We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. From live music to theatre, lectures to drag shows, we’ve got you covered. We encourage folks to contact the venue directly to learn of any last minute changes or cancellations.

 Have a Happening? Does your business want to sponsor a newsletter? Reach out to us at news@roanokerambler.com with “Happening” in the subject line. Have fun!

This week's Happenings calendar is sponsored by Downtown Roanoke Inc.:

This weekend

• Thursday, 1/15 to Saturday, 1/24 — Art exhibition: The Empathy Project will be on display in the atrium at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke) as part of the 2026 Martin Luther King Day celebration. That project was a community initiative that highlights the personal stories and experiences of local leaders and families affected by gun violence and encourages reflection and connection. Photographer Jennifer Hayward’s portraits capture the determination, commitment and love of local leaders active in the fight against gun violence. Meet them here.
• Friday, 1/16 to Saturday, 1/17 — K-POP Glow Party + Laser Light Show at The Eye at the Science Museum of Western Virginia (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). ($)
• Friday, 1/16 to Saturday, 1/17 — Roanoke Regional Writers Conference at Hollins University (7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). This year, the conference will celebrate our Appalachian heritage and the superior writing that comes from our region. Friday evening will feature a keynote conversation between Beth Macy and Roland Lazenby; Saturday classes will be taught by more than a dozen regional writers. To fully realize the value of the conference, we suggest you take the opportunity to talk to those teaching and those learning. This is the region’s writing community, and you are part of it. ($)

Wednesday, Jan. 14 

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Travis Reigh at The Fishin’ Pig (70 Market Ridge Ln., Daleville). 
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Open Mic at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine. 
• 9:30 p.m.  —  Live music: Swamp Flower at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, Jan. 15 

• 4 to 6 p.m. — Free Car Safety Seat Check for Infants & Children at Roanoke City Fire Station #6 (1333 Jamison Ave. SE, Roanoke). Locally, 7 out of 10 car seats are installed incorrectly. Have yours checked for free at this quick and easy clinic. 
• 5 to 6 p.m. — Daisy Art Parade Workshop in the STEAM Lab at the Melrose Library (2502 Melrose Ave NW Suite D). Unleash your creativity at our drop-in art workshop! We have a creative theme every year and it's all about having fun and discovering your artistic side. All skill levels are welcome—grab your brushes, pencils, and imagination, and create something amazing. No experience necessary! Materials are provided, or feel free to bring your own.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Coyote Rodeo feat. John Colby Elswick, Chad Brown, & Jackson Weldon at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30) — BUZZ Live! Talk Show filming with Center in the Square non-profits at Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Stage on Church (20 Church Ave. SE, 2nd Floor, Roanoke). In each 30-minute show, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill chats with the inspiring people who serve — and are served by — the arts and cultural organizations supported by Center in the Square: Mill Mountain Theatre, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Opera Roanoke, Roanoke Ballet, O. Winston Link Museum, KidSquare, Roanoke Pinball and Starcade, and more. We’ll also feature a musical guest affiliated with one of these nonprofits. Recurs weekly throughout January.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Lecture: “Sportsmen and Stewardship: Botetourt's Role in Forest and Wildlife History” at the Buchanan Library’s Wilson Warehouse/ Community House (19795 Main St., Buchanan). Discover how the Weeks Act and early wildlife reintroduction transformed Botetourt—protecting 85,000 acres of forest and bringing back deer and elk to the region. 
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Nightlife: R&B Karaoke at Kirk & Soul (312 2nd St. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 7 to 9 p.m. — Storykeepers’ Studio Sessions Play Reading Series: “She Calls Up the Sun” at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Addae Moon’s coastal, memory-rich drama exploring grief, legacy, and transformation. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ripejive at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, Jan. 16

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Seph Custer & The Flatbreaks at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Kayla Renee at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: S&M Acoustical Duo on the Platform at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Anita Graef with pianist Nathan Canfield at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Fayetteville Marksmen at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Nathan Seldomridge with Mike Franke at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Steep Canyon Rangers at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Stand-up: Mark Brady with Jay Hunter and Hank Silver at Living Proof Beer Company (40 West Court St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 9 p.m. — Nightlife: Karaoke night at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Magnolia Boulevard at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Jan. 17

