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.

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This weekend

• Thursday, 10/2 to Saturday, 10/4 — Salem Ghost Walk presented by the Salem Museum & Historical Society at East Hill Cemetery (730 E. Main St., Salem). Ghosts (and tickets) are beginning to fly at the Salem Museum as tours for this annual event are selling fast. meet notable characters from Salem’s past on walking tours that are family-friendly, fun, and informative, but not scary. The tour covers just over half a mile. Tickets can be purchased here or stop by the Salem Museum to reserve your tour in person. ($)
• Friday, 10/3 to Sunday, 10/5 — Craftsmen’s Fall Classic Art & Craft Festival at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). 
• Saturday, 10/4 to Sunday, 10/5 — Salem Gun & Knife Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). No loaded firearms. No exceptions. Children under 12 free with paying adult. ($)

Wednesday, Oct. 1

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Eric Wayne Acoustic Duo at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at The Green Goat (802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Creative Conversations: A Love Letter to Black Creativity at 601 Inc (601 11th St. NW, Roanoke). Here, you’ll find a space dedicated to celebrating and reflecting on the brilliance of Black creativity. Through open dialogue and shared stories, we’ll explore the joys, challenges, and journeys of Black (BIPOC) creatives—across art, business, culture, and beyond.
• 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. 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Béla Fleck, Edmar Castaneda, Antonio Sanchez Trio at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, Oct. 2

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Food Truck Thursdays with Empanada Nirvana, Hangrcy, and Countryman Jamaica Grill presented by Roanoke County Parks and Recreation at Green Hill Park (2501 Green Hill Park Rd., Salem). 
• 4 p.m. — Gaymer Day at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or Playstation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Crawford, Reed, Burton and Ball at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Frock Swap at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Bring your gently used clothing and sort it by style and size. Then browse and take home as many items as you like. It’s a respectful free for all and you can even drink beer while you shop. Clothing must be in good condition with no odors, stains, or holes. No undergarments or swimwear. All leftover items will be donated.
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Karaoke Night 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.
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Dylan Scott with Josh Ross and Zach John King at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Samantha Fish at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Joe Crandall at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Latin Night featuring Orquesta Stimulator Jones at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, Oct. 3

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Elevate Conference at Freedom First Headquarters (207 Bullitt Ave. SE, Roanoke). Learn new tactics to implement in your business or nonprofit and make valuable connections with other business owners and leaders in the community. Register now! ($)
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 8th Annual Golf for Sound at Roanoke Country Club (3360 Country Club Dr., Roanoke). All participants receive green fees, mulligan package, lunch, cold beverages all day long, a special 5PTS Swag Bag, and more. ($)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Art opening: “In the Company of Animals” by Lisa Acciai at LinDor Arts (306 1st St. SW, Roanoke). A phenomenal animal and bird artist presents her favorites for the season, all in one collection. Through Nov. 1.
• 5 to 9 p.m. — First Fridays at Five: Bottom of the Barrel in Downtown Roanoke (111 Franklin Road between S. Jefferson St. and Williamson Rd.). This is a 21+ event. $10 entry. Cash only. No pets. ($) 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Late nights: Words Matter & Untold History with Monacan Indian Nation Elder Victoria Ferguson at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Victoria Ferguson, an enrolled citizen of the Monacan Indian Nation will share the lived experiences of her great aunt, Mary Margaret Persinger, who detailed her life in journals from 1910-1912 living in rural Virginia. Access Mary Margaret’s fascinating journals at this link to read them prior to the event, if desired.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Rarely Available Band at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: AC/DC Tribute: Shoot To Thrill at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck and Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Music on the Corner: The Hunchback of Notre Dame featuring organist Dorothy Papadakas at St. John's Episcopal Church (1 Mountain Ave. SW). 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Kat Mills with Paul Heilker at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: That 1 Guy at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Sugaray Redford at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Mac McAnally at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Solacoustix at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Oct. 4

