Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/8 to 4/15.

As the weather warms up, find something to do in our weekly listings.

The Roanoke River flows through the city. ROANOKE RAMBLER FILE PHOTO

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

  • Thursday through Sunday, 4/9 to 4/12 — Masters Weekend at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Join us Masters weekend for a pop-up putt-putt course set up at the brewery. Grab a pint, test your short game, and compete with your crew for bragging rights. No collared shirt required!
  • Thursday through Saturday, 4/9 to 4/11 — “She Kills Monsters” presented by Hollins Theatre (8004 Hill House Ct., Roanoke). In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. ($)
  • Friday through Saturday, 4/10 to 4/11 — That’s So 70s concert at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). A high-energy, nostalgia-fueled live concert event celebrating the greatest hits of the 1970s, a golden decade of music, that brought us disco fever, classic rock anthems, funk grooves, and unforgettable ballads right on the Trinkle Mainstage! ($)

Wednesday, April 8

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Senior Fun & Health Day at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Vendors, samples, information and more to help you make decisions about things that affect your daily lives and future. Geared toward seniors ages 55 and over.
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Ridge Yaks vs. Wilson Warbirds at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
  • 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: Swamp Flower at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, April 9

  • 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. — Food Access in Roanoke presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Sample tasty foods and learn how you can support the local farming community, help with access efforts and find access to food in the region.
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Freak Rangers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 5:30 to 9 p.m. — Water is Life Sneaker Ball presented by SERCAP at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). The event will feature live music by Groove Kontrol, a Best Sneaker Contest (wear your best, blinged out Sneakers), and the return of our popular state-themed raffle basket drawing! The dress code for the Water is Life Sneaker Ball ranges from cocktail attire to black-tie, but, of course, the footwear is sneakers! ($)
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Jeff Craft on the Platform at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 6:30 p.m. — Prickly Flippers Pinball Tournament presented by the Roanoke Pinball League at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). $10 entry, coin drop on games. ($)
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Ridge Yaks vs. Wilson Warbirds at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
  • 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Lecture: Preserving and Reviving Culture: Food Practices of the Eastern Siouan with researcher and historical interpreter Victoria Persinger Ferguson at The Salem Museum & Historical Society (801 East Main St., Salem). Drawing on oral histories, archaeological findings, and traditional ecological knowledge, she will show how these foodways reveal deep connections to the land and enduring resilience in the face of both human and environmental challenges.
  • 8 p.m. — Live music: Squeaky Feet at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, April 10

  • 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — After Hours Makers Series: Dendrochronology presented by the Historical Society of Western Virginia at the Roanoke History and O. Winston Link Museums (101 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke). Discover the history hidden inside every tree’s unique set of rings. Learn how archaeologists and historians read tree rings and date events and uncover the past. Then create your own tree-ring stamped art print to take home. ($)
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Drew Freeland & The Good Time Sinners at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: William Seymour at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek on the Platform at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 6 p.m. — Nightlife: J.C. Social Club at the Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). JC Social Club is Jefferson Center's signature dance party experience—an electrifying night of music, lights, and community. At 6:30 PM, Dave and Donna Spangler will lead a 30-minute East Coast Swing lesson, Then at 8:00 PM, they'll lead a group line dance, featuring a disco-era classic like the Hustle. No experience necessary—just a willingness to move. ($)
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Ridge Yaks vs. Wilson Warbirds (Fireworks Friday) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
  • 7 p.m. — Stand-up: Ali Siddiq — Custom Fit Tour at the Berglund Center Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). Suggested for ages 16+ ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: "The Music of the Beatles" presented by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and the Classical Mystery Tour at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). From the haunting beauty of Yesterday to the psychedelic brilliance of I Am the Walrus, and the timeless joy of Penny Lane and A Hard Day’s Night — this is more than a concert. It’s a magical journey through the music that changed the world. ($)
  • 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Vincent Cross with Marian McConnell at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 8 p.m. — Live music: One Night Live Tour: Claire Ernst, Dani Offline, Dylan Dent presented by DTOUR / Live Music Society / Salt Lick at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: 4 Doors Down featuring members of The Jared Stout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

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Saturday, April 11

  • 8:30 a.m. — SMS Peace, Love, & Hope Run to benefit Salem Montessori School at Mason Creek Greenway (101 Corporate Blvd., Salem). ($)
  • 9 a.m. to noon — Mighty Eagle Mud Run presented by The Eagle Allies of Roanoke Valley Christian Schools at Camp Eagle (411 Camp Eagle Rd., Fincastle). Runners will tackle 3.1 miles of rugged terrain, winding through creeks, hills, obstacles, and of course, plenty of mud and muck to dirty your feathers. ($)
  • 10 to 11 a.m. — Norfolk & Western Architectural History Tour presented by the Historical Society Western Virginia starting at the Roanoke History Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke). Join architectural historian Kelly Robertson for a guided, one-mile walking tour exploring how the railroad influenced Roanoke’s built environment. Along the route, participants will learn how to “read” the city’s architecture by examining the buildings, materials, and details that reflect the economic and industrial forces that shaped their construction. ($)
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Go Green for Grandin at the Raleigh Court Library (2112 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke). This event encourages our community to go outside, take care of our planet, and invest in sustainable practices.
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Local Author Fair at the South County Library (6303 Merriman Rd., Roanoke). Interested in reading what your neighbors and community members are writing? Come meet the writers right around the block! Light refreshments provided.
  • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — I Got the Power Autism Festival at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). A comic book-themed family-friendly event that will show that autism is a superpower, help make a difference for people with autism and create a strong connection with others, friends, families, teachers,
  • 2 to 7 p.m. — Transgender Day of Visibility presented by the Blue Ridge Transgender Alliance at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Live music, community speakers, food trucks. Let’s show up to celebrate trans lives, uplift our voices, and build community right here in Southwest Virginia.
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Groove Central Station at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Charissa Joy and Dan Dill at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Chris Keaton & The Millennials on the Platform at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Lenny Marcus Trio at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3733 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Ridge Yaks vs. Wilson Warbirds at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
  • 7 p.m. — Live music: Poe Mack & DJ Samson at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke).
  • 7 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Jerry Wimmer at Living Proof Beer Company (50 West Court St., Rocky Mount).
  • 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Playoffs: Round One, Game Two vs. Birmingham Bulls at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Live music: Steve Forbert at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Dueling Pianos at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Limited seats available; pre-sale only. ($)
  • 9 p.m. — Live music: Swamp Rave at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, April 12