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — TEDx Youth @ Wasena Park at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). TEDxYouth @ Wasena Park is an independently organized, TED-licensed event created to amplify student voices and ideas worth spreading.The theme — “Unframed” — speaks to the power of youth ideas that don’t fit into traditional boxes: ideas that challenge, inspire, and reshape the way we see the world. This event will showcase young thinkers who are redefining what is possible. Free and welcoming to all, though registration is required to reserve your seat.
• 2 to 9 p.m. — Live music at Parkway Brewing Company’s 13th Anniversary Party at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). Expect an all-star jam you won’t want to miss!
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Soul Serenity Poetry Reading with Juice Smith at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Our monthly poetry and reflection circle continues with spoken word, storytelling, and collective grounding hosted by Juice Smith. 
• 5 to 5:45 p.m. — Saxophone Masterclass with Walter Smith III at the Jefferson Center’s FostekPerformance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). In this masterclass, Walter will coach local saxophone students through technique, tone, improvisation, and musical expression—offering rare insights drawn from his experience as both a top-tier performer and an influential educator. 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Abbey & Andy at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Dirt Road Breakdown on the Platform at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Date My Friend Prep Night at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Getting ready to pitch your bestie? This low-pressure, free hang will help you get your pitch just right as we walk through how Date My Friend night works, help you tighten up your talking points, and give you space to practice hyping your friend without oversharing or embarrassing them (too much). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Andy Burnette at Living Proof Beer Company (40 West Court St., Rocky Mount).
• 7 & 9 p.m. — Jazz Club Show: Walter Smith III at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Fayetteville Marksmen at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Woundtight at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). 
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Fireside Collective at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). 
• 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Nightlife: The Culture Finesse 2Tymes live with music by DJ Phalie at Status Restaurant & Lounge (213 Williamson Rd. SE, Roanoke). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Minka at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, Jan. 18

• 11 a.m. to noon — Yoga with BodyMindSoul Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Bowl Market at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Featuring hand-made, upcycled, or vintage items. We will have your favorite vendors and some new ones, plus over 100 local artisans and vendors located inside The Marketplace at Black Dog Salvage. 
• Noon to 3 p.m. — Jolene Jamboree (with book drive) at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Dust off your blonde wigs, your braziers, and your coat of many colors — Dolly turns the big 8-0 this year. From now through the 18th, bring a new or gently used K-12 book to Golden Cactus and receive one raffle ticket per book (up to 5 entries per person) for a chance to win a Dolly-themed prize basket packed with goodies from local businesses.
• 1 p.m. — Live music: Van Duo at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Van Duo is the vocals and acoustics of Veronica (Magnolia Revival) and Schuyler (Sly Devil & Geezer).
• 3 p.m. — Raising the Shade Monument Unveiling at Historic First Baptist Church Grounds (135 Angle St., Rocky Mount). The 14-foot monument honors 70 Black soldiers who were born in Franklin County and served the Union during the Civil War. Reception to follow. 
• 3 p.m. — Roanoke Valley Shag Club Winter Social at Twin Creeks Brewing Company (111 S. Pollard St., Vinton). Doug and Nancey will be teaching beginner Carolina Shag Dance steps from 3-3:30 pm. Prevent the winter blues and dance. Everyone is welcome.
• 3:30 p.m. — Star City Circlesongs at the Historic Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Leaders create improvised parts and lead the group in spontaneous song. We invite participants to co-create with us, to listen to your inner voice and to the song that needs to be created in the moment. You don’t have to be a “singer” to participate. All ages are welcome.
• 4:30 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Bluegrass with Mason Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 7 to 9:30 p.m. — Speakeasy Jazz Night at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center’s Foxx City Jazz Club (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). An intimate pre-Prohibition speakeasy whisks you away to the golden age of jazz, inspired by Roanoke’s vibrant jazz legacy. This exclusive experience features the captivating melodies of T-FOX & the Fox City Band, a dynamic five-piece ensemble led by the mesmerizing vocalist T-Fox. Reservations | 540.853.8280 or by email. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Apes of The State with Clover-Lynn and The Hellfires at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)