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Mountain Magic in Fall at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St., Buchanan). Bluegrass, Antiques, Arts and Crafts Festival.
• Noon to 4 p.m. — Hispanic Heritage Month celebration presented by Local Colors at John Nolen Plaza (26 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). A free, family-friendly event that spotlights the rich cultures of Latin America and recognizes the positive contributions of the Latino community in our area. This 4-hour event features dance and live music performances, educational segments, storytelling, and more. 
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Presentation: Fostering Independence and Creating Strong Advocates – A Talk with Ciara Campbell at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Ciara will share her personal journey toward independence to show how clinicians and others can contribute to the enhancement of autonomy, independence, and goal-setting for adults with disabilities. This event is free and welcoming to all, though registration is highly encouraged. 
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Keith Giffin at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 2 p.m. – Roanoke College vs. Randolph-Macon College Yellow Jackets at Salem Football Stadium (1002 Texas St., Salem).
• 2 to 7 p.m. — Old Southwest Porch Fest at Day Avenue Pocket Park (653 Day Ave. SW, Roanoke). Music stages on Marshall and Day Avenues near 8th Street SW. featuring 11+ different local musicians, bands, and musical styles. PorchFest coincides with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration for Day Avenue Pocket Park.
• 3 p.m. — Team Ariana Takeover: Something About Beer at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Celebrate Queen Ariana Madix at our powerhouse girl takeover while the worm with a mustache plays down the street. Starr Hill is hosting a Vanderpump Rules binge + girl boss playlist kind of day with drink all the way to close. Bring your friends, wear your best pink and sparkles, and get ready for the ultimate Team Ariana celebration. Because when life gives you a Scandoval, you throw a party! 
• 4 to 10 p.m. — Reggae & Roots Festival at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). Featuring performances by Music Road Co., Star City Soul Club, Father Sun, and Lazy Man Dub Band. 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Daleville Summer Concert Series: Out of Spite — That 80s Show at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Bring a chair or blanket. No weapons. No outside food/beverage. No pets. ($) 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Bring Out Yer Dead (Free Show) at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Fall for Ursula fundraiser hosted by Bromeo at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). help us make sure there’s a place in our community where everyone can enjoy delicious homemade food and creative arts offerings.
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Vivaldi Strings Concert featuring Roanoque Baroque at Raleigh Court Presbyterian (1837 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Open Mic Night hosted by the Roanoke Quaker Friends at The Meetinghouse (505 Day Ave SW, Roanoke). A chance to read a poem, sing a song, be a ham! Or just enjoy watching and listening to others. Everyone is welcome.
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Wheatus (Acoustic) at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live performance: Trae Crowder at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Eric Wayne Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, Oct. 5

• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 1 p.m. — Live music: Ella Folk at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. — Open Mic Poetry: Falling Into A New Season presented by Star City Poets’ Society at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 2 p.m. — Author event: Heather Cole, author of “Virginia’s Presidents: A History & Guide” presented by The Friends of Lucy Breckinridge at the Jubal Early Homeplace (455 Old Hollow Lane, Hardy). ($)
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Live music: Star City Ceili Band in the historic tavern cellar at Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke). 
• 3 p.m. — Cinderella presented by the World Ballet Company at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Eric Wayne Band at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 7 to 9 p.m. — Speakeasy Night at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Step into a night of elegance and allure as we transform our hidden gem, AKA, into the Fox City Jazz Club — an intimate pre-Prohibition speakeasy beneath the Pine Room and 1882 Lobby Bar. This exclusive venue will transport you straight to the heart of the Jazz Age. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Maiden & Crowe presents: The Autumn Horror Road Show at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Elvis Costello at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)

Monday, Oct. 6

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — A Night at the Museum: A Journey through 60 Years of Action at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). All aboard as Total Action for Progress (TAP) commemorates six decades of service across the Roanoke Valley and Allegheny Highlands! ($)
• 6 p.m. —  Monday Fright Night Club Double Feature: Stephen King’s IT at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 8 to 9 p.m. — MAKE Roanoke General Orientations at MAKE Roanoke (128 Albemarle Ave. SE, Roanoke). Want to join the best Creater’s Coworking Space in town? General Orientations are a great way to find out about our organization. They start with a tour of the space, then a 15 minute informational video covering MAKE Roanoke Policies, then a brief safety tour. There is never any pressure to sign up, but… we CAN accept new members on the spot! Please wear close toed shoes; we are an active workshop. (This orientation is required for all new members).

