Spending Alumni Weekend in Blacksburg and Christiansburg
Returning to Blacksburg for Virginia Tech Alumni Weekend? Looking for some fun events to enjoy the culture of Southwest Virginia? We have a few recommendations to bring back that college life nostalgia in Blacksburg and Christiansburg!
Find farm-fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, handmade jewelry, and more just minutes away from Virginia Tech. Make it a trip; swing by your favorite shopping centers in Uptown Christiansburg on your way back to campus. If you’re feeling adventurous, head over to Iron Tree Brewing in nearby Downtown Christiansburg for a brew or two!
Re-discover the high energy atmosphere of Downtown Blacksburg with a performance by the Domino Band on Henderson Lawn. A part of the Summer Arts Festival, enjoy the culture of Southwest Virginia like a local!
Virginia wine, live music, and the beauty of Historic Smithfield! Is there a better way to spend a Saturday? Enjoy the sounds of summer with a glass of wine in hand at one of Blacksburg’s favorite festivals. Click here to purchase your ticket!
Looking for more ways to spend your Alumni Weekend in Blacksburg and Christiansburg? Explore our website for more options!
Make your next core memory
Make your next core memory in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, Virginia! Stay tuned for weekly episodes of our “Core Memory Conversations” series to draw inspiration for your next unforgettable getaway!
Making memories since the 1930s, The Lyric Theatre is an historic staple in downtown Blacksburg just minutes from the campus of Virginia Tech.
Plan your stay today! Explore our website for more memory-making experiences!
New River Valley Station Updates
The New River Valley project will return passenger rail service to the historic Cambria Yard in Christiansburg, VA, which served rail passengers from 1904 to 1979. Return here for the most up-to-date information on the project!
Feb. 9, 2026:
“Exciting progress is being made on the New River Valley project as construction remains on schedule to extend passenger rail service to Christiansburg. At the future Cambria station site, crews have begun laying foundations for a 1,000-foot platform and are prepping the parking lot area for future travelers. A major milestone was also reached with the installation of a new track turnout, the essential infrastructure that will allow Amtrak trains to transition seamlessly from the mainline to the station platform. Along with ongoing track and electrical work at the Radford Layover Facility, these updates bring us closer to providing passenger rail service to the New River Valley.”
The future transportation hub for the New River Valley, Cambria Historic District is home to an eclectic mix of shops and experiences to incorporate into your Christiansburg itinerary. A charming village minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, take a break to unwind and relax at these top spots:
Passenger rail service is on its way! Starting in 2027, visitors will be able to take Amtrak Virginia to the New River Valley Station in the heart of Cambria Historic District. The project will provide easy access to Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Virginia Tech.
Featuring a social media-famous book arch and friendly staff, Cambria Station Antiques and Old New River Books offer Instagram-worthy backdrops, three floors of antique treasures and a wide selection of used books.
A Guide to Football Weekend in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County
Things to do, places to eat, and memories to be made before and after the Hokies play!
You’ve heard of Blacksburg’s reputation as one of the best atmospheres in the nation for college football, but what is there to do nearby before and after the game? Between Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, there’s much more to experience during your stay than Enter Sandman.
Upon arrival Friday night, sit down for a relaxing dinner at The Farmhouse, kick back and enjoy a lively sports bar at Lost in Taste, or get a headstart on the gameday experience at one of our fantastic breweries across the community.
On Saturday, start the day off right with some breakfast from Route 8 Donuts just off I-81 in Christiansburg, or Carol Lee Donuts right along North Main Street in Blacksburg. Locals will tell you that you can’t go wrong either way.
Enjoy the gameday experience in downtown Blacksburg with a “Virginia Slice” from the popular Benny Marzano’s, and explore Virginia Tech’s beautiful campus when heading to your tailgate or Lane Stadium.
After the Hokies play, Go To Town! Head downtown again with so many famous bars and resturants waiting for you. From Top of the Stairs to 540 Social, there’s plenty of options to cap-off your gameday in Blacksburg.
Before heading back home on Sunday, you have plenty more to see. Discover the beauty of southwest Virginia on a hike at Stiles Falls, or take a leisurely stroll around peaceful Pandapas Pond. Looking for indoor activities during cold or rainy weather? Christiansburg is full of options for indoor fun including It’s Gametime At The Superbowl and Crimper’s Climbing Gym.
To find more options for football weekend fun, visit our websiteand build the perfect itinerary for you and your crew!
Showcasing Montgomery County to travel journalists
Nov. 14, 2025
Earlier this fall, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County Regional Tourismwelcomed 10 travel journalists to the community through its partnership with Geiger & Associates. Over the course of three days, the journalists explored attractions and experienced firsthand the places, people, and stories that make the region a destination worth visiting.
Focused on providing the journalists an all-encompassing visit, the tourism team organized an itinerary to blend the best of outdoor beauty, local flavor, and cultural vibrancy.
From a scenic walk at Pandapas Pond and a hike along the Poverty Creek Trails to the seasonal magic of Sinkland Farms’ Pumpkin Festival, the group had a chance to enjoy the landscapes that draw so many visitors to the area.
They also dove into our local food scene with stops like Buffalo and More, Cabo Fish Taco, Brew Da Bean, Lost in Taste, and an evening at Blacksburg Wine Lab.
