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Happenings

Happenings Calendar 7/8-7/15

Roanoke Rambler

• 14 min read

The Roanoke Rambler Featured Event:

2026 Roanoke City Council Candidate Mixer & Information Session
Saturday, July 11, 2026 · 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Melrose Branch Library – Community Room

Meet the people who want to lead Roanoke and ask them your questions face to face.

This free, public forum brings together every qualified Roanoke City Council candidate for brief remarks, a live Q&A with the public and press, and a short voter‑education session geared toward students, first‑time voters and new residents. You’ll hear directly from the people whose names will appear on your ballot, then have the chance to press them on the issues that matter most to you — from housing and public safety to schools, jobs and the future of the Roanoke Valley.

After the formal program, stick around to mingle with candidates, talk with local journalists and connect with neighbors who are just as invested in Roanoke’s next chapter as you are. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of who’s running, what they stand for and how to make your vote count.

Be informed. Get involved. Shape Roanoke. Rambler subscribers can submit questions in advance, helping set the agenda for the conversation.

Tuesday, July 7

Salem Fair

  • Time: Recurring daily through July 12
  • Location: Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem
  • Details: One of Virginia’s largest summer fairs, with rides, games, food and live entertainment. Free gate admission; pay for rides, games and concessions.
  • More information: Salem Fair

Move & Mingle Pub Run with Fleet Feet Roanoke

  • Time: Evening; recurring weekly on Tuesdays through Dec. 29
  • Location: Big Lick Brewing Company, 409 Salem Ave SW, Roanoke
  • Details: Social pub run hosted by Fleet Feet Roanoke, mixing miles with mingling.
  • More information: Move & Mingle Pub Run with Fleet Feet Roanoke

Trivia at The Alley Cat

  • Time: Evening; recurring weekly on Tuesdays through Dec. 29
  • Location: The Alley Cat, 335 S Main St, Rocky Mount
  • Details: Weekly trivia night at a Franklin County staple.
  • More information: Trivia @ The Alley Cat

Happy Hour at Corned Beef & Co.

  • Time: Recurring Tuesday–Friday through Dec. 17
  • Location: Corned Beef & Co., 107 S Jefferson St., Roanoke
  • Details: Weekday happy hour in downtown Roanoke.
  • More information: Happy Hour at Corned Beef & Co

TEAM USA Watch Parties + FIFA Alley at Hotel Roanoke

  • Time: Recurring daily
  • Location: The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Peacock Alley and Garden Courtyard, Roanoke
  • Details: World football watch parties with a dedicated “FIFA Alley” fan zone.
  • More information: TEAM USA Watch Parties + FIFA Alley at Hotel

Teen Game Club

  • Time: 4:15 to 8 p.m.
  • Location: Roanoke Public Library
  • Details: Free, teen-focused gaming program.
  • More information: Teen Game Club

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

Wednesday, July 8

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

Salem Fair

  • Time: Recurring daily through July 12
  • Location: Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem
  • More information: Salem Fair

Open Mic at The Front Row

  • Time: Evening; recurring weekly on Wednesdays through Dec. 30
  • Location: The Front Row, 356 Salem Ave SW, Roanoke
  • Details: Weekly open mic for local performers.
  • More information: Open Mic at The Front Row

Wednesday Morning Track Workouts

  • Time: Morning; recurring weekly on Wednesdays through Dec. 30
  • Location: Patrick Henry High School, 2102 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke
  • Details: Structured track workouts for runners.
  • More information: Wednesday Morning Track Workouts

Zoobilee – Mill Mountain Zoo’s 74th Birthday

  • Time: July 8
  • Location: Mill Mountain Zoo, Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke
  • Details: Birthday celebration for the zoo’s 74th year, with family‑friendly activities.
  • More information: Zoobilee - Mill Mountain Zoo's 74th Birthday

Happy Hour at Corned Beef & Co.

Thursday, July 9

Roanoke County School Board Work Session

  • Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
  • Time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: RCPS Central Office, 5937 Cove Road, Roanoke

The Roanoke County School Board will hold a public work session at the division’s central office. Community members are welcome to attend in person, follow the discussion live, or watch a replay online.

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

The Domino Band – Delta Dental Party in Elmwood

Collections Unpacked: Revolutionary Relics

Live Music on the Rooftop

  • Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
  • Location: Corned Beef & Company, Inc.
  • Categories: Free; all ages; outdoor; music
  • More information: Live Music on the Rooftop

Salem Fair

  • Time: Recurring daily through July 12
  • Location: Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem
  • More information: Salem Fair

Attic Productions presents “Into the Woods”

  • Time: Evening; recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through July 26
  • Location: Attic Productions, 7490 Roanoke Road, Fincastle
  • Details: Community theatre staging of the Sondheim musical.
  • More information: Attic Productions presents "Into The Woods"

