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

• Thursday, 7/31 to Sunday, 8/3 — “Leaving Iowa” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). A love letter to everyone who remembers the family road trip. ($)
• Thursday, 7/31 to Sunday, 8/3 — “Guys and Dolls” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Set in the colorful world of 1950s New York City, Guys and Dolls is a high-energy musical comedy that follows the unlikely love stories of a slick gambler, a prim missionary, a showgirl dreaming of marriage, and a craps game that just won't stay underground. Continues through Aug. 10. ($)
• Friday, 8/1 to Saturday, 8/2 — Botetourt County Fair at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St., Buchanan). The Fair provides an opportunity for kids, young and young-at-heart, to learn more about the rich agricultural heritage of the region from local working farms, 4-H programs, as well as sample local fare, including Botetourt grown products.
• Saturday, 8/2 to Sunday, 8/3 — 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. ($)

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). 

Thursday, July 31

• 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. ($)
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Gaymer Night at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or PlayStation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Roanoke Outside Happy Hour at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Music Road Co. Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Party in Elmwood: Pizazz Band at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: The Joy of Drumming 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: Chris Hammock at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Off the Beaten Path at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Balter Choir at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, Aug. 1

• 5 p.m. — Live music: TJ Ellis at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Art opening: “HOME” at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). “Home” aims to showcase emerging and established artists together, providing collectors a fresh perspective on art in Roanoke, Virginia. The exhibition will be on display throughout the month of August.
• 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. — Salem After Five: Blackwater at the Salem Farmers Market (3 East Main St., Salem). ($)
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Late nights at the Taubman: Hairfirmations: An Artistic Celebration of the Beauty and Diversity of Textured Hair (Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Connect with other hair enthusiasts and experience the joy of hair culture. DJ C Milli will spin tunes, and enjoy the delicious bites offered by Leo’s Catering. A cash bar will be available for drinks. The galleries will be open. 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — First Fridays at Five: Soul Expressions in Downtown Roanoke (111 Franklin Road between S. Jefferson St. and Williamson Rd.). This is a 21+ event. $10 entry. Cash only. No pets. ($) 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Freak Rangers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Talent in the Star: “Shine Through the Pressure” presented by Total Action for Progress at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Experience the brilliance, resilience, and rising talent of Roanoke’s youth. This is the grand finale of Total Action for Progress (TAP) and This Valley Works’ Tomorrow’s Leaders summer program.
• 6 p.m. — Live music: FFTnTs: Tyler Parrish & Top Dawgs Mobile at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Morgan Wallen Tribute: 7 Summers at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theatre Improv at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — 20th Annual Guns & Hoses Softball Game at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). $5 donation at the gate. ($)
• 7 to 9 p.m. — Cocktails & Creators presented by Big Lick Comic Con at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Meet Comic Creators. Enjoy cocktails and food. ($) 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Paul Heilker with Nathan Seldomridge at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Rachael Hester and the Tennessee Walkers at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 8 to 10 p.m. — The Ultimate Comedy Jam hosted by Chelsea McCreight at Caribbica Soul (215 Market St., Roanoke). Performances by LA Josh Preston, Jerrod Brown, Arthur Stump, TFoxx, and Toron Rodgers. ($)
• 9 p.m. to midnight — Karaoke Night at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — No Shame Theatre in the Upstairs Theatre at Hollins University (8004 Quadrangle Ln, Roanoke) We take the first 15 pieces to walk in the door and there are only three rules: pieces must be original (no copyright violations), short (five minutes or less), and not break anything (including the law). Bring your plays, monologues, songs, dance, poetry, mime, juggling, comedy, tragedy, Improvisation, dada, magic; we've even seen people do floral arrangements! Pieces are accepted starting at 8:30 pm, doors open at 9pm, and the show starts at 9:30 pm, running on average an hour long. Anything can happen and usually does.
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Nappy Head Funk Army at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Aug. 2

• 9 a.m. — Farm Strong Obstacle Course hosted by the Spartan SGX coach team at Ferguson Fitness and Franklin County Parks and Recreation at Waid Park (701 Waid Park Rd., Rocky Mount). Rain or Shine. On-site registration available. ($)
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Gary John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 2 to 3 p.m. — Conversation with the Collector: David Goode – In Awe of the Iron Horse at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Goode has collected many works of art featuring trains and our country’s railway system, a passion he’s held since childhood. This exhibition invites visitors to view trains through the lens of the “technological sublime,” a concept that situates trains as objects of awe on the same level as wonders of nature. 
• 2 to 6 p.m. — Saturday Sessions at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). Come kick it with us on The Front Porch Stage to check out some great music and enjoy one of our frozen drinks at The Patio Bar.
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Book Swap at Olde Salem Brewing Company (21 E. Main St., Salem). 
• 3 to 6 p.m. — Live music: Meskos Family Revue at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Phelgar Hill in the Beer Garden at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Daleville Summer Concert Series: Karlee Raye and Big Daddy Ray at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Bring a chair or blanket. No weapons. No outside food/beverage. No pets. ($) 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Terry Brown Ascension Project at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: First Saturdays at Caribbica Soul (215 Market St., Roanoke). DJ Squeeze, karaoke, great vibes.
• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Whispering Dream at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m.  — Live music: Shakedown Street Party: A Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Improv: Big Lick Conspiracy at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 9 p.m. to midnight — R&B is for Lovers: Silent Party presented by Not Your Average Everything at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). It's a vibe you can't hear 'til you put the headphones on! Join us at Five Points Sanctuary for a silent party full of smooth R&B, flirty grooves, and feel-good energy. Featuring Stimulator Jones, DJ Swirl Out, and DJ Pair're and a few dope friends on the decks; three channels, one unforgettable night. ($)

Sunday, Aug. 3

• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 1:30 p.m. — Open mic: Star City Poets Society — “Speak It Into Existence” at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Live music: Star City Ceili Band in the historic tavern cellar at Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke). 
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Lights, Camera, Murder: A Reality Dating Show Murder Mystery Event presented by Jump into Mystery at Crab Du Jour (4765 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive early. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
• 3 p.m. — Live music: Sounds of Compassion with the SML Boomer Band presented by Helping Hands, The Warming Shelter, and Stepping Stone Mission at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Ripejive at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Blackberry Smoke; Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)

Monday, Aug. 4

• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at The Village Grill (1802 Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, Aug. 5

• 4 to 8 p.m. — Happy Hour for All at A Few Old Goats Brewing – Roanoke (515 8th St. SW, Suite 228, Roanoke). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). 
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Open mic: The R.E.A.L. Funny Open Mic Comedy Show at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). No cover charge. Tips appreciated.
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, Aug. 6

• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Sideshow Runaways 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). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers: Bark in the Park at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). 
• 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.  — Karaoke Night! at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Looking ahead

• 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. ($)
• August 14 to 17 — Roanoke Comedy Fest a weekend-long celebration of live comedy in the Star City. 
• 12 p.m. (Doors open at 11:30) — Stand-up: Comediennes' Brunch at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Kick off your Sunday with a jab of hilarity and hospitality as Roanoke Comedy Fest spotlights a lineup of powerhouse female comics. From razor-sharp punchlines to joyful absurdity, these performers will dazzle you with their stage presence and comedic chops. All-woman lineup. Everyone welcome. ($)
• 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 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. ($) 
• Through the end of August — “HOME” at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). “Home” aims to showcase emerging and established artists together, providing collectors a fresh perspective on art in Roanoke, Virginia. The exhibition will be on display throughout the month of August.
• Saturdays through December 27 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. ($)
• 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.