Events in Radford, VA

Little ones can enjoy story sharing along with rhymes, songs, and simple movement activities that support early literacy and spark a love of reading. This program is designed for children ages 2 to 3. Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for all. For accessibility questions or accommodation requests, email accessibilityrequest@mfrl.org. Reaching out 48 to 72 hours in advance helps ensure availability.

Start at The Alexander Black House for a guided walk through the original 16 Squares of Blacksburg, where you will hear the rich history and stories behind buildings and landmarks that often go unnoticed. This recurring tour runs every other Thursday, with the option to schedule a visit by appointment if that timing does not work for your group. By request, an add-on tour of St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall can be included. Space is limited to 15 participants, and RSVP is requested by email at info@blacksburghistory.org.

Connect with recruiters from a wide range of fields and explore potential career paths at the Radford University Fall Career Fair. This annual event welcomes students of every major and class year. There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. Plan to wear professional attire and bring multiple copies of your resume to share with employers. The fair takes place in Kyle Hall, room 340.

This family storytime features read-alouds, playful rhymes, music with movement, and a simple craft to make together. Activities support early literacy and foster a love of reading. Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library works to provide a welcoming, productive, and safe environment for every patron. For accessibility information or requests, contact accessibilityrequest@mfrl.org. Providing 48 to 72 hours of advance notice will help ensure availability.

A 50th anniversary celebration will be held at the Inn at Virginia Tech. The event recognizes five decades and commemorates this milestone.

Pulaski MTN-X brings gravel cyclists together in downtown Pulaski, Virginia for a competitive and welcoming experience. Riders can choose routes of approximately 30, 50, or 100 miles, each featuring timed segments and aid stations to keep the effort on track. The field includes professional men and women racing for a $20,000 prize purse, creating an exciting atmosphere from start to finish.

Enjoy a large multi-family yard sale held indoors, rain or shine, at Christ Episcopal Church. The parish hall will be filled with gently used treasures like housewares, hardware, sporting goods, books, jewelry, children’s items and toys, art and more, along with a separate room devoted to vintage finds. Every purchase supports charitable causes, and the church keeps none of the proceeds. Parking is available in town lots or on the street, with limited spaces behind the church, and there is no parking at the AME Church. Early shoppers will find the best selection and bargains.

A relaxed cookout and picnic celebrating Chuseok, one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. Attendees can enjoy food, K-pop music, and games while learning about the holiday’s history, traditions, and meaning. The gathering welcomes longtime NRV Team K-Pop participants as well as those who have not attended a meetup yet.

Enjoy a live performance by Carrie Hinkley at Radford Coffee Company.

Feeding Southwest Virginia’s Mobile Marketplace brings fresh, convenient, and budget-friendly groceries to the community. Shoppers can pay with debit, credit, or SNAP/EBT. With support from Virginia Fresh Match, SNAP/EBT customers receive an extra 50 percent discount on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Renowned miniature artist Blake Gore visits Blacksburg Books to introduce Hidden Wonders of the World, a seek and find art book featuring twenty intricately crafted scenes inspired by celebrated travel destinations. Each illustration brims with tiny surprises that whisk readers around the globe, from the energy of Tokyo to the calm of Amsterdam’s canals. Playful challenges include tracking down a sneaky sloth in Costa Rica or a misplaced baguette in Paris, turning sightseeing into a game of discovery. Ideal for puzzle solvers, travel buffs, and art enthusiasts, the book includes a wooden magnifying glass shaped like a camera to make the hunt even more engaging.

At Blacksburg’s Market Square Jam, Gina and Jason Dilg share music rooted in the American string band tradition, delivering lively dance tunes and time-honored country ballads. Based in Radford near Lovely Mount in Southwest Virginia, they lead lives immersed in performance, dance, art, and teaching. Gina grew up in a musical family and has played Southern Appalachian music since childhood. She performs, dances, works as a graphic artist, and teaches fiddle and flatfoot dance. Jason is widely respected for his interpretation of Appalachian dance tunes and ballads, a versatile multi-instrumentalist with many competition honors. He formerly taught banjo as an adjunct at Naropa University and now serves as instructor and director for the Junior Appalachian Musicians program in Montgomery County, Virginia. The duo was recently featured in the PBS docuseries Life in Virginia’s Appalachia: Flatfooting. The Market Square Jam, affiliated with the Crooked Road, centers on traditional old-time music and a welcoming community atmosphere. Musicians gather at Market Square Park to share tunes, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the character of downtown Blacksburg.

