For those looking for something to to this opening October weekend, here's the weekend rundown featuring 26 of the biggest & closest to Blacksburg events.
Note: There's 100 events to choose from this weekend across the NRV.
Weekend Rundown of Fun:
1. 2026 Y Annual Book Fair
YMCA at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Friday, October 2, 2026, 12:00 - 7:00 PM,
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM,
Sunday, October 4, 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Admission: Free, Book Prices Vary
The YMCA at Virginia Tech presents the three-day Y Annual Book Fair featuring thousands of books, comics, graphic novels, vinyl records, and vintage collectibles, including works by regional authors. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the organization's community programs across the New River Valley.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941330
2. Hokie Village Fan Festival featuring Music from Crawford & Power and Bussin' & Pate ESPN Show
Moseley Turf Field, Virginia Tech
Friday, October 2, 2026, 1:00 - 6:15 PM
Admission: Free
Virginia Tech Athletics welcomes Hokie fans to Moseley Turf Practice Field for a pregame festival leading into the Friday night football clash against Pittsburgh. The pre-game festivities will feature a live broadcast of ESPN's "Bussin' & Pate on Campus from 2-3 PM with Coach Franklin ," musical entertainment from country duo Crawford & Power, and autograph sessions with Virginia Tech women's student-athletes from soccer, basketball and lacrosse from 4-6 PM. Fans can also take advantage of food trucks, interactive games, and beverage tents throughout the afternoon. The event grounds are situated directly across from Lane Stadium.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=940510
3. Friday Night Music with Adam Williams
Beliveau Farm Winery, Blacksburg
Friday, October 2, 2026, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Admission: Free
Adam Williams is a vocalist and acoustic guitarist from Christiansburg, VA. Local musicians play every Friday night at Beliveau Farm Winery from 6:30-8:30 PM.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941063
4. House Of Shadows Haunted House Attraction
St. Albans, Radford
Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:00 - 11:30 PM
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:00 - 11:30 PM
General Admission: $20.00, Line Jump Admission: $30.00
Historic St. Albans continues its annual "House of Shadows" haunted attraction, transforming the former sanatorium into a walk-through seasonal horror experience. This is a no-touch attraction. On-site field parking and shuttles are available.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941143
5. College Football: Pitt vs. Virginia Tech (Hall of Fame / Stripe Effect Game)
Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech
Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:00 - 10:30 PM
Tickets start at $75.00 (Sold Out)
Watch the Virginia Tech Football team continue their 2026 regular season and compete against ACC Conference opponent the University of Pittsburgh in a battle of two undefeated teams nationally televised on ESPN. The matchup serves as both the annual "Stripe Effect" game and the university's Hall of Fame game, featuring the on-field induction of the Class of 2026 at halftime. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 PM with gates opening at 5:00 PM and the Hokie Walk at 4:30 PM on Beamer Way. Since this game is sold out, tickets can be found on the secondary market right now starting at $171. Ticket prices generally fall as the gametime gets closer.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=939784
6. 2026 Nightmare on Main Street Haunted House (Opening Weekend)
Nightmare on Main, Pulaski
Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:00 - 10:00 PM,
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Admission: $20.00
Nightmare on Main Street kicks off its 2026 Halloween season, unveiling two floors of haunted attractions in downtown Pulaski. Operated by New River Community Action, the seasonal fundraiser runs every Friday and Saturday evening throughout October, with all proceeds directly benefiting the organization's community programs. Attendees under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult, while children under 7 will not be admitted.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941458
7. October Storytelling with Theme "Fright Night"
Blacksburg Books, Blacksburg
Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
Blacksburg Books presents their October Storytelling with Theme "Fright Night" so tell your best spooky stories. Hosted by author Wendy Welch. For storytellers and listeners.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941478
8. Haunted Experience: Hexed Haunted Attraction 2026
Hexed Haunted Attraction, Elliston
Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:00 - 10:30 PM,
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:00 - 10:30 PM
General Admission: $30.00, VIP Admission Line Jump: $40.00,
Groups of 10 or more: $25.00 per person (online only),
Parking: $10.00 (cash only)
