Summer Arts Festival offers free fun for all
If you are planning to be in Blacksburg for the summer, take some time to enjoy a full schedule of summer arts activities. The Summer Arts Festival offers fun for all ages and includes indoor and outdoor concerts, movies, visual arts, children’s activities, and other special events.
The festival is presented in partnership between the School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech and the Town of Blacksburg. All events are free and open to the public.
“I am excited about the 2023 Summer Arts Festival. We continue to offer fun outdoor concerts on Friday nights, exciting classical concerts on Thursday nights, classic films, and activities for children," said Ariana Wyatt, associate professor of voice in the School of Performing Arts and director of this year’s festival. "There is something for everyone.”
Friday night outdoor concerts
The summer 2023 lineup of outdoor concerts offers six bands throughout June and July. The live music will take place Friday evenings on Henderson Lawn at the corner of Main Street and College Avenue, from 6-7:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.
- The What Four (classic '60s organ trio soul), June 23
- Redd Volkaert Trio (country swing/jazz/rock), June 30
- Blacksburg Community Band (concert band selections), July 7
- Root Down (jazz/funk/blues), July 14
- The Domino Band (R&B), July 21
- Music Road Co (funk/rock/reggae/afrobeat/Latin fusion), July 28
Thursday night indoor concerts
Thursday night concerts return for the second year and again include the popular community-sing concert. Concerts will be held at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church at 701 Church St. at 7 p.m. The first concert will feature Virginia Tech alumna Aurora Martin '12.
- Aurora Martin, soprano, and Richard Masters, piano, July 6
- Bach and Friends! with Fiona Hughes, violin, July 13
- Alma Ensemble, July 20
- Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass,” July 27
The Joseph Haydn “Lord Nelson Mass" performance is a community-sing event. Those interested in participating as a choir member are asked to fill out this form. Rehearsals begin on July 5.
Lyric Classic Movies Series
Beat the summer heat with a free classic movie at the historic Lyric Theatre at 135 College Ave. All movies begin at 3 p.m.
- “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” July 1
- “The Sting,” July 15
- “The Right Stuff,” July 29
"Backyard Stone Carvers" art exhibition
Perspective Gallery is hosting “Backyard Stone Carvers,” a sculpture exhibition that honors the spirit of sculptor and teacher Darcy Meeker, who led a group of artists to find their voices through stone carving workshops that began in her backyard.
Storytime and Improv Workshop with Joelle
Join storyteller Joelle for stories, songs, and silly fun. All ages are welcome for the storytime sessions. The Improv Workshop is created for children 10 to 15 years old.
- Storytime with Joelle, July 15 at 11 a.m. (all ages)
- Storytime with Joelle, July 22 at 11 a.m. (all ages)
- Improv Workshop with Joelle, July 22 at 2 p..m. (for ages 10 to 15)
Saturday Morning Yoga
The month of July will bring Saturday Morning Yoga on the lawn of the Blacksburg Museum. This easy flow yoga is a great start to your weekend.
Special events
- Blacksburg Market Square Jam is an official Crooked Road affiliated venue that caters to traditional old time music. Music jams are each Wednesday from 7-9 p.m., June through September, at the corner of Draper Road and Roanoke Street.
- The 15th annual Summer Solstice Fest from 1-11 p.m. June 17 will feature live music, craft vendors, and family fun.
- The Independence Day Celebration on July 4 includes the Downtown Parade, live music, and fireworks at Municipal Park.
- Art at the Market celebrates Blacksburg's vibrant arts community with an outdoor exhibit July 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- The Steppin' Out Street Festival on Aug. 5-6 includes performances and over 200 exhibitors.
Sign up for weekly Summer Arts Festival updates from the School of Performing Arts here. Find more information online or contact Ariana Wyatt, Summer Arts Festival producer, at ariana1@vt.edu.
