Vision
Each spring, we come together as a collective force for culture and live events in Roanoke.

During the weekend of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, more than 10,000 visitors arrive in the city — creating a vibrant atmosphere of energy, discovery, and community. Within that moment, Down by Downtown (DxDT) unites the cultural venues of Downtown Roanoke to present a weekend of live music, performance, art, and creativity that connects locals and visitors alike.

Roanoke Outside serves as the festival promoter — featuring your events on DownByDowntown.com, social media, and in regional promotions reaching audiences across Virginia, Washington D.C., North Carolina, and West Virginia.

Submission Guidelines

1. Event Type:
   Submissions must be a Live Cultural Event — something happening in real time that connects people to Roanoke’s creative culture. Examples: live music, dance, theater, poetry/readings, art shows, or comedy.
   If your idea doesn’t fit one of these categories, tell us how it celebrates creativity and community in your description.
2. Ownership:
   All event details, costs, risks, and revenue belong to the submitting venue or organization. Roanoke Outside is not liable for any aspect of your event.
3. Collaboration:
   By submitting, you agree to help promote the broader festival through your own channels — working together to make DxDT a citywide celebration.
4. No Cost to Participate:
   There’s no fee to submit — Roanoke Outside will promote your event free of charge. However, please meet the deadlines below to be included in print and digital promotions:

• Poster Deadline: February 13
• Social Media & Wristband Deadline: March 15 (submit early for extra exposure)
• Event Submission Deadline: April 3 (events after this date may not appear on the official schedule)

2026 Venue Wristband Program

This year, DxDT is launching a wristband program to elevate the attendee experience and highlight participating venues.

Participation is optional but recommended for venues that want added visibility and  stronger audience crossover.

Details:

• Managed and sold by Roanoke Outside
• Includes entry to the headline event at Elmwood Park on Saturday, April 18
• Offers perks at participating venues — like discounts, food/drink specials, or swag giveaways available during specific Down by Downtown events at your venue.
• To participate, simply list whatever perk you will honor when folks come to Down by Downtown shows at your venue.

In Short
Freedom First Down by Downtown is a shared stage — a celebration of Roanoke’s creative pulse.
Join us in welcoming thousands of visitors, supporting live events, and making downtown come alive with music, art, and energy all weekend long.

Why Participate?

You get:

• New audiences who might not visit otherwise
• Additional inclusion in DxDT-wide marketing (social, website, email, PR)
• Door signage, and digital assets to promote your specials

You control:

• What perks you offer
• When the wristband is honored (e.g., Fri–Sun, or certain nights/shows only)

This is not mandatory for participation in DxDT. It's simply a way to amplify the experience for venues and attendees of the festival.

How it works

1. You pick your perk (entry special, discount, drink special, etc.)
2. DxDT lists you as a “Participating Venue” on all DxDT wristband materials
3. Attendees show wristbands at your door or bar
4. You supply the perk and track your own sales as usual — simple, low lift
5. Deadline to participate: March 15

Example Perks 

🎵 Discounted entry with wristband
🍺 $1 off all draft beers
🍕 ½ off one appetizer
💿 Free merch item with purchase at venue
🎤 Early entry