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

• Wednesday, 7/16 through Sunday, 7/20 — 2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships to be held at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke), Hollins University/Carvins Cove (7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke), and Explore Park (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke). Expect to see top-notch riders hitting the trails across Virginia’s Blue Ridge. A schedule and spectator guide can be found here.
• Friday, 7/18 to Sunday, 7/20 — Pirate Days at Smith Mountain Lake. The Pirate Ball kicks off the weekend with Funky Bone at Mango’s Bar & Grill (16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Moneta). Don’t forget to start your day with Pancakes with Pirates at Cancun Bar & Grill on Saturday morning. Daytime swashbuckling will continue at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater. (1617 Crystal Shores Dr., Moneta). The Great Water Battle is rumored to commence at high noon on Saturday. The hijinks continue into Saturday night and Sunday. Complete information here. ($)

Wednesday, July 16

• 4:30 p.m. — Beer & Biotech presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Blue Mule and Leonard Blush & the Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Community Social at USAC MTB Nationals at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Locals, visitors, riders, and spectators are all invited to gather at the Community Social during the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships! In store are: group rides, a relay run, bike demos, and a 7 p.m. showing of cult classic “Rad” on the big screen.
• 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: Amy & Christian at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 10 p.m.  — Adam Hill Project at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, July 17

• 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. — Empty Bottles at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Evie’s Bistro & Bakery (1212 4th St. SW, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: The Low-Waste Kitchen 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. 
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Dave & Alex at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: The Brood, Sultry, Ex Parents at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Bradley Steele at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Sean Hobbes & the High Res at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, July 18

• 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. ($)
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Daleville Summer Concert Series: Good Shot Judy at the Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Bring a chair or blanket. No weapons. No outside food/beverage. No pets. ($) 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Salem After Five: Matt Tucker at the Salem Farmers Market (3 East Main St., Salem). ($)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — The Ambassador & The Chosen Few at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Golden Hour Getdown featuring Good Vibes spun by the Star City Soul Club at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). An evening of groovy tunes, smooth sips, and room to boogie down. No cover. Just bring your dancing shoes and come thirsty!
• 6 p.m. — Live music: The Wallflowers at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck & Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Yächtley Crëw, Yacht Rock at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: The Bubba Chandler Band at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Fired Up & Fabulous with special guest Sue Spence at Motel 6 Studios (128 Albemarle Ave. SE, Roanoke). A Drag Show and optional paint experience all in one. BYOB. Buy tickets in advance. ($)
• 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. — Tavern Stage Summer Music Series: Empty Bottles at Explore Park (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke). 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: The Close with Great Aunt at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Virginia Electric at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Adam Hill at Olde Salem Brewing Company (21 E. Main St., Salem). 
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Cherry Moon, Parris Byars Club, The Moops at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open 6:30) — Live music: Larry Keel Experience w. The Red Ferns at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 9 p.m. to midnight — Karaoke Night at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — No Shame Theatre in the Upstairs Studio at Hollins University (8004 Quadrangle Ln, Roanoke). We take the first 15 pieces to walk in the door and there are only three rules: pieces must be original (no copyright violations), short (five minutes or less), and not break anything (including the law). Bring your plays, monologues, songs, dance, poetry, mime, juggling, comedy, tragedy, Improvisation, dada, magic; we've even seen people do floral arrangements! Pieces are accepted starting at 8:30 pm, doors open at 9pm, and the show starts at 9:30 pm, running on average an hour long. Anything can happen and usually does.
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Eric Wayne Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, July 19

