Top Smith Mountain Lake Events and Live Music in October (2025)
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Welcome to the ultimate guide for Smith Mountain Lake events in October!
The highlight of this month’s activities is the SML Charity Home Tour, which takes place Oct. 11-13 at various locations around the lake. This long-time lake event allows you to tour eight spectacular waterfront homes while raising money for area charities.
We’ve also rounded up dozens of other fun-filled things to do at SML this month. Keep scrolling to find the best SML activities this weekend and beyond.
October’s Best Bets
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Oct. 2, 2025
Samantha Fish: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Oct. 3, 2025
Swing For The Cure Golf Tournament: Experience the perfect mix of fun, delicious refreshments, and meaningful connections, all in support of a vital cause—raising awareness and funds for breast cancer in our community. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon and 4:30 p.m.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
ON3: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Mac McAnally: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Oct. 4, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Karaoke Night: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Trae Crowder: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 pm.
Oct. 5, 2025
Halloween Ceramics Class: Olivia, of Fletcher Fields Ceramics, is coming back to help you glaze an adorable lighted pumpkin and a spooky witch’s cauldron mug. At Fables & Feathers Winery. 3-5 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 5 p.m.
Oct. 7, 2025
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 8, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon and 5 p.m.
Oct. 9, 2025
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Oct. 10-12, 2025
Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour
Oct. 10-12, 2025
Eight beautiful lakefront homes are opened to the public for touring on Columbus Day weekend. All are accessible by road and by water. Proceeds benefit eight area charities.
Oct. 10, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Jerry Wimmer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Hannah Dasher: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Oct. 11, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 11 a.m.
SML Fall Classic Golf Tournament: Presented by the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce at Mariners Landing. Pre-registration required. Noon.
Big Band of the Blue Ridge: Sixteen-piece band concert with classic and contemporary big band jazz. 6-8 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
The Wailers: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Oct. 14, 2025
Literary Lakers Book Club: Open meeting at the Moneta/SML Library. 3 p.m.
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 15, 2025
Wildlife Wednesday Cruise on the Virginia Dare: Enjoy a delicious lunch, a tour down to the dam and a presentation by an SML State Park interpreter about the wildlife that call SML home. Noon-2 p.m.
Oct. 16, 2025
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Oct. 17, 2025
35th Annual Art Show
Oct. 17-26
Presented by the Smith Mountain Arts Council at Kaleidoscope Gathering Place in Hardy.
Reception and awards ceremony Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. Gallery viewing Sat Oct 18 and 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Oct 19 and 26, noon.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Andy Burnette Trio: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Thurston Howell: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Oct. 18, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 11 a.m.
Mountain View Vintage Market: Upscaled vintage market with 60+ unique vendors and small businesses, plus food trucks, coffee, sweets and live music. 2-6 p.m.
Join Hands for the Cure Luncheon: Enjoy an inspiring luncheon and program dedicated to honoring the incredible warriors and survivors within our community. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Art of Pairing: A one-of-a-kind evening where class meets country in the most unforgettable way. This year’s event invites you to sip, savor, and celebrate in true Southern style—with a twist. 7-9 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Eric Johnson: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Oct. 19, 2025
Shaun Cassidy: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 1 p.m.
Oct. 20, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 1 p.m.
Friends of SML State Park Meeting: Take an interest in the preservation & promotion of SML State Park in Bedford County. At SMLSP Discovery Center. 9:30 a.m.
Oct. 21, 2025
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 22, 2025
The War & Treaty: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Oct. 23, 2025
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Oct. 24, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon and 4:30 p.m.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Dock Wizards: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Oct. 25, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 4:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7 p.m.
Oktoberfest Party: Celebrate Fables & Feathers 5th harvest with their 5th annual Okotberfest party. Live music, food trucks and drinks. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Outdoor Adventure Rendezvous: Join Blue Ridge Overland Gear, Bedford County Parks & Recreation, and friends for a day of gear, good company, and great views at the Outdoor Adventure Rendezvous. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Josh Blue: Live music at The Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount. 8 p.m.
Oct. 26, 2025
Blue Ridge Folklife Festival: 51st celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region. Live music, horse pulls, mule jumping, coon dog contests, crafts, country food, custom and vintage cars, sheep herding demos and much more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Ferrum College.
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. 3 p.m.
Oct. 28, 2025
Wander & Awe: Come learn what tasty treats and healing properties nature can provide while you explore the original grocery store, the great outdoors. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cornhole with Mike: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 30, 2025
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this fun-filled weekly Poker League at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Oct. 31, 2025
Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy a meal and a 2-hour tour of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare cruise boat. Noon.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Halloween Party: Join Bottles & Bites for their annual Halloween Costume Party with live music by Abby & Andy. 6:30 p.m.
Phelgar Hill: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Andie Gibson
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Andie has been covering Smith Mountain Lake since 2000 for a variety of publications, including the SML Visitor and Newcomer Guide, SML HOME Magazine, The Roanoker and Life Outside. As a partner in G&C Ventures, LLC, she oversees all content for our suite of websites, including Smith-Mountain-Lake.com and LakeLubbers.com.
