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Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/15 to 4/22

The Roanoke Rambler

• 14 min read

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/15 to 4/22.

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:

  • Wednesday through Saturday, 4/15 to 4/18 — “The Bookstore” presented by The Lyric Theatre (135 College Ave., Blacksburg). In this stage play by Adam Szymkowicz, the future of a whimsical, almost magical bookstore is uncertain after the owner dies and leaves the shop to her niece Rachel. ($)
  • Thursday through Saturday, 4/16 to 4/18 — VA250 Mobile Experience at the Salem Museum & Historical Society (801 East Main St., Salem). Visitors to this hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” can expect a dynamic experience that will bring together students, families, and the wider community for an unforgettable journey into the era that created the nation. On Saturday, April 18, living historians from the Fincastle Company will also be on site to demonstrate the professions, trades, and crafts essential to the Colonial era.
  • Thursday through Sunday, 4/16 to 4/19 — Freedom First Down by Downtown (DxDT) throughout Downtown Roanoke presented by Roanoke Outside. A weekend packed with live music and events, coinciding with the annual Blue Ridge Marathon. Find your jam! Admission varies.
  • Friday through Saturday, 4/17 to 4/18 — Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival at Camp Bethel (328 Bethel Rd., Fincastle). Internationally-recognized storytellers will entertain audiences of all ages with heartwarming tales, whoppers, and a few full-on doozies at this weekend’s annual storytelling festival. Come on out… we’ll keep your seat warm! ($)
  • Friday through Saturday, 4/17 to 4/19 — Syrian Food Festival at St. Philoxenus Church Roanoke (1214 Lee Hwy, Roanoke). Discover delicious flavors on our menu including chicken shawarma sandwiches, kabobs and rice, falafel, baklava, meat pies, cheese pies, spinach and feta rolls, hummus, tabbouleh salad, stuffed squash, pastries, and more. We will have our full-service food lines and take-out pickup options.
  • Saturday through Sunday, 4/18 to 4/19 — 2026 Spring Home Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem).
  • Saturday through Sunday, 4/18 to 4/19 — Screamiverse Expo at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). Horror, sci-fi, and arts convention. ($)

Wednesday, April 15

  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Skeleton Crew feat. Jake Dempsey, Foster Burton and George Penn at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 to 8 p.m. — Networking: Build & Brew at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). No presentations, no pitches — just good conversation over good beer. Everyone buys their own drinks. 
  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Evening with the Eagles to benefit the Franklin County High School Band at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount).
  • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Celebrating Women's Voices: Open Mic and Fundraiser at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). An open mic centering women’s experiences inclusive of trans, nonbinary and cis voices. Share your words and bring some undies for those who need them. Bring new underwear of all sizes and types. Snacks and beverages will be pay what you can. Donate what you can to help us ensure all those in our community can enjoy healthy delicious food and arts programming.
  • 7 p.m. — Trivia Night at A Few Old Goats Brewing –– Roanoke (515 8th St. SW, Suite 228, 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. 
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Kyle Lacy at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, April 16

  • 11 a.m. — Chair Fitness with Tracey at Melrose Plaza (large fitness room) (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Get fit while having fun. Classes are free. Repeats weekly.
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Daisy Art Parade Workshop with Jane Gabrielle at the Keeley Healing Arts Open Studio at Melrose Plaza. Join artists from across the valley in building for the Daisy Art Parade. 
  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Community Night: Blessing of the Farm presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Join us in an opening prayer, meditative movement, and open mic. Give thanks for our connections to the land and to each other.
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Crawford, Reed, Burton & Ball at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. — DxDT: Kinnfolk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6 p.m. — Screening & Conversation: “The African American – Jewish Civil Alliance” presented by the Roanoke Jewish Federation in support of the Harrison Museum for African American Culture at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). A film and special educational program exploring Black and Jewish Alliances and shared legacies. ($)
  • 7 p.m. — Open mic at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 7:30 p.m. — Screening & Q/A: William Shatner: Wrath of Khan Tour at the Berglund Center Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). William Shatner, the original Captain James T. Kirk, will be live on stage following a screening of the iconic Star Trek film to share fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from his decades-long career as an actor, producer, director, writer, recording artist, and — most recently — space-traveler. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — DxDT: Oliver Wood with Seth Walker at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 8 p.m. — DxDT: Shakedown Citi — Grateful Dead Tribute at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
  • 8:30 to 10 p.m. — Shooting Stars: Astrophotography Under Natural Bridge at Natural Bridge State Park (6477 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge). Bring a full camera or cell phone and take a night-time photography workshop on Cedar Creek. Once you master the basics everyone will practice taking photos of the stars on either side of the Natural Bridge. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. To register, call (540) 254-0795. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — DxDT: Kollin & Friends at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Friday, April 17