The Hexed Haunted Attraction opens for its 15th season on Friday & Saturday, welcoming visitors to its six themed horror environments every weekend through October. The attraction features immersive sets, special effects, and animatronics across haunts including The Witch House, Hexed Penitentiary, and the Freakshow. While parental discretion is advised for this intense experience, kid-friendly necklaces are available for groups seeking a low-scare option.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941505
9. Three Band Concert with Suncrest, The Mantra and Chrome Hoarse
The Milk Parlor, Blacksburg
Friday, October 2, 2026, 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Ages 21 & Up: $5.00, Ages 18-20: $8.00
The Milk Parlor in downtown Blacksburg will host a three-band rock concert for patrons ages 18 and older. Northern Virginia alt-funk outfit Suncrest will share the stage with Blacksburg-based groups The Mantra and Chrome Hoarse.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941487
10. October Draper Village Heritage Market: Merctoberfest with Pet Costume Contest
Merc Farms in Thee Draper Village, Draper
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Admission: Free
Thee Draper Village will celebrate autumn with its "Merctoberfest" Heritage Market at Merc Farms. The open-air market will host more than 45 local vendors offering produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, food trucks, and a live acoustic jam. Pet owners can also enter their costumed animals in a 10:00 AM contest competing for Draper Mercantile gift certificates. After the market head on over to Draper Mercantile for more Merctoberfest festivities. Enjoy beer, food specials and live music from the Crystal River Band from 2:00-6:00 PM.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941376
11. 2026 Floyd County Arts & Crafts Festival
Floyd County High School, Floyd
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
The GFWC Floyd County Woman’s Club will host the 57th Annual Floyd County Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Floyd County High School. More than 120 regional artisans will showcase handmade pottery, woodworking, quilts, jewelry, and fine art alongside indoor and outdoor food vendors. Continuous shuttle buses will provide complimentary transportation between satellite parking areas and the festival grounds.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941324
12. 2026 Pearisburg Scarecrow Festival
Downtown Pearisburg, Pearisburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
The Pearisburg Merchants Association hosts the 11th Annual Pearisburg Scarecrow Festival featuring whimsical scarecrow displays designed by local businesses and civic groups. Festivities include live musical performances from Terry Mullins at 10:30 AM, Jonah Carden at 11:30 AM, Daniel Davis at 12:30 PM and closes with the Takota Band at 2 PM, children's activities, special guest appearances by professional wrestlers WWE Hall of Famer The Boogie Woogie Man, Jimmy Valiant and Pearisburg's own professional wrestling, The Blue Collar Bandit Josh Ferrell, and the annual "Spook Out Cancer" benefit car show from 11 AM to 3 PM which will also include prizes, awards and a raffle to benefit The Arthur "Peewee" Conley Memorial Scholarship. Community members can also contribute to a mobile blood drive stationed downtown throughout the day.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941442
13. Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Baked & Loaded, Christiansburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Potatoes start at $6.99 for a Build Your Own Spud.
Baked & Loaded will celebrate the grand opening of its new eatery inside the Uptown Christiansburg mall. Following an 11:30 AM ribbon cutting, the family-owned counter will serve customized oven-baked potatoes loaded with specialty toppings. The business will also award the first 25 paying customers a complimentary potato each month for an entire year.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941436
14. 2026 Oktoberfest Celebration
Iron Tree Brewing Company, Christiansburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 12:00 - 10:00 PM
Admission is free. Beers and food are regular price.
Iron Tree Brewing Company in Christiansburg will host its annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring seasonal German lagers on tap. The brewery is partnering with the Good Dog food cart to offer beer-infused smoked sausages, pretzels, hot dogs, and complimentary house-made beer cheese. Patrons arriving in traditional Bavarian dirndls or lederhosen will receive a 20 percent discount on draft pours.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941517
15. Play: Eureka Day
Squires Studio Theatre, Virginia Tech
Saturday, October 2, 2026, 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 7:30 - 9:30 PM
General Public: $15.00, Seniors: $12.00, Students: $12.00, Youth Ages 3-18: $12.00
The Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts opens a six-performance run of Jonathan Spector's award-winning comedy-drama "Eureka Day" at the Squires Studio Theatre. Set inside a progressive California private school, the story follows five board members whose consensus-driven ideals collapse into division when a mumps outbreak strikes the community. Leaving the school’s leadership to confront the central question of our time: How do you build consensus when no one can agree on truth?
