We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. Want to know when the next City Council meeting takes place? Curious about what there’s to do this weekend? 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!

Ongoing

• Nov. 24 through 26 — Roanoke Valley Mineral & Gem Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Visit this link for more information. ($)
• Now through Dec. 3 — Art exhibit: “Out of Hollow Green Stuff Woven” by Amelia Salisbury and Derek Mueller at Olin Hall Galleries at Roanoke College (240 High St., Salem). “Out of Hollow Green Stuff Woven” is an exhibition reflecting two artists’ relationship with a place called Wonder Hollow. Their images document and trace the daily edges of weather, chart a pollinator’s carousel, and frame as placemats a dream soup of domestic and land-based rituals and wanderings. For more information, visit this link. 

Ongoing Festive Events

• Now through Dec. 15 — The Elf on a Shelf Adventure presented by Downtown Roanoke Inc. and Gentry Locke Attorneys in Downtown Roanoke. This fun scavenger hunt features 16 elves hidden in stores around downtown Roanoke. Visit this link for more information. 
• Now through Dec. 30 — Illuminights at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd., Roanoke). Visit this link for opening times and to purchase tickets. ($) 
• Nov. 23 through Jan. 1 — Fashions for Evergreens presented by United Way of the Roanoke Valley at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. 
• Nov. 25 through Dec. 25 — Land of Lights at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). Find more information at this link.
• Nov. 25 through Jan. 1 — Buchanan Festival of Trees at Buchanan’s Main Street Library (19795 Main Street, Buchanan). Find more information at this link.
• Nov. 28 through Dec. 1 — The Gingerbread Festival Gingerbread House Competition Preview at The Salem Museum & Historical Society (801 E. Main St., Salem). Find more information at this link.
• Nov. 28 through December 31 — Deck the Rails at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Enjoy Christmas Trees decorated by area businesses to celebrate the season. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Nov. 29 through Dec. 23 — “Elf the Musical” at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Through January 5 — Bedford Festival of Trees at the Bedford Welcome Center (816 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford). This year’s theme is “Oh Christmas Tree.” Find more information at this link
• Through January 27 — The Christmas Train at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). This year, the display has expanded to three tracks, including a new, tiny N-scale train. Find more information at this link.

Wednesday, November 22

• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Opening Day: Elmwood on Ice presented by WDBJ7 at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — “Fish Lips” release party with Smoke in Chimneys fish hatchery at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Jared Stout Trio at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7 p.m. – Theory of a Deadman & Skillet: Rock Resurrection Tour w/ Saint Asonia at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information at this link. ($)
• 7 p.m. —  The Nutcracker featuring Ukrainian Principal Artists and local dancers at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7:05 p.m. (Gates open at 6) — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Huntsville Havoc at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Big Lick Tonic Band at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Thanksgiving Eve Party with GAK! 90s Tribute at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, November 23 – Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

• 9 a.m. — Drumstick Dash 2023 presented by The Rescue Mission of Roanoke starting near the corner of Williamson and Franklin and weaving its way through downtown Roanoke. 
• 9:30 to 11 a.m. — Turkey Day Turn Up at Eureka Park (1529 Carroll Ave. NW, Roanoke). Work out for a good cause on Thanksgiving morning! The “Turkey Day Turn Up” Hip Hop Fitness Fundraiser is a 60 minute dance fitness workout led by fitness trainer Diane Simmons. Find more information and register at this link. ($). 

Friday, November 24 

• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Santa Claus Coat Drive at The French Farmhouse (9 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). Bring in coats, hats, socks, and gloves to donate during this time. Santa Claus will make an appearance from 1 to 4 p.m. 
• 6 p.m. — Grand Illumination at Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke). Find more information at this link.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Lyndsay Prillaman at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6 to 10 p.m. — Holiday Spirits at the City Market Building (32 Market Sq., Roanoke). Music from your favorite Yuletide rock band Empty Bottles. Dueling Cocktails from The Hatch and Fork in the Market. Got an ugly sweater? A Christmas suit or dress? Don your best holiday attire to enter the best dressed contest. Find more information at this link. 
• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Foster Burton and Friends at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7:05 p.m. (Gates open at 6) — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Fayetteville Marksmen at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Phat Laces at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Fiesta Fridays Social at Inka Grille (611 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). The evening starts with a dance lesson, with a dance party after. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: The Snozzberries at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, November 25

• 10 a.m. to noon — Small Business Saturday kickoff event in downtown Roanoke (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Enjoy holiday shopping with downtown retailers (and restaurants) offering great sales and specials. Find more information at this link.
• 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Buchanan Small Business Saturday Celebration on Main Street (19753 Main St., Buchanan). Features evening carriage rides and a 7 p.m. tree lighting at town hall. Find more information at this link. 
• 11 a.m. — Author event: Book Signing with Mindy Quigley and Sarah Warburton at Book No Further (112 Market St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Dilly Dally Christmas Market (1511 Eddy Ave., Salem). Find more information at this link.
• 2 p.m. — Author event: Book Signing with Tracee Dehahn and Cathryn Hankla. at Book No Further (112 Market St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
• 5 to 10 p.m. — Flannels & Friends FriendsGiving at The Spiritual Bar (829 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Calling all the Besties to come out in your favorite flannels to enjoy a FriendsGiving Feast prepared by Chef Mia, game night, & drinks. Find more information at this link.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Tyler Parrish at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). 
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: The Darkside Experience Pink Floyd Tribute at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Martina McBride – Joy of Christmas 2023 Tour at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Cinémathèque at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Vinyl & Vibes with the Star City Soul Club at Sidecar (411 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
• 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. — “The Blackout" Derez De'Shon anniversary tour at Tajzmah’s Lounge (434 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($) 

Sunday, November 26

• Noon to 2:30 p.m. — Public Ice Skating at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Noon to 4 p.m. — DaveFest Dos with live music from The Phat Anchovies and Mountain Walrus at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Live music: Heartbent at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Monday, November 27

• 4:30 p.m. — Youth Services Citizens board meeting at the Gainsboro Library (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke). 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Irish Jam Band at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, November 28

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Frock Swap at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Come swap your way into a new wardrobe while supporting sustainable fashion (and your wallet)! This gender and size inclusive swap is open to the public and will operate on a token system. The number of items you bring to swap determins the number of tokens you’ll receive to redeem new-to-you items. Find more information at this link.
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Stand-up comedy: The R.E.A.L. Funny Comedy Show at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke).Visit this link for more information and to RSVP. No cover charge. Tips appreciated. 
• 8:30 p.m. to midnight — Line Dancing at Sidewinders Saloon – College Night (16 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information. 
• 10 p.m. — Live music: JSB Variety Show featuring Jared Stout and special guests  at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Wednesday, November 29

• 7:30 a.m. — 32nd Annual Pre-Session Legislative Meeting & Breakfast presented by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, and the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors at The Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information and register at this link. 
• 5:30 p.m. — Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates: special meeting at the Melrose Library’s STEAM Lab (2602 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Roanoke Community Screening of “Birthing Justice'' at The Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion. Find more information and reserve your seat at this link. 
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Bob Dylan – Rough and Rowdy Ways at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.