Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/23 to 4/30.
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 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
- Friday, 4/25 through Saturday, 4/26 — Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival at Camp Bethel (328 Bethel Rd., Fincastle). Featuring Megan Wells, Donna Washington, Michael Reno Harrell and Donald Davis. ($)
- Friday, 4/25 through Saturday, 4/26 — Vinton Dogwood Festival in downtown Vinton including the Farmers Market (204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton). Lots of crafters and vendors (Saturday only), entertainment stages, free Kids Zone, crowning of Dogwood Queen, antique car show, festival foods, walking parade and more.
- Friday, 4/25 through Sunday, 4/27 — Roanoke Pride Weekend presented by Roanoke Pride. The festival will take place at Elmwood Park on Sunday. Costs for Friday and Saturday activities vary.
- Saturday, 4/26 through Sunday, 4/27 — Screamiverse Expo at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). Roanoke's ultimate convention and marketplace for horror, sci-fi, and arts enthusiasts. Our event brings together creators and fans through unique vendors, informative panels, special guests, and more. Children under 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult for this event. ($)
- Saturday, 4/26 through Sunday, 4/27 — 25th Annual Open Studios Tour with a spotlight on our emerging artist, Jack Hitchens, starting at Art on 1st (300 1st St., Roanoke). This self-guided tour showcases the vibrant art scene of Roanoke, featuring 14 unique studio locations, over 40 talented local artists and a diverse range of art forms and mediums.
- Saturday, 4/26 through Sunday, 4/27 — Live music: Portraits of America presented by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Performances both days. ($)
Wednesday, April 23
- 5 to 7 p.m. — Art at Perry Park (1101 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Different activities for West End neighbors and friends every week.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Gary John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Open Mic Comedy Night at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Open Mic Night at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, comedian, or singer, tonight's your chance to shine. Every voice matters.
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Griffin Haley at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Thursday, April 24
- 4 to 7 p.m. — Gaymer Night at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or Playstation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
- 5 p.m. — A Night of Storytelling with Donna Washington at the Belmont Branch Library (1101 Morningside St. SE, Roanoke). Donna Washington is an internationally known, multiple award winning storyteller, spoken word recording artist, and author. Donna has been called a “Walking Disney Movie”, and told she was "better than television.” Please join us for this special all-ages performance.
- 5:30 p.m. — Opioid Awareness Reception: 25th Anniversary Event at New Horizons Healthcare (3716 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke) with guest speaker Beth Macy, author of “Dopesick” and “Raising Lazarus.” Macy will discuss meaningful ways the community can address the opioid epidemic. ($)
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Seed Swap & Planting Primer presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga, gardening/farming and kids activities kick off at 6 p.m., followed by a workshop at 6:45 p.m. Celebrate Earth Week with a seed swap! Share seeds and learn the basics about different ways to start seeds with Hannah Patrick. Seeds will be provided, but feel free to bring your own to share.
- 6 to 8 p.m. — Budget Chic Clothing Swap Fashion Show at Towers Shopping Center, Upper Level (2207 Colonial Ave., Roanoke) as part of Roanoke Fashion Week. Models will be walking in Goodwill of the Valley fashions and clothes from the clothing swap. Please bring a grocery size bag of clothes to donate. ($)
- 7 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Salsa Dance Social at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Tango dance lesson starts at 7 p.m. $10 cover.
- 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Chris Moyse with Bob Schmucker at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. ($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Octave Cat at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Into the Fog with Armchair Boogie at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Jack’s Pocket at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Mojo Thunder at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Friday, April 25
- 5 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Empty Bottles presented by Salem After Five at the Salem Farmers Market (3 East Main St., Salem). Bring a chair and blanket while enjoying brews and local food. Under 12 admitted free. ($)
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: GOTE at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Grandin Chillage in the Grandin Village (enter between Westover and Grandin Ave., Roanoke). Live music from Lazy Man Dub Band. ($)
- 6 to 7 p.m. — Sight & Sound: The Assemblage at The Eye at The Science Museum of Western Virginia (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). This one-hour event features a series of short-form, multimedia pieces produced by the Eye team.Featuring found footage and audio samples, dialogue, and digitally rendered scenes, these fragmented works are sure to stimulate the mind and the senses. Ages 13+ ($)
- 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Music on the Corner: Garth Newel Piano Quartet at St. John’s Episcopal Church (1 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Ages 10+
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Mill Mountain Theatre Improv Show at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Why Not Workshop fundraiser at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. ($)
- 8 p.m. — Fashion Drag Competition: Queen of the Runway 2025 at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke) as part of Roanoke’s Fashion Week. Watch as models strut their stuff in the latest fashion trends and battle it out for the coveted title of Queen of the Runway. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, filled with high fashion, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Yellow Brick Road — A Tribute to Elton John at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Star City Punkcast Presents: Busy Weather, Warmones, Perfüme, The Downclines at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Karaoke at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
- 9 p.m. (Doors open at 8) — Comedy Cabaret at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). The hot and hilarious burlesque and variety show! Be prepared to laugh with us all through the night while enjoying burlesque, drag, sideshow, and stand-up performances and your favorite pours by Golden Cactus. 21+ ($)
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: JStop Latin Soul at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
Saturday, April 26
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — BBQ Cook-off & 10th Annual Moonshine Heritage Car Show at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (20 Museum Dr., Ferrum). Vehicles that were used, or would have been used for hauling liquor, will be on display. This thoroughly authentic car show is free and open to the public.
