Lake Festivities & Local Fun: Annual Events Near Smith Mountain Lake You Can’t Miss

There’s something extra magical about staying at Stillwater during festival season. Over the years, we’ve seen our calendar fill up fast — especially during Pirate Days, which is hands down our favorite event of the year. In fact, it can be harder for us to even book our own house that weekend! We haven’t yet braved the Big Little Poker Run, but it’s absolutely on our list for a future getaway. From costumed swashbuckling to classic boat shows, here’s a rundown of the regular festivities you’ll want to mark on your calendar when visiting Moneta / Smith Mountain Lake — plus a few standout events in nearby Roanoke.

Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days (Mid-July)

When: July 18-20, 2025 (typically the third weekend of July)

This is the biggest weekend of the year on the lake — and for good reason. Pirate Days transforms Smith Mountain Lake into a sea of eye patches, bandanas, and boat flags. There are kids’ treasure hunts, live bands, themed parties at marinas and restaurants, and even a giant on-the-water water-gun battle between pirate crews. It’s lighthearted, family-friendly, and full of lake-town energy. If you’re planning to visit during Pirate Days, book early — rentals fill up months in advance (including ours!).

Where: Events scatter across participating businesses, but the heart is at Goodhue Boat Company (formerly Crazy Horse Marina) and Bridgewater Plaza

Big Little Poker Run (May / August)

When: Late August

This annual event combines boating, fun, and community giving. Participants hop between several marinas around the lake, collecting poker cards at each stop. The best hand at the end of the day wins prizes, and all proceeds support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia. It’s a day full of laughter, great people, and lake-wide camaraderie — definitely one we’re excited to experience ourselves soon!

Where: The run centers around Smith Mountain Lake, starting and stopping at marinas like Mango’s Bar & Grill / card-stop locations around the lake

Why It’s on Our Bucket List: We love the mix of laid-back boat time + friendly competition, and since it supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia, it’s a great cause to rally around.

Smith Mountain Arts Council (SMAC) Arts Expo

When: May

The Smith Mountain Arts Council kicks off the summer season with their annual Arts Expo — a celebration of local talent across painting, sculpture, pottery, and performance. You can stroll through displays, watch live demonstrations, and listen to regional musicians. It’s a great event for art lovers and families alike, and a perfect excuse to spend a sunny May afternoon exploring the creative side of the lake community.

Smith Mountain Lake Antique & Classic Boat Show

When: September

Held each fall, this event brings dozens of beautifully restored wooden boats to the docks at Bridgewater Plaza. It’s part boat show, part history exhibit — and it’s fascinating to see the craftsmanship that goes into these timeless vessels. The show also includes vendor booths, maritime memorabilia, and a relaxed, friendly crowd of boating enthusiasts. Even if you’re not a boater, it’s impossible not to appreciate the nostalgia and artistry on display.

Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival

When: Late September

Few things capture the essence of lake life like an autumn afternoon at the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival. Hosted at Bernard’s Landing, this event features Virginia wineries, local food trucks, live music, and artisan vendors — all set against the backdrop of the water. It’s laid-back, lively, and always draws a great crowd. Grab a glass, wander the booths, and soak up the scenery.

Rocky Mount Fest

When: September

If you’re looking to experience small-town charm at its best, Rocky Mount Fest delivers. This community event features live music, local food, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities that spill across the streets of downtown Rocky Mount. It’s an easy drive from Stillwater and a wonderful way to get a taste of Franklin County hospitality.

Lake Lighted Boat Parade & Holiday Celebrations

When: Late November / Early December

The holiday season brings one of the most beautiful sights on the lake — the annual Lighted Boat Parade. Locals decorate their boats in sparkling lights, holiday scenes, and creative displays, then cruise a set route across the water as spectators watch from docks and marinas. The reflections on the lake are absolutely magical. Pair it with a cup of cocoa, a cozy fire, and your favorite holiday playlist for an unforgettable winter evening.

FloydFest (Roanoke Region)

When: Late July

Okay, it’s a bit of a drive — but this one is worth it. FloydFest is one of Virginia’s most beloved music and arts festivals, set high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It features national and regional performers, craft vendors, art installations, and a vibrant community vibe. Think Bonnaroo meets mountain soul — the kind of festival that draws music lovers back year after year.

Pro Tips (From Us)

• Book early for Pirate Days. It’s truly the lake’s biggest event — and accommodations vanish fast!

• Make it a festival weekend. Pair a major event like the Wine Festival or Boat Show with a quieter day on the water for balance.

• Bring your pirate gear. Even just a bandana or eye patch will make you part of the fun during Pirate Days.

• Support local vendors. Most of these events feature small, family-run businesses — your support makes a real difference.

• Check seasonal updates. Dates shift slightly each year, so peek at the event calendars before finalizing your trip.

  
  

Closing Thought

The energy around Smith Mountain Lake during festival season is something special — the laughter on the docks, the live music echoing across the water, and the friendly wave from a fellow boater in costume. Whether you come for the pirates, the poker run, or the wine, every event adds another layer to what makes this lake community so unforgettable.

We hope you’ll join in the fun — and maybe we’ll see you out there, waving from the Stillwater dock in full pirate gear!