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, 10/16 to Sunday, 10/19 — “The Play that Goes Wrong” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). A riotous farce where a drama about murder and mystery turns into total mayhem. From collapsing sets to misplaced lines (and plenty of surprises in between), you’ll be laughing from curtain to curtain. Through Oct. 26. ($)
• Thursday, 10/16 through Sunday, 10/19 — “Monstersongs” presented by Showtimers Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). Late at night, long after being tucked in, The Kid opens up a spooky comic... and a portal to the world of well-known monsters. In this pop-rock concert, the monsters tell their stories of being misunderstood and taken for granted. ($)
• Friday, 10/17 to Sunday, 10/19 — GoOutside Festival (GO Fest) at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke) and at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke). An annual three-day celebration of everything outdoors in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Here, you can test drive a bike, demo a stand-up paddleboard, learn to fly cast, join a race, and sample craft beer all in one afternoon. The festival adheres to BYOP (Bring Your Own Pint) as a way to reduce our dependency on single-use plastics. Bring your own 16oz reusable pint for beverage use, or pick up one of our Signature Festival Cups at the festival. To view the schedule, visit this link.
• Saturday, 10/18 to Sunday, 10/19 — Open Studios Botetourt: Art in the Country starting at the Storefront Studio of Ed Bordett/Brett LaGue (5 E. Main St., Fincastle). Various studios, workshops and residences around Botetourt County will feature 16 artists in 7 locations.  The Open Studios-Botetourt art tour will extend from Daleville/Troutville into Fincastle and just a little bit further.  Pick up a brochure with a map and artist information at the first stop.
• Saturday, 10/18 to Sunday, 10/19 —Egyptian Food Festival at St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church (4122 Cresthill Dr., Roanoke). Try delicious Egyptian Food and learn a little bit about Egyptian culture. Egyptian souvenirs available for purchase as well.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Foster Burton at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Author event: Trusted Source — A Conversation with David Poole at the Gainsboro Library (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke). Join us for a community conversation with David Poole, a journalist and writer as well as the founder of the Virginia Public Access Project, an organization dedicated to elevating public understanding of Virginia politics and government by organizing and presenting information in ways that are easily accessible to all and free of partisan bias. Roanoke journalist Mary Bishop will be leading the discussion. 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Opening Night: “Welcome Home” presented by the Glenvar High School Theatre Department (4549 Malus Dr., Salem). The world premiere of this original play is an original story about small-town coffee shops, aliens, black holes, and the power of community. Everyone is invited to enjoy the show! ($)
• 7 p.m. — Hispanic Heritage Month: Folklore Dance & Mariachi Alegria — Closing Ceremony Concert at Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Authentic Mexican dancers in stunning costumes will present breathtaking dance routines as this group of dancers and musicians present the power and joy of Viva Mariachi. ($)
• 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: James Hatem at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, Oct. 16

• 9 a.m. to noon — 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 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 6:30 p.m. — Festival of Light Workshop: Bluebird of Happiness pt 1 at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). One man’s trash, another man’s treasure. In this workshop, artist Jane Gabrielle will show you how to craft a treasured lamp from plastic bottles. Bring pictures of loved ones printed on paper to create remembrance luminaries. Join in every Thursday in October for FREE workshops focused on making art projects in preparation for the Fall Harvest Festival of Light on Nov. 1.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — 3 Eyed Tiger at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Author event: An Evening with Beth Macy: Book Launch in support of Great Expectations at Charter Hall at the City Market Building (32 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). This event is held in support of the Great Expectations program serving former foster care youth at Virginia Western Community College. Each ticket includes a signed copy of "Paper Girl: A Memoir of Family and Home in a Fractured America." ($)
• 6:30 p.m. — Candlelight Concerts: The Best of Hans Zimmer at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Fireside Collective Trio at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). 
• 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.
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: The Jaime McLean Band at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8:45 p.m. — Live music: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Balkun Brothers at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, Oct. 17

