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 weekend

• Through Jan. 25 — Downtown Roanoke Restaurant Week. Your chance to experience downtown’s extensive mix of lunch and dinner options. Try out many different restaurants that fit your budget. Reservations are encouraged at restaurants that accept them.
• Thursday, 1/22 to Saturday, 1/24 — Live music: Big Something at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• Friday 1/23 to Sunday 1/25 — Staged reading: Beyond Entertainment — When Theatre Makes You Think presented by The Bear Theatre at Community High School (302 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Three plays will be presented this weekend: The Nether (for mature audiences) (Friday, 7 p.m.); The Children’s Hour (Saturday, 7 p.m.); and Enemy of the People (Sunday, 2 p.m.). Each reading will be followed by a talk back session. Tickets include coffee and dessert. ($)
• Friday, 1/23 to Sunday, 1/25 — Mysticon 2026 at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). This year, we're bringing together fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and pop culture for a weekend of panels, music, cosplay contests, vendor booths, and so much more. ($)

Wednesday, Jan. 21

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: R&B Sound Machine at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 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). 

Thursday, Jan. 22 

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Roanoke City Council Member Initiatives at the Raleigh Court Library (2122 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). These open-house style meetings will have stations staffed by members of the Planning Department that you can talk to for each of three high-priority projects for the city's elected officials – potential changes to the city's zoning ordinance, the future of Evans Spring and higher scrutiny of vape shops. Residents can attend any meeting, drop in at any time, and stay for as long as they like.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Freak Rangers 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.
• 8 p.m. — Live music: The Jared Stout Band at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Nightlife: R&B Karaoke at Kirk & Soul (312 2nd St. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Jack Stephanian at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, Jan.23

• Noon — Lunch and Learn: Embracing Burnout with Dr. Kate Steiner presented by the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 1 p.m. — Southeast Community Litter Clean-up presented by I Heart SE and Clean Valley Council starting at Belmont Christian Church (1101 Jamison Ave. SE, Roanoke). Volunteers Needed for this large-scale community clean-up. All volunteers will be provided with trash bags and gloves. Some litter grabbers will be available. 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Talking Cake at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Thomas Hinds at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Keith Goggin on the Platform at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Opening reception: Jacob Smith — Thoughts and Prayers at Olin Hall Galleries at Roanoke College (240 High St., Salem). Continues through Mar. 22. Using furniture, artifacts, dioramas, and sculptural elements, Smith’s work interrogates the forces that shape identity: gender roles, religious dogma, political propaganda, militarism, and consumerism. "Thoughts & Prayers" is a space for speculation, satire, and critique—a place to see the world not as it is, but as it might appear from the outside looking in.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: The Andy Burnette Trio at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
• 6:30 p.m. — Nightlife: Decades Party at Living Proof Beer Company (40 West Court St., Rocky Mount). We’re throwing it back through the decades — one decade per hour! Bring something fun from your favorite decade — could be anything from a Cabbage Patch doll, a Rubik’s Cube, old-school toys, clothes, accessories, or whatever fits the vibe. We’ll give away a gift every hour to the person with the best item from that decade.
• 6:30 p.m. — 70th Anniversary Commemoration: The 1956 Wreck of Norfolk & Western No. 611 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation  (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). A powerful evening of remembrance, history, and reflection inside the museum’s Auto Gallery. This special program will feature an in-depth presentation and discussion examining the events leading up to the wreck, the aftermath, and its long-term impact. ($)
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Kristy Wilkins with Randolph Thomas at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Cash Unchained at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Silent Disco: Salsa Noke's 16th Anniversary at Inka Grill Peruvian Cuisine (14 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
• 9 p.m. — Nightlife: Karaoke night at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Melissa & the Growlers at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Jan.24

