Did you know July is National Park and Recreation Month? It’s a great time to celebrate Roanoke’s amazing green spaces and activities that our city has to offer. This year, we’re taking things a step further with a Summer Bucket List, all FREE events that anybody can enjoy! This guide will inspire you to explore your parks and recreation opportunities in exciting new ways, all while soaking up the sunshine and making memories that last a lifetime. Are you ready to transform your summer with a park and rec adventure? Let’s dive in!
SOAK UP SOME SUMMER VIBES AT WASHINGTON PARK FOR A FUN AFTERNOON
PLAY Roanoke’s FREE Summer Fun at Washington Park is here! From June 17 onwards, brace yourself for bouncy inflatables every weekday afternoon in upper Washington Park. Plus, get ready for surprise pop-up activities all summer long! Also, don’t miss out on Fridays – we’ve got a DJ with some great tunes and delicious food to keep the party going strong.
PLAY A PICK UP BASKETBALL GAME AT HORTON PARK
Join the fun with Horton Hoops at Horton Park. This event is for teens aged 13 to 18! Score some baskets every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Horton Park with Roanoke Parks and Recreation, the Roanoke Police Department, and Envision Center.
WATCH SOME FIREWORKS AT FREEDOM FESTIVAL
Celebrate Independence Day with us on July 5 at River’s Edge Park South with a free festival featuring music, inflatables, trampolines, food trucks. Enjoy the 5PTSOutdoors@Freedom Festival experience with free live music and beer garden from 5 Points Music Foundation! The event includes a Fun Zone with family-friendly activities, fireworks display and musical performances by Creedence Clearwater Recital and Dead Reckoning.
FLOAT THE ROANOKE RIVER WITH THE EPIC SUMMER FLOATILLA!
Make sure to mark July 10 on your calendars! The highly anticipated Roanoke River Floatilla, arranged with our amazing friends at Roanoke Outside will be returning this year on July 10 at 5:30 PM. The journey will start at Roanoke Mountain Adventures and conclude at Starr Hill Brewery. Once we reach Starr Hill, don’t forget $1 of each pint sold benefits Roanoke Outside and is used for outdoor asset development.
This event welcomes all types of flotation devices – be it inflatable couches, colossal ducks, SUPs, kayaks, tubes, and more.⛵️🛶 In need of some floating equipment? Don’t hesitate to reserve a tube, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from Roanoke Mountain Adventures.
**Please note that transportation to and from Starr Hill and RMA is your responsibility. Consider coordinating with friends or family to park one vehicle at each location.
TRY A COOL EXPERIENCE WITH CAVESIM: A Mobile Caving Experience
With CaveSim, you can explore 60-feet of artificial cave passage, get hands-on practice with caving equipment, and marvel at the delicate formations. It is FREE to participate, so bring the whole family!
Join for free at Washington Park (upper) on July 12 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM or at Wasena Park on July 13 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For more summer fun and other ways to enjoy summer 2024 please check our full calendar of activities or join our newsletter for monthly programs and events!