Build & Brew — Tech, Startups & AI Networking

  • Time: Evening; recurring every two weeks on Thursday through Dec. 10
  • Location: Big Lick Brewing Company, 409 Salem Ave SW, Roanoke
  • Details: Networking meetup for founders, technologists and AI enthusiasts.
  • More information: Build & Brew — Tech, Startups & AI Networking

Collections Unpacked: Revolutionary Relics

Darrell Scott

  • Time: July 9
  • Location: Grandin Theatre, 1310 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke
  • Details: Performance by acclaimed songwriter and multi‑instrumentalist Darrell Scott.
  • More information: Darrell Scott

Delta Dental Party in Elmwood

  • Time: July 9
  • Location: Elmwood Park, 706 S Jefferson St., Roanoke
  • Details: Free outdoor concert in Elmwood Park’s amphitheater, part of the summer “Party in Elmwood” series.
  • More information: Delta Dental Party in Elmwood

Lantern Tour of the Natural Bridge

  • Time: July 9; recurring Thursdays through Aug. 20
  • Location: Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center, 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge
  • Details: Guided evening tour of Natural Bridge by lantern light, highlighting history and night‑time views.
  • More information: Lantern Tour of the Natural Bridge

Trivia at Corned Beef & Co.

  • Time: July 9; recurring Thursdays through Dec. 17
  • Location: Corned Beef & Co., 107 S Jefferson St., Roanoke
  • Details: Weekly trivia night in downtown Roanoke.
  • More information: Trivia at Corned Beef & Co.

Washington’s Greatest Victory: Yorktown and American Art

  • Time: July 9; recurring Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 8
  • Location: Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke
  • Details: Exhibition exploring George Washington’s victory at Yorktown through American art.
  • More information: Washington’s Greatest Victory: Yorktown and American Art

Happy Hour at Corned Beef & Co.

  • Time: July 9; recurring Tuesday–Friday through Dec. 17
  • Location: Corned Beef & Co., 107 S Jefferson St., Roanoke
  • More information: Happy Hour at Corned Beef & Co.

TEAM USA Watch Parties + FIFA Alley at Hotel Roanoke

  • Time: July 9; recurring daily through July 11
  • Location: The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Peacock Alley and Garden Courtyard, Roanoke
  • Details: USA soccer watch parties with a dedicated fan zone.
  • More information: TEAM USA Watch Parties + FIFA Alley at Hotel Roanoke

Friday, July 10

July Member Hour | VMFA on the Road – “Virginia as America: Navigating Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

Brew at the Zoo

  • Time: July 10
  • Location: Mill Mountain Zoo, Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke
  • Details: After‑hours event featuring craft beverages and live music among the zoo’s exhibits.
  • More information: Brew at the Zoo

Salem Fair

  • Time: July 10; recurring daily through July 12
  • Location: Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem
  • Details: Large regional fair with rides, games, food and entertainment; free gate admission.
  • More information: Salem Fair

Attic Productions presents “Into the Woods”

  • Time: July 10; recurring Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through July 26
  • Location: Attic Productions, 7490 Roanoke Road, Fincastle
  • Details: Community theatre production of the Sondheim musical.
  • More information: Attic Productions presents "Into The Woods"

Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime with guests Nirvani

Concerts by Canoe – Mason Creek Bluegrass

  • Time: July 10
  • Location: Twin Ridge Recreation Area on Philpott Lake, 1052 Twin Ridge Marina Rd., Henry
  • Details: Live bluegrass performance you can enjoy from shore or by boat.
  • More information: Concerts by Canoe - Mason Creek Bluegrass

Friday Night Jamboree

  • Time: July 10; recurring Fridays through Dec. 18
  • Location: The Floyd Country Store, 206 South Locust St., Floyd
  • Details: Weekly old‑time and bluegrass music, dancing and community gathering.
  • More information: Friday Night Jamboree

Karaoke at Corned Beef & Co.

  • Time: July 10; recurring Fridays through Dec. 18
  • Location: Corned Beef & Co., 107 S Jefferson St., Roanoke
  • More information: Karaoke at Corned Beef & Co.

Lookin’ for Lightning Bugs Sunset Walk

  • Time: July 10; recurring Fridays through July 17
  • Location: Natural Bridge State Park, Skyline Trail parking lot, 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge
  • Details: Guided evening walk to spot lightning bugs along Skyline Trail.
  • More information: Lookin' for Lightning Bugs Sunset Walk

Luke Schneider, Lamplight, J. Bartee at The Spot on Kirk

Solacoustix at Pok‑E‑Joe’s

  • Time: July 10
  • Location: Pok‑E‑Joe’s, 105 E Washington Ave., Vinton
  • Details: Live music at Vinton’s barbecue spot.
  • More information: Solacoustix at Pok-E-Joe's

Tavern Stage Summer Music Series at Explore Park

The Crooked Road “A Living Tradition”

  • Time: July 10
  • Location: Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg
  • Details: Performance highlighting Southwest Virginia’s heritage music trail.
  • More information: The Crooked Road "A Living Tradition"

VMFA on the Road – “Virginia as America: Navigating Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”

  • Time: July 10; recurring daily through July 11
  • Location: Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke
  • Details: Traveling exhibition from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts exploring American ideals through art.
  • More information: VMFA on the Road – Virginia as America

Washington’s Greatest Victory: Yorktown and American Art

202 Social House Happy Hour

  • Time: July 10; recurring Fridays through Dec. 18
  • Location: 202 Social House, 202 Market St., Roanoke
  • More information: 202 Social House Happy Hour

Happy Hour at Corned Beef & Co.

