Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 5/14 to 5/21.

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, 5/16 to Sunday, 5/18 — “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” at Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Step into the fog-laced alleys and brass-bolted chambers of Victorian London with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they unravel a quartet of the most baffling cases ever to rattle the rivets of 221B Baker Street. Adapted from four of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most iconic tales. Ages 10+ Continues through May 25. ($)
• Thursday, 5/15 to Sunday, 5/18 — “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). When Monty learns he is 9th in line to a lavish earldom, how far is he willing to go to gain power, wealth, and the woman he loves? Continues through May 25. ($)
• Friday, 5/16 to Sunday, 5/18 — Music festival: Camp Reckoning featuring The Dead Reckoning at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing (11176 Peaceful Valley Rd., New Castle). With special guests: Josh Daniel's The Last Waltz Experience, The Kind Thieves, and Rachael Hester & The Tennessee Walkers. Join us for camping, music, and outdoor adventure. The World Peace Dinner will be held 5/16 from 6 to 8 p.m. ($)

Wednesday, May 14

• 10 a.m. — Asian American Business Owners Association Business Expo at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). The largest small business expo in SW & Central Virginia and the Shenandoah valley. An opportunity for networking, collaboration, and showcasing the diverse enterprises that contribute to the vitality of Roanoke, VA, and beyond. 
• 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 8 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Duo at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 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. 
• 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.
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday,  May 15

• 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.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Freak Rangers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Dig and Divide Plant Swap 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. Do you have plants that need to be divided? Bring them! Farmer Hannah Patrick will lead a how-to session on making the most of your garden space, followed by an optional plant swap for those comfortable with dividing up their plants.
• 6 to 8:30 p.m. — Film festival: Reels and Wheels presented by PedalSafe ROA at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Enjoy a laid-back evening of cycling videos, short films, and conversations.
• 7:30 p.m. — Commonwealth Film Collective Meet & Greet at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). As the first collective of its kind in the Virginia Blue Ridge area, we strive to provide support, resources, and training for those passionate about film arts. Discover our vision and connect with fellow creatives. 
• 7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Christopher Scott at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Pops — The Music of Billy Joel (New Date) at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Ace Frehley at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open 6:30) — Live music: One Irish Rover - Van Morrison Tribute at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: William Seymour at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Little Foot // Matt Pless // Clover Lynn & the Hellfires at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, May 16

• 4 p.m. — Bike to Work Day Rally & Proclamation presented by PedalSafe ROA and RIDE Solutions at Henrietta Lacks Plaza (410 3rd St. NW, Roanoke).
• 5 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Star-B-Q featuring Craig Campbell with Pat Pollifrone at the Salem Farmers Market (3 East Main St., Salem). The event features live music from some of Country Music's top talent and food specials from the valley’s best barbecue restaurants Kids under 10 are free. ($)
• 5 to 9 p.m. — First Fridays at Five: On the Border — The Ultimate Eagles Tribute in Downtown Roanoke (111 Franklin Road between S. Jefferson St. and Williamson Rd.). This is a 21+ event. $10 entry. Cash only. No pets. ($) 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Daleville Summer Concert Series: Below Alabama at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Children 12 & under free. No pets. ($) 
• 5:15 to 7 p.m. — Bike to Work Day Celebration presented by PedalSafe ROA and RIDE Solutions at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Low-key social.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Easton Corbin at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: FFnT featuring Marie-Claire Evans at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Daddy Daughter Dance presented by Star Country at Berglund Hall (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
• 7 p.m. (Doors open 5:30) — Live music: Tyler Jones at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Mike & Linda with Ryan Zimmerman at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. ($)
• 7 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Stone & Snow at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Tell Jenny at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Late Night Radio: Nocturne Tour at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 9 to 10 p.m. — Karaoke with Dollar Bill at Awful Arthur’s (108 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Thrillbillyz at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)

Saturday, May 17

• 10 a.m. — National Kids to Parks Day presented by Roanoke County Parks and Recreation at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke). Biking, archery, Treetop Quest, educational activities and an evening movie. Some admission applies.
• 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Downtown Roanoke Architectural History Tour led by historian Kelly Robertson starting at O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). This 1.4-mile walking tour explores how Roanoke’s downtown evolved — and how its architecture tells the story of that transformation. Rain or shine. ($)
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — National Kids to Parks Day: 2025 Nature Expo presented by Virginia Master Naturalists Blue Ridge Foothills & Lakes Chapter at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center  (1235 Rd 888, Huddleston). Nature hikes, face painting and other fun activities for adults and children. Experts to answer your questions about nature. Rain or shine. Daily parking fee applies. ($)
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Armed Forces Day: Pack the Convoy at the National D-Day Memorial (3 Overlord Circle, Bedford). Bring supply donations to fill our 1942 WC-53 Dodge Carryall to send as care packages to currently deployed service members. $2 off Memorial admission with donation. Shop with a printable shopping list.
• 11 a.m. — Author meet & greet: Anson Joaquin, author of the newly released “The Infernal Age” at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke).
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Gainsboro Neighborhood Block Party at the Gainsboro Branch Library (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke) and in the cul-de-sac on Old Gainsboro Rd. 
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Local Colors Festival at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). There will be cuisine, artisan booths, educational and cultural displays, and community partners. The children’s area has fun, interactive activities for youth to learn about different cultures. Represent your culture in the Procession of Nations — traditional dress is highly recommended.
• Noon to 6 p.m. — Wine & Roses Festival at Virginia Mountain Vineyards (4204 Old Fincastle Rd., Troutville). Celebrate Spring with 30+ local artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music from local band, Midnight Blue. Our famous red rose bushes will be in full bloom at Virginia Mountain Vineyards. 
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Seph Custer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 3 to 6 p.m. — Live music: Whispering Dream at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 3:30 to 9 p.m. — 3rd Annual Tattoo Experience at the Virginia Museum of Transportation  (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). This event brings together our local and regional tattoo studios and artists, who create one of a kind pieces of artwork on clothing and accessories donated straight from the racks of La De Da. Fashions will be available to purchase after the show.
• 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: MESKOS at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Latin Dancing Social presented by SalsaNoke at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Great Big Hug at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7 p.m. (Doors open 5:30) — Live music: Tyler Jones at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Retro Game Night at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Della Mae w/ Laurie Lewis & Alice Gerrard at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Pop Punk Takeover! at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Glam'r Kiti at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)

