The fall semester is in full swing at Virginia Tech, and there are many opportunities for students, parents, faculty, and staff to get involved with upcoming events on and around campus.
Just because summer has flown by and it’s time to settle back into the school routine, that doesn’t mean life has to get mundane. From Hokie football games to a good old-fashioned jamboree, here are a few not-to-miss activities to get to know the area, and make some new friends along the way.
Fall Events at Virginia Tech
Football Games & Tailgating
It wouldn’t be fall at Virginia Tech without football and tailgating!
Virginia Tech jumps into play against #10 ranked North Carolina on September 3rd and the season gets more exciting from there! Get a full schedule here.
Of course, Hokie Football is not complete without some pre-game excitement. Grab your friends and family and join The Inn for a tailgate hosted in our Continental Divide Lounge!
Our pregame festivities include:
- complimentary tailgate food
- lawn games on the Great Lawn
- cash bar
- and more!
We’ll get started three hours before kickoff and end one hour before kickoff for each home game.
“Tailgating at The Inn is my favorite part of fall! I love seeing our fellow Hokies show off their school spirit before the football games with their friends and family!”
-Teresa Hughes, Director of Sales & Marketing, Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center
The INNsider Tip: Make sure you arrive at the game for the team entrance tradition of fans jumping to enter Sandman!
RELATED: Jump Into Football Season Like a Hokie
12th Annual Blacksburg Brew Do
Delicious food, terrific music, and craft beer, how can you go wrong? Save the date – Saturday, September 18.
Want a sneak peek? Head to Preston’s at The Inn at Virginia Tech on Friday the 17th for a beer pairing dinner.
Get your festival tickets here >>
The INNsider Tip: The VIP is worth the additional price. It gives you access to the festival an hour before the general public so you can enjoy tastings before the lines get too long
Pumpkin Festival at Sinkland Farms
For a quintessential fall experience, head to the pumpkin patch any Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from September 24 – October 31.
YMCA Craft Fair
Feeling crafty? Because the in-person YMCA Craft Fair is back! This is a great place to find a wide range of interesting hand-crafted pieces. There are categories ranging from basketry to upcycled products and lots of fabulous finds in between.
Mark your calendar for November 12-14, 2021 and plan to check it out at the new venue, The Christiansburg Recreation Center.
Hiking
It’s gorgeous in Blacksburg, Virginia in the fall! That’s why we highly encourage all our VT friends to get outside and enjoy the crisp air hiking on one of the local trails.
The INNsider Tip: Our favorites are Cascades, McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, and Huckleberry Trail. There is no place more beautiful than Southwest Virginia in the fall.
RELATED: Feeling Adventurous? The Great Virginia Outdoors Are Calling!
More Ways to Enjoy Fall Foliage
The fall colors are stunning, but they don’t stick around long! If you’re not up for a hike, take a drive, or a bike ride through the countryside and enjoy the intense beauty of the season.
The INNsider Tip: The drive through the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests for leaf-peeping is spectacular! Be sure to pick up a day-use pass since The Virginia State Parks pass does not apply in the National Forest.
Golf at Pete Dye River Course
Fall is the best time for golf! With two and one-half miles of frontage on the New River, every hole at the River Course offers memorable views of the New River Valley. The Pete Dye design presents the distinctive look and feel of links golf in a unique setting.
RELATED: Getting to Know the Golf Pro at Pete Dye River Course
Performances at Moss Arts Center
Virginia Tech’s Moss Arts Center presents renowned artists from around the globe and from close to home, with a special focus on experiences that expand cultural awareness and deepen understanding. Uniquely partnered with the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, the Moss Arts Center houses the Street and Davis Performance Hall and its Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, visual art galleries, the experimental venue the Cube, and research studios.
One of the best things about the Moss Arts Center is the diversity of the shows. There’s something for everyone. Upcoming shows include dance, storytelling, musical and vocal performances.
Check out their fall lineup >>
Wineries and Breweries
Did you know Virginia is ranked #5 in wineries with only four states boasting more (Washington, Oregon, California, and New York)?
In addition, the Virginia craft beer scene has exploded, creating brew trails and regions across the state so beer lovers can sip their favorite ales (lagers, stouts, and pilsners, too) all over the state.
With so many wineries and breweries around, you could spend an afternoon, a day, or an entire weekend sipping and savoring your way around the area.
RELATED: See, Sip, Savor: Blacksburg, Virginia is for Wine Lovers
Hokie Half Marathon
After all that wine and beer, you may want to find a festive way to work off the calories. The Hokie Half Marathon is just the ticket.
The 9th Annual Hokie Half Marathon and 5K will be held on October 3, 2021. With the first four miles on roads, the next six travel along the Huckleberry Bike Trail before heading back onto roads and bike trails for the final miles.
Combined with a ton of live music throughout the course and plenty of cheering along the way, the Hokie Half is one you won’t want to miss, especially since you’ll get a Hokie Bird finisher medal and some awesome race swag.
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to train! Sign up here >>
Wilderness Trail Festival in Christiansburg
Another awesome event for the whole family, the Wilderness Trail Festival comes around the third weekend in September.
Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store
This just can’t be missed. A unique and fun way to spend a Friday night is at The Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store. You won’t regret going!
Farmers Markets in Blacksburg
No matter if you’re living dorm life, apartment, or house life, you can still eat fresh, clean, and local. The Blacksburg Farmers Market is the place to stock your pantry!
Located in downtown Blacksburg, the market features growers of locally grown produce and meats, alongside artisans of baked goods, prepared foods, cheese, handmade crafts, and so much more. It’s a great place to green up your diet and gather with your friends.
Check out The Blacksburg Farmer’s Market >>
The INNsider Tip: Check out the Christiansburg Farmers Market, too!
Rockin Main Street Festival
Enjoy fabulous music, delicious food, and honor the heroes of September 11th at the Rockin’ Main Street Festival.
As you can see, there’s too much to do this fall to become a couch potato. Get out and enjoy all that Blacksburg has to offer! Make a weekend of it and book a stay at The Inn at Virginia Tech for a perfect Hokie fall weekend.
