Star City StrongFest
Demos & clubs
Gyms and active communities bring hands-on experiences you can jump into.
StrongFest packs a whole lot into one day - food, games, prizes, shopping, activities, local businesses, live entertainment and some seriously strong people doing seriously strong things.
Bring the kids, play some games, win some prizes, try something new, meet local businesses and community organizations, grab something good to eat and catch the 11th Annual Star City Strongman competition happening right in the middle of it all.
Car deadlifts, natural stones, Conan's Wheel, circus dumbbell and a vehicle pull, right in the middle of the festival. Lifting starts promptly at 9 a.m. and runs through the day. Free for spectators.
Check out the Kidz Zone with the fam, shop our festival vendors, participate in activities and enjoy some yummy food while watching feats of strength in the annual Star City Strongman competition!
1848 9th St. SE, Roanoke, VA 24013. New location this year. Free and open to the public.
Riverdale Village is a new venue for 2026. Parking and drop-off info will be posted here as soon as it's confirmed.
Culinary vendors bring trucks, carts and tents with StrongFest-themed menu items. 2026 lineup coming soon.
Strongman is open and accessible to any human; one of our judges runs America's Strongest Athlete with Disabilities. Accessibility and Calm Zone details will be posted here.
Yes. Event is free + open to the public. No ticket needed. Athlete registration for the Strongman competition is $65-$75.
Strongman is a weightlifting sport that focuses on power, endurance and maximum strength. Unlike the name implies, the sport is open and accessible to any human; there are training and competitive experiences for all ages, experience levels, backgrounds and abilities. They do things like flip tires, lift atlas stones, press axles, deadlift cars ... it's a lot of fun to do and watch.
Yes, there are Teen divisions (ages 13-19). Email [email protected] if you have a teen, an adaptive athlete, or someone who qualifies for the Hero Division (law enforcement, first responders, military, veterans, mental health providers).
In the event of significant precipitation, athletes may be moved from planned lifting stations or events may be changed as appropriate. Organizers will make all efforts to ensure the show goes on, with safety as the priority.
StrongFest is the signature event supporting the Star City Strong Foundation 501c3 nonprofit. Questions: [email protected].
Five events, 60 seconds each. Full rules, weights by division and the weather policy are on IronPodium.
Athlete roster and scoreboard: coming soon · posted on IronPodium on event day.
StrongFest is honored to have the continued support of Bobby Thompson, American Log Press Record Holder and 2022 World's Strongest Man.
Local businesses, gyms, clubs and nonprofits set up interactive, family-friendly booths that fit StrongFest's old-school carnival feel: games, challenges, demos, samples. 2026 vendor list coming soon.
Gyms and active communities bring hands-on experiences you can jump into.
Old-school games and prizes run by local groups and volunteers.
Meet local businesses and community organizations, shop the festival vendors.
Yes, that includes the dog. Good boys spotted every year.
Nonprofit $25, general vendor $50, culinary vendor $100. At least a 10x10 space for your own tent and tables. No electricity for food vendors; spaces first-come.
Vendor sign-upLoad-in on Friday, festival and competition shifts on Saturday. Every volunteer gets an event T-shirt (sign up by Oct. 9). Letters of Service available. Groups can run a carnival game.
Volunteer formNovice to Open, Teen, Masters, Hero and adaptive divisions. 50 spots. USS membership required.
Register on IronPodiumFront-and-center at Roanoke's biggest strength & wellness event while fueling the Star City Strong Foundation's mission. In-kind welcome.
Sponsor packagesQuestions? Let us know below. This goes straight to the festival team.
Star City StrongFest is a free, family-friendly festival that brings together strength sports, local wellness organizations and the community. It is the signature event supporting the Star City Strong Foundation 501c3 nonprofit.
This unique event serves the community as a celebration of strength sports and community - while recognizing the impact both have on our mental wellness.
Star City StrongFest grew organically from athlete feedback about how the lifting community enhances their well-being. Research shows that strong social networks, positive peer influence and shared purpose can significantly improve our mental wellness. We are #StrongerTogether.
The best part of my volunteer experience was seeing the amazing breadth and reach of this event with other partnerships that promote wellness!
We loved the reason this event was happening. I don't know any other event that is serving the community in so many ways. As a person in recovery, thank you for finally seeing what others don't.
Lifting helps keep me grounded, to keep my mental focus on the things that matter. It has helped me beat my anxiety and depression that, at times, has nearly caused me to check out early.
Thank you for the continued support we receive from our awesome sponsors & supporters. We are #StrongerTogether! 2026 sponsors coming soon.
Sponsoring Star City StrongFest puts your brand front-and-center at Roanoke's biggest strength & wellness event while fueling the Star City Strong Foundation's mission to break barriers to strength sports, fitness communities and mental wellness. Visibility, impact, community - all in one lift.
This group of businesses and organizations connect with the Star City Strong Foundation mission. They increase the reach and sustainability of StrongFest by sharing it with their network, giving in-kind services and providing prizes or raffle items.