  • 11 a.m. to noon — Yoga with BodyMindSoul Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
  • 1 p.m. — Introvert/Inclusive Gatherings of Roanoke (I.G.O.R.) at RND Coffee (101 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). IGOR is for people who are introverts, shy, anxious, new to town ,etc. We have trivia, coloring books, come and chat or bring a book.
  • 2 p.m. — Live music: Proper(ish) High Tea at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Join us for an afternoon where high tea gets a little less proper. We’re serving a full three-tier spread of sweet and savory bites, your first drink to get things started, and an atmosphere built for sipping, socializing, and making just enough questionable decisions. Expect teacups filled with things that are definitely not tea, florals everywhere, and a room full of people pretending to have manners. ($)
  • 2:05 p.m. — Salem Ridge Yaks vs. Wilson Warbirds at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
  • 3 p.m. — Live music: April in Paris presented by the 21-piece Beat Street Revival Big Band at the Dumas Center (108 Henry St. NW, Roanoke). The band’s uniqueness comes from its pool of players, each individually selected for their ability to not only play the music, but to play it with their heart and soul, to make the music come alive and really speak to those for whom we are performing. Our music creates excitement. Our music makes you move, whether you’re young or old. ($)
  • 3 p.m. — Live music: Magnificat presented by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). The versatile performers of the RSO and Chorus present the splendor and devotional richness of the Baroque era. Guests are invited to arrive early for “Illuminations,” a pre-concert discussion, which will begin at 2 p.m. ($)
  • 3 to 6 p.m. — Live music: Geoff the Fiddler at Olde Salem Brewing Company (21 E. Main St., Salem). 
  • 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Sittin’ In with Robby featuring Ghost Eagle (Spencer Ryan McKenna) at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 5 to 7 p.m. — Live music: C-4 as part of Music on the Mountain presented by PLAY Roanoke at Mill Mountain Discovery Center (2019 Prospect Rd. SE, Roanoke). 
  • 5:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Playoffs: Round One, Game Three vs. Birmingham Bulls at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). This game will only be played if the series is not decided after Games One and Two; refunds will be generated automatically if Game Three is not played. ($)

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Monday, April 13

  • 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!
  • 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — PedalSafe ROA Monthly Meeting at Wasena City Tap Room (1236 8th St. SW, Roanoke). Find details regarding the pre-ride, agenda, and special RIDE Solutions cross-promotion opportunity here.
  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, April 14

  • 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.
  • 2 p.m. — Line Dancing with Tracy at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke).
  • 4 to 5 p.m. — The Cobb Collective: Teen Poetry Slam at the Raleigh Court Library (2112 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke). As part of National Poetry Month, the Raleigh Court Library will hold a teen poetry slam with guest Mayor Joe Cobb.
  • 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. — 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!
  • 6 p.m. — The Cobb Collective: Poetry Cafe Night at the Raleigh Court Library (2112 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke). As part of National Poetry Month, Mayor Joe Cobb will visit the Raleigh Court Library for an all-ages cafe night focused on poetry. Pull up a chair and settle in to talk about your favorites.
  • 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
  • 6:30 p.m. — The Ambassador presents … Open Mic at The Village Grill (1802 Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, April 15

  • 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 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). 

Upcoming

  • 4/16, 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. ($)
  • 4/16, 7:30 p.m., — Screening & Q/A: William Shatner: Wrath of Khan Tour at the Berglund Center Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). William Shatner, the original Captain James T. Kirk, will be live on stage following a screening of the iconic Star Trek film to share fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from his decades-long career as an actor, producer, director, writer, recording artist, and – most recently – space-traveler. ($)
  • 4/17, 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.
  • 4/18, 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.
  • 4/19, 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. ($)
  • 4/19, 1 p.m. — Breakthrough T1D Walk, Greater Blue Ridge at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1008 Texas St., Salem). Whether you volunteer or walk as an individual or a team, get involved with this fundraising walk to support breakthroughs for the type 1 diabetes community. ($)
  • 4/19, 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.
  • 4/19, 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Gareth Pearson with Aaron Geller at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)

Ongoing

  • Through Sept. 27 — “CHANGE” at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Change is a constant. We experience it through shifting seasons, changing landscapes, and transitions in our lives like moves, new schools or jobs, personal growth, and even the small change we carry in our pockets. We’ve invited artists to reflect on what change means to them and create a work that expresses their personal interpretation of transformation, transition, or evolution.

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