Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/30 to 5/7.

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, 5/2 through Saturday, 5/3 — Community School’s 45th Annual Strawberry Festival at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). This year’s festival will take place on Elmwood Park’s south lawn, along Jefferson and Elm. Enjoy music, vendors, and strawberry treats.

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. 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 7 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Old Time Jam at Twin Creeks Distillery (140 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredricksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Scott Cook with Keith Goggin at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke)

Thursday,  May 1

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Art and Architecture Walking Tour: Heart of Downtown. led by Taubman Museum of Art Research Fellow and historian James Moser starting at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Registration required. ($)
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Gaymer Night at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or Playstation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
• 5 p.m. — Lecture: Molecular and Neurobiological Studies in Rett Syndrome with Dr. Huda Zoghbi at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC (2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke). Dr. Zoghbi, a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine, will share how her team discovered a genetic mutation that causes Rett syndrome, a childhood neurological disorder. The public is welcome to attend the lecture, which begins at 5:30 p.m. and is preceded by a 5 p.m. reception.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Music Road Co. Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Savor the Sound presented by Opera Roanoke at Stoney Brook Vineyards (516 Stony Battery Rd., Troutville). This unique experience pairs the beauty of live operatic performance with an elegant exploration of local wines. ($)
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: May Day Basket Making 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. Learn the basics of basket making. 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredricksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Bradley Steele at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Latin Night hosted by JStop Latin Soul at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, May 2

• 3 to 7 p.m. — Miniatures on the Market (1 Market Sq., Roanoke) presented by Carilion Children’s. Miniature petting zoo. ($)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Art Opening: Many Minis — Local Miniature Paintings at Lindor Arts (306 First St., Roanoke). A captivating show of miniature paintings from multiple local artists. Each painting showcases delicate artistry and intricate detail, beautifully incorporated into each piece as they were meticulously crafted. Open through May 31.
• 5 to 9 p.m. — First Fridays: 80z Nation (Downtown Roanoke; Franklin Road between S. Jefferson St. and Williamson Rd.). The best 80s costume party! This is a 21+ event. No outside food allowed. Bring a chair. ($) 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Late Nights: A Celebration of Trains with Live Bluegrass at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Music by The Brothers Young. In conjunction with the new exhibition In Awe of the Iron Horse: Trains in the Collection of David R. and Susan S. Goode, historian Ken Miller, president of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society, will give a talk at 6:30 pm about one of our community’s favorite – and most iconic – modes of transportation. 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Harwell Grice Band at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredricksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Stand-up: Fortune Feimster at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7 & 9 p.m. —  Live music: Julius Rodriguez Quartet at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music:Troublesome Blues Band at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Clinton Collins with Mike Franke at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Trubblegum, The Falsies, Midlife Pilot, and  Pg △ Pg ▽ at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Karaoke at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Timewave Zero at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)

