Steppin’ Out, Southwest Virginia’s premier street festival, will return to Blacksburg on Aug. 6 and 7 to mark its 40th anniversary.
“This year’s event will be an extra-special celebration,” said Amelia Tuckwiller, Event Coordinator at Downtown Blacksburg, Inc (DBI). “We are commemorating 40 years at the same time that we’re reuniting after missing last year’s festival. It will be a great celebration of art and music, but also of Blacksburg and its resilient spirit.”
DBI canceled Steppin’ Out 2020 because of safety concerns surrounding COVID-19.
This year’s event will feature more than 200 exhibitors from around the country selling distinctive handcrafted items, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, metal work, basketry, stained and fused glass, yard art, fine art, furniture, toys, and artisan foods. In addition, more than two dozen musical performances are scheduled, providing entertainment all afternoon and well into the evening Friday and Saturday.
Downtown Blacksburg merchants are looking forward to the return of Steppin’ Out as well, with many holding sidewalk sales and other promotions. Downtown restaurants will provide festival-goers with plenty of delicious food options.
“Our downtown businesses are a big part of the festival’s success, and we know they’re happy to see people coming back through their doors,” Tuckwiller said.
Commemorative T-shirts will feature a design by New River Valley artist Allen Martin, who said he was excited to be involved in the 40th annual festival.
“I have been attending Steppin’ Out since I was young, and it’s very exciting to be a small part of the amazing festival,” he said.
Admission to the festival is free, and Town of Blacksburg metered parking will also be free. In addition, Blacksburg Transit will provide shuttles at no charge for festival-goers who want to avoid traffic.
Vendors and volunteers can visit the Steppin’ Out website to register.