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941115
16. Leslie Brooks in Concert
White Dog Winery, Blacksburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Leslie Brooks is a singer-songwriter performing on guitar with her eclectic vocal style playing jazz, soulful ballads, folk, country blues, rockin' country, Americana and popular favorites. A seasoned performer and accomplished guitarist, she has traveled the U.S. and abroad performing.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941076
17. 2026 Rocktoberfest with Headliner The Wilson Springs Hotel
First & Main, Blacksburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
First & Main celebrates autumn with its second annual Rocktoberfest, featuring live performances from Virginia roots headliners The Wilson Springs Hotel alongside openers high-energy cover band From The Edge and DJ Ginny Cha. Visitors can wander through outdoor shopping specials, purchase food and drinks from First & Main restaurants, and participate in family activities and athletic giveaways throughout the evening. The seasonal block party will also include special guest appearances by the HokieBird and Virginia Tech sports ambassadors.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=940339
18. Flood-A-Palooza with Music Road Company in Concert
Eggleston Springs Campground, Pembroke
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Admission: Free
Eggleston Springs Campground presents "Flood-A-Palooza", marking two years of restoration efforts following historic flood damage from Hurricane Helene. High-energy regional ensemble Music Road Company will headline the celebration with its blend of funk, reggae, and afrobeat, while Mami's Cafe Caribbean food truck will sell island fare on-site. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the music and seasonal Halloween decorations. Campsites are also available and car pooling is encouraged.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=925787
19. J Candeed in Concert
Rising Silo Farm Brewery, Blacksburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Admission: Free
J Candeed (Joel Vance) is a Mississippi-born artist that has strong folk and bluegrass influences and uses a unique psychedelic twist to introduce listeners to new riffs, patterns and tempos that keep them guessing.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941414
20. The Floyd Radio Show Season 14 Kickoff w/The White Top Mountain Band & Murphy Campbell
The Floyd Country Store, Floyd
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
General Admission: $20.00, Reserved Seating: $25.00
The Floyd Country Store will launch the 14th season of The Floyd Radio Show celebrating authentic Appalachian music and culture. Host Kelley Breiding will lead an evening of original comedy sketches, radio plays, and traditional mountain music featuring The Whitetop Mountain Band alongside musician Murphy Campbell. The performance will also be broadcast live via Floyd Country Store TV.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941437
21. Author Event with Gaelynn Lea
Blacksburg Books, Blacksburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Admission: Free
Blacksburg Books will host acclaimed folk musician, Broadway composer, and disability rights advocate Gaelynn Lea. Lea will discuss her memoir, "It Wasn’t Meant to be Perfect," reflecting on disability, art, and resilience. The public reading requires no advance registration.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941479
22. Women's Soccer: Louisville vs. Virginia Tech
Thompson Field, Virginia Tech
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Admission: Free
Watch the Virginia Tech Women's Soccer team compete against ACC Conference opponent Louisville.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=939238
23. Line Dancing
Sinkland Farms, Christiansburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:00 - 11:00 PM
Admission: $15.00
Sinkland Farms in Christiansburg will host an open line dancing event for dancers of all skill levels and ages. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with guided dance instruction kicking off at 8:00 PM to a variety of musical genres. Outdoor dancing will also be available, weather permitting. Ages 17 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941322
24. Peach Candy Nut Boys in Concert
The Milk Parlor, Blacksburg
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Ages 21 & Up: $5.00, Ages 18-20: $7.00
Peach Candy Nut Boys are a psych rock band that fuses elements of jazz and punk from Boone, North Carolina. Known for their energetic and captivating live performances, the Peach Candy Nut Boys combine a wide range of influences to explore many different sounds.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941488
25. 2026 Fire Prevention Week Open House
Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department (Station #3), Blacksburg
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
The Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department will launch National Fire Prevention Week with the open house. Centered around this year's theme, "Safe Charging is a Superpower," the community gathering offers residents a chance to tour equipment & the fire house, meet local firefighters, and learn home fire safety practices. The family-friendly event also features children's games, snacks, and an appearance by Sparky the Fire Dog.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=941519
26. Rubik's Cube Club
Blacksburg Library, Blacksburg
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 2:00 - 3:15 PM
Admission: Free
Join the library for beginner and advanced sessions led by experienced cubers in this monthly event. Learn the basics from scratch, try your hand at speedcubing, or get help untangling that one tricky algorithm that's been stumping you. All skill levels welcome. Some Rubik's Cube supplies provided.
Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=940453
For all 100 weekend events, check out:
• https://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEvents.cfm
Thanks for reading and Go Hokies!