Summer Arts Festival brings free family fun to downtown Blacksburg
The Summer Arts Festival returns to downtown Blacksburg, offering a full schedule of music, theatre, film, visual art, 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.
New this year will be a series of Thursday night concerts at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, culminating in a performance of W.A. Mozart's famous "Requiem," a production of "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder in Theatre 101 featuring actors from Virginia Tech and the community, and children's activities in the new Creativity and Innovation District Living-Learning Community building.
Friday night outdoor concerts
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 Domino Band (R&B), July 8.
- Gerry Timlin (Irish folk), July 15.
- Root Down (jazz, funk, and blues), July 22.
- Lua Project (Mexilachian), July 29.
Thursday night indoor concerts
This year, Thursday night indoor concerts will be presented at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, 701 Church St. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. The Mozart "Requiem" performance is a community sing event. Those interested in participating as a member of the choir are asked to fill out this form.
- Alex Hassan (piano), July 7.
- Victorian Madness (Brian Thorsett, tenor; Richard Masters, piano), July 14.
- Bach cello suites (Benjamin Wyatt, cello), July 21.
- Mozart Requiem (community sing), July 28.
Lyric Classic Movies Series
Cool off with a free classic movie at the historic Lyric Theatre, located at 135 College Ave. Ben Model will provide live musical accompaniment for the Buster Keaton classics and "Wings." All movies, unless noted, begin at 3 p.m.
- “Casablanca,” July 2 and 6.
- “Wayne's World,” July 9 and 13.
- Buster Keason classics, July 23 and 27.
- “Wings,” July 23 (7:30 p.m.).
- “The Godfather,” July 30 and Aug. 3.
Live theater
"Our Town" by Thornton Wilder will be presented July 16-18 in Theatre 101. "Our Town" won a Pulitzer Prize in 1938 for its intricate and at times heartbreaking exploration of human relationships. It is directed by Amanda Nelson. Free reservations will be available online beginning June 15.
School of Visual Arts Non-Majors Art Exhibit
Perspective Gallery is hosting an exhibit this summer of artwork by students who are non-art majors and taking art classes in the Virginia Tech School of Visual Arts. Artwork will be on display June 13-Aug. 28 in the Perspective Gallery, located on the second floor of the Squires Student Center. A closing reception will be held on Aug. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Interactive Story Time with Joelle!
Join storyteller Joelle for an action-packed 60 minutes of high energy, imaginative, and interactive storytelling, reading, and creating. It is appropriate for all, but especially for ages 3 to 10. It will be held July 9 and 16 at noon and 2 p.m. in the rehearsal room of the Creativity and Innovation District Living-Learning Community building, 185 Kent St.
Special events
- Blacksburg Market Square Jam is an official Crooked Road affiliated venue that caters to traditional Old Time music. Music jams occur very Wednesday through Sept. 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the corner of Draper Road and Roanoke Street.
- The 14th annual Summer Solstice Fest will feature live music, craft vendors, and family fun on June 18 from 1-11 p.m.
- The Independence Day Celebration on July 4 includes the Downtown Parade, sponsored by Mount Tabor Ruritans, and 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 features over 200 exhibitors Aug. 5-6.
Sign up for weekly Summer Arts Festival updates from the School of Performing Arts here. Find more information online or contact Richard Masters, Summer Arts Festival Director at rjm2946@vt.edu.