Family events in Roanoke, VA

Fridays bring a selection of favorite food trucks from Roanoke and nearby communities, serving up local flavors in a friendly setting. The focus is on connecting people with a sense of home alongside great local eats, making it a simple way to enjoy tried-and-true regional bites.

Part of the Northwest Ace Summer Concert Series, FireHouse and BulletBoys bring a high-energy rock show to Dr Pepper Park. FireHouse arrives with more than three decades on the road, nine albums, and 16 Gold and Platinum awards worldwide, along with multiple Billboard chart entries that include two Top 10, four Top 40, and seven Hot 100 hits. The band also earned the 1992 American Music Award for Best New Artist in Heavy Metal/Hard Rock. Their ballad Love of a Lifetime was named the biggest wedding song of 1991 by Bridal Magazine and continues to be a favorite at celebrations. BulletBoys, formed in Los Angeles in 1987, deliver hard rock with a blues-influenced edge and rose to prominence during the late-1980s glam metal era alongside acts like Ratt, Poison, and Mötley Crüe. The concert is rain or shine. All American Hauling Will call is at the entrance to the right of the ValleyStar Credit Union box office. Kids 12 and under are free in the WILLSCOT general admission area. There is no re-entry. Credit cards and cash are accepted at the gate, though some vendors may be cash only. For parking, use the Carilion Riverwalk Garage beside Honeytree and take the free shuttle to the front gate, with directional signage on South Jefferson. You may bring your own chair or rent one for $5 at concessions. Local food vendors will be on site, and beverages available for purchase include Pepsi products such as Dr Pepper and water, along with beer, wine, and hard seltzers. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Leashed dogs are welcome in the WILLSCOT General Admission Area.

After a weather delay, this rescheduled event will feature baseball and fireworks at Carilion Clinic Field. If you already purchased tickets, watch for an email with instructions on how to redeem them. Tickets can be purchased using the QR code or the link, and a portion of the proceeds supports the JMMS PTA.

The 52nd Salem Distance Run returns as the Roanoke Valley’s oldest running event, featuring a 5K run or walk, a 10K run, and a 1 mile kids run. The 5K and 10K begin in Downtown Salem and wrap up at Longwood Park, while the kids run takes place inside Longwood Park. Registration fees are $20 for the Kids Run, $30 for the 5K Run/Walk, and $35 for the 10K.

Joey Self will be at Kids Square for the last stop of Q99's Summer of Families & Fun, presented by Roanoke Valley Community Credit Union. Enjoy a special admission rate of $5.99 per person.

Big Lick Comic Con’s Summer Celebration in Roanoke brings fans together to celebrate fandom and friendship at the Berglund Center.

Celebrate African cultures with a vibrant lineup of performances, plus learning opportunities and chances to engage with the community. There will also be food, artisan crafts, and community partners to explore throughout the event at Melrose Plaza, in partnership with CommUnity Arts Reach and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture.

Open to children, teens, and adults at any experience level, this session builds confidence and essential skating skills with guidance from certified coaches in a safe, supportive setting. Registration includes rental skates. Helmets are strongly encouraged for beginners, but they are not provided.

Spike’s K9 Fund partners with Parkway Brewing Company for a brewery event supporting police K9s. One dollar from every beer benefits Spike’s K9 Fund, there will be live demonstrations by local police K9 teams, and attendees can enter raffles for prizes. Proceeds help provide lifesaving ballistic vests for working dogs on the fund’s waitlist.

Compete in a weekly Pokemon tournament using the Standard format at BLADE Gaming. The event follows a Swiss structure that adjusts with the number of players, and prizes are awarded based on final record. Entry is $5, with kids in the junior division playing for free. All participants receive a Promo Pack. At times, specialty events such as Cups, Challenges, or Pre-releases may take the place of the regular weekly tournament.

Swing by the Vinton Farmers Market for Mingle at the Market with a Five Dollar Shake. The event is $7.00, and kids under 12 can attend for free.

This community lemonade stand at Fork in the Alley Brick Oven Pub raises funds for Life Ring Foundation’s Fighting Kids Cancer mission. John Henry Hamlin, Keaton States, and Jack Silcox are leading the effort in honor of their friend Tripp Poats, an ambassador for the foundation. What began in 2025 as a simple stand raised $449, and this year their sights are set on $10,000 to help children in Southwest Virginia who are battling pediatric cancer and blood disorders. A first stand in June already brought in more than $6,000. Every cup sold fuels hope for local families and helps keep lifesaving care close to home. Stop by for lemonade and add your support to a big goal powered by even bigger hearts.

Adventure Play Day: Caving brings a full day of exploration to Fishburn Park. Tailored for children ages 8 to 11, the outing is led by trained Outdoor Recreation staff and centers on caving, with the possibility of other active pursuits such as hiking or paddling. Kids stay engaged from start to finish as they develop practical outdoor know-how and connect with peers in a fun setting. Parents can enjoy time to themselves while their children are active and well supervised. Be sure to send a packed lunch, sunscreen, and plenty of enthusiasm.

Build everyday manners and confidence with a five session group training series centered on real life skills outside the home. The curriculum covers walking politely on leash that holds up in busy environments, heel work for better day to day control, core cues like sit, down, and stay with a clear release, and sustained focus around distractions. Dogs also practice calm, structured social exposure in a controlled setting rather than chaotic free for alls. Instruction emphasizes safety and success through thoughtful setups, appropriate distance, and clear structure so dogs are less likely to feel overwhelmed or reactive. The program begins with a virtual orientation and safety briefing, then continues at a private training location in Roanoke, with exact directions shared during the first session. The series costs $160 and welcomes dogs of any size, age, or temperament, including shy, excitable, or reactive learners.

Get ready for a Y2K-themed kids party at Elmwood Park Amphitheater. The event runs from early evening through the night, featuring the Delta Dental party vibe with a Y2K “remix” theme.