Savor a night of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music with Five Dollar Shake.

An ACC football showdown at Lane Stadium pits the Pittsburgh Panthers against the Virginia Tech Hokies. With both teams leaning on physical play and stout defense, previous meetings have often been tight, momentum-shifting battles. Look for field position to matter, special teams to make a statement, and the crowd to amplify every swing.

Merctoberfest welcomes the start of October with a community market showcasing local crafters, products from area farms, bakery items, and more. More details will be shared soon. Vendor inquiries are welcome.

Set out from Pulaski Train Depot for a 5-10K fundraiser that welcomes runners, joggers, walkers, stroller pushers, and well-behaved pups. The route follows the Dora Trail and continues onto a portion of New River Trail State Park. Run Roanoke provides official timing for competitive participants, with medals for the first, second, and third place finishers. Every registrant receives a participation medal and a T-shirt.

This inaugural Oktoberfest celebration features live music from Chance Carico.

Explore your family history with hands-on support in the Ronnie and Faye Marcum Blacksburg History and Genealogy Room at The Alexander Black House. Carol Smith and Don Braffitt will be available to help you start a family tree or delve into more advanced areas of genealogical research. All experience levels are welcome. Arrive with questions about research and discovering your roots, or come without prior knowledge and receive step-by-step guidance. There is no cost to attend, and the event is open to the public.

Coffee & Conversation in Christiansburg offers a casual, drop-in setting for anyone navigating loss. Spend time with people who understand grief and share at your own pace. There is no agenda or expectation, just a welcoming place to be yourself. Presented by Good Samaritan NRV, this gathering is free and open to the public.

This volunteer workday with the NRV Tree Rescuers focuses on freeing mature trees from invasive vines that can cause early decline and death. The location returns to Wong Park for this month to avoid poison ivy present at other sites. Participants are asked to bring hand tools and gloves, and some tools and gloves will be available to borrow. Workdays may be canceled if there are high winds, precipitation, or temperatures of 38 or lower.

Virginia Hollow performs a live set at the Newbern Fall Festival, adding music to the celebration.

Enjoy a performance featuring songs by the Eagles, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Jimmy Buffett, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Jim Croce, plus more favorites.

Explore a drop-in sensory museum focused on regulation through play and exploration. Adult participants and their care partners can move at their own pace through stations featuring light, sound, and touch, along with interactive games and activities. This program is intended for ages 17 and up. Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library is committed to making the space welcoming, productive, and safe for everyone. For accessibility information or to request accommodations, email accessibilityrequest@mfrl.org. Sharing needs 48 to 72 hours in advance helps ensure availability.

Grab a meal at Buffalo Wild Wings in Blacksburg while supporting Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council. When you dine in or pick up takeout and present the fundraiser flyer or ticket, 15 percent of eligible sales will benefit the council. All Girl Scout members and friends of Girl Scouting are welcome. Guests pay only the cost of their meals, and the council receives the designated contribution. Spread the word to friends, family, neighbors, and your troop to boost the impact. For questions, contact Lisa Nash at lnash@gsvsc.org or 540-777-5100.

Connect with professionals from across the New River Valley at a joint chamber gathering that pairs time on the course with a relaxed after-hours reception at Pete Dye River Course in Fairlawn. Presented in partnership with Ameriprise Financial Radford, Pete Dye River Course, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, the Radford Chamber of Commerce, and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, this event welcomes those who are new to golf as well as experienced players. Take part in golf and stay for networking, or simply attend the after-hours portion. Admission is free courtesy of Ameriprise Financial, and the reception includes a complimentary drink ticket. Register through your chamber, and walk-ups are welcome.

A lively patio party welcomes back the crew that brings the noise to the NRV.

