday is free, but the Friday concert is $5 per person. Downtown Boones Mill is about 25 minutes south of downtown Roanoke. This lands the same Saturday as Olde Salem Days, so you'll be picking one.
This festival features live music, tractor pulls, vendors, and demonstrations, and all proceeds benefit Healing Strides of Virginia. Parents will love the small-town scale, which makes it an easy first festival for kids who get overwhelmed by crowds.
35th Annual Henry Street Heritage Festival
September 19, 2026 | Center in the Square
The 35th Annual Henry Street Heritage Festival, hosted by the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, will be held September 19, 2026, starting at 2 PM. It’s within walking distance of Center in the Square. Parking lots and garages fill quickly, so get there a bit early and grab a spot. Highly recommend picnic blankets or stadium cushions if you plan to listen to the live music on the amphitheater steps.
This celebration of African American heritage features performing arts, storytelling, crafts, food, and local tradition, with a talent show that draws real neighborhood turnout and a dessert contest we'd gladly volunteer to judge. Easy to fold into a downtown Saturday: park, grab lunch at a local bakery or restaurant, then stay until dark. The event is free from 12-5, but tickets are required for the En Vogue concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are not yet on sale, but you can join the waitlist to be notified so you don’t miss out!
Rocky Mount Fest
September 19, 2026 | Rocky Mount, Franklin County | 40-minute drive
Rocky Mount Fest will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, in downtown Rocky Mount, about 40 minutes south of downtown Roanoke. Admission is free.
This one's a full day of live music across downtown, with a lineup of local and regional bands playing from morning into the evening, plus food vendors and a DORA zone where you can grab a drink from a local spot and wander the festival with it. Parking downtown fills up fast, so plan to use the free shuttle running from Franklin County High School or Schewels Plaza instead of hunting for a spot. Bring a chair, skip the cooler, coolers aren't allowed, and settle in for a day of hopping between stages and grabbing bites from Rocky Mount's own restaurants.
Layman Family Farms' Fall Festival
September 19 - November 1, 2026 | Blue Ridge | 20-minute drive
Layman Family Farms' Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch runs September 19 through November 1, 2026, in Blue Ridge, about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Roanoke.
Layman Family Farms packs dozens of activities into a single visit: pick pumpkins, explore the corn maze, ride the cow train and hayride, meet farm animals, race down the mega slide, soar on the zipline, fire the apple cannon, wander through Birdhouse Village, and let younger children play in the giant Corn Crib, one of my own toddler’s favorites until he outgrew it. Live music is offered on weekends, and you'll also find seasonal food, desserts, flower fields (while they last), and plenty of family photo opportunities throughout the farm.
Admission varies by date and whether tickets are purchased online or at the gate. Children ages 2 and under are free, and the farm typically offers discounted online tickets, including a preseason Fall Flash Sale. Some attractions, such as the apple cannon, require an additional fee.
Local Parent Tip: Plan to spend at least half a day here. Arrive early if you're visiting on a weekend, especially during October, and don't forget a wagon if you have little ones. Between the pumpkin patch, play areas, and attractions, it's easy for young children to stay happily busy for hours.
35th Annual Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival
September 19 - November 1, 2026 | Christiansburg | 40-minute drive
The 35th Annual Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival returns September 19 through November 1, 2026, inviting families to experience one of Virginia's most beloved fall traditions. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Christiansburg, Virginia, about 40 minutes southwest of downtown Roanoke, the festival combines pumpkins, sunflowers, hayrides, an award-winning corn maze, live music, local artisans, food trucks, and family-friendly attractions into an unforgettable autumn experience.
New for 2026, Sinkland Farms proudly presents America's Harvest Celebration, a season-long tribute to 250 years of American agriculture, family traditions, and rural heritage. Throughout the festival, guests will experience America's Harvest Celebration through the traditions of farm life, live music, seasonal activities, local artisans, delicious food, and the simple joys of gathering with family and friends to celebrate the harvest season.
Sinkland Farms has become our yearly fall tradition. There is something for the whole family. There is so much to do! It's nice to just spend the day and watch the kids play.
— Melissa C., Salem mom to two boys under 10SWVA Pride Fest 2026
September 26, 2026 | Salem | 15-minute drive
The 4th Annual Southwest Virginia Pride Fest will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center, about 15 minutes from downtown Roanoke. Admission is free.