Along the way, the band of journalists explored downtown Blacksburg, touring the historic Lyric Theatre and stopping by the impressive Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech.
Upon a visit to nearby Christiansburg, the team of crafty wordsmiths enjoyed browsing Old New River Books with its large book arch leading into Cambria Station Antiques. The group then decided to stretch their legs a bit more at Christiansburg’s new state-of-the-art Huckleberry Park.
Travelling beyond the two towns to Montgomery County, the team enjoyed a flavorful tasting at Beliveau Farm Winery, which concluded the exciting three-day venture with the relaxation and local charm so many locals and visitors rave about.
Hosting travel journalists offers a valuable opportunity to reach new audiences with our story. Articles and features help showcase Montgomery County’s character, beauty, and hospitality.
The Montgomery County Regional Tourism team is deeply grateful to our partners and businesses who welcomed the guests with open arms, and to the public information and communications officers from the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg as well as those from Montgomery County for their support throughout the visit. Together, the teams curated a stay reflective of the visitor experience that so many have come to love, enjoy, and return for.
Spending Swim Weekend in Christiansburg
Busy weekends at swimming competitions can be hectic. Between the travel, cheering for your athlete, finding a place to eat, and checking into the hotel, it’s hard to find time to relax and enjoy the trip.
Luckily, competitions held at Christiansburg Aquatic Center are just minutes from family-friendly attractions and unforgettable experiences that make the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County region a must-visit for folks across the country.
Take a break from the action at It’s Game Time At The Superbowl. In close proximity to a variety of shopping and dining options in uptown Christiansburg, the NRV Superbowl is a great place to unwind with bowling, an arcade, laser tag, axe throwing, and more.
Climb to new heights at nearby Crimper’s Climbing Gym. Anyone above the age of five can enjoy the state-of-the-art facility with world-class climbing features.
Take the kids to Wonder Universe: A Children’s Museum in the Uptown Christiansburg Mall. Here, your kids will find fun, hands-on educational exhibits unique to the area’s wildlife and scientific scene. While you’re in the mall, swing by Paint ‘n Fun Ceramics to bring out your creative side.
When you’re finally ready to relax for the evening, Go To Town! Explore bustling downtown Blacksburg with famous restaurants, fantastic small businesses, and cultural experiences.
Montgomery County Regional Tourism has published its fiscal 2024-25 annual report. After onboarding executive director, Samantha Livesay, in June, the report encapsulates the early efforts of the tourism team to identify strengths and weaknesses while setting goals for fiscal 2025-26.
Including sections regarding visitor spending and economic impact at the local and state level, visitor key performance indicators, as well as digital and print marketing analytics, the report breaks down the role of tourism in the community and beyond.
See what we’ve been up to by reading the annual report here.
Taking in the Arts
While you’re going to Town, make sure you take the opportunity to explore Montgomery County’s fantastic public art! Whether you’re exploring Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg or strolling Christiansburg’s Downtown, beautiful murals and sculptures abound!
Visit the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market and take in the stunning mural in the square! Created by artists Michael St. Germain and Chris Pritchett, the mural depicts different periods of history in Blacksburg in transportation and agriculture.
A mural in downtown Blacksburg commemorates the local Farmers’ Market. Virginia Tourism Corporation
After visiting the Market, you may notice some beautiful art right underneath your feet!The Blacksburg Stormwater Public Arts Projectstarted in 2018 with the mission to educate citizens on the importance of making sure nothing but rain goes down storm drains in an effort to reduce surface pollution. Currently, nine storm drains have been painted as part of the project. Can you find them all?
In an effort to encourage ecological responsibility, Blacksburg has painted storm drains with murals. “Nothing but rain down the drain.” Virginia Tourism Corporation
Next, head to Christiansburg to see their newest mural! Located in Historic Cambria, the new mural depicts the many charming characteristics of the area, including the depot and train. Afterwards, be sure to walk by Cambria Station Antiques and Cottage Farms General Store to see the additional public art in the area!
Cambria Mural – A work in progress
If you are a true Hokie fan, take a day and track down as many Hokie Birds as you can find! Located all over campus, Blacksburg, and even Christiansburg, the Hokie Bird statues are hand painted and entirely unique—you’ll never find two that are alike! These Hokie Birds have been around since 2006 and offer a fun, additional activity as you explore town.
For an interactive map with the locations of even more public art, click here!
Caffeine & Sweets: Christiansburg Edition
Whether you’re in search of the perfect latte to start your day or an afternoon treat, Christiansburg, Virginia has an abundance of options!
Brew Da Bean is a New Orleans style coffee shop offering a variety of themed treats as well as traditional coffee options. Be sure to try their Café Nola with a beignet for an authentic New Orleans experience!
Featuring unique roasts and amazing flavors, Space Rabbit Coffee is a great stop during your visit with us! Don’t forget to try one of their amazing donuts as well when you visit!
What’s breakfast without a donut? Route 8 Donuts has coffee and donuts with all kinds of flavor options!
Looking for healthy breakfast options? Be Happy Acai has fruity bowls made with natural, organic ingredients with your choice of sweet toppings!