Saturday, May 3

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Spring Arts and Crafts Show at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Renovation Celebration at Renovation Alliance (530 8th St. SW, Roanoke). Renovation Alliance lifts the quality of affordable housing in Roanoke. Come along with us to serve the community, learn about our impact, and celebrate our successes during this exciting three-part experience culminating in a block party. ($)
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Historic Garden Week presented by the Garden Club of Virginia with tours starting from Church of the Holy Spirit (6011 Merriman Rd., Roanoke). Tour three private homes and a four-acre garden, offering majestic views in lush suburban and rural settings. The homes feature unique architectural styles, complemented by fabulous outdoor spaces. There is no parking available at each home; participants must shuttle from tour headquarters. Tickets may be purchased at the link above or at Townside Gardens. ($)
• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Cinco de Mayo at Tuco’s Taqueria (416 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). A DJ will be on site from noon to 3 p.m.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Gary John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 3:30 p.m. — Live music: Book Swap at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
• 5 p.m. — Not Your Average Happy Hour: Tacos & Tequila presented by The Humble Hustle Company at The Collective (601 11th St. NW, Roanoke). Food from Chef Tora,  and Xavier Tramaine, DJ Showtime, and Black will serve up the drinks, comedy, and pure vibes. ($)
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Daleville Summer Concert Series: Mellencougar at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Children 12 & under free. No pets. ($) 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Rachael Hester & The Tennessee Walkers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Mint Juleps, Murder, & Mayhem at Fables & Feathers Winery (2217 Bruno Dr,, Goodview). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 5:45. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 6 p.m. — 5PTS Outdoors Concert Series: Carbon Leaf at the Dog Bowl at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Division of Mind presented by Roanoke Hardcore Shows at Blindhouse Beer Company (534 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: First Saturdays at Caribbica Soul (215 Market St., Roanoke). DJ Squeeze, karaoke, great vibes.
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: The Shoobies at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredricksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Mariachi Alegría & Dream Dance Studio Mexican Folklore Dance — A Salute to Cinco de Mayo at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Lenny Marcus Trio at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3733 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke). 
• 8 p.m. —  Live music: Kishi Bashi with Elizabeth and the Catapult at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Joe Troop's Truth Machine with Clover-Lynn at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: GOTE at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)

Sunday, May 4

• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• Noon to 5 pm. — Taco-Ritas at the Berglund Center (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Dave Corbitt and Jeremy Duvall at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 1:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredricksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Live music: Star City Ceili Band in the historic tavern cellar at Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke). 
• 3 p.m. —  "Cinderella" presented by students of the Roanoke Ballet Theatre at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 5 to 7 p.m. — Music on the Mountain: Mariachi Alegria at Mill Mountain Discovery Center (2019 Prospect Rd. SE, Roanoke). 
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Mountain Walrus at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 8 p.m. — Live music: J. Roddy Walston with John Colby Elswick & The End at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here.

Monday, May 5

• 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.
• 5 p.m. — Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's Day Rally in the Forest of Arden Lane at Hollins University (7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Hollins University's "Women's Political Protest in Music" class will be holding a rally in honor of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women's Day. Join us for music, a drum circle, guest speakers, and a vigil to finish off the memorial.
• 6:30 p.m. — N3* Book Club at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). Everyone Welcome. Admission is $5; free with purchase of  each month's book. May: Pride and Prejudice. ($)
• 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Manic Monday Karaoke at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Ghost Funk Orchestra with Cinémathèque (DJ Sets) at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)

Tuesday, May 6

• 5 to 8 p.m. — Metallica Pre-Show Party at The University Club of Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium (185 Beamer Way, Blacksburg). Features an elevated chef’s table, a live solo act covering Metallica hits, drink specials, and a special sneak peek of the real concert set-up before the doors open. Spots are limited; reservations are a must. ($)
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Brady’s Distillery (711 Pocahontas Ave. NE, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 p.m. — Dinner show: Vegas Meets Virginia: A Mother’s Day Spectacle at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day extravaganza filled with nostalgia, sophistication, and fun with award winning Las Vegas entertainer Tyrone Fox. ($)
• 7 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Maiden & Crow Tattoo Presents: The Warning Dread Tour at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Sky Dolphin at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, May 7

• 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 to 7 p.m. — Kayak Demo Day presented by Rock Outdoors at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park (1480 Park Way Ave., Moneta). The SML-based outfitter will have a large variety of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards that you can try out on the water. If there’s a particular brand of boat you’ve been wanting to try, call the store and, if they carry it, they will have it available at the lake that day. 540-918-7181.
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Looking ahead

• Friday, May 9, 6:30 to 9 p.m. — The R&B Extravaganza at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Featuring 90s and 00s music. ($)
• Saturday, May 10, Noon — Daisy Art Parade in Downtown Roanoke.
• Wednesday, May 14, 6 p.m. — The Art of Leaders with guest speaker Frank Shushok, President of Roanoke College, at the Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). The evening will showcase ten paintings celebrating remarkable leaders who inspired an artist with their dedication and impact on our region. 

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.