Waterfall Hikes, Back to School, Free Live Music, and more this month!

Are you ready for autumn or soaking up the end of summer? Either way, August is a great month for you! We've got a waterfall hike series, bug & bat nights, sunset kayaking, and a paddle race to enjoy the summer weather. We're also welcoming back our P.L.A.Y. After School students, signing up for Adult Softball, and hosting a school supply drive for those looking ahead to fall. This month is full of opportunity – check it all out below!

Crash the Cove is back! This exciting event offers a unique opportunity to race your fellow paddlers on Carvins Cove, with categories for a wide rage of boats (including the addition of rowing shells this year!). There will also be two distances to choose from: a 2-mile sprint or a 5-mile distance course.

Join us at one of our upcoming Bug & Bat Nights for some fun neighborhood nature exploration! We're popping up at parks across the city for this family-friendly experience you won't want to miss!

August 8 - Eureka Park
August 15 - Wasena Park
August 29 - Countryside Park
September 4 - Eastgate Park
September 18 - Morningside Park

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

A new school year is almost here, and so is our awesome P.L.A.Y. Afterschool program – returning August 11!

At just $200/month, this program is an affordable option for quality programming with two locations to choose from. Offered at Preston Park Rec Center and the new Eureka Park Rec Center, P.L.A.Y. Afterschool is available for students in grades kindergarten through fifth (ages 5-11). Space is limited, sign up today!

MORE DETAILS

PARK PROJECT UPDATES

We're excited to share an update on the Washington Park Master Plan at today's City Council meeting (Monday, August 3 at 2:00 PM). Watch a livestream on YouTube here.

To stay up to date on other projects, check the main City project hub here.

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Now's the time to sign up for the biggest league in the area, with games at Huff Lane or Wasena Park. Sign up deadline is August 16!

SUMMER WATERFALL HIKE SERIES

Beat the heat this summer with this amazing 4-part waterfall hike series. Join us as we explore some of the region’s most scenic trails, each leading to a stunning waterfall destination.

August 12 - Stiles Falls
August 15 - Apple Orchard Falls
August 26 - Cascade Falls
August 29 - Mill Creek Falls

Each hike is $17 and includes transportation to/from Roanoke and leadership.

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MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN RETURNS THIS SUNDAY!

Enjoy a family-friendly evening on Mill Mountain with free live music, crafts, good vibes, and food/beverages for sale. The fall series kicks of this Sunday, August 9 featuring music by Dylan Dent and KEFI – Greek Food with Passion food truck! Full Details

TAKE A TRIP – NEAR OR FAR!

We're excited to share our upcoming domestic and international trips, in partnership with Collette Travel! Enjoy a stress-free trip with the reliability and experience of a premier travel company. They handle the logistics, so you can focus on the adventure.

♦ Discover the Pacific Northwest and California, August 29–September 5, 2027

♦ Sunny Portugal, October 5–14, 2027

♦ Cultural Treasures of Japan, March 5–18, 2028

Learn more about each destination and sign up today! We also offer a range of local, day trips throughout the region.

VIEW ALL UPCOMING TRIPS & TOURS

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SAVE THE DATE FOR ROANOKE'S FAVORITE FALL EVENT!

Fall will be here before you know it, and GO Fest is happening October 16-18. GO Fest celebrates all things outdoors with professional stunt shows, Mountainfilm Festival, hands-on demo opportunities, outdoor brands, local vendors, and so much more!

ICYMI

The recent Apple-Atcha Disc Golf Tournament in Countryside Park was a big hit. Players from across the region enjoyed competing on this pop-up, 18-hole course!

Keep an eye out this fall for more pop-up courses and opportunities to compete. (Remember you can always enjoy disc golf at the permanent courses at Highland Park and Fishburn Park!)

Be sure to follow us @playroanoke on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop for updates like this!