The New River Valley Out of the Darkness Walk brings the community together at Randolph Park to support suicide prevention through a meaningful walk experience. Organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, this flagship fundraising series engages communities in the effort to prevent suicide. On-site check-in, registration, and resource tables will be available, followed by an opening ceremony and the walk. Participants who raise $150 are eligible to receive an official Out of the Darkness Community Walk T-shirt at the event.

Adam Musick performs at the Draper Mercantile, sharing a set of well-loved songs. The performance takes place in a venue devoted to the heritage and spirit of Southwest Virginia in Historic Draper.

Virginia Tech’s annual Humanities Week returns with Legacies of 1776, a weeklong lineup of lectures, conversations, and programs that explore how ideas of sovereignty, freedom, equality, and independence have changed over 250 years since the nation’s founding. The featured keynote, The Responsibilities of Being American, is presented by journalist, author, and longtime NPR host Scott Simon, who reflects on the meaning and duties of citizenship and invites audience participation through a question and answer session. The keynote takes place at the Lyric Theatre. This series is presented by the Center for Humanities and the Virginia Tech College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

Hosted by the HEAT Program and Christiansburg Fire Department, this event offers free VIN etching for your vehicle at the Christiansburg Fire Department. Attendees can pick up free giveaways and learn practical tips to #ProtectYourRide and help keep cars safer from thieves.

This anniversary field tour honors Virginia’s longest running program for forest landowners, with special stops and a bit of swag along the way. Set in a county that is home to Virginia Tech and remains largely rural, with about 68 percent in forest and 21 percent in farms, the experience highlights where trees are grown, how they become useful products, and the innovation that drives modern wood science. The itinerary features Turman Lumber Company, a family run sawmill operating for nearly five decades whose owners manage 400,000 acres of nearby forests, offering an inside look at how logs are milled into lumber. At Virginia Tech’s Brooks Forest Products Center, attendees explore how advanced methods are used to test packaging systems and materials, from strengthening pallets and improving the sustainability of cold chain packaging to creating new building materials through applied wood products research. Lunch is at Meadowbrook Community Center with a catered pasta bar from Pumpernickel Pickle. The tour also visits Sowder Tree Farm, a 57 acre property where management of Appalachian hardwoods, Eastern white pine, and resident wildlife is showcased, along with research and outreach collaborations with Virginia Tech. Cost is 45 dollars per person or 80 dollars per couple. The group convenes at Meadowbrook Community Center. For more information, contact Bill Worrell at 276-889-8056 or bworrell@vt.edu. For accommodation requests, contact Jennifer Gagnon at 540-231-6391, TDD 800-828-1120. Virginia Cooperative Extension, a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments, is an equal opportunity employer.

Highlanders return to Radford University for a Homecoming Weekend filled with time-honored traditions and standout celebrations. Alumni can reunite with classmates, look back on past memories, and take part in gatherings that celebrate shared pride. The weekend brings together signature events, alumni meetups, student events, and campus favorites, with options suited for families and attendees of all ages. It offers a chance to build new connections, revisit memories, and spend time with the people and places that make Radford feel like home.

The 20th running of Andrew Gold brings a classic handicap road race to Bollo’s Cafe & Bakery. Launched in 2007 as a tune‑up for the Owen Cup, it traditionally takes place the weekend before that longstanding collegiate season opener. The format is a true handicap, with the goal of bringing riders together at the finish. Slower categories roll out first and the fastest riders chase, a style familiar from Blacksburg’s Wednesday Worlds that helps newer cyclists gain experience in a larger group. C and D men and B and C women receive a 15 minute head start, Men B and Women A start 5 minutes ahead, and A men chase. The day begins with a neutral parade out of town on the Wednesday Worlds route. The group rolls down Draper, turns right on Airport Road, crosses South Main onto Ellet Road, descends Cedar Run, then continues on Luster’s Gate Road to the corner of Harding Road. There the bunch stops for a safety talk and the handicap race begins. The course is mapped on Strava, and turn‑by‑turn directions are provided so riders can follow the route. The race portion starts at Luster’s Gate Road and Harding Road, then links roads such as Catawba, Sandy Ridge, Newport, Route 311, Blacksburg Road, Gravel Hill, Dry Run, and Mount Tabor, with the finish on Mount Tabor Road at the green Blacksburg Corporate Limit sign. Riders are reminded that the roads remain open to traffic. Keep your head up, stay off the yellow line, take care at all turns, and pay particular attention at the single stop sign on Mount Tabor. The spirit of the event is about challenge and camaraderie, so keep it safe and make it fun. Past champions range from early winners like John DeLong and Justin Crawford to more recent titleholders such as Katy Lobeda and Gordon W. Wadsworth, with multiple repeat victories along the way.