This year's theme, Together We Rise, brings a full day of vendors, food, live entertainment, and drag performances to Salem, with a dedicated family zone offering activities built specifically for kids. It's a rain-or-shine event, and is community-driven and open to all ages.
Fincastle Fall Festival
September 26, 2026 | Fincastle, Botetourt County | 30-minute drive
The Fincastle Fall Festival will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Fincastle, Botetourt County, about 30 minutes north of downtown Roanoke.
This festival welcomes more than forty local artists and crafters, food vendors, children's activities, and classic cars, with musicians playing in Courthouse Square and the historic buildings open for a look inside. Revolutionary-era reenactors and local historians usually turn out too, which makes this an easy one to justify, especially if you’ve got a kid who thinks history is boring. This festival has a small-town feel, easy parking, and everything done by mid-afternoon, just in time for a nap.
Fifth Annual Botetourt County Honey Festival
September 26, 2026 | Buchanan, Botetourt County | 35-minute drive
The Botetourt County Honey Festival returns Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. at Buchanan Town Park, 485 Lowe Street, Buchanan, VA, about a 35-minute drive north of downtown Roanoke.
This one draws a real crowd for a day built around honey, beekeeping, and everything else that goes into local agriculture. Wander the vendor market for local honey, handmade goods, and farm products, then grab something from a food truck while the kids loose themselves on the hands-on activities scattered throughout. Live music plays somewhere in the background the whole time. Local beekeepers are on hand too, happy to talk pollinators with anyone curious enough to ask.
SML Wine Festival
September 26-27, 2026 | Smith Mountain Lake, Franklin County | 45-minute drive
The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will be held September 26–27, 2026, at Bernard's Landing, Smith Mountain Lake, about an 45 minutes southeast of downtown Roanoke. Gates open at 11 a.m. both days.
Now in its latest year, the festival draws more than 10,000 people to sample wines from across Virginia, browse craft vendors, and catch two full days of live music right on the water. Taster tickets run $50, with a two-day pass at $90, and a non-taster/designated driver ticket available for $20 if you're along for the scenery rather than the wine. VIP tickets at $150 get you into a private tent with food, wine, and better bathrooms.
Jeter Farm Fall Festival and Country Store
September 26 - November 1, 2026 | Botetourt County | 20-minute drive
This festival usually opens late September, continuing each weekend into November. The farm and country store are located at 181 Blue Ridge Boulevard, at the Botetourt line, about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Roanoke.
Jeter Farm is a fifth-generation family farm, and the name that comes up most when Roanoke Valley parents talk about fall. A small general admission fee includes corn mazes, jump pad, zipline, hayrides, giant slides, a cornbox and toys for the littles, a pick-your-own patch, and more. (Pumpkin cannon shots each sold separately but oh so satisfying!). The Country Store has cider, kettle corn, and Virginia-grown everything, and on weekends they grill hamburgers and hot dogs. Pumpkins are sold separately. In recent seasons, admission ran $15 per person, with ages two and under free. Tickets are sold on-site only, and cash is best. You may also want to plan time to stop in at the farm stands on the way home.
Local Parent Tip: Service gets thin out that way and the pumpkin field isn't the place to discover your card won't read.
October Fall Festivals in and Around Roanoke
Bent Mountain Fall Festival
October 3, 2026 | Bent Mountain, Roanoke County | 30-minute drive
The Bent Mountain Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bent Mountain Center, 10148 Tinsley Lane, Bent Mountain, VA 24059, about 30 minutes southwest of downtown Roanoke. The festival is free to attend.
This community festival brings out local vendors and artisans, food and drinks (including beer for the grown-ups), and live music, so bring a lawn chair or blanket and plan to stay a while. Kids get their own lineup, an inflatable obstacle course, axe throwing, a giant slide, a petting zoo, and lawn games scattered around the property. One thing worth knowing before you go: dogs aren't allowed on-site, insurance rules, not the festival's preference.
Mountain Magic In Fall
October 4, 2026 | Buchanan Town Park | 35-minute drive
Mountain Magic in Fall will be held Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Buchanan Town Park, about 35 minutes north of downtown Roanoke. The festival is free to attend.
This community festival celebrates the arrival of fall with live music, local artisans, craft vendors, food, and family activities in the heart of Buchanan. Children can enjoy inflatables, games, and hands-on activities while parents browse handmade goods and enjoy the mountain scenery. It's a smaller, more relaxed festival than some of the region's larger fall events, making it an excellent choice for families who prefer a slower pace and shorter lines.
