BLACKSBURG – As the temperatures drop, excitement is heating up in Downtown Blacksburg with new businesses, a new team member and a calendar full of seasonal celebrations.
In 2025, Downtown Blacksburg continued to grow with several new businesses, the addition of Marketing and Events Coordinator Will Hobbs to the DBI team and expanded programming and marketing initiatives. These include a new online interactive business directory, the Downtown Holiday Shopping Wish Book, and playful incentives like a holiday “Candyland”-themed gamecard encouraging the community to shop local.
Downtown Blacksburg is also gearing up for Small Business Week (Nov. 29–Dec. 6) and the beloved Winter Lights Festival and Holiday Market (Dec. 5), both of which highlight the heart of the community and the importance of supporting local.
Downtown Blacksburg is thrilled to welcome the following businesses to the community: Playa Bowls, Blacksburg Vintage Collective, Kabob and More, Rustic Roots Olive Oil, Blacksburg Coins, Johnson Curran Optometry, Namaste Kitchen, Rally House and QCowork. Several returning favorites also have new ownership, including River Mill, The Little Bookworm, and VT Thrift. Coming soon in 2026 will be Substation II, NRV Paw Wash, High Angle Herbs, Sculpt., Virginia Credit Union, Olaika, and a retail incubator.
Once-empty storefronts are now buzzing with new life. Playa Bowls is managed by a recent Virginia Tech graduate and their parents, who moved from New Jersey. Blacksburg Vintage Collective is run by a familiar face, Daylon Head of the Vintage Market. Kabobs and More brings delicious energy to the former home of Carol Lee Donuts, while Rustic Roots offers a variety of authentic olive oil. Blacksburg Coins opened during Steppin’ Out® next to The Little Bookworm, and Johnson Curran Optometry took over the former Eyes on Main location.
“It’s inspiring to see so many entrepreneurs investing in Downtown Blacksburg and helping it thrive. We’re thrilled to welcome these new and returning businesses to the downtown community,” said Will Hobbs, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Downtown Blacksburg, Inc.
Hobbs joined the Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., team just before the 44th annual Steppin’ Out® Street Festival. He brings experience from The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center, running the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, working with 5 Points Music Sanctuary, Roanoke Outside and countless other regional events. He has a passion for live music, small businesses, and promoting all that Downtown Blacksburg has to offer.
Upcoming events include:
Small Business Saturday – Nov. 29
Stop by the Downtown Blacksburg, Inc.’s booth at the Blacksburg Farmers Market to pick up your Downtown Shopping Wish Book and Candyland Game Card!
Small Business Week – Nov. 29–Dec. 6
Why celebrate just one day? Shop small all week long in Downtown Blacksburg and use your Candyland Game Card at participating shops for a chance to win local prizes and giveaways.
Winter Lights Festival & Holiday Market – Friday, Dec. 5 (3–8 p.m.)
Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. and the Town of Blacksburg team up once again for this beloved annual celebration. The schedule includes:
- 3 p.m.: Holiday Market opens (20+ local vendors)
- 4 p.m.: Visit with Santa at The Lyric Theatre or enjoy sidewalk tunes from Virginia Tech student Kaeli Berry
- 4:30 p.m.: Holiday Spectacular Leapettes
- 5 p.m.: Blacksburg Children’s Chorale
- 6 p.m.: Tree Lighting Ceremony
- 6:15 p.m.: 16th Annual TUBACHRISTMAS® Concert
- 7:30 p.m.: Holly, Jolly Parade
Downtown Blacksburg, Inc.