Monday, Jan. 19 — Martin Luther King Day 

• 10 a.m. to noon — Martin Luther King Day of Service litter clean-up presented by Clean Valley Council starting at the EnVision Center (2607 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke). This event is appropriate for all ages. Supplies will be provided.
• 1 to 3 p.m. — MLK Day Workshop: Nonviolent Community Action presented by Melrose Plaza and FED UP in the atrium of Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Hands-on public workshop.
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — MLK Lecture at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, Jan. 20

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Line Dancing with Tracy at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke).! Come and learn the latest line dances and get fit while having fun. Classes are free! The class will be in the Large Fitness Room.
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Open Art Studio Space at Wellness on Melrose (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Work on your own project or get inspiration from a resource artist. Use our supplies or bring your own. All artistic levels are welcome. Repeats weekly.
• 4 to 8 p.m. — Happy Hour for All at A Few Old Goats Brewing –– Roanoke (515 8th St. SW, Suite 228, Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Gabby’s Dollhouse Live at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Léna Bartels, Lamplight, and The Concerns at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)

Wednesday, Jan. 21

• Noon — The Cobb Collective: A Book Discussion with Mayor Joe Cobb at the Roanoke City Main Library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). This month’s discussion will explore influential Business books, spark smart connections, and connect with leaders shaping our community. Recurs monthly on the following dates: Feb. 11, Mar. 7, Apr. 14.
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Open Mic at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine. 
• 8 p.m. — Stand-up: Ryan Conner at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Conner has been on the Late Late Show with James Corden and was a Top-10 finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing where judge Norm Macdonald called his first set “The best I’ve seen in five years.” ($)
• 9:30 p.m.  —  Live music: Magnolia Revival at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Upcoming

• Jan. 25, 4 p.m. — Epiphany Procession presented by choirs from St. John’s Episcopal Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, at St. John’s Episcopal Church (205 Elmwood Ave., Lynchburg). This service recalls the journey of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and Jesus’s first miracle at the wedding in Cana. 
• Jan. 31, 5 p.m. — Dead of Winter Murder Mystery at Crystal Spring Grocery Co. (2205 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 5:45. This is an adults-only event, and everyone attending must purchase a ticket.
• Feb. 6, 6 p.m. — Date My Friend Night at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). This isn’t speed dating. Your friends pitch you to the room, hyping your best qualities, quirks, and green flags, and convincing someone they should absolutely buy you a beer. Singles listen, mingle, flirt, and see where the vibes land. ($)
• Feb. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m — Discussion: "The Politics of History: Advancing Civil Rights through the Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial and Industrial Trade School” at the Gainsboro Library  (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke). This program explores how founders of the Birthplace Memorial used the life of Booker T. Washington to advance political, economic, and social aims for African Americans. During this program, we also anticipate the reveal of newly uncovered photographs which document the rich history of the memorial and the trade school.

Ongoing

• Through Jan. 25 — Do Portugal Circus at Valley View Mall (4802 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke). Witness the incredible skill of aerialists and jugglers, hold your breath as fearless performers ride motorcycles inside the Globe of Death and prepare to be delighted and laugh at hilarious clowns. This circus does not include animals in their performances. ($)
• Thursdays through Jan. 29,  6 to 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30) — BUZZ Live! Talk Show filming with Center in the Square non-profits at Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Stage on Church (20 Church Ave. SE, 2nd Floor, Roanoke). In each 30-minute show, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill chats with the inspiring people who serve — and are served by — the arts and cultural organizations supported by Center in the Square: Mill Mountain Theatre, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Opera Roanoke, Roanoke Ballet, O. Winston Link Museum, KidSquare, Roanoke Pinball and Starcade, and more. We’ll also feature a musical guest affiliated with one of these nonprofits.