Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 6/18 to 6/25.

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.

Concert-goers attend 1964 The Tribute Live at Festival in the Park in Roanoke's Elmwood Park on Sunday, May 29, 2022. PHOTO BY LINDSEY HULL. Have a "recognizably Roanoke" photo for Happenings? Email us at editor@roanokerambler.com for a chance to be featured in this space.

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.

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This weekend

  • Friday, 6/20 to Sunday, 6/21 — “The Importance of Being Earnest” presented by Bear Theatre at Community High School (302 Campbell Ave., Roanoke). The late 19th century classic pokes fun at Victorian era social norms and yes, trivial pursuits, following the romantic entanglements of two men who lead double lives. The Bear Theatre’s gender-bending version adds yet another twist. ($)

Wednesday, June 18

  • 2 p.m. — Lecture: "The Battle of Point Pleasant and Lord Dunmore's War" by Dave Robbins at the O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). This single, decisive battle of Lord Dunmore's War has been argued as the first battle of the Revolution, and shaped how some Native Americans sided during the Revolution. Included with museum admission.
  • 5 to 8 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
  • 5:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals — Doubleheader & Q99 Night at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
  • 5:30 p.m. — Live music: Rock Bottom String Band at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Bluegrass Jam in the Beer Garden at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem). All ages and experience levels are welcome to join the circle. Bring an instrument, a chair, a friend, and join us. This will be a recurring event; look for it on the third Wednesday of every month, weather permitting.
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 to 8 p.m. — Silent Book Club at TXTUR (13 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
  • 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 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Gary John at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
  • 10 p.m.  — Live music: Goodtime Alibi at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday,  June 19 — Juneteenth 

  • 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 p.m. — Juneteenth Celebration: A Day of Independence Through Unity at the Dumas Center (108 1st St. NW, Roanoke). BIT SWVA invites the public to this event to honor our shared history and look towards a brighter future. Let's commemorate freedom and unity with food, music, performances, and community. 
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Music Road Co. Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Party in Elmwood: The Catalinas at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
  • 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Summer Solstice Fairy Homes presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga, gardening/farming and kids activities kick off at 6 p.m., followed by a workshop at 6:45 p.m. 
  • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Spelling Bees & Brews at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Whether you’re a word nerd, a grammar guru, or just in it for the laughs (and lagers), this event is all about good times and great spelling. Compete solo or bring a team of up to 3. 
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Mike Mitchell Band with Will Farmer at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: The Oddfellows at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
  • 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Karlee Raye at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ripejive at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

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Friday, June 20

  • 4 p.m. — Solstice Drum Circle presented by The Beat Goes On Roanoke Valley at Second Helpings Shop & Gallery (1502 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). 
  • 5 to 9 p.m. — Daleville Summer Concert Series: Red Dirt Revolution at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). ($) 
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Benefit Concert for the Quesenberry Family featuring Crawford & Power, Common Ground Bluegrass, & special guests at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: FFT&T: William Seymour & Empanada Nirvana at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Chayce Beckham at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Five Dollar Shake at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke).
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: John Gillie at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Murder in Moonshine Country at Stoney Brook Vineyards (516 Stoney Battery Rd, Troutville). 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. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
  • 6 to 10 p.m. — Hello Summer Festival with Drone Show presented by Roanoke County Parks and Recreation at Green Hill Park (2500 Green Hill Park Rd., Salem). Live music from The Jared Stout Band, delicious food and drinks, and fun activities for the whole family. Don't miss the highlight of the evening: our region's very first drone show, taking off at 9:30pm. Free to attend.
  • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6:30 p.m. — Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Band at Twin Ridge Recreation Area at Philpott Lake (1052 Twin Ridge Marina Road). Bring your canoe, kayak, SUP, tube or float and paddle your way to a front row seat for this one of a kind event. Music begins at 6:30pm. Arrive early to unload your paddlecraft at the venue’s dual launch ramp. Motor boats use the Salthouse Branch boat launch. Parking/use fees apply.
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
  • 7 p.m. — Live music: Dwight Yoakam with The Mavericks & 49 Winchester at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
  • 7 p.m. (Doors open 6:30) — An Evening of Jazz with Star City Swag to benefit the Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Star City Swag pays tribute to the elegance of the Jazz Age, playing iconic songs from  legendary masters like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra. ($) 
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music @ The 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. 
  • 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Dapper Dress Night with Seedpicker at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem). Don your best dapper look; fancy hats are encouraged. 
  • 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Doc McClintock at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
  • 8 p.m. — Midsummer Night’s Fantasies: A Fantasy Burlesque & Variety Show at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Enter a mystical realm at Midsummer Night’s Fantasies! Embark on a journey where our fantastical performers, from faeries to adventurers, shalt mesmerize with their enchanting acts. Costumes encouraged. Age 21+ ($)
  • 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: The Wildwoods at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 9 to 10 p.m. — Karaoke with Dollar Bill at Awful Arthur’s (108 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). 
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Music Road Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Tyler Jones at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).