  • 8 a.m. — LGBTQ+ Health Summit presented by the Rainbow Wellness Alliance for Southwest Virginia at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Hear from community leaders, in your neighborhood and across the state. You will also have the opportunity to help shape the future of RWA4SWVA in a guided strategizing session. This day will benefit anyone in a helping profession, health or otherwise, or invested in the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people in any way.
  • 9 to 10 a.m. — Member Hour: First Peek at the New Mural at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Artist Mokha Laget was commissioned to reinterpret the Museum’s architecture through her distinctive abstract style, translating structural forms and spatial dynamics into vibrant, evocative compositions. Be one of the first to see the resulting mural.
  • 3 to 8 p.m. — DxDT: Blue Ridge Marathon Welcome Party and Packet Pickup with performances by Phat Anchovies (4 p.m.) and Creedence Clearwater Recital (6:30 p.m.) at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). A free outdoor festival with live music, craft brews, and wellness vendors, as we celebrate runners arriving for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon.
  • 5 p.m. — DxDT: Drew Freeland at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Empty Bottles at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. — DxDT: Charissa Joy at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: William Seymour on the Platform at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Virginia Electric at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
  • 6:30 p.m. — Karaoke Night at Living Proof Beer Company (50 West Court St., Rocky Mount).
  • 7 p.m. — DxDT: Father Sun w/ The Ambassador at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
  • 7 p.m. — Lattes and Lyrics at the Historic Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). An open mic experience presented by Poems and Coffee Studios that brings together poetry, spoken word, and live performance in an intimate, community-centered setting. The evening will feature performances from selected artists, along with an open mic portion for those ready to step up and share their own work. 
  • 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Playoffs: Round Two, Game Two vs Evansville Thunderbolts at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — DxDT: The Giving Moon at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: James Kirby with Gary Marchesano at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 8 p.m. — DxDT: Redd & The Paper Flowers with Doc McClintock at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 8 p.m. — DxDT: Carbon Leaf — I Want To Be Leaf Tour 2026 at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
  • 9 p.m. — Live music: Icewear Veezo at Status Lounge (213 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Music by DJ Showtime. Be there. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — DxDT: Talking Cake at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, April 18

  • 7:35 a.m. — Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon starting at the Patrick Henry Hotel (611 Jefferson St., Roanoke) and ending in Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). This race has more elevation change than any other road race in America. The course is a celebration of the human spirit, its toughness is only matched only by the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the hospitality you will experience along the way. For road closures and other information, click here. ($)
  • 10 a.m. — Sister 2 Sister: Boss Moves — Taking Authority Over Your Credit presented by The Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of DST Sorority, Inc. at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Take control of your financial future with a dynamic, youth‑friendly, community-centered workshop designed to help people of all ages build confidence and practical skills around credit and money management. Reserve your spot now.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Roanoke Earth Day Celebration presented by Clean Valley Council in the Historic Grandin Village (2201 Memorial Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — 25th Annual Green Hill Kite Festival at Green Hill Park (2501 Parkside Dr., Salem). Rain or shine, we will fill the sky with thousands of colorful kites, and a fantastic family atmosphere. 
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Moonshine Express at Benjamin Franklin Middle School (225 Middle School Rd., Rocky Mount). Live music, vendors and Miz Franklin County Moonshine pageant. 
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Authors Rock Roanoke at the Holiday Inn Airport (3315 Ordway Dr., Roanoke). Over 50+ authors of various genres greeting readers and signing books. 
  • Noon to 8 p.m. — Sip & Stroll in Downtown Rocky Mount. Spend the day exploring local restaurants and retailers throughout the Rocky Mount Historic District while enjoying alcoholic beverages as you stroll from one place to another. 
  • 1 to 4 p.m. — DxDT: Corey Hunley & Matt Powell at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 2 p.m. — Blue Ridge Marathon After Party at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
  • 2 to 3 p.m. — Conversation with artist Mokha Laget at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Join the Taubman Museum of Art for a special Conversation with the Curator featuring artist Mokha Laget, whose newly commissioned mural celebrates the Museum’s 75th anniversary.
  • 2 to 6 p.m. — Live music: The Great Moonshine Jubilee at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Featuring live music by Colby T. Helms and Twin Creek Stringband, local heritage from Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, and a celebration of the Moonshine Capital of the World.
  • 4 to 10 p.m. — DxDT: Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph with Isaac Hadden and Cinémathèque at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Don’t miss this weekend’s headliner. ($)
  • 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Soul Serenity at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Juice Smith guides this monthly poetry and grounding, offering space for reflection, expression, and healing. ($)
  • 5 p.m. — Live music: Cosmic Stardust — 3rd Annual 420 Campout Music Festival with headliner Recess in Floyd (564 Indigo Mountain Rd. NW, Floyd). Alternative rock and EDM. Camping included. 18+ ($)
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kind at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. — Opera Roanoke’s 50th Anniversary Gala at Roanoke Country Club (3360 Country Club Dr., Roanoke). This special event honors five decades of bringing exquisite opera to our community and offers a glimpse into our exciting future. ($) 
  • 6 p.m. — DxDT: The Floorboards at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6 p.m. — Line Dancing Night at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 7 p.m. — Live music: Doug & Robin at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
  • 7 p.m. — Live music: Out of Italy: Baroque Music of the Cello Diaspora presented by North Carolina Baroque Orchestra at West End United Methodist Church (1221 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Playoffs: Round Two, Game Two vs Evansville Thunderbolts at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — DxDT: MTI Rocks at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
  • 8 p.m. — DxDT: Illbotz Record Release Party with The Young Sinclairs & Heevahava at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 8 p.m. — DxDT: Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
  • 9 p.m. — DxDT: Hello Gorgeous at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
  • 10 p.m. — DxDT: Gordon Sterling & the People (Galactic After Party) at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, April 19

