Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Expo 2026
Schedule
Sat, 30 May, 2026 at 09:00 am to Sun, 31 May, 2026 at 05:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Berglund Center | Roanoke, VA
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Southwest Virginia Alternative Living (SwVAL) Expo 2026 Old Roots. New Growth.
Where tradition meets innovation.
May 30 & 31st
9AM - 5PM daily
Berglund Center - Roanoke, VA
The Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Expo returns in 2026, 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 beginning to explore alternatives—or you’ve been building skills for years—SwVAL is designed to meet you where you are.
What You Can Expect when you visit SwVAL:
Classes & Educational Sessions
Our class lineup includes both introductory and advanced sessions, so you can choose what fits your experience level:
-Beginner-friendly courses for those just getting started
-Deeper dives for folks ready to expand or refine existing skills
-A mix of lecture-style learning, demonstrations, and practical knowledge you can apply at home
Topics may include (but aren’t limited to):
-Off-grid and hybrid energy systems
-Water collection, storage, and treatment
-Small-space and alternative building concepts
-Vehicle conversions and custom tiny homes
-Preparedness, self-reliance, and resilience
-Traditional and modern homesteading skills
-Holistic health and wellness approaches
-Cost-saving strategies and sustainable living on a budget
Some classes are hands-on, others are informational—but all are led by people who actually do the work.
Connection & Community
SwVAL isn’t just about information—it’s about building relationships:
-Meet local and regional businesses
-Connect with instructors, builders, and practitioners
-Talk with others exploring similar paths
-Share ideas, challenges, and inspiration
Whether your goal is independence, preparedness, sustainability, saving money, or simply learning new skills, you’ll find a welcoming community here.
Who Should Attend?
-Those curious about alternative or sustainable living
-Homeowners, renters, builders, and DIYers
-Homesteaders, preppers, and off-grid enthusiasts
-People interested in holistic health and traditional skills
-Anyone looking for practical ways to live lighter, smarter, or more resiliently
Vendors & Exhibitors
SwVAL brings together a diverse mix of vendors offering real-world solutions for individuals and families, including:
-Renewable energy, heating, and power systems
-Water, waste, and sanitation solutions
-Alternative building materials and methods
-Preparedness, safety, and storage options
-Homesteading tools, supplies, and services
-Holistic health, herbalism, and wellness products
-Turnkey solutions from regional businesses you can actually work with
This is a chance to talk directly with the people behind the products, ask real questions, and compare options side-by-side.
Join us:
May 30-31, 2026 at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA.
$20/day or $35/weekend
Children 17 and under are FREE!
Entry includes all classes, demonstrations, tiny home tours, and access to over 50 local businesses and vendors offering turnkey sustainable solutions.
Tickets coming soon!
Vendors & Sponsors
Interested in being a vendor or sponsor for the 2026 Expo?
We’d love to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.swval.com
Visit our website for event details, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities, and updates as the 2026 Expo approaches. Sponsorship opportunities end February 2nd, and the last day for vendor signup is April 1st!
All proceeds support the Ferrum Park project!
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Where is it happening?
Berglund Center, 710 US-11, Roanoke, VA 24016-2024, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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