Roanoke Music

Music in Virginia's Blue Ridge

The music scene in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge is a mix of sounds and styles that continues to grow.

With a great collection of local artists, unique venues full of character, and exciting festivals and events, Virginia's Blue Ridge is earning its spot on the map for live music.

See a list of upcoming concerts & events >

The musical style of the region can't be put into a box. Whether you stumble upon an impromptu jam session of pickers and fiddlers at the farmers market, enjoy the classical sounds of the symphony and opera, discover an up-and-coming indie artist at a local brewery, or score great tickets to a huge concert, it's all part of the live music experience in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Music has always been part of the fabric of Virginia's Blue Ridge, including in the 1930s when jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole were rumored to have jam sessions along Henry Street or at the old Dumas Hotel.

Country? Pop? Classical? Bluegrass? Funk? Pop? Jazz? Blues? We've got it all. And much more!

The Crooked Road

Our rich musical history and heritage can be discovered along The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. The 333-mile music trail explores the deep roots of string music, blues, gospel and bluegrass, which still have a strong presence in Virginia's Blue Ridge. Iconic venues like The Floyd Country Store offer great opportunities to enjoy live music along The Crooked Road.

Live Music Venues

Having such a dynamic music scene means also having a great variety of venues that can offer different kinds of experiences. The broad range of venues makes it possible to enjoy live music almost any night of the week, which you can check out on our calendar listed below.

The Berglund Center and Salem Civic Center host many of the biggest names in music throughout the year. The Jefferson Center, Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, Harvester Performance Center, 5 Points Music Sanctuary, and The Spot on Kirk also host many award-winning acts and feature a wide range of musical styles.

There are also some incredible outdoor venues that regularly host performances, including Daleville Town Center, Dr Pepper Park, and Elmwood Park.

For more casual environments, check out what's happening at the breweries or wineries in Virginia's Blue Ridge or the local restaurants that regularly host live music, such as Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill, Corned Beef & Company, and Awful Arthur's.

Major Music Events

Virginia's Blue Ridge hosts some incredible annual music events. Multi-day festivals and shows attract top performers and visitors from around the world, highlighting a rich collection of unique sounds. Here are some of biggest music events held annually in the region.

• Down by Downtown Music Festival - April
• Festival in the Park - May
• Chantilly Farm Bluegrass & BBQ Festival - May
• The Crooked Road Dulcimer Festival - May
• The Crooked Road's Mountains of Music Homecoming - June
• FloydFest - July
• Strings & Things - September
• Roanoke GO Outside Festival - October

Music Calendar

There's always a great upcoming show or concert on the calendar in Virginia's Blue Ridge!

You can also enjoy the great craft beer or wine in the region, as our breweries and wineries regularly feature live music.

Check out the calendar below and remember to check back often to learn about new shows and concerts that added!