Tuesday, Oct. 7

• 4 to 7 p.m. — Queer Community Family Potluck Dinner at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). Our Community Family Dinner is a warm and welcoming community potluck. The theme changes monthly. Check out our social media for updates. All are welcome. See you there.
• 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. — Silent Book Club at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Request Line with Jared Stout at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, Oct. 8

• 6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 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. 
• 10 p.m.  —  Live music: Swamp Flower at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Fall Festivals and Halloween Haunts 

• Thursday, 10/2 to Saturday, 10/4 — Salem Ghost Walk presented by the Salem Museum & Historical Society at East Hill Cemetery (730 E. Main St., Salem). Ghosts (and tickets) are beginning to fly at the Salem Museum as tours for this annual event are selling fast. meet notable characters from Salem’s past on walking tours that are family-friendly, fun, and informative, but not scary. The tour covers just over half a mile. Tickets can be purchased here or stop by the Salem Museum to reserve your tour in person. ($)
• Friday, 10/3, 6 to 8 p.m. — Music on the Corner: The Hunchback of Notre Dame featuring organist Dorothy Papadakas at St. John's Episcopal Church (1 Mountain Ave. SW). 
• Friday, 10/25 through Saturday, 10/26 — Haunted History: A Fincastle Ghost Tour presented by Botetourt Historical Society and Historic Fincastle starting at the Botetourt County Historical Society & Museum (26 East Main St., Fincastle). ($)
• Friday, 10/31 — Halloween Murder Mystery at Stoney Brook Vineyards (516 Stoney Battery Rd, Troutville. 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. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join us! Purchase advance tickets. ($)

Recurring Festivals and Haunts

• Weekly, Monday Fright Night Club at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link to learn more. Through Oct. 27.
• Weekly, Thursday through Sunday: Sinkland Farms 34th Annual Pumpkin Festival (3060 Riner Rd., Christiansburg). 5-acre corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, vendors, kids' activities, live music. Saturdays and Sundays always provide plenty of entertainment such as blacksmith demonstrations, watching pig races, A Capella groups from Va Tech, visits with the Scarecrow, PumpkinTron, and the Fairytale Princess. Through Nov. 2. ($)
• Weekly, Friday through Saturday: Terror Manor (805 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Nestled in the heart of the city, this spine-chilling attraction boasts over 40 meticulously designed rooms that promise an extended experience of sheer terror. Through Nov. 1. ($)
• Weekly, Saturday through Sunday: Jeter Fall Festival (181 Blue Ridge Blvd., Roanoke). Corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin train, barnyard animals, giant slides & jump pad, farm games, and more. Enjoy delicious eats like hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, kettle corn, cider doughnuts, apple cider, and a variety of Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest products in our Country Store. Through Oct. 26. ($)
• Halloween Murder Mysteries, recurring dates and varying locations, with Jump into Mystery. Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the subjects to solve a spooky crime. Book in advance. ($)

Looking ahead

• Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Boogie Wonder Band with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). A disco extravaganza like no other. ($)
• Oct. 10, 8 p.m. — Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• Oct. 11, Noon to 7 p.m. — SWVA PrideFest ‘25: United in Pride at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Drag shows, live music, food trucks, a rainbow marketplace, games, and fun for the whole crew. Indoors and outdoors, rain or shine.
• Oct. 15 to 18 — “Welcome Home” presented by the Glenvar High School Theatre Department (4549 Malus Dr., Salem). The world premiere of this original play about typical stuff –– coffee shops, aliens, and black holes. Everyone is invited to enjoy the show! ($)
• Oct. 17, 7:05 p.m. — Opening Night: Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs Huntsville at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Tickets go on sale for individual games on September 17. ($)
• Nov. 8 — Black Friday Gone Wrong: A Murder Mystery at at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, 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. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join us! Purchase advance tickets. ($)

Ongoing

• Through Oct. 12 — “Million Dollar Quartet” at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Features a glorious score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” and more. ($)
• Through Nov. 1 — “In the Company of Animals” by Lisa Acciai at LinDor Arts (306 1st St. SW, Roanoke). A phenomenal animal and bird artist presents her favorites for the season, all in one collection. 
• Through Dec. 12 — “Curator Off Duty” Exhibition at Olin Hall Galleries at Roanoke College (240 High St. Salem). This is an open exhibition for any and all artists living in Virginia. This exhibition invites artists and creators of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to submit a work of art to be shown at Olin Hall Galleries. Each submission must fit within one cubic foot. Curator Off Duty aims to unite the Virginia visual arts community through diversity and inclusion. Open through Dec. 12.
• Saturdays through Dec. 27 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. ($)
• Every Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — VA Works Assistance presented by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement in Meeting Rooms B and C at the Roanoke City Main Library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Do you need help with your job search? Looking for temporary income support or transition and training services? Visit the workforce experts at their satellite desks at the Main Library in downtown Roanoke.