Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 8/13 to 8/20

Evening falls at South16 at The Bridges Apartments. ROANOKE RAMBLER FILE PHOTO BY LINDSEY HULL

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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Want to know about regular weekly events, including bar trivia, bingo and yoga? Check out our new recurring Happenings calendar!

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, 8/13 to Saturday, 8/16 — Franklin County Agricultural Fair at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). The 2023 Ag fair was “an authentic showcase of Franklin County,” according to Kevin Tosh, that county’s director of tourism and marketing. Experience tractor competitions, midway rides, live music, a multitude of exhibitions, demonstrations, animal shows, a pageant, contests, and midway food and games. No pets. ($)
Thursday, 8/14 to Sunday, 8/17 — Roanoke Comedy Fest a weekend-long celebration of live comedy in the Star City. With over a dozen events scheduled throughout downtown Roanoke, you’ll surely find something to tickle your fancy. Find the full comedy fest schedule here. ($)
Friday, 8/15 to Sunday, 8/17 — Middle Eastern Food Festival at St. Philoxenus Church Roanoke (1212 Lee Hwy, Roanoke, near Hollins University). Discover the delicious flavors on the menu including kabobs, falafel, baklava, meat pies, cheese pies, spinach pies, hummus, chicken shawarma, stuffed squash, pastries, and much more! We will have our full-service food lines and take-out pickup options. 'Ahlan wa sahlan fikum' (All are welcome).

Wednesday, Aug. 13

5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Seph Custer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: Hinder at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke).
6:30 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night hosted by Katherine Rogue and Johnny Camacho at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7 p.m. (Gates open at 6) — Live music: Devon Allman’s Blues Summit at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). ($)
7 p.m. — Out Loud Musicals: “Hairspray” at The Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). The Grandin Theatre’s newest series! ($)
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: Ryan Greer (Solo) at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
10 p.m. — The Ambassador presents Reggae Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Thursday, Aug. 14

9 a.m. to noon — Open Art Studio Space at Wellness on Melrose (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Work on your own project or get inspiration from a resource artist. Use our supplies or bring your own. All artistic levels are welcome. Repeats weekly.
2 to 3 p.m. — Chair Yoga at Wellness on Melrose (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). This free class is a great way to practice self-care. Loosen up your body while adding strength, balance and coordination. This class is both seated and standing with support from the chair or wall. All fitness levels and abilities welcome—no equipment needed. Register here. Through Sept. 18.
4 p.m. — Gaymer Day 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 p.m. — Networking on the Rocks at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Here, you can expect a laid-back mixer for business-minded people who like their networking with a view (and a drink in hand). This event is not your typical stuffy exchange of business cards. There’s no awkward pitch circle. No pressure. Just great conversations, local professionals, and real connections.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Three Eyed Tiger at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Party in Elmwood: The Blackwater Band at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
6 p.m. — Live music: Colt Ford at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Flower Power Paint Night 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. — Roanoke Comedy Fest Kickoff at Twin Creeks Brewing Company (111 S. Pollard St., Vinton). Prizes, Punchlines, and Pints… Throw in some comedy-themed trivia and some of our best local and regional talent, including Arthur Stump, Marques da Mads der Comic, and See Low… and you have one heck of a night. Don’t miss it. Find the full comedy fest schedule here.
7 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.
7 to 8:30 p.m. — Lecture: “Good Trouble: The Selma, Alabama and Derry, Northern Ireland Connection 1963-1972” with Forest Isaac Jones at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Dr. Jones will discuss the connection between the Black Civil Rights Movement in the US and the Catholic Civil Rights Movement in Ireland. Building off of unprecedented access and interviews with participants in both movements, Dr. Jones’ lecture will be a gripping and moving account of the pivotal years from 1963 to 1972 in both countries. A zoom link will be available for those unable to attend.
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Hatfield Acoustic Duo at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Ella Folk at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Rossdafareye at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Friday, Aug. 15

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Shorefire at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck and Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
6 p.m. — Live music: Sara Evans at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
6 to 8:30 p.m. — Tavern Stage Summer Music Series: Creedence Clearwater Recital at Explore Park (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke).
6 to 9 p.m. — Camp Slay Away: Murder Mystery at Stave and Cork (115 E. Main St., Salem). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 5:45. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Chesterfield Foxtrot at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke).
7 p.m. — Magician Justin Willman at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
7 p.m. — 20th Annual Guns vs. Hoses Softball Game at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
7:30 p.m. — Live music: Patrick Sampson with Iliana Martinez at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — The Eye presents Darkside of the Dome at the Science Museum of Western Virginia (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Groovy tunes combine with psychedelic visuals and laser lights. ($)
7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Friday Night with Foster at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
8 p.m. — Live music: Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Prabir Trio, The Young Sinclairs, The Stray Lions at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Roanoke Comedy Fest: Rich Vos at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find the full comedy fest schedule here. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Melissa & the Growlers at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Aug. 16