Saturday, June 21

  • 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Monster Flea Market at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). This event will have over 200 vendors that will be selling all sorts of items. 
  • 7:30 a.m. — Spring into Action 5K Run/Walk — Run for Refugees starting at Rivers Edge North (210 Reserve Ave., Roanoke). This event raises critical funds for newly arrived refugees who have been impacted by the recent federal funding freeze. It will also celebrate refugees for World Refugee Day. There will be a children's fun run at 7:45 before the 5K starts at 8:00. ($)
  • 9 to 11 a.m. — DOPE Urban Walk: Juneteenth Edition, A Celebration of Art, History, and Freedom presented by the DOPE Hike Series, starting near downtown Roanoke. An urban hike covering nearly 4 miles, passing murals and monuments created by or celebrating African Americans — including works by Bryce Cobbs, David Ramey, and more. ($)
  • 10 a.m. — Rethink, Reuse, Repair Fair presented by the Clean Valley Council at Wasena Park (1001 Winchester Ave. SW, Roanoke). Vendors will be able to help visitors repair their things onsite or provide the contacts and resources for future repair services. There also will be workshops and demonstrations for people to learn how to repair and upcycle things on their own.
  • 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Gainsboro Revisited Walking Tour with Jordan Bell starting at the Gainsboro Library (15 Patton Ave., Roanoke). Celebrate Juneteenth with this tour of the historic Gainsboro neighborhood.
  • 11 a.m. — Pride Month: SWVA Pride Annual Community Picnic at Vega Community Center (1010 Montrose Ave. SE, Roanoke). Bring a covered dish and your favorite beverages.
  • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Wickets & Wine at the Historic Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Step back in time and play croquet, drink wine (ages 21+), tour the historic mansion, and more! Every participant will be provided lunch. ($)
  • 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Seph Custer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 2 to 6 p.m. — Saturday Sessions at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). Come kick it with us on The Front Porch Stage to check out some great music and enjoy one of our frozen drinks at The Patio Bar.
  • 4 p.m. (Line-up starts at 3) — Pride Month: Roanoke Pride March starting at Elmwood Art Walk, next to the downtown Roanoke library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). The march will end at Historic Market Square. This is an annual community-led demonstration of visibility, resilience, and joy. Whether you’ve marched before or this is your first time, your presence matters. Pride is protest. Pride is celebration. Pride is solidarity. 
  • 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Dirt Road Breakdown in the Beer Garden at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: McFadden & Friends at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Bradley Steele at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
  • 6 p.m. — Pride Month: The Pride Ball at the historic Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). This lively event will feature music, dancing, delicious food, a cash bar, and exciting raffle prizes. Come dressed to express and ready to celebrate joy, identity, and community. ($)
  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Chad Nickell & The Loose Change at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
  • 7 p.m. — Pride Month: Glitz and Gloom Pride Blowout Drag Show at Blindhouse Beer Co. (534 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).  Let your true colors shine as we dance the night away and embrace all things LGBTQ+. Dress to impress in your glitziest outfits or go for a darker, more mysterious look. ($)
  • 7 p.m. — Twin Valleys Roller Derby vs. Virginia Vipers Roller Derby at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Tower of Power at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). ($)
  • 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Jason Hostetter at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
  • 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Victor Switch at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
  • 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Erin Lunsford Single Release Show with Caitlin Krisko (Acoustic Duo) at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 10 p.m.  — Live music: Deep 6 — Pearl Jam Tribute at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

