The Summer Arts Festival returns to downtown Blacksburg, offering a full schedule of music, theater, 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 campus 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, 6 p.m. - 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 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 Avenue. 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 & 6
“Wayne's World” July 9 and 13
Buster Keason classics July 23 & 27
“Wings” July 23 (7:30 p.m.)
“The Godfather” July 30 & 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 to 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 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Interactive Story Time with Joelle!
Join story-teller 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 3-10. It will be held July 9 and 16 at noon and 2 p.m. in the Creativity and Innovation District Living Learning Community building, 185 Kent St., rehearsal room.

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, 7-9 p.m., corner of Draper Rd., and Roanoke St.

14th Annual Summer Solstice Fest will feature live music, craft vendors, and family fun on June 18, 1-11 p.m.

Independence Day Celebration on July 4 includes the Downtown Parade, sponsored by Mount Tabor Ruritans; live music and fireworks at Municipal Park.

Art at the Market celebrates Blacksburg's vibrant arts community with an outdoor exhibit. July 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Steppin' Out Street Festival features over 200 exhibitors, live 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.

Written by Susan Sanders