A one day mattress fundraiser transforms the high school into a showroom featuring more than 30 name brand mattress styles in every size, all offered below typical retail pricing. Attendees can also browse adjustable bases with power features, high quality pillows, mattress protectors, and luxury sheet sets. Every purchase is made to order, backed by a full factory warranty, and slated for delivery in approximately four to seven weeks. The sale is powered by Custom Fundraising Solutions, which has helped schools generate more than $70 million since 2005 through its one day mattress events. For questions, email cfsvirginia@cfsbeds.com or call 571-641-5900. #beds4Christiansburg2026

Josh Davidson brings a mix of country, rock, southern rock, acoustic favorites, and crowd singalongs to Shenandoah Moose Lodge 2176. Attendees can dance, relax with friends, or simply enjoy live music in a laid back lodge setting. Cold drinks and live tunes create a welcoming atmosphere for a fun night out.

The 18th edition of Ronde van DeLongen brings a Blacksburg fall classic to life for the Virginia Tech cycling road team and the local racing community. This handicap road race helps current team members sort spring categories, offers newer riders a chance to meet the community and learn tactics and etiquette, and gathers alumni, area racers, and visiting guests for a demanding yet friendly day on the bike. Riders roll out from Bollo’s Cafe & Bakery in a neutral parade along the familiar Wednesday Worlds route down Draper, onto Airport Road, across South Main Street to Ellett Road, and through the Cedar Run descent to Lusters Gate and Harding Road, where staggered groups head onto the course and open racing begins. The route mixes pavement and gravel, linking VA 785 Catawba, Dry Run, Mt Tabor, Sandy Ridge, Blacksburg Road, Gravel Hill, Newport, and Gallion Ridge with a gravel climb before returning via Mt Tabor, Happy Hollow, and Harding. It wraps up with a final push up Cedar Run to the green Blacksburg corporate limit sign at the top. Safety remains front and center. The roads are open to traffic, the yellow line must not be crossed or crowded, and extra care is needed at all turns and at the stop sign on Mt Tabor. Teamwork is encouraged to stay clear of the chasers in this handicap format, keeping the finish close and the spirit of the day fun.

A fall evening of family-friendly fun awaits at this Trunk or Treat. The parking area fills with decorated trunks and lots of candy, plus inflatables for kids, freshly popped popcorn, and hot chocolate. A smokeless campfire is set up for making s’mores. Costumes are welcome, not required. Everything is free, offering a safe and festive experience for all ages.

An exhibition at Gray Gallery features the work of Linda Bostic Smith, with a focus on portraits and on subjects drawn from Appalachian and Western traditions. The artist works from a log cabin studio in Shawsville, Virginia, and this showcase centers on the genres she is most drawn to.

David Sedaris appears at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech for an evening event in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Now in its 57th year, The Y Artisan Fair is a juried craft fair at the Blacksburg Community Center. The event presents a curated selection of crafts that reflect its jury process and long-standing tradition. More information and updates will be shared as they become available.

A free RAM clinic at Giles High School provides dental, vision, and general medical care, with services offered in the order of arrival. Capacity can be reached quickly, especially for dental and vision. Once full, additional patients cannot be admitted and the team begins closing and packing up, so arriving early gives the best chance of being seen. In some situations such as poor weather or volunteer changes, the parking area may open earlier than planned and the number of patients served may be limited. When you arrive, staff and volunteers will explain the process and next steps. If you plan to come early, bring your own food, water, medications, and weather-appropriate clothing. Restrooms will be available at the parking site. Because of limited time, you may be asked to choose between dental and vision services, while general medical care is available to everyone who attends. All services are free and open to the public, and no ID or insurance is required. Any listed end time does not guarantee that services will still be available. Details may change, so check the event discussion for updates before and during the clinic. The patient parking lot will remain open throughout the clinic weekend.

