Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 7/23 to 7/30.

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, 7/23 to Sunday, 7/27 — FloydFest 25 — Aurora at FestivalPark (5826 Floyd Highway North, Check). Southeast’s premier, award-winning summer outdoor music festival, featuring vibrant and varied vendors, quality craft brews and chews, healing arts, workshops and whimsy, camping and children’s activities, outdoor adventure, onsite art installations and a final lineup with almost 100 artists performing on seven stages over five days. ($)
• Thursday, 7/24 to Sunday, 7/27 — “Guys and Dolls” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Set in the colorful world of 1950s New York City, Guys and Dolls is a high-energy musical comedy that follows the unlikely love stories of a slick gambler, a prim missionary, a showgirl dreaming of marriage, and a craps game that just won't stay underground. Continues through Aug. 10. ($)
• Thursday, 7/24 to Sunday, 7/27 — “Leaving Iowa” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). A love letter to everyone who remembers the family road trip. Continues through Aug. 3. ($)
• Friday, 7/25 to Saturday, 7/26 — Chicago Stepping Workshop & Steppers Set with Will of Atlanta’s YOLO Steppers at CAFE (1707 Cove Rd., Roanoke). Don’t miss this opportunity to step up your dance game. No experience or dance partner needed. ($)
• Saturday, 7/26 to Sunday, 7/27 — Salem Gun & Knife Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Visit this link for daily hours. No loaded firearms. No exceptions. ($)

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: Seph Custer 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. — Silent Book Club at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 p.m. — Bingo & BBQ at Tajzmah’s Lounge (434 Church Ave SW, Roanoke). Featuring Bingo, BBQ, and acupuncture wellness treatments included in your ticket. ($)
• 6 p.m. — History After Dark: Victorian-era Death Photography at 1772 on Main & Rooftop (18 S. Roanoke St., Fincastle). Michael Hudson, Director of Historic Smithfield will explain how mourning customs, spiritual beliefs, and early photographic technology combined to create this deeply personal — and often misunderstood — practice. Call the restaurant to make your reservation.
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Charleston Riverdogs at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 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: Keith Goggin 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). 

Thursday,  July 24

• 4 to 7 p.m. — Meet the Artist: Raven Skye McDonough at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr. SW, Roanoke). Light refreshments and live music from Kinnfolk. McDonough is a paper and mixed media collage artist who has refined her technique of “painting” with paper by layering tiny bits of patterned paper onto her canvas to create the effect she wants. In her work, she also experiments with photography, painting, mono-printing, and extending the image off the canvas. While she is inspired by nature and wildlife, the subject of her artwork often goes much deeper. 
• 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.
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Networking: Pints & Partnerships presented by Woodland Hills Senior Living at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). A great networking event for all Roanoke Valley professionals. RSVP to 540.682.7500. 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Becki & Bob at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Party in Elmwood: Band of Oz at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: DIY Culinary Herb & Spice Blend presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga, gardening/farming and kids activities kick off at 6 p.m., followed by a workshop at 6:45 p.m. 
• 6:30 p.m. — Author event: “Going Over Home” with author Charles Thompson at The Book House (132 Locust St., Floyd). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Charleston Riverdogs at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Shallow Side presented by The Rock Channel at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). 21+ event.
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Sky Dolphin Duo at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Abbey & Andy at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 7:30 p.m. — Comedy Night hosted by Garrett Brumfield and featuring Toron Rogers, Arthur Stump, and Marques De MaDs Der Comic at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Hip Snacks at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, July 25

• 5 p.m. — Live music: Dan Carrell at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — The Band Paul at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Grandin Chillage in the Grandin Village (enter between Westover and Grandin Ave., Roanoke). Live music from The Troublesome Blues Band, food trucks, adult beverages, and family entertainment. ($)
• 6 p.m. — Budweiser Summer Concert Series: Billy Currington & Kip Moore at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck & Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Fleetwood Mac Tribute: Rumours L.A. at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 to 8:30 p.m. — Vintage Bingo presented by Old’s Cool at Twin Creeks Distillery (140 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Don’t forget your lucky charms — this bingo game is played with an authentic 1970s Bingo machine. Can you dig it?
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Matt Crowder Solo at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Charleston Riverdogs at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 to 8:15 p.m. — The Goatsinger Show featuring Mike Moran ,The Iowa Goatsinger, at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Mixing music and spat-verse and comedy and puppetry. From foot-stomping folk-rock to sharp verses and offbeat humor, it’s a variety show with a rebel heart. Grab a drink, kick back, and let the weird, wonderful magic unfold. It is 100% unlike anything else in the region. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Kelly Hunt with Sara Morgan at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: The Fire on Friday Night at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 8 p.m. (Doors open 6:30) — Live music: Larry Keel Experience w. The Red Ferns at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Everclear at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 9 p.m. to midnight — Karaoke Night at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — No Shame Theatre at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., 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: Gasoline Alley at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, July 26

