About Star City StrongFest
Star City StrongFest is a free wellness festival and strength expo in downtown Roanoke's Elmwood Park.
This unique event serves the community by lifting others up, connecting people to wellness resources and introducing them to active communities that may play a piece in their own wellness journey.
2023 volunteer
The best part of my volunteer experience was seeing the amazing breadth and reach of this event with other partnerships that promote wellness!
2023 vendor
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.
2023 athlete
Lifting helps keep me grounded, to keep my mental focus on the things that matter and not to become overwhelmed with mundane things in life. It has helped me beat my anxiety and depression that, at times, has nearly caused me to check out early.
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 2023 StrongFest 2 |
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What can I do at StrongFest?
Participate in healing arts like yoga, visit health & wellness vendors, experience sports demos, test your strength with challenges and win prizes with the Scavenger Hunt (open to all ages)! Enjoy some yummy food from on-site vendors while watching free amateur and professional Strongman competitions on the stage featuring some of the strongest athletes from around the world.
What is Strongman?
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. In fact, one of the judges at StrongFest also runs America's Strongest Athlete with Disabilities!
Competitors are divided into weight classes and compete in amateur and professional circuits. Much like other sports, Strongman has a supportive community. They do things like flip tires, lift atlas stones, press axles, deadlift cars ... it's a lot of fun to do and watch. StrongFest is honored to have the continued support of Bobby Thompson, American Log Press Record Holder and 2022 World's Strongest Man.
If you're interested in competing in Star City Strongman or learning more about the sport, let us know!
Why is Strongman a part of this wellness event?
Much like other fitness, competition or entertainment event that that raises money for a charitable cause (to be determined for 2025). With that powerful foundation, Star City StrongFest grew organically from athlete feedback about how the lifting community enhances their well-being. These stories are common in active communities and this festival serves as a way to highlight them and share the opportunity for others to become a part of that positive environment. Research shows that strong social networks, positive peer influence and shared purpose can significantly reduce our likelihood of participating in risky behaviors.
Strongman is a sport and offers an element of entertainment, making it the perfect addition to a health and wellness festival. We are grateful to share the opportunity to be inspired by and connect with amateur and professional athletes alike. We are #StrongerTogether.
I can't make it to StrongFest, is there any way to still help out?
Yes! Check out our volunteer opportunities leading up to the event, share the event on social media or contact us if you're interested in becoming an official StrongFest sponsor.