  • Time: July 10; recurring Tuesday–Friday through Dec. 17
  • Location: Corned Beef & Co., 107 S Jefferson St., Roanoke
  • More information: Happy Hour at Corned Beef & Co.

Saturday, July 11

2026 Roanoke City Council Candidate Mixer & Information Session
Saturday, July 11, 2026 · 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Melrose Branch Library – Community Room

Meet the people who want to lead Roanoke — and ask them your questions face-to-face. This free, public event is designed especially for Roanoke students, first-time voters and new residents, and brings together all qualified City Council candidates for short remarks, a live Q&A with the public and press, and a voter education mini-session to help you feel confident at the ballot box. Stick around afterward for informal networking and media availability, and leave with a clearer sense of who’s on the ballot and what they stand for. Be informed. Get involved. Shape Roanoke. Subscribers to the Rambler can submit questions ahead of time.

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

Salem Fair

  • Time: July 11; recurring daily through July 12
  • Location: Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem
  • More information: Salem Fair

Warrant at Dr Pepper Park

  • Time: July 11
  • Location: Dr Pepper Park @ The Bridges, 9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke
  • Details: Hair‑metal veterans Warrant live at the outdoor riverside venue.
  • More information: Warrant at Dr Pepper Park

AEW Presents Collision

  • Time: July 11
  • Location: Berglund Center Coliseum, 710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke
  • Details: Live All Elite Wrestling television taping.
  • More information: AEW Presents Collision

Americana Afternoons

  • Time: July 11; recurring Saturdays through Dec. 26
  • Location: The Floyd Country Store, 206 South Locust St., Floyd
  • Details: Afternoon sets of Americana and roots music.
  • More information: Americana Afternoons

Attic Productions presents “Into the Woods”

Blue Ridge Story Space

  • Time: July 11; recurring second Saturdays through Dec. 12
  • Location: The June Bug Center, 251 Parkway Ln S, Floyd
  • Details: Monthly storytelling gathering.
  • More information: Blue Ridge Story Space

Classic Film Series – “12 Angry Men”

  • Time: July 11
  • Location: Grandin Theatre, 1310 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke
  • Details: Screening of the courtroom classic as part of Grandin’s classic film series.
  • More information: Classic Film Series - 12 Angry Men

Dark Sky Nights at Natural Bridge State Park

  • Time: July 11–Oct. 10
  • Location: Natural Bridge State Park, 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge
  • Details: Night‑sky viewing in an officially designated dark‑sky park.
  • More information: Dark Sky Nights at Natural Bridge State Park

Erin Lunsford Album Release at The Spot on Kirk

Mingle at the Market with The Kings

  • Time: July 11
  • Location: Vinton Farmers Market, 204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton
  • Details: Outdoor music at Vinton’s summer market series.
  • More information: Mingle at the Market w. The Kings

Nadine & Sammy

  • Time: July 11
  • Location: Floyd Country Store, 206 South Locust St., Floyd
  • Details: Evening performance at the Floyd Country Store.
  • More information: Nadine & Sammy

Steep Canyon Rangers – 5PTS Outdoors @ The Dog Bowl

VMFA on the Road – “Virginia as America”

Washington’s Greatest Victory: Yorktown and American Art

Wine Flights at Olde Towne Social House

Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

TEAM USA Watch Parties + FIFA Alley at Hotel Roanoke

Sunday, July 12

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

2026 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships

  • Time: July 12–19
  • Location: Various locations in Roanoke City and Roanoke County (including Hollins University, Carvins Cove, Elmwood Park and Explore Park)visitroanokeva+1
  • Details: National‑level endurance mountain bike races, with marathon, short‑track and cross‑country Olympic events across the region.playroanoke+1
  • More information: 2026 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships

Salem Fair

Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners at Dr Pepper Park

Attic Productions presents “Into the Woods”

Phat Laces w. Talking Cake – 5PTS Legendary Brunch

Monday, July 13

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

Tuesday, July 14

Teen Game Club

  • Time: 4:15 to 8 p.m.
  • Location: Roanoke Public Library
  • Category: Free
  • More information: Teen Game Club

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

The Fretliners – a BMFS After Party

Wednesday, July 15

America at 250: An Art Fundraiser for WBRA

USA 250: An American Collection

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