Sunday, May 18

• 11 a.m. — Broadway Drag Brunch at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Get ready to sing, slay, and sashay your Sunday away. ($)
• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 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. 
• Noon to 4 p.m. — Big Lick Bachata Brunch at the Roanoke City Market Building (32 Market Sq. SE (Roanoke). There will be a beginner-friendly lesson at 12pm, and then DJ Perico will be playing a mix of salsa, bachata, kizomba, zouk, and merengue. ($)
• Noon to 7 p.m. — Kids to Parks Day: Adventures in Elmwood presented by PLAY Roanoke at  Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). FREE Triple Feature Movie Extravaganza. Moana 2 (12:30 p.m.),  The Goonies (2:30 p.m.), Back to the Future (4:30 p.m.). Bring your chairs, blankets, and snacks. Adventure-filled activities will be available throughout the day. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be for sale throughout the event.
• 1 to 2 p.m. — Art and Architecture Walking Tour: Both Sides of the Track led by Taubman Museum of Art Research Fellow and historian James Moser starting at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Registration required. ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Roanoke Diversity Center Gala at the Historic Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Brunch, drinks, performances, silent auction, and community. ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Jared Stout Duo at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 2 to 3 p.m. — The Creative Hour presented by Get2KnowNoke’s talent ambassadors Sebastian Harlow and Gabrielle King at The Slap Shop (16 Church Ave. suite 102). A low-key, come-as-you-are meetup for artists, makers, sketchers, tinkerers, and creative minds of all kinds. Whether you paint, draw, sculpt, or like being in the creative space, this is your time to make something (or nothing!) alongside others. Bring your own supplies. No pressure. RSVP.
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Terry Brown & The Fire at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Lights, Camera, Murder at Well-Hung Roanoke (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 4:45. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)

Monday, May 19

• 6 p.m. — City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update meeting presented by PLAY Roanoke at the Williamson Road Branch Library (3837 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Join us for an update on Roanoke City’s Parks and Recreation Master Planning process. We’ve gathered your feedback, and now we’re excited to share the findings. Learn more about the data that was collected and what it means for the future of Roanoke Parks and Recreation.
• 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Manic Monday Karaoke at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).

Tuesday, May 20

• 6 to 8 p.m. — “What’s the Word” Roanoke presented by the Prevention and Intervention Street Team at the Dumas Center (108 Henry St. NW, Roanoke). Designed to empower 13 to 18-year olds to make a difference in their community. From thought-provoking discussions to interactive workshops, this free event is designed to spark change and promote inclusivity. 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Open mic: Star City Poets Society: “A Galaxy of Spoken Word” Space Themed Poetry Show at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Delmarva Shorebirds at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Sky Dolphin at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, May 21

• 4:30 p.m. — Networking: Beer & Biotech presented by the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 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 8 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Delmarva Shorebirds: Bark in the Park at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). 
• 7 p.m. (Doors open 5:30) — Live music: John Morgan at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7 to 9 p.m. (Gather at 6:30) — 2025 Roanoke Ride of Silence presented by PedalSafe ROA in collaboration with the City of Roanoke starting at 1 Market Sq., Roanoke. The Ride of Silence is an annual international bicycle ride to commemorate cyclists killed and support those injured while riding on public roads. The event raises awareness among motorists, the public, and decision makers about the dangers cyclists face on roads. This year's honorary ride chairman is Roanoke City Mayor Joe Cobb. The ride is approximately 4 miles.
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Open Mic at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine.
• 8 p.m. — Live music: The Wood Brothers at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Shmazz at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Looking ahead

• May 23 through May 25 — Festival in the Park with performances by LANCO, lovelytheband, and 1964 The Tribute at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Purchase weekend passes here. ($)
• May 30 to 31, 8 p.m. — Live music: Morgan Wade at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• June 26, 6 p.m. — Roots & Resistance: Washington Park presented by Gainsboro Branch Library & Friends of Washington Park at Gainsboro Branch Library (15 Patton Ave., NW Roanoke). Join historian Brittany Flowers and Friends of Washington Park to dive into the history of Washington Park. This lecture will explore how this green space evolved from a symbol of oppression to a stage for protest and community resilience and determination.
• August 14 to 17 — Roanoke Comedy Fest

Ongoing

• Through May 25 — “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). When Monty learns he is 9th in line to a lavish earldom, how far is he willing to go to gain power, wealth, and the woman he loves? ($)
• Through May 25 —  “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” at Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Step into the fog-laced alleys and brass-bolted chambers of Victorian London with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they unravel a quartet of the most baffling cases ever to rattle the rivets of 221B Baker Street. Adapted from four of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most iconic tales. Ages 10+. ($)
• Through May 31 —  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.
• 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.