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Little Rodger and the Cheap Thrills feat. Billy Crawford at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck and Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — OktoberFeast to benefit The Lion’s Share Food Pantry at The Maridor (1857 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). The event will feature live music from The Tim Martin Duo with Brian Wheeling, a cash bar, silent auction, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. ($)
• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Floorboards at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Mustang McGee & Freedom Junction at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Live music: “Let the Pipes Resound” performed by the Blacksburg Master Chorale at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church (1837 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Celebrating the best of what the instrument and voices can do together, with music by Brahms, Haydn, Rutter, and many more. The Blacksburg Master Chorale will be joined by the Blacksburg Children’s Chorale for a portion of the performance. This is our first performance with Raleigh Court Presbyterian’s music series — no tickets needed, donations accepted.
• 7:05 p.m. — Opening Night: Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs Huntsville at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Tickets go on sale for individual games on September 17. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Frank Critelli with Haefner at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Ray Bonneville at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Sneezy w. Natalie Brooke at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: JD Allen at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Thurston Howell: A Premier Yacht Rock Spectacular at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Seven Teller at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Oct. 18

• 8 a.m. to noon — Harvest Fest at the Grandin Village Farmers Market (Behind the Grandin Co-op, 1319 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Join us this month at LEAP Farmers Markets for our harvest season celebrations! Come enjoy a fresh-pressed cup of cider and purchase cartons to take home, pressed from our antique apple press, sample and buy LEAP-made apple pie, and shop for seasonal foods with our various vendors.
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Melrose Fall Festival at the Melrose Library (2502 Melrose Ave NW Suite D). After a year off due to construction, your Melrose Fall Festival is back & better than ever! Join us outside your Melrose Branch Library for free food, books, candy, face painting, pumpkins, and over 20 local partner tables!
• Noon to 4 p.m. — Subaru Loves Pets: Dog & Puppy Adoption Event with the Roanoke Valley SPCA at Southern Team Subaru (6520 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke). Many of the adoption fees will be waived at this event.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Dan Carrell at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 2 p.m. — Roanoke College Maroons vs. Shenandoah University Hornets at Salem Football Stadium (1002 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 2:30 to 4 p.m. — 2025 Annual Barbershop Show: “Connections: It’s the Music that Brings us Together” presented by The Virginia Blend A Capella Chorus at the South County Library (6303 Merriman Rd., Roanoke). ($)
• 5 & 8 p.m. — Live music: Stand-up: Matt Mathews at the Berglund Performing Arts Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Half Moon at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 p.m. — “Scream Queens” Dinner Show at The Park Dance Club (615 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Dinner, drinks, and drag. Seating is limited; reserve your spot in advance. ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Texas Hippie Coalition at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. — GO Fest 15th Anniversary Party & Concert: Larry Keel with Sol Driven Train at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke)
• 7 p.m. — Sideshow Showcase at Arete Pole Fitness (1600 S. Colorado St., Salem). Annual Arete showcase with performances by our students, instructors, and community friends. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Nicole Yun, Lamplight, Daniel Cundiff at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Skydog - A Tribute to The Allman Brothers Band at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). 
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Eric Johnson at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: The Local Honeys at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, Oct. 19

• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Bowl Market at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Featuring hand-made, upcycled, or vintage items. We will have your favorite vendors and some new ones, plus over 100 local artisans and vendors located inside The Marketplace at Black Dog Salvage. 
• Noon —  Live music: Sittin’ In with Robby: Robby Cardan and Nathan Seldomridge at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Ella Folk at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 3 p.m. — Live music: Opera Roanoke’s Young Artist Performance in Hollins University’s Talmadge Recital Hall (8055 Hill House Ct., Roanoke). Family-friendly and open to the public. 
• 3 p.m. —  Live music: Troublesome Blues Band at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
• 3 to 6 p.m. — Star City Sunday Cruise with Roanoke Mountain Adventures starting in downtown Roanoke (specific location provided when the tour is booked). Roll through Roanoke on a Rad Power E-Bike! This scenic tour is around 13 miles and takes around 2.5 hours. Our e-bikes make exploring the heart of Roanoke a breeze and take us by tons of cool sights and shops. ($)
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Live music: Leonard Blush & The Camelcals at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 5 p.m. — Live music: Tin Can Locomotive at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). 
•  5 p.m. — Halloween Murder Mystery at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., 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. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Mason Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Shaun Cassidy at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)

