Find your September Adventure!

October is a time to embrace the change of seasons, celebrate the spooky, and it's also a great time to go outside! Our biggest event of the year, the Carilion GO Outside Festival is October 16-18! This 3-day event is filled with professional stunt shows to impress, thoughtful adventure films and speakers, tons of hands-on activities and demo opportunities, plus all your festival favorites like live music and food trucks! There's a reason GO Fest is consistently voted "Roanoke's Favorite Festival!" Check out the full weekend schedule.

We've also got a great selection of spooky Halloween programs and community events this month for everyone to enjoy. Keep reading to discover more!

ROANOKE GO OUTSIDE FESTIVAL WEBSITE

The next Fishburn Mansion Music Session, co-hosted by Friends of the Blue Ridge and Friends of Mountain View, is tonight! These events are the perfect opportunity to spend an evening in the historic home and enjoy a live performance. See all upcoming dates and get tickets while they last!

TICKETS

Looking for a top-tier way to experience GO Fest? Sign up to be one of our amazing Volunteers!

As a volunteer, you can help provide activities at the bouldering wall, kid's bike zone, demo pool, or Wild Gear Chase! Or, you could be a true festival hero on the Green Team where you'll keep the festival clean and sustainable. Other volunteer shifts include things like ID checks, ticket sales, pouring beer, or info tent attendees.

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

We've got a very exciting lineup of local Day Trips this month and beyond. Check it out!

OCT 3: Old City Cemetery & Arboretum Tour 🪦

OCT 11: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Matinee at American Shakespeare Center ⚡

OCT 24: JOLO Vineyard Wine Tasting & Lunch 🍷

NOV 1: Barter Theatre Sunday Matinee “Come From Away” 🎭

NOV 19: Trader Joe’s, Barracks Road Shopping, & Peter Chang Lunch 🛒

HUSH & RUSH PICKLEBALL CLASSIC

This free pickleball event is a great opportunity to enjoy a day of friendly competition, get active, and connect with other local players.

Teams will compete throughout the event in a fun, tournament-style format. A minimum of 8 teams is required, with a maximum of 16 teams accepted (doubles only). Free to sign up!

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NATURE LAB: PUBLIC LANDS

This special session of Nature Lab will highlight the importance of Virginia’s public lands, introduce conservation concepts, explain how public lands are managed, and celebrate the unique natural spaces found throughout our state! 5 week series, ages 8-12. Sign up

CELEBRATE SPOOKY SEASON

October is here, and that means it’s time to celebrate spooky season! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly Halloween festivities or an eerie, elevated experience, we’ve got some great ideas!

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein – October 11

Day Trip to the American Shakespeare Center for a Matinee Performance

Murder in the Mansion – October 25

A Halloween Murder Mystery Event

Masquerade at the Mansion – October 30

An Evening of Elegance at the Fishburn Mansion

Trunk or Treat at Eureka Park – October 31

Tricks, Treats, and Good Times

MORE SPOOKY SEASON DETAILS

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FREE LIVE MUSIC ON MILL MOUNTAIN

Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy a Music on the Mountain evening! The October 11 event will feature music by Mudpuppy and the Southern Belle food truck. Free and open to all! More info

DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

In partnership with Collette Travel, Roanoke Parks and Recreation is excited to offer domestic and international trips! 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. Sign up for these upcoming trips in 2027 and 2028!

DISCOVER THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND CALIFORNIA

August 29 – September 5, 2027

From the wilds of Mount St. Helens to the shadow of giants in the Redwoods, fall under the spell of the Pacific Northwest and California. Explore the natural beauty from Seattle to San Francisco. More Info and Sign Up

SUNNY PORTUGAL

October 5-14, 2027

From the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, to the sunny cliffs of the Algarve and the Portuguese Riviera, venture along Portugal’s stunning shoreline. Encounter picturesque resort towns, winding cobblestone streets, oceanfront promenades, and quaint villages. More Info and Sign Up

CULTURAL TREASURES OF JAPAN

March 5-18, 2028

Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way. More Info and Sign Up

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STOCK UP ON FIREWOOD!

We're hosting our annual self service giveaway of firewood-quality wood on October 10 & 24. See full details here!