Local Parent Tip: Pair the festival with a walk across Buchanan's historic Swinging Bridge or lunch in downtown Buchanan. The compact downtown is easy to explore on foot and makes for a pleasant afternoon with young children.
Vinton Fall Festival
October 10, 2026 | Downtown Vinton | 10-minute drive
The Vinton Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Vinton. Admission is free. Vinton is about 10 minutes from downtown Roanoke.
Each year, the festival hosts over a hundred craft and food vendors, two stages of live music, a petting zoo, and pony rides, with the downtown shops and restaurants running specials all day. This is the one to pick if you've got little kids and limited patience, since it's compact, free, and you can be home by nap time. Parking is spread through downtown, and it's generally not a hassle.
Craig County Fall Festival
October 10, 2026 | New Castle | 30-minute drive
Take a scenic drive about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Roanoke to the charming town of New Castle for the annual Craig County Fall Festival on October 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With a population of just over 125 residents, this historic courthouse town transforms into a lively celebration of Appalachian heritage each fall. Be aware that this lands the same day as the Vinton Fall Festival, and they're in opposite directions.
Stroll six blocks of craft and artisan vendors, admire antique cars, enjoy live music, and sample plenty of festival food. Be sure to stop by the historic Old Brick Hotel for breakfast or lunch, then explore the restored log cabins and the Craig County Genealogical Library. If you're looking for a relaxed, small-town festival where you can actually enjoy browsing without fighting the crowds, this one is well worth the drive.
Roanoke GO Outside Festival
October 16-18, 2026 | Elmwood Park & Explore Park
If your family loves the outdoors (or wants to!), the Roanoke GO Outside Festival, or GO Fest for short, is one of the Roanoke Valley's signature fall events. The festival is centered on Elmwood Park, just a short walk from Center in the Square. In recent years, it has expanded to a second site at Explore Park, with a free shuttle running between the two. This three-day festival, held this year from Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2026, celebrates all things adventure with climbing walls, mountain biking and paddling demonstrations, trail races, outdoor films, live music, and hands-on activities for all ages.
One thing parents will especially appreciate is that the children's activities aren’t an afterthought. Kids can stay engaged for hours with activities designed just for them. However, some families shared that they missed the “festival feel” when this was held previously in a wide-open field with the mountains in the background. Still, you’ll find plenty of exhibitors handing out free swag each year, making it a fun event for families who enjoy discovering new outdoor gear, local organizations, and adventure opportunities.
GO Fest is dog-friendly, smoke-free, and offers a relaxed atmosphere where adults can bring their own reusable pint glass to enjoy beverages from participating vendors.
Local Parent Tip: Downtown parking fills up quickly, especially on Friday evening or when the Rail Yard Dawgs are playing nearby. Consider parking a few blocks away and enjoying the walk into the festival.
Open Studios Botetourt
October 17-18, 2026 | Various locations in Botetourt County | 30-minute drive
Take a scenic drive through Botetourt County and let your kids see creativity in action during this free, self-guided tour of local artists' studios on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 18, 2026 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Instead of viewing finished artwork in a gallery, families can watch painters, potters, woodworkers, jewelers, and other artists at work, ask questions, and learn how handmade pieces come to life.
Make a day of your trip to Botetourt County by pairing Open Studios Botetourt with a few nearby family favorites. Just a short drive away, Roaring Run Day Use Area offers an easy, family-friendly walk to a beautiful waterfall and the historic Roaring Run Furnace, with plenty of opportunities for kids to explore along the creek. Or the younger children will love the Addy Grace Playground at the Botetourt Family YMCA, featuring zipline-style swings, climbing structures, and plenty of room to play. Best of all, the playground is open to the public, so no YMCA membership is required. Pack a picnic or stop for lunch at the Tap Room in Daleville, and you've got the perfect fall family day trip. This runs straight through GO Fest weekend, so plan for one or the other.
Local Parent Tip: Don't try to visit every studio. Pick two or three that interest your family, enjoy the drive between stops, and make a relaxed afternoon of it.
Blue Ridge Folklife Festival
October 24, 2026 | Ferrum College | 50-minute drive
If your family wants to experience authentic Appalachian culture, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is the one I'd recommend. Held Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ferrum College for more than 50 years, it's the largest event of its kind in Virginia. It feels less like a festival and more like stepping into the region's living history.
