Frequently asked questions

What is the Roanoke Arts Festival?

On the heels of last year’s inaugural Roanoke Arts Festival, the second annual Roanoke Arts Festival, re-timed this year to help celebrate the opening of the new Taubman Museum of Art, will be held Nov. 8-9 with free and ticketed performances and visual arts that are sure to appeal to a wide range of regional audiences and visitors alike.

The concept of a city arts festival can be said to have originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. The Edinburgh International Festival is likely the best example of a successful contemporary city arts festival. Today, renowned city arts festivals include the Spoleto Festival USA of Charleston, S.C., and the Virginia Arts Festival in the Norfolk area.

Why is it just two days this year?

This year’s festival has been re-timed to help celebrate the opening of the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke.

How do I buy tickets?

You can find ticket information here.

How much are tickets?

Many performances are free. Tickets prices vary and are available by looking at the calendar.

Are there any free activities?

Absolutely. A number of activities and events are available at no cost. See the calendar for details.

Where can I find a map of the venues?

You can find maps here.

Will there be another festival?

Yes! Planning is already under way for the third annual festival in fall 2009.

Highlights

Saturday, November 8

Magic Twig Community Super Friends Fest.
A free rock ‘n’ roll concert at Elmwood Park with the inventive regional bands of “Magic Twig Community,” including Forensic Teens; Hot Lava; Doug Cheatwood and the Bastards of Fate; the Mommies; Rootstone; Sound Houses; the Sad Cobras; SUNKING!; Turbo P; and the Young Sinclairs. 

Thistledown Puppets. (poster)
World premiere of "Bull – A Puppet Musical" by these remarkable young puppeteers and their company. Dumas Center.

"Doubt"
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play by John Patrick Shanley. A co-production of the theatre departments at Hollins University (pdf) and Virginia Tech. At the Waldron Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Contact the Hollins University Box Office at (540) 362-6517.

More events for Saturday, November 8

Sunday, November 9

"FiddleFest Lite"
A day of Bluegrass: Jam sessions, teaching work-shops (instrumental, vocal, and songwriting), and a concert with name performers. Co-production with – and at – the Taubman Museum of Art. Guest acts include Herschel Sizemore, Mike Conner & Sandy Ridge and surprise guests. 

"An Exposition of the Culinary Arts"
By the staff and student chefs at the new VWCC Culinary Institute. At 109 Henry St., across from the Dumas Center.

Crystal Gayle with Sam & Ruby (video).
Performing Arts Theatre, Roanoke Civic Center. www.crystalgayle.com

More events for Sunday, November 9

See the calendar for details.