  • 9 a.m. — SlowK starting at Black Dog Salvage’s Dog Bowl (902 13th St. SW., Roanoke). This fun run will be un-timed and have a leisurely start of 9 a.m. This is a 5k where everyone isn’t looking at their watches, but instead slowing down and connecting with other runners and race organizers. In lieu of the standard race shirt, every runner will receive a Slow-K coffee mug, free coffee, and well-earned donuts. Arrive early for free goat yoga. Register in advance. ($)
  • 11 a.m. — Roanoke Pride Kickoff: Drag Bingo Brunch at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Get ready for a high-energy Drag Bingo Brunch packed with performances, personality, and just the right amount of chaos. This is your official pregame to Pride week, and we’re starting loud, proud, and unforgettable. Come early to grab your seat, order brunch cocktails, and settle in before the show begins. ($)
  • 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. 
  • 1 p.m. — Breakthrough T1D Walk, Greater Blue Ridge at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1008 Texas St., Salem). Whether you volunteer or walk as an individual or a team, get involved with this fundraising walk to support breakthroughs for the type 1 diabetes community. ($)
  • 1 to 4 p.m. — 420 Mixer at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Bringing together local businesses that celebrate cannabis culture, education, and outreach for the 4th year in a row, this event will also feature fundraising efforts for The Last Prisoner Project, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to reforming our criminal justice system through progressive drug policy.
  • 2 to 5 p.m. — Books & Brews Pop-Up at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Double Booked: Blind Date with a Book will be set up at Big Lick Brewing. 
  • 3 to 6 p.m. — Live music: Isaac Hadden Solo at Olde Salem Brewing Company (21 E. Main St., Salem). 
  • 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Jeremy Davall & Dave Corbitt at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Gareth Pearson with Aaron Geller at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)

Monday, April 20

  • 4 to 7 p.m. — Daisy Art Parade open studio sessions at Art Project Roanoke (101 Campbell SW, Roanoke). Free weekly open studio sessions to create art, meet neighbors, and join or start a Daisy Art Parade krewe. All ages and skill levels welcome!
  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, April 21

  • 9 to 11 a.m. — Coffee & Writing Meetup at The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House (203 Albemarle Ave. SW, Roanoke). Join other writers for a weekday morning meetup to write and chat at a local coffee shop. Meet around 9am and stay for a couple of hours, whatever works for you. Check the link above to verify the location before attending; details may change.
  • 10:30 a.m. — Self-Help+ presented by Carilion Clinic Community Health and Outreach in the Conference Room at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Learn skills to cope with life’s challenges in this class series. A few minutes of practice each day are enough to improve how you feel. Free. Repeats weekly.
  • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 2026 Blue Ridge Open Charity Golf Classic at Hanging Rock Golf Club (1500 Red Ln., Salem). This event helps to raise scholarship funds for deserving students in our region who are committed to the hospitality and travel industries. ($)
  • 2 p.m. — Line Dancing with Tracy at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke).
  • 4 to 7 p.m. — Open Art Studio Space at Wellness on Melrose (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Work on your own project or get inspiration from a resource artist. Use our supplies or bring your own. All artistic levels are welcome. Repeats weekly.
  • 4 to 8 p.m. — Happy Hour for All at A Few Old Goats Brewing –– Roanoke (515 8th St. SW, Suite 228, Roanoke). 
  • 5:05 p.m. — Salem Ridge Yaks vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
  • 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Daisy Art Parade open studio sessions at Clean Valley Council Headquarters (2014 Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke). Free weekly open studio sessions to create art, meet neighbors, and join or start a Daisy Art Parade krewe. All ages and skill levels welcome!
  • 7 p.m. — Roanoke Queer Sports Mixer at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
  • 8 p.m. — Live music: Melissa Etheridge at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
  • 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Request Line with Jared Stout at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, April 22

  • 11:05 a.m. — Salem Ridge Yaks vs. Fredericksburg Nationals (Education Day) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
  • 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Screening and Q&A: “The Secret Pollinators” at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). ”The Secret Pollinators" invites viewers on an awe-inspiring journey into the extraordinary world of butterflies, nature’s unsung heroes. A virtual Q&A with Director Nola D. Oracle will follow the film. ($)
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Lenny Marcus Trio at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
  • 7 p.m. — Trivia Night at A Few Old Goats Brewing –– Roanoke (515 8th St. SW, Suite 228, 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. 
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: ZabELKA BONG + CillaVee - Mark Perry at Art Rat Studios (1036 Service Ave. Ext. Building 10, Roanoke). An immersive evening of experimental sound art led by Austrian violinist, vocalist, and composer Mia Zabelka, whose radically open practice operates at the intersection of improvisation, composition, performance, and electroacoustic sound art.
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Drew Hutson Rogers at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

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