Kids can watch draft horse pulls, mule jumping, log skidding contests, vintage tractors, threshing demonstrations, and even the famous coon dog water races. Throughout the day, you'll find traditional crafts, blacksmithing, storytelling, bluegrass and gospel music, folk games, moonshine still demonstrations, custom and vintage cars, and enough Brunswick stew, fried apple pies, and country cooking to keep everyone happy.
It's about a 50-minute drive from downtown Roanoke, but we've always found it well worth the trip. If your children have never experienced Appalachian heritage beyond what they've read in books, this is one of the most authentic ways to do it.
Local Parent Tip: Plan to spend most of the day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and a red wagon works well when little legs inevitably get tired. If advance tickets are offered again this year, they're usually less expensive than buying at the gate.
Zoo Boo
October 24-25, 2026 | Mill Mountain Zoo | 10-minute drive
On Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mill Mountain Zoo hosts its annual Zoo Boo, a fall tradition many Roanoke families look forward to each year. If you have younger children or simply prefer a fun, not-frightening Halloween celebration, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the season. The Saturday also overlaps with Blue Ridge Folklife down in Ferrum, making the choice between the two difficult!
Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and trick-or-treat their way through the zoo as they visit their favorite animals. Special keeper talks introduce some of nature's "creepier" creatures, and families can also enjoy ZooChoo train rides, face painting, costume contests, and plenty of festive photo opportunities. It's all the fun of Halloween without the jump scares, making it a great choice for preschoolers and elementary-aged children. Travel time is about 10 minutes southeast of Center in the Square.
Local Parent Tip: Zoo Boo is a separately ticketed event, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Plan on spending two to three hours enjoying the activities, and don't forget your camera—it's one of the cutest places to capture kids in costume each fall.
Salem PumpkinFest
October 30, 2026 | Downtown Salem | 15-minute drive
Pumpkinfest has become a favorite late-October tradition for families in the Roanoke Valley, bringing an evening of fall fun to downtown Salem, about 15 minutes west of Center in the Square. Based on recent years, the festival has featured inflatables, sand art, carnival games, children's activities, a pumpkin carving contest, food trucks, live music, and a kids' costume contest. The event has also served as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Area 8, with $5 admission for adults and free admission for children 15 and under, though organizers have not yet announced the 2026 date, admission, or event details.
Local Parent Tip: If you're already planning a Saturday in Salem, pair Pumpkinfest with lunch or dinner downtown (we like Flamingo Joe’s Deli & Ice Cream Parlor best) and a visit to nearby Longwood Park. It's an easy way to turn a couple of festival hours into a relaxed family afternoon.
Halloween and Trick-or-Treat Around the Valley
One of the best things about Halloween in the Roanoke Valley is that it still feels local. Instead of one massive event, you'll find family-friendly celebrations throughout the region, from trick-or-treating in downtown Salem, downtown Vinton, and Grandin Village to costume story times at local libraries and Explore Park's daytime Spooktacular.
Downtown Salem Trick-or-Treat
The 2026 date had not yet been announced as of publication, but Downtown Salem's annual trick-or-treat event typically takes place on a Saturday morning near Halloween. Downtown Salem is about 15 minutes from Center in the Square.
Children in costume collect candy from participating merchants along Main Street between Academy Street and College Avenue. Businesses displaying the event's pumpkin sign welcome families inside, making this one of the valley's easiest and most walkable Halloween outings for younger children.
Local Parent Tip: Arrive early if you have younger children. Parking is easiest before the event begins, and many families enjoy lunch or ice cream downtown afterward.
Downtown Vinton Trick-or-Treat
Downtown Vinton's annual Trick-or-Treat is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. Downtown Vinton is about 15 minutes from Center in the Square.
More than 40 businesses and community organizations participate each year, creating a fun afternoon that's easy to navigate with little ones. The compact downtown keeps walking to a minimum while still providing plenty of candy stops.
Local Parent Tip: Parking is usually easiest just outside the downtown core, and arriving early helps avoid the largest crowds.
Grandin Village Halloween
An official neighborhood event had not been announced as of publication, but Halloween night in Grandin Village has become one of the Roanoke Valley's favorite trick-or-treat destinations. The neighborhood is about 10 minutes from Center in the Square.
Historic homes surrounding the business district, especially along Windsor Avenue and nearby streets, are known for elaborate decorations, enthusiastic homeowners, and sidewalks that make walking with children easier than many neighborhoods.
Local Parent Tip: Plan to arrive before dusk if possible. Parking fills quickly, and the neighborhood becomes especially busy after dark.