• 8 a.m. — Peakwood & Pancakes presented by RunAbout Sports (3635 Franklin Rd., Roanoke) All running routes will start from the shop, with longer distances having the option to shuttle back to the shop for our post-run breakfast after routes are finalized.
• 11 a.m. — Raising the Shade Community Learning Session: Black Union soldiers who had been enslaved and sold as children” with Sarah Plummer at the Franklin County Library (355 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). This will be an opportunity to learn more about the Raising the Shade research on the 70 Franklin County-born USCT soldiers who were recently honored with a monument in downtown Rocky Mount.
• Noon to 3 p.m. — Amia’s 3rd Annual Community Dinner at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). Featured guest speakers: Joe Cobb, Trish Boyd, Garland Gravely, Shamaill Ross.
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Author event: Megan Adams, author of “Echoes of a Crimson Storm” at The Bibliopub (416 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). Dive into romantasy author Megan Adams’ writing process, inspiration, and all about her new book, the third in her Elemental series.
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Guitars Under the Star Guitar Pull presented by 3rd Street Coffee House at Mill Mountain Discovery Center (2000 JB Fishburn Parkway. SE, Roanoke). Gather together with acoustic instruments in hand and celebrate music. Originals or covers are fine. Everyone is welcome.
• 5:30 p.m. — Live music at Virginia Electric at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m.. — Guns N Hoses at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). Local firefighters and police officers hit the ice in an adrenaline pumping hockey showdown. ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: William Seymour at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Hello Gorgeous on the Platform at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6 to 10 p.m. — Burns Night Supper in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns presented by the Roanoke Valley Scottish Society at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Music by the Appalachian Piping Academy and the Roanoke Traditional Session. The Floyd Historical Dancers will perform a reel and a strathspey before teaching simple Scottish Country Dances to any who will join. A haggis will be presented. Recommended attire is Highland formal or black tie. ($)
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Forry & Grice at Living Proof Beer Company (40 West Court St., Rocky Mount).
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Line Dancing with Angela at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Gasoline Alley at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, Jan. 25

• 11 a.m. — Downtown Divas 8th Anniversary Drag Brunch at Evie’s Bistro & Bakery (1212 4th St. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Burns Celebration at Stave & Cork (115 E. Main St., Salem). Celebrate Scottish Poet Robert Burns’ birthday (and all things Scottish). Music by Geoff the Fiddler and his merry band of miscreants.
• 2 p.m. — A Birthday Bash Drag Brunch at The Park Dance Club (615 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Get ready to party like it’s 1985 as we celebrate Jessica Jade and Alexis Kennedy Salad. ($).
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Stop the Bleed Training presented by Radford University School of Public Health at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave., Roanoke). 
• 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. 
• 6 p.m. — Stage auditions: Buddies at The Bear Theatre at Community High School (302 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). A new play written by Hollins University graduate, Ben Abbott and directed by Gene Marrano. Synopsis: two men, discovering they are friendship soul mates, realize they have  no idea how to make a new friend at this stage of life. 

Monday, Jan. 26

• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6) — Pinball Tournament at the Roanoke Pinball Museum (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Open to the public. One flat fee in lieu of coin drop. Come early to practice and register. ($)

Tuesday, Jan. 27

• 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). 
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Screening: “Mighty Times: The Children’s March” at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). This film tells the story of how the young people of Birmingham braved arrest, fire hoses, and police dogs in 1963 and brought segregation to its knees.
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Coffee, Tea, & Poetry at the Roanoke Higher Education Center (108 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Local poets may share their work in a safe, judgment-free space. (Bring at least five poems to choose from). Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. 
• 7 to 8 p.m. — Kegly Lecture: "Roanoke's Early Boy Scout History: 1910-1920" by Stephen Warren at Christ Lutheran Church (2011 Brandon Ave. SW, Roanoke). This lecture will explore the origins of Roanoke’s scout council and highlight troop activities during its first decade. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Stand-up: The REAL Funny Open Mic Comedy Show at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Tom Hamilton at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m.  —  Live music: The Request Line with Jared Stout at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, Jan. 28

• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 to 8 p.m. — The Next Chapter 40+ Social Group at The BiblioPub (416 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). With internet dating being so miserable, The BiblioPub is opening up a social space for older singles to meet people. Recurs every other Wednesday.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — 5 PTS Foundation Dinner at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). See The Sanctuary in a whole new way. We'll talk about all the cool things we did this year and what we've got planned for 2026. Help us build a legacy that lasts. ($)
• 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: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Upcoming

• Jan. 29, 6 p.m. —  Kickoff Gala: A Month of Micheaux — 10th Anniversary Black Culture at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). The red carpet kickoff gala includes a screening of “Within Our Gates.” ($)
• Jan. 31, 2 to 4 p.m. — Toe-Tapping Family Dance Class with Katherine Pettipiece hosted by CIRCLE Roanoke Families in partnership with CommUNITY ARTSReach at Little Leapers Roanoke Dance Studio (3723A Franklin Rd., Roanoke). Step back in time with dance caller and instructor, Katherine Lawson Pettipiece as she teaches a mix of Colonial-Era Social and Circle Dances to dancers of all ages. We welcome couples, singles and families of all ages from 0 - 109. No experience required - simply come as you are, do-si-do and prepare to have lots of fun! ($)
• 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, 10 a.m. — TAP’s Black History Celebration at St. John’s Episcopal Church (1 Mountain Ave. SW). The 2026 celebration will honor Fed Up, Humble Hustle, and Ladies of Vision. Register by Feb. 5.
• 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.