Southwest Virginia Alternative Living (SwVAL) Expo 2026
Berglund Center
PURCHASE WEEKEND
PURCHASE SATURDAY PASS
PURCHASE SUNDAY PASS
The Southwest Virginia Alternative Living (SwVAL) Expo 2026 returns May 30–31 at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA, bringing together local businesses, experienced educators, hands-on innovators, and curious community members for a weekend focused on practical, sustainable, and resilient ways of living. Whether you’re just getting started or have been building skills for years, SwVAL is designed to meet you where you are.
Your entry includes access to a full lineup of introductory and advanced classes, demonstrations, and real-world learning opportunities led by experienced practitioners from across the region. This year's sessions include foundational topics like the basics of canning, hunting skills, medicinal plant foraging, herbal first aid, urban and small-lot farming, DIY skills, mushroom foraging, and navigating cottage food laws and farmers' markets.
For those ready to go deeper, advanced sessions include underground home design, hay bale construction, agroforestry, acupressure, freeze drying, yoga for pain relief, zoning and code considerations for alternative construction, and hempcrete building. Some sessions are hands-on, others are informational, but all are led by people actively doing the work and sharing practical knowledge you can take home and apply.
Beyond the classes, SwVAL is built around connection: meet local and regional businesses, talk directly with builders and service providers, and connect with others exploring similar paths. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with over 50 vendors and exhibitors offering renewable energy systems, water and sanitation solutions, alternative building options, preparedness tools, homesteading supplies, and holistic wellness products, with a strong focus on turnkey solutions you can use.
Whether your goal is independence, sustainability, saving money, preparedness, or simply learning something new, you’ll find a welcoming, knowledgeable community at SwVAL!
Tickets are $20 per day or $35 for the full weekend (plus processing fees), and children 17 and under are FREE! All proceeds support the ongoing development of Ferrum Park, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to community spaces, programming, and long-term infrastructure that benefits the entire region.
SwVAL Expo Information Facebook
Featured Events
Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
SHOWTIME: 7:30 PM
VIP PHOTO OP
PREMIUM VIP PHOTO OP
Set your phasers to stun! Prepare to be beamed up for an unforgettable night with the original ‘Captain James T. Kirk’, award-winning actor William Shatner.
Following a screening of the classic film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, William Shatner takes to the stage to share fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from his illustrious career, including answering audience questions.
VIP tickets will be available, which include a post-show photo op with Mr. Shatner. It’s going to be a warp-speed, once-in-a-lifetime adventure you won’t
want to miss!
Two tiers of VIP tickets are available for each date on top of the regular ticket price. The Standard VIP option includes a post show photo opportunity with Mr. Shatner, shot by a professional photographer. Premium VIP tickets are also available, which include an exclusive signed poster in addition to the photo opportunity. VIP add on is not valid without a show ticket. Each attendee must have both for photo op entry.
Berglund Center Coliseum
Friday, 4/17, 7:05 P.M.
2026 SPHL President's Cup Playoffs - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Evansville Thunderbolts - Round Two: Game One. Rail Yard Dawgs postseason sponsored by Haley Toyota. Media partner is 94.9 STAR Country FM. Parking is $10 while spaces remain or use free shuttle. Event Updates: https://www.railyarddawgs.com/eventupdates
Berglund Center Coliseum
Saturday, 4/18, 7:05 P.M.
2026 SPHL President's Cup Playoffs - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Evansville Thunderbolts - Round Two: Game Two. Rail Yard Dawgs postseason sponsored by Haley Toyota. Media partner is 94.9 STAR Country FM. Parking is $10 while spaces remain or use free shuttle. Event Updates: https://www.railyarddawgs.com/eventupdates
Berglund Special Events Center
Saturday, April 18, 2026- 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, April 19, 2026- 10 AM – 5 PM
Screamiverse Expo is a horror, sci-fi, and arts convention taking place at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA on April 18-19 2026. We will feature vendors, special guests, panels, film fest, tattooing & piercing, and more!
FEATURED CLASSES
Behind The Yellow Tape- Presented by Crime Scene Investigator Rebekah Hollingsworth
This is a "FREE ADD ON TICKET". A ticket for admission to Screamiverse Expo is still required.
Class Location- Berglund Hall, Parlor B (Ross Room)
Saturday, April 18, 2026: 4:00-4:45 PM
Title: Behind the Yellow Tape
Think horror movies are scary? Try investigating one in real life. Join veteran Crime Scene Investigator Rebekah Hollingsworth as she takes horror off the screen and into reality. In this up-close look at her work, you’ll walk through an actual crime scene and explore the gruesome, shocking, and sometimes bizarre details that CSI teams face every day. If you love horror, true crime, or just want to know what really happens when the scene is sealed off and the gloves go on—this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Due to the graphic nature of this event, it will be held in Parlor B in Berglund Hall. Only 48 tickets will be available for this event, so be sure to get them while you can! This is an "ADD ON TICKET", a ticket for admission to Screamiverse Expo is still required.
Dead Men Do Tell Tales- Presented by Crime Scene Investigator Rebekah Hollingsworth
This is a "FREE ADD ON TICKET". A ticket for admission to Screamiverse Expo is still required.
Class Location- Berglund Hall, Parlor B (Ross Room)
Saturday, April 19, 2026: 11:00-12:00 PM
Title: Dead Men Do Tell Tales
Step beyond the jump-scare and into the real world of Death Investigation. Join Crime Scene Investigator Rebekah Hollingsworth as she guides you through what really happens when a life ends unexpectedly; you’ll discover how investigators read a scene, interpret the body, and separate fact from Hollywood fiction. We’ll break down common myths, surprising truths, and the small details that speak louder than any ghost story. Whether you’re a writer, a horror fan, or just fascinated by the macabre side of science, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the stories the dead can tell, if you know how to listen.
Due to the graphic nature of this event, it will be held in Parlor B in Berglund Hall. Only 48 tickets will be available for this event, so be sure to get them while you can! This is an "ADD ON TICKET", a ticket for admission to Screamiverse Expo is still required.
*Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult for this event*