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Sunday, June 22

  • 11 a.m. — Pride Month: Downtown Divas Pride Brunch at Evie’s Bistro and Bakery (1212 4th St. SW, Roanoke). Come dressed in your most glamorous outfit and get ready to enjoy a special menu just for this occasion. ($)
  • 11 a.m. — Pride Month: Legends & Icons: A Drag Brunch Farewell to Charlene S. DeFranco at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Join us for a brunch like no other as we honor one of Roanoke’s most dazzling queens — the legendary Charlene S. DeFranco — in her grand finale performance. ($)
  • 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
  • 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Dave Corbitt and Jeremey Davall at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
  • 5 p.m. — Guitars Under the Star Guitar Pull presented by 3rd Street Coffee House at Mill Mountain Star (Prospect Rd. SE, Roanoke). Gather together outdoors with acoustic instruments in hand and celebrate music on the grassy area opposite the lower observation deck at Mill Mountain. Originals or covers are fine. Everyone is welcome. 
  • 5 p.m. — Soulful Sunday: A Gospel R&B Dinner Celebration with TFox and Britain’s Got Talent star Lady Jean at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). ($)
  • 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Mason Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Kinnfolk at Atheling Downtown (123 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). 

Monday, June 23

  • 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Manic Monday Karaoke at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).

Tuesday, June 24

  • 4 to 8 p.m. — Happy Hour for All at A Few Old Goats Brewing – Roanoke (515 8th St. SW, Suite 228, Roanoke). 
  • 6 to 10 p.m. — Torture at Blindhouse Beer Co. (534 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Also featuring Two Piece, Eyez Wide Shut, Companion of Fools, Nerve. All ages. ($)
  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: WOLPH at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke).
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Hickory Crawdads (Bark in the Park) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
  • 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6) — Pride Month: Moonlight at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). A young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, June 25

  • 5 to 8 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
  • 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Networking: Get2KnowNoke Q2 Social at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem). Free to attend; registration is required.
  • 6 p.m. — Dinner in the Dark: A Night at Grandma’s at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Join us for a profound evening of empathy and understanding at this special meal, thoughtfully catered by Pumpernickel Pickle. Guests will be blindfolded to simulate the experience of dining without sight, fostering a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by the blind community. ($)
  • 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
  • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night with The Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Hickory Crawdads at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
  • 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6) — Pollinator Week: My Garden of a Thousand Bees presented by the Roanoke Valley Garden Club and the Mill Mountain Garden Club at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, 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 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: McFadden & Holmes Duet at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
  • 8 p.m. — Live music: Stephen Kellogg & Pat McGee at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
  • 10 p.m.  — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Looking ahead

  • 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.
  • June 26, 7 p.m. — Pride Month: Belle’s Bingo & More at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). A game night like no other. Hosted by the fabulous Adoor & Jezzi Belle, this isn’t your average BINGO. Think: outrageous fun, unexpected twists, and a wild mix of bar games that’ll have you laughing all night. 
  • July 2 to 13  — Salem Fair at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian age 25 or older with valid I.D. at all times. Clear bag policy. Free gate admission.
  • August 2 to 3 — Big Lick Comic Con at the Berglund Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Get ready for an epic weekend of comics, creators, cosplay, celebrity guests, vendors, experiences, and more as Big Lick Comic Con fills the Berglund Special Events Center, Hall and Coliseum! Tickets are available now. ($)
  • August 14 to 17 — Roanoke Comedy Fest, a weekend-long celebration of live comedy in the Star City. 

Ongoing

  • Through June 28 — John Wiercioch Collection at LinDor Arts (306 First St., Roanoke). A collection of spontaneous and harmonious abstract paintings by Roanoke Valley's favorite abstract painter.
  • 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. 

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