More Halloween Fun
Not every Halloween event revolves around neighborhood trick-or-treating. Downtown Roanoke typically hosts a family-friendly Candy Crawl through participating downtown businesses, while schools, churches, and community organizations throughout the valley offer trunk-or-treats, fall festivals, hayrides, inflatables, and games during the weeks leading up to Halloween. As of publication, 2026 dates for many of these events had not yet been announced.
Local Parent Tip: If you have younger children, don't overlook church fall festivals. They're often one of the easiest ways to enjoy Halloween without crossing busy streets, and many include bounce houses, petting zoos, food trucks, and more than enough candy to cover the mom-tax.
November and All Season Long
Smith Mountain Lake Chili and Craft Festival
November 7, 2026 | Bridgewater Plaza, Moneta | 50-minute drive
The annual Smith Mountain Lake Chili and Craft Festival is a family-friendly lakeside event held at Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta, Virginia, about 50 minutes southeast of downtown Roanoke. The upcoming festival takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a competitive chili cook-off, local craft vendors, and live music.
Local cooks compete for the title, and you get to taste and vote, with a craft market alongside that's genuinely useful for early holiday shopping. Bring layers, since November on the water is colder than November in the valley.
Beyond the Festivals
Technically, the Southwest Virginia Bee Festival takes place before fall officially begins, but it's too much fun to leave off the list. Once autumn arrives, some of the best family traditions don't revolve around a festival at all. A Saturday morning at the City Market or a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway can be just as memorable.
Historic Roanoke City Market
Daily (Busiest on Saturdays) | Center in the Square
The Historic Roanoke City Market, the oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia, has welcomed shoppers since 1882, and it takes on an entirely different feel once fall arrives. By late September, apples, fresh cider, pumpkins, gourds, mums, and overflowing flower stands fill the market with autumn color. It's one of the easiest fall outings with young children, and if someone reaches their limit, Center in the Square is just steps away. There's also almost always a local musician adding to the atmosphere.
Local Parent Tip: Visit on a Saturday morning while the market is at its busiest, then wander over to Kids Square Children's Museum or stop for a treat at one of the nearby cafés before heading home.
Take the Scenic Route
Fall color usually peaks in the Roanoke Valley from mid to late October, with higher elevations turning earlier. The Peaks of Otter, about an hour from Center in the Square, is the classic family leaf-peeping drive, with an easy lake loop that even little legs can manage. The Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks are closer than many people realize, making it easy to stop at a few scenic pull-offs or simply turn around when the kids have had enough. Explore Park, about 20 minutes from downtown, combines hiking trails, river access, and Treetop Quest for an easy half-day or full-day adventure.
Tip: Sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway occasionally close because of weather or construction, especially later in the fall, so check current conditions before you head out.
Every fall, the Blue Ridge Mountains remind us why so many families love calling the Roanoke Valley home. For my family, the changing leaves turn even an ordinary afternoon into an adventure, whether we’re taking a scenic drive, exploring a trail, or taking guests to the Mill Mountain Star overlook.
Saralyn H., Roanoke mother of two and owner of Roanoke LifestyleSouthwest Virginia Bee Festival
August 22, 2026 | Elmwood Park
Technically, this festival arrives before fall officially begins, but we couldn't leave it off the list. Held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, the Southwest Virginia Bee Festival is free and just a short walk from Center in the Square.
Hosted by the Roanoke Valley Beekeepers Association, the festival celebrates pollinators with honey tastings, educational exhibits, children's activities, a scavenger hunt, a foam party, food trucks, and more than 40 craft vendors. Local beekeepers, gardeners, libraries, naturalists, and conservation organizations offer hands-on activities that make it especially engaging for younger children. It's a fun way to wrap up summer while celebrating one of the things that makes Roanoke unique as a Bee City USA community. It's also the kind of event our own mascot, Bumble, would insist we include.
Local Parent Tip: Arrive early if you're interested in the honey tastings or educational presentations, and don't miss the Kids Zone. The scavenger hunt and foam party are usually pretty big hits with younger visitors.
What Actually Makes These Days Work
Layers, because a Blue Ridge morning and a Blue Ridge afternoon are two different temperatures. Cash for the farms. A wagon instead of a stroller if you've got one, since most of these are on grass and gravel. And eat at 11:15, not noon, because every festival food line in this valley doubles at twelve.
Keep Going
Which fall weekend does your family repeat every single year? Tell us what we left off and we'll add it.
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