Now in its 21st running, this long-standing Virginia Tech cycling tradition began in 2006 as an early-season test of road racing skills and stamina, with the Owen Cup trophy on the line. The race uses a handicap format inspired by Blacksburg’s Wednesday Worlds, which means the slowest riders roll off first and the fastest leave last so the finish comes together closely. Pro, Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 and equivalent riders concede five minutes to the rest, and teamwork is encouraged to stay clear of chasing groups. Racing is split into three groups. The A field completes three laps, the B field does two, and the C field rides one, with USA Cycling categories aligned as follows: A includes Pro, 1, 2, 3 and equivalents, B includes 3, 4 and women 1–2 and equivalents, and C includes 4, 5 and women 3–4 and equivalents. Riders may continue for extra laps if they wish, but only the A race can add a name to the trophy. The day begins with a neutral, parade-style rollout from Bollo’s Cafe & Bakery through town to Mt Tabor Road, where riders regroup at a church parking lot for instructions and the staggered start. The course features repeated circuits on Mt Tabor Road, Sandy Ridge, Blacksburg Road and Happy Hollow Road, then runs to a finish at the top of Harding Avenue. Because the route is on open roads, stay alert, hold your line, avoid crossing the yellow line, and take extra care through turns and at the stop sign on Mt Tabor. A printed turn list is recommended to keep directions handy. For questions, email onielsen@vt.edu.

Stanford heads to Lane Stadium to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in a clash of contrasting styles. Stanford’s measured, disciplined approach meets Virginia Tech’s hard-hitting physicality in a stadium known for its intensity and electric game-day energy. With conference stakes and school pride at play, momentum swings could shape the outcome right up to the final whistle.

A full night of ghost hunting takes place at St. Albans Sanatorium, widely regarded as one of the East Coast’s most haunted places. Presented in collaboration with The Haunted Nights Crew, this experience centers on investigating the legendary asylum.

An annual holiday celebration at Rock House Marina marks the start of the Christmas season with the first illumination of its award-winning light display. Festivities include a visit from Santa, live music, and Dockside Grill service, plus a complimentary hot cocoa bar. Guests can browse the gift shop for holiday treasures and select a Christmas tree. The lighting moment unveils the display for the season.

Josh Davidson takes the stage at Shenandoah Moose Lodge 2176 with a set that spans country, rock, and southern rock, along with acoustic staples and plenty of singalong moments. The atmosphere suits dancing, catching up with friends, or simply settling in to enjoy the music. Expect cold drinks and a friendly crowd as Davidson keeps the tunes going throughout the evening.

The Perky Turkey 5K Run/Walk welcomes families to a course that begins at the Pearisburg Community Center and winds through the streets of Pearisburg, Virginia. Young runners can take part in the Kids Turkey Trot on the trails around the community center, with activities designed for children of all ages. Every finisher receives a limited edition Perky Turkey mug to enjoy hot chocolate after the race. The event will be held regardless of weather and benefits the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Giles County. No refunds. Celebrate the season with miles, smiles, and community spirit.

The Virginia Cavaliers face the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium in a fierce intrastate college football showdown. Bragging rights are at stake, and with the campaign winding down, the result can shape bowl chances and postseason positioning. Expect passionate play, rapid momentum swings, and a vibrant crowd atmosphere that consistently makes this meeting a standout.

Celebrate Dolly Parton with Dolly karaoke, Dolly trivia, and a Dress Like Dolly contest. Sparkling rhinestones and towering hairstyles fit the theme for this cheerful salute to all things Dolly.

Power House Kids hosts a festive kick-off for the season tailored to ages 5 to 12. Children can decorate cookies, take part in Christmas caroling, and learn to draw their own Christmas chalk art with Evangelist Dwight Haynes.