Outdoor Events are Just One of the Regional Draws

The Roanoke Region is known for its outdoor offerings and culture. In just minutes from our urban core, you can be paddling on the James, Roanoke or New rivers, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or mountain biking at the nation’s second-largest municipal park (Carvins Cove).

An engaged and growing outdoors community is continuously adding more infrastructure like trail systems, greenways, and river access. In fact, Roanoke is building trails at a faster pace than any other volunteer-led effort in the U.S.

Enjoy the roar of the crowd? You’re in the luck–throughout the year you can take your pick of collegiate athletics, NCAA championships, and minor league sports.

Marquee outdoor events

With an outdoor-focused community, it’s no wonder that the region is known for some world-class events.

• Blue Ridge Marathon (April): “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” was created by the Roanoke Regional Partnership to showcase the region’s commitment to making outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship a core component of our lifestyle.
• Go Cross Cyclocross Race (September): A 2-day UCI/USCX race series featuring professional and amateur cyclists from all over the world at Fallon Park, Virginia’s only permanent cyclocross course.
• GO Outside Festival (October): Wander through downtown Roanoke for three days to try your hand at endless outdoor activities: Test drive a bike, demo a stand-up paddleboard, learn to fly cast, join a race, or sample craft beer. Explore the world of outdoor sports when you watch films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival or take in a pro-athlete show.

Save the dates, and join us in the Roanoke Region soon!

Play ball!

From players heading to the big leagues to college athletics to celebrate your fandom or high schoolers making their way, there’s a sporting event for everyone.

• Salem Red Sox: The Class Single-A baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox plays in one of the most scenic minor league parks in the U.S. — Salem Memorial Stadium.
• Virginia Tech: The Division I program plays 11 sports in the ACC, including football and nationally-ranked men’s and women’s basketball teams.
• Franklin County Speedway: The 3/8-mile oval track hosts Late UCar, Mod 4, Late Model Stock, and Street Stock races.
• Division III college athletics feature teams from Ferrum, Hollins, Roanoke College, and others.
• The Rail Yard Dawgs: Professional ice hockey team and a member of the SPHL, and 2023 SPHL Presidents Cup Champions

Famous faces

Some of the most recognizable athletes in the world got their start in the Roanoke Region.

• NBA: J.J. Redick (Cave Spring), Troy Daniels (William Fleming), George Lynch (Patrick Henry), Curtis Staples (Patrick Henry)
• NFL: Danny Aiken (Fork Union), Tiki Barber (Cave Spring), Ronde Barber (Cave Spring), Lee Suggs (William Fleming)
• MLB: Billy Wagner (Ferrum)
• Softball: Angela Tincher (James River)