Summer Arts Festival starts May 23 with free entertainment and fun for all

Susan Sanders

9 May 2025

Paul McDonald stands on stage with a microphone, singing to a live audience — Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves will perform July 18 as a part of the Summer Arts Festival in Blacksburg. Photo courtesy of Jay Strausser.

Blacksburg’s biggest Summer Arts Festival to date kicks off May 23, offering events and activities for all ages, including indoor and outdoor concerts, movies, art exhibitions, children’s activities, a community sing, and more.

The festival is presented by the Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts, with support from the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and the Town of Blacksburg.

“The Summer Arts Festival is a wonderful collaboration between the Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech,” said Ariana Wyatt, director of this year’s festival who also serves as associate dean for outreach and engagement for the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design and associate professor of voice. “We are proud to partner with the town, local businesses, churches, and community groups to bring a diverse lineup of offerings with something for everyone. Please join us for as many events as possible.”

Friday night outdoor concerts

The summer lineup includes nine bands that will perform from 6-7:30 p.m. Fridays on Henderson Lawn at the corner of Main Street and College Avenue. Bring chairs or a blanket, a picnic, and settle in for an evening of live music. In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

May 23, Corey Harris, blues
May 30, Blacksburg Community Band, concert band selections
June 6, Solacoustix, blues/R&B/rock
June 13, Redd Volkaert Band country swing/jazz/rock
June 20, Root Down, jazz/funk/blues
June 27, Cinémathèque, exotica/surf rock/world fusion
July 11, Music Road Co, funk/rock/reggae/afrobeat/Latin fusion
July 18, Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves, Americana/rock/soul
July 25, Jstop Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban jazz

Thursday night indoor concerts

Three indoor concerts will be offered in Blacksburg, including one community sing event. All events begin at 7 p.m.

June 19, “The Art of the Spiritual” with Jondra Harmon, mezzo-soprano, Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, 701 Church St. SE
July 10, “Melody Unending,” music of W.A. Mozart and Francis Poulenc, Creativity and Innovation District, 185 Kent. St.
July 31, Fauré Requiem, a community sing event, Church on Main, 550 N. Main St. Those interested in participating as choir members are asked to fill out an interest form by July 9. Rehearsals will begin on July 7.

Live theatre

Three performances of the comedy “Fuddy Meers” by David Lindsay-Abaire will be presented on July 17, 19, and 20 in Theatre 101, 200 College Ave.

The play tells the story of Claire, who has a rare form of amnesia that erases her memory each time she goes to sleep. Chaos unfolds as she gets closer to understanding her past life in this darkly comedic, fast-paced adventure.

Seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the website event page for performance times and additional information.

Classic movies at the Lyric

Enjoy classic movies at the Lyric Theatre, 135 College Ave., on June 14, 28, and July 19. All movies begin at 3 p.m.

Shakespeare Workshop

Join a Shakespeare Workshop at the Lyric Theatre on Thursday, June 26, from 2-3 p.m. Perfect for middle and high school students.

Art exhibitions

The Squires Perspective Gallery will host “Emerge,” featuring works by Virginia-based artists Sarah Bachman and Kaily Schenker. The exhibit opens June 5 and runs through Aug. 28 with a closing reception on Aug. 28.

The 2025 New River Art Juried Biennial opens on Thursday, June 5, in the Moss Arts Center galleries and will be on display through Aug. 23. The opening reception on June 5 from 5-7 p.m. is free and open to the public. The 2025 exhibition is sponsored by the Blacksburg Regional Art Association and hosted by the Moss Arts Center.

Special events

Blacksburg Market Square Jam is an official Crooked Road affiliated venue that caters to traditional old time music. Music jams take place every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m., June through September, at the corner of Draper Road and Roanoke Street.
The annual Summer Solstice Fest on June 21 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. will feature live music, craft vendors, and family fun.
The Independence Day Celebration on July 4 includes a downtown parade, live music, and fireworks at Municipal Park.
Art at the Market celebrates Blacksburg's vibrant arts community with an outdoor exhibit on July 19 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Steppin’ Out street festival on Aug. 1-2 includes food, performances, and over 250 exhibitors. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Summer Solstice Fest, Art at the Market, and Steppin' Out are presented by Downtown Blacksburg Inc.

To receive weekly updates about the Summer Arts Festival from the School of Performing Arts, sign up online.

For more information or if questions, visit the Summer Arts Festival website or contact Ariana Wyatt at ariana1@vt.edu.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Ariana Wyatt at ariana1@vt.edu at least 10 business days prior to the event.