Downtown Summer Bucket List

Summertime is here and now is the perfect time to explore, enjoy, and experience the summer sun Downtown. This Bucket List is your ultimate guide to all the different events, concerts, and activities to soak up before the leaves change!

Check out a Concert

Whether it's Delta Dental Party in Elmwood, the Budweiser Summer Concert Series, Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges or any of the local rooftops, Downtown Roanoke's music scene is thriving.  With many outdoor venues that often feature food and vendors, it's the perfect way to spend a weekend with family and friends.

Attend one of the City's Different Festivals and Street Parties

During the summertime, Downtown is bustling with festivals celebrating everything from food, to music, to nature.  Some festivals include the Roanoke Beer and Wine Festival, Southwest VA Bee Festival, Burger Riot Street Party, Wingfest, Star City Motor Madness, the Freedom Festival and more!

Get local Produce at the Historic City Market

The Historic Roanoke City Market is a must-visit for anyone. Open seven days a week, it's the oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia. Here, you'll find local produce, handmade crafts, and unique gifts from almost three doesnt local farmers and vendors.

Visit one of the City's Parks

Elmwood Park isn't just for festivals; it's a great place to relax any day of the week. With beautiful landscaping, fountains, the Peter Pan Play Groud and plenty of seating, it's an ideal spot for a picnic.  If you want to be more active, Rivers Edge Sports Complex with all the different athletic facilities or take a stroll on the Greenway which twists through the Downtown area. 

Explore one of the Many Museums

Rainy Days happen, that doesn't mean the summer fun needs to take a rain day. Downtown has museums for all interests.  The choices are seemingly endless from the Link Museum, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Transportation Museum, Taubman Museum of Art, and the Starcade and Pinball Museum. Enjoying summer Downtown includes beating the heat with some indoors fun. 

Soak up the sunshine on a local patio or Rooftop

Many of our Downtown restaurants, lounges and breweries have a patio or outdoor seating option.  Places like Martin's, Bernard's, the City Market Building, Big Lick, and others.  Additionally, you can enjoy the views of the mountains at one of the rooftop bars, Six and Sky and Corned Beef and Co. We have a blog post on patios you can check out! 

Shop the Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Roanoke has dozens of unique shops for every interest.  From homegoods, to gifts, outdoorsy shops and fashion, it's hard not to stop in at least one store! One of the best ways to shop your way through Downtown is our Sidewalk Sale! Here shoppers can save with numerous send of season sales and get a sampling of our many businesses at a glance!

There is no shortage of summer fun Downtown.  How many items do you plan to check off this bucket list?

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