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Star City Crusaders 34th Annual Car, Truck, Cycle Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem).
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Dirty Dancing Days Festival at Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke). Feel the excitement in the air with live performances from Flashback, the Party Band and Cassette Rewind. ($)
3 to 4 p.m. — Peace Be With You: A Meditation and Sound Bath Experience at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church (2339 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). All are welcome.
3 to 8 p.m. — Summer Never Ends: Not Your Average Day Party at Century Plaza (12 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). Expect nothing but good vibes and nostalgic energy as we bring the heat with hip hop, R&B, 90s/2000s classics, trap, afrobeats, and house. ($)
4 p.m. — Roanoke Comedy Fest: 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. Find the full comedy fest schedule here. ($)
4 to 8 p.m. — Festival of India 2025 presented by the India Heritage Society at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). This festival will showcase the Indian culture and way of life while also recognizing the community’s police chiefs, fire chiefs, and their departments Featuring non-stop music and dance performances, Indian food delicacies, a kids’ craft area, and a marketplace with items for purchase.
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Luau in the Beer Garden with music by Mad Iguanas at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
5 to 9 p.m. — Daleville Summer Concert Series: The Ben Trout Party Band at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Bring a chair or blanket. No weapons. No outside food/beverage. No pets. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Pickin’ in the Park featuring Junior Sisk with Olivia Jo and Wound Tight at Longwood Park (611 E. Main St., Salem).
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Ambassador and The Chosen Few at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Roanoke Comedy Fest: Brandi Augustus at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find the full comedy fest schedule here. ($)
6 p.m. — Live music: The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
6 p.m. — SWVA Pride Drag Pageant at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Free general admission. Contestant admission is now open.
6 p.m. (Doors open at 5) — Live music: Lazy Man Dub Band w/ Jstop Latin Soul presented by 5PTS Outdoors at Black Dog Salvage’s Dog Bowl (902 13th St. SW., Roanoke).
6 to 10 p.m. — The Road to the Porch: The Wilson Springs Hotel with Amber C & G at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). This free live music event features incredible bands from this year’s Front Porch Fest 16 lineup, limited-release beer, local food, and exclusive giveaways — all in the heart of Roanoke at Starr Hill’s outdoor beer garden.
7 to 9 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount). No experience necessary.
7:30 p.m. — Live music: Victor Switch at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
9 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Poke-Joe’s BBQ (105 E. Washington Ave., Vinton).
10 p.m. — Live music: Ripejive + Nerd Alert at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, Aug. 17

11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
12 p.m. (Doors open at 11:30) — Roanoke Comedy Fest: Comediennes' Brunch hosted by Katherine Rogue and Steph Reschka at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Kick off your Sunday with a jab of hilarity and hospitality as Roanoke Comedy Fest spotlights a lineup of powerhouse female comics. From razor-sharp punchlines to joyful absurdity, these performers will dazzle you with their stage presence and comedic chops. All-woman lineup. Everyone welcome. Find the full comedy fest schedule here. ($)
1 p.m. — Live music: Adam Markham at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
2 p.m. — Sacred Yoni Steam Circle at Sol River Homestead (2424 Shawsville Pike NE, Shawsville). Yoni steaming is an ancient holistic form of hydrotherapy practiced by women across cultures. This ritual is deeply moving, offering space for emotional release, energetic clearing, and connection to your inner wisdom. Come as you are, ready to soften, connect, and receive. Suggested donation. ($)
2 to 5 p.m. — Film Screening & Discussion: “Triumph of Hope” at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Triumph of Hope is a powerful documentary that shares the extraordinary stories of three hidden Holocaust children—Arye Ephrath, Helga Morrow, and Regine Archer. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Helga and Regine, who both now reside in the Roanoke region. Free; registration is required.
5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Mason Creek Bluegrass at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
5 to 8 p.m. — The Dark Art of Murder: A Wizarding-Themed Murder Mystery at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). . Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 4:45. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
7 p.m. (Doors open at 6) — Film Screening & Discussion: “The Encampments” presented by the Southwest Virginia Coalition for Palestine at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). The evening will feature a screening of “The Encampments” followed by a Q&A. The film documents the Gaza Solidarity Encampment created by students on the lawn of Columbia University in order to pressure that university to divest from the US and Israeli weapons companies. Register in advance for this free showing.

Monday, Aug. 18

5:45 to 9 p.m. — Roanoke Valley Sports Club featuring Lo Davis, Executive Director of Cav Futures at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).

Tuesday, Aug. 19

4 to 7 p.m. — Open Art Studio Space at Wellness on Melrose (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Work on your own project or get inspiration from a resource artist. Use our supplies or bring your own. All artistic levels are welcome. Repeats weekly.
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).
6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Carolina Mudcats at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Alice Cooper at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Wednesday, Aug. 20

5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Sideshow Runaways at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Party in Elmwood: The Catalinas (Wednesday Show) at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
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. Carolina Mudcats 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.
10 p.m. — Waiting on Mongo at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Looking ahead

Aug. 30, 6 p.m. — Live music: Old Crow Medicine Show w. Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). ($)
Sept. 5 to 6 — Live music: Dueling Pianos at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). This is a pre-sale only event with limited spots available. Call 540-342-6935 ext. 2 to purchase your non-refundable tickets. $25 each.
Sept. 25, 7 p.m. — Film screening: “The Last Class” at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). This powerful, deeply personal film follows master educator Robert Reich as he teaches his final course, Wealth and Poverty. This moving documentary explores inequality, transformation, and the belief in the next generation’s power to change the world. Reserve your tickets in advance for this special showing. ($)
Oct. 1, 7 p.m. — Phantom of the Opera: 100th Anniversary with Invincible Czars at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). The Invincible Czars will bring their signature blend of eclectic instrumentation, adventurous arrangements and sense of emotional depth to the 100-year-old film, “Phantom of the Opera” with their new, tastefully modern soundtrack, performing it live with the film.

Ongoing

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.
Through Sept. 18, 2 to 3 p.m. — Chair Yoga at Wellness on Melrose (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). This free class is a great way to practice self-care. Loosen up your body while adding strength, balance and coordination. This class is both seated and standing with support from the chair or wall. All fitness levels and abilities welcome—no equipment needed. Register 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.