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — 5th Annual Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department Car Show (25 Vine St., Fincastle). Free to the public. Car Show: $25 per vehicle.
• Noon — Silent Book Club at The Crafteria (16 W. Church Ave., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 2 to 6 p.m. — Saturday Sessions at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). Come kick it with us on The Front Porch Stage to check out some great music and enjoy one of our frozen drinks at The Patio Bar.
• 3 to 6 p.m. — Live music: Whitney Lewis at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. — BYOP: Bring Your Own Pool Party 3 at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Grab your floaties, sunscreen, and best Backyard fits. This year, we’re turning the brewery into the ultimate backyard cookout! Bring your own pool.
• 4 p.m. — Luau Party on the Rooftop at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Celebrate summer on the rooftop! DJ 4pm-9pm & Karaoke 9pm-11pm. Food specials, fruity cocktails, and party favors to make you feel like you are sitting on a tropical island. 
• 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Adam Hill in the Beer Garden at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Kemistry at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Michael Dill Solo at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Charleston Riverdogs at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Mingle at the Market: Big Daddy Ray w. Abbey and Andy at the Vinton Farmers Market (204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton).($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Retro Game Night: Rock Band at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: BAM at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Hot Fuss at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, July 27

• 11 a.m. — Drag Bingo at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Hosted by the one and only Charles, with dazzling performances by Enya, Bromeo and Cheddah St. Laurent. Drag show in between bingo rounds. ($)
• 11 a.m. — Drag Brunch to benefit New River Community Action at Evie’s Bistro & Bakery (1212 4th St. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 1:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Charleston Riverdogs at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Opera Roanoke Chorus auditions at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church (1837 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). All singers must bring at least two prepared pieces, preferably one in a foreign language and another of your choosing. All auditions will be accompanied by piano. Sign up for a time slot here.
• 5 p.m. — Live music: Five Shades of Gray at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Common Ground Bluegrass at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).

Monday, July 28

• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Star City Secret Cinema: Grand Finale! presented by Justin Smith at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). What's the film? You won't know until you take your seat and the lights go down. Free admission.

Tuesday, July 29

• 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: Foster Burton at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 7 p.m. — Screening and Discussion: “Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media” at the Grandin Theatre. Presented by the Grandin Theatre Foundation, Smartphone Free Childhood, Partnership for Community Wellness, and Emily Harrison Consulting, the event features a showing of the title film with a panel discussion to follow. Reserve your seats in advance.
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Request Line with Jared Stout at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, July 30

• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Opening night: Shrek the Musical at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Theatre for Young Audiences version. Open through Aug. 10. ($) 
• 7 p.m. — Screening and Discussion: “‘I Am Not Your Negro’; Reckoning & Rebuilding: Baldwin, Resistance, and the Role of Culture” presented by E.B. Smith featuring a showing of “I Am Not Your Negro,” James Baldwin at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). The evening will begin with a screening of Baldwin’s film, in which the writer tells the story of race in modern America with his unfinished novel, “Remember This House.” A panel discussion and audience reflection will follow. ($)
• 7 to 10 p.m. (Gates open at 5)  — Summer Music Games of Southwest Virginia presented by Drum Corps International in partnership with the Salem Band Boosters at Salem Stadium (1008 Texas St., Salem). Seven elite marching bands from across the nation will compete on the field. Tickets must be purchased 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 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Adam Markham at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 10 p.m.  — Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Looking ahead

• 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. ($)
• August 9, 6 p.m. — Lost 80s Live presented by SteveFM at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Get stoked —we’ll play all the songs from your raddest mixtapes. ($)
• August 14 to 17 — Roanoke Comedy Fest a weekend-long celebration of live comedy in the Star City. 
• August 16, 4 p.m. — Improv: Comedians Play Dungeons & Dragons hosted by comic extraordinaire Taylor Reschka and presented by Roanoke Comedy Fest at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). What do you get when you cross a natural 20 with a tight five? Chaotic quests, hilarious characters, and luck-of-the-draw shenanigans. Come for the laughs. Stay for the adventure. 

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.
• Through Aug. 3 — “Leaving Iowa” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). A love letter to everyone who remembers the family road trip. ($)
• Through Aug. 10 — “Guys and Dolls” presented by Attic Productions ((7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Set in the colorful world of 1950s New York City, Guys and Dolls is a high-energy musical comedy that follows the unlikely love stories of a slick gambler, a prim missionary, a showgirl dreaming of marriage, and a craps game that just won't stay underground. ($)
• Through Aug. 10 — Shrek the Musical at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Theatre for Young Audiences version. ($) 
• Saturdays through December 27 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. ($)
• 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.