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Spring Fling Tennis Social at River’s Edge (Reserve Ave., Roanoke). Featuring a fun round-robin play.
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Roanoke Valley Holistic Expo at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem).
- Noon to 3 p.m. — The Ultimate Urban Pop-Up Market at CommUNITY ARTSreach (3025 Frontier Rd. NW, Roanoke). Trendy local vendors, delicious food, and live music
- 1 p.m. — Book Launch: Celebrate Mike Allen’s “The Black Fire Concerto” during Independent Bookstore Day at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). A writer, editor, poet and publisher, Allen has been a finalist for the Nebula, Shirley Jackson and World Fantasy awards and is the author of novels, poetry and story collections. “The Black Fire Concerto” follows Erzelle and Olyssa’s quest, which eventually brings them head to head with an enemy responsible for the death of millions of Americans. Pre-order your book to reserve a seat.
- 1 to 8 p.m. — Spring Fest at Garrett Farms (4283 Barley Dr., Salem). Passionate home gardeners, garden supply shop owners, and dedicated cannabis growers will find all of their gardening supplies and plants in one place at this one day opportunity to connect and be inspired.
- 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: John McBroom at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 3 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Rock Haven at Black Dog Salvage’s Dog Bowl (902 13th St. SW., Roanoke). This one-day celebration of music, food, and fun aims to support traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and their families by raising awareness and funds for a local organization: Brain Injury Solutions. ($)
- 1 & 3:30 p.m. — Found Poetry Workshop at Dragon Bite Books & Crafts (5342 Franklin Rd., Roanoke). Found poetry mixes poetry and collage to create something new and wholly unique. Two opportunities: start at 1 or at 3:30. All materials (magazines, glue sticks, cardstock, scissors) provided for $10 or bring your own from home for $5. ($)
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Seedpicker at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 pm. — Shine a Light: SARA Benefit at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Proceeds from this event will support SARA’s FREE services to survivors of sexual violence in Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt, Franklin, and Craig. ($)
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: PJ Moon & The Swappers at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Hearts Gone South with Jack Marion at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Travis Reigh with Dusty Live at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: South Hill Banks at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
Sunday, April 27
- 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
- Noon to 7 p.m. — Pride in the Park at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
- 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 5 to 6 p.m. — Workers’ Memorial Day Roanoke Event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (410 1st St. NW, Roanoke). Join union members, labor leaders, elected officials and allies as we gather at Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in downtown Roanoke for a Workers Memorial Day event, to remember those who have died and suffered illnesses or injuries on the job—including Virginians—in the past year.
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Barefoot West at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Jethro Tull's Martin Barre at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
Monday, April 28
- 5 to 6 p.m. — Daisy Art Parade workshop at the Melrose Branch Library (2502 Melrose Ave NW Suite D). Join various artists in creating puppets and artwork for the upcoming Daisy Art Parade; every Monday in the STEAM Lab.
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Manic Monday Karaoke at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
- 7 to 8 p.m. — A Grand Night for Singing: Fifty Years of Music presented by the Roanoke Valley Choral Society at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church (1837 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Following the concert, please join us for a short reception with refreshments and cake as we celebrate this special anniversary.
Tuesday, April 29
- 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Advanced Care Planning: Make Your Healthcare Decisions Known presented by Carilion’s Advance Care Planning Council in the community room at the Melrose Library (2502 Melrose Ave NW Suite D). Resources will be available for attendees to take and share with your loved ones.
- 6:30 p.m. — Screening: “Audrey’s Children” to benefit the Ronald McDonald Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia and Life Ring Foundation presented by The Hokie Way at the Grandin Theatre. (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredricksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Wednesday, April 30
- 5 to 7 p.m. — Art at Perry Park (1101 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Different activities for West End neighbors and friends every week.
- 6 to 7 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
- 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredricksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Looking ahead
- May 2, 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
- May 3 through 4 — The 45th Annual Community School Strawberry Festival at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
- May 10 — Daisy Art Parade in Downtown Roanoke.
Ongoing
- Through May 2 — 2025 Studio Art Exhibition at Roanoke College’s Olin Hall Galleries (240 High St., Salem). Exhibited works are from Roanoke College Art Majors and Minors.
- Saturdays through December 27 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. ($)
- 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.