Signature Events

Roanoke Outside Foundation maintains a portfolio of signature events designed to showcase all the awesomeness the Roanoke Region has to offer.

• Blue Ridge Marathon: Billed as America’s Toughest Road Marathon, the weekend offers a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, team relay, and double marathon. Race typically takes place the 3rd weekend in April.
• Down by Downtown: A unique music festival that takes place in a dozen plus venues spread throughout downtown Roanoke. The event coincides with the Blue Ridge Marathon weekend (typically the 3rd weekend in April).
• Go Cross: a two-day UCI cyclocross race weekend for amateurs and pros from across the county. Broadcast on Discovery+ and Global Cycling Network. Typically takes place in September, but is dependent on the larger international cyclocross calendar.
• GO Outside Festival: a 40,000 person, free festival, that highlights everything outdoors. Pro athletes, equipment demos, 120+ clinics/workshops, speakers, music, and more. Typically the third weekend in October.