Monday, Oct. 20

• 6 p.m. — Monday Fright Night Club Double Feature: The Blair Witch Project & Trick’r Treat 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). 

Tuesday, Oct. 21

• 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 7:30 p.m. — Advertising Horror Stories hosted by the American Advertising Federation at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Local ad pros share funny/harrowing behind-the-scenes tales — perfect spooky-season networking. ($)
• 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. 22

• 2 to 4 p.m. — Trades & Manufacturing Expo presented by Virginia Western Community College at the EnVision Center (2607 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke). During this Expo, you will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, learn about career opportunities from local business partners, and find out how easy it is to enroll and start a new career. 
• 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. 
• 8 p.m. — Live music: The War and Treaty at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 10 p.m.  —  Live music: Redd & the Paper Flowers at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Fall Festivals and Halloween Haunts 

• Saturday, 10/25, 7 p.m. — Live music: Martin’s Downtown Halloween Street Party with performances by Four Doors Down; Billingsley; Soul Patch; and Star City Soul Club at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)
• Friday, 10/25 through Saturday, 10/26 — Haunted History: A Fincastle Ghost Tour presented by Botetourt Historical Society and Historic Fincastle starting at the Botetourt County Historical Society & Museum (26 East Main St., Fincastle). ($)
• Wednesday, 10/29 to Friday, 10/31 — Roanoke Ghost Tour hosted by the American Advertising Federation starting at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). Join us for this guided walking tour (60–75 minutes) exploring Roanoke’s haunted history. We will cover about a mile. 
• 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. ($)
• Friday, 10/31 — Live music: The Kind’s Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 

Ongoing Festivals & Haunts

• Daily through 10/31 — Salem’s Spooky Scavenger Hunt presented by Downtown Salem and HopeTree Family Services in downtown Salem. Friendly little witches are hidden in twelve of Salem’s downtown businesses. Can you find them all? Pick up a passport from any participating business and collect stamps from each place as you spot our witchy little friends. A fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the spooky season while supporting our amazing local shops.
• 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. ($)
• Halloween Murder Mysteries, recurring dates and varying locations, with Jump into Mystery. Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the subjects to solve a spooky crime. Book in advance. ($)
• The Grandin Theatre’s Spooky October Series at The Grandin Theatre (Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Spooky movies will be shown throughout the month.

Looking ahead

• Through Oct. 18 — “Welcome Home” presented by the Glenvar High School Theatre Department (4549 Malus Dr., Salem). The world premiere of this original play is an original story about small-town coffee shops, aliens, black holes, and the power of community. Everyone is invited to enjoy the show! ($)
• Oct. 29 to 31 — Roanoke Ghost Tour hosted by the American Advertising Federation starting at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). Join us for this guided walking tour (60–75 minutes) exploring Roanoke’s haunted history. We will cover about a mile
• Nov. 8 — Black Friday Gone Wrong: A Murder Mystery at at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 5:45. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join us! Purchase advance tickets. ($)

Ongoing

• Through Oct. 26 — “The Play that Goes Wrong” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). A riotous farce where a drama about murder and mystery turns into total mayhem. From collapsing sets to misplaced lines (and plenty of surprises in between), you’ll be laughing from curtain to curtain. 
• 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. The only curatorial criteria is that 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 December 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.