• Noon to 9 p.m. — Live music: Clay Cox (@3 p.m.) + Creedence Clearwater Recital (@6 pm.) at A Few Old Goats 7th Anniversary Party – Buchanan location (19318 Main St., Buchanan). The party doesn’t stop at AFOG’s original Roanoke space, drop into either for the annual release of two barrel-aged beers.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Sasha Landon at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 2 to 4 p.m. — "Appalachian Apothecary: Folk Medicine, Mountain Teas, and Sweet Smells" at the O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). explore the healing herbs, comforting brews, and fragrant traditions that shaped everyday life in early Appalachia. In this hands-on workshop, participants will get to touch and taste some of the natural concoctions from our Appalachian past that made backcountry living a little easier. Space is limited; register in advance. ($)
• 2 to 6 p.m. — Saturday Sessions at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). Come kick it with us on The Front Porch Stage to check out some great music and enjoy one of our frozen drinks at The Patio Bar.
• 3 to 6 p.m. — Live music: Whitney Lewis at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 3 to 9:45 p.m. — Jazz in July featuring The Sway Kats, Vosbein-Magee Big Band, Shawn Spencer & Star City Swag, The Jazz Allstar Band- Tribute to John Coltrane, and Melissa Mesko & the Growlers at Longwood Park (611 E. Main St., Salem). No outside alcohol or pets allowed. Click here for a full schedule.
• 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Seedpicker in the Beer Garden at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jordan Harman & the Humble Brags at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Diamond Rio at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Boco Duo at Atheling Meadworks (123 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). 
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: The Rarely Available Band at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: James Brickey at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Jared Stout Band & Four Doors Down at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, July 20

• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Bowl Market at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Featuring hand-made, upcycled, or vintage items. We will have your favorite vendors and some new ones, plus over 100 local artisans and vendors located inside The Marketplace at Black Dog Salvage. 
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Christian Quesenberry at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 1:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 3 to 6 p.m. — Live music: James Brickey at Olde Salem Brewing Company (21 E. Main St., Salem). 
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Minor Strings at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Whiskey Myers at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem).

Monday, July 21

• 5 p.m. — Networking: Grow Your Business Networking at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3733 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, July 22

• 12:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Charleston Riverdogs at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 4 to 8 p.m. — Happy Hour for All at A Few Old Goats Brewing – Roanoke (515 8th St. SW, Suite 228, Roanoke). 
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Freak Rangers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Coffee, Tea & Poetry at The Roanoke Higher Education Center (108 N Jefferson St., Roanoke). Join our free club, where local poets will share their work in a safe, judgment-free space. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, July 23

• 4:30 p.m. — Beer & Biotech presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Blue Mule and Leonard Blush & the Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Community Social at USAC MTB Nationals at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Locals, visitors, riders, and spectators are all invited to gather at the Community Social during the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships! In store are: group rides, a relay run, bike demos, and a 7 p.m. showing of cult classic “Rad” on the big screen.
• 6 p.m. — History After Dark: Victorian-era Death Photography at 1772 on Main & Rooftop (18 S. Roanoke St., Fincastle). Michael Hudson, Director of Historic Smithfield will explain how mourning customs, spiritual beliefs, and early photographic technology combined to create this deeply personal — and often misunderstood — practice. Call the restaurant to make your reservation.
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Charleston Riverdogs at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Screening & Discussion: “Caregiving” presented by Good Samaritan House, Blue Ridge PBS, and the Grandin Theatre at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). This film explores systemic issues in the US care system, where over 50 million people provide unpaid care, and includes personal stories of caregivers for loved ones. Reserve your seat in advance.
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Open Mic at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine.
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Kindred Valley at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Saul Brooks at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 10 p.m.  — Jacob Panic + Clover Lynn & the Hellfires at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Looking ahead

• July 24 — Live music: Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem).
• July 25 — Live music: Everclear at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• July 30 — “Reckoning & Rebuilding: Baldwin, Resistance, and the Role of Culture” presented by E.B. Smith featuring a showing of “I Am Not Your Negro,” James Baldwin at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). The evening will begin with a screening of Baldwin’s film, in which the writer tells the story of race in modern America with his unfinished novel, “Remember This House.” A panel discussion and audience reflection will follow. ($)
• Aug. 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. ($)
• Aug. 14 to 17 — Roanoke Comedy Fest a weekend-long celebration of live comedy in the Star City. 

Ongoing

• Through July 27 — Mosaics Today IV: A Group Exhibition by the Blue Ridge Mosaic Society at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Experience a beautiful exhibition of mosaics from wall hangings and sculptures to jewelry and even bottle stoppers. 
• Through July 27 — “The Rainbow Fish: The Musical” On Tour presented by Mill Mountain Theatre at select venues across the Roanoke Valley. This heartwarming musical brings dazzling underwater characters and the tale of friendship and sharing to life for young audiences. Find dates and locations here.
• Saturdays through Dec. 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.