Looking for Something To Do?
Written by Robyn Schon and Sarah Cox

If you come across someone who says there’s nothing to do in Roanoke this summer, please pull their head out of the sand as they may be suffocating.  May and June are filled with concerts, parties, special events, movies, and great food & drink.  Don’t let the only thing missing be you!

The lines grow longer each year, but as the sun shines, the strawberries are piled on, and the proceeds from the annual Strawberry Festival get bigger.  It’s a win-win for Roanokers and Community School alike.  The Festival began in 1980 as a way to raise money for the Pre-K – Middle school.  On average, over 2,500 man-hours go into baking the shortcakes from scratch, capping and cleaning the berries, and scooping over 600 gallons of ice cream!

On May 6th& 7th, the Strawberry Festival will add to the program a NASCAR simulator and racecar on Friday, followed by additional food vendors, arts, crafts, live music, and games for children on Saturday.  Visit the Elmwood Park Amphitheater to experience every kind of strawberry treat imaginable!

If you’d rather eat lunch first, try sampling some vittles at the Virginia State Championship Chili Cook-Off.  From mild to nuclear, there’s a chili for every discerning taste bud prepared by chefs, cooks, and connoisseurs from all over the east coast who will compete for the title of best in the state.  The event is held at Railside Plaza on Salem Avenue, just a few blocks from the Historic City Market.

Also on Saturday, May 7th, stick around for the Haley Toyota kick-off of City Market Saturdays where you can listen to the Downing Brothers Band and “Plant a Pot” for Mom on Mother’s Day, attend Norah’s Café Cooking Demo, or hear live music by the Poison Bottom Boys Band.
If you’re in the mood to don your summer finery, whether it’s seersucker or a chapeau, then get dressed and join your friends at Rockledge for the 3rd Annual Derby Day Gala.  It’s a fine way to enjoy the Kentucky Derby, which celebrates its 137th year, without traveling to Louisville.

One of Roanoke’s favorite festivals, Local Colors, will celebrate its 21st year and will be held on Saturday, May 21st at Elmwood Park.  This years festival is celebrating Egypt.  More than 70 countries participate in the Parade of Nations, exhibits of arts and crafts, sell of authentic food, non-stop live entertainment on the main stage, international classical music on a second stage, children’s games, and more.

Wednesdays during June through August are reserved for Downtown Live on Market Square.  The area’s best musicians will make those hot summer nights bearable when they perform free for audiences who love a good concert.

Thursday nights mean BB&T’s Party in the Park!  It’s seventeen weeks of “People You Know & Music You Love” at Downtown Roanoke’s Thursday Night Dance Party!  This is an event that you can enjoy with the whole family, so grab Junior, put on your boogie shoes, and come on out to dance the night away!  And don’t miss the Atlanta Rhythm Section on May 26th!

Most everyone lives for Friday and Roanokers are no exception.  SunTrust Plaza will never be the same since it’s the new location of First Fridays, a live concert held on the first and third Fridays of each month.  A variety of charities benefit from these events, so consider your participation as philanthropic!  SunTrust Plaza is the new location for First Fridays this summer, so be sure to enjoy the many restaurants downtown Roanoke offers after the event.
The second Friday of each month during May through October is the night to pull out the blanket or lawn chair and come enjoy a Movie in the Park.  The whole family will love watching a family movie on a giant screen in the great outdoors, including Toy Story 3, Despicable Me, The Karate Kid, Gnomeo & Juliet, How to Train Your Dragon, and Rango!

Let’s not forget Rover and Fifi.  Believe it or not, there are events for your pet, too!  On Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th, WSLS-10 presents PetEx 2011 at the Roanoke Special Events Center.  It’s the furriest, fishiest, friendliest, most lovable event in Southwest Virginia!  For the pet lover who already has one or is looking to add one to the family, this event will feature guest speakers throughout the weekend, including NBC Today Show correspondent and author, Jill Rappaport.  PetEx includes adoptions, rescue organizations, a canine couture fashion show, contests, prizes, and programming that focuses on responsible pet ownership and pet wellness.

And on June 4th (rain date is June 5th), Woofstock Dog Festival is back for its 5th anniversary!  The event starts at 10am in Elmwood Park.  This festival has grown to become the most anticipated dog-friendly event in the City.  Live music, dog-related vendors, contests, games, and more keep dog lovers coming back year after year.  Rescue organizations such as Angels of Assisi, Roanoke Valley SPCA, Dalmatian Rescue of SWVA, Franklin County Humane Society, and the League for Animal Protection.  This year, come see The Mad Dogs perform their special brand of Frisbee tricks all day long!  Your dog can win prizes, too, such as in the ugly dog contest.  And there’s a silent auction to raise funds for the important work these animal organizations do.

Highlights of summers in Roanoke include Festival in the Park, coming Friday thru Sunday, May 27th – 29th and featuring Steel Magnolia, Grammy winner and Blues Traveler’s John Popper, the Family Stone Project, and 1964: The Tribute.  What an amazing line-up of artists to keep you rocking and grooving all weekend long!

If these events aren’t enough to fill your calendar in the coming months, then we suggest less caffeine and more sleep.  Roanoke is the place to be for fun and entertainment, food and drink, music and more!
For more information on any of these events, visit the following websites:
www.eventzone.org, www.downtownroanoke.org,
www.PetExpoVA.com, www.sponsorhounds.com