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, 8/22 to Saturday, 8/23 — David Barksdale’s “The Family Reunion (The Stage Play)” at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Experience an evening filled with astonishing singing, captivating drama, and an inspirational message that will leave you reflecting on the importance of family. ($) 
• Friday, 8/22 to Sunday, 8/24 — WA Fest Music Festival 2025 at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing (11176 Peaceful Valley Rd., New Castle). This music festival, with 17+ bands, offers a fantastic blend of live music, and adventure at a family-friendly 500-acre property in Craig County. Single-day and weekend passes available. Camping on site; food and beverages served. ($)
• Friday, 8/22 to Sunday, 8/24 — Crashcitycon at Holiday Inn Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). The ultimate geek gathering, where fans of all things pop culture come together to celebrate their favorite fandoms. ($)

Wednesday, Aug. 20

• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Leonard Blush and the Camelcals 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.
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Murder Wagon at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Waiting on Mongo at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, Aug. 21

• 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.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Father Sun at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem BeerMongers vs. Carolina Mudcats (Bark in the Park) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Third Thursdays at 3rd Street Open Mic hosted by Aspen Black at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). All levels of playing are welcome at this acoustic-style open mic for solos, duos, and very small group acts. We encourage both originals and covers. All genres and styles of songs may be played, but please refrain from explicit lyrics.
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Karaoke Night at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine.
• 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Maygen & the Birdwatcher at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Florencia & the Feeling, Duck, Copy Cat Syndrome at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: The Night Shift at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Tim Rowlett at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Band Paul at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, Aug. 22

• 5 to 9 p.m. — Salem After Five: Blackwater at the Salem Farmers Market (3 East Main St., Salem). ($)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Solacoustix at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck and Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Kenny Chesney & Luke Bryan Tributes at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 p.m. — Ceremony: Awakening the Ancestral Spirit with Antonio Stovall presented by Uttara Yoga Studio at Highland Park (401 Highland Ave. SE, Roanoke). This will be a sacred evening of Kemetic Yoga and ancestral activation, where we will journey beyond the physical to access the spiritual intelligence encoded in our bones. Through ancient postures, rhythmic breath, earth-honoring movement, and sacred chants, we will call upon the ancestors and invite their wisdom to rise within us. This is not a performance. Limited spaces available. Visit this link for detailed information. ($)
• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Shoobies at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Carolina Mudcats at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Joshua Luongo with 47 Trestles at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Brian K & The Parkway at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 8 p.m. — Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: David LaMotte with Phil Norman at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: The Late Night Stumblers at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Aug. 23

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — SWVA Bee Festival presented by the Roanoke Valley and Botetourt Beekeepers Associations at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Virginia Vintage Comics and Collectibles Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — 3rd Annual Floyd Living Traditions Festival at the Floyd Center for the Arts (220 Parkway Ln S., Floyd). This day celebrates the songs, stories, and skills passed down through generations — and the artists keeping them alive. From blacksmiths and broom makers to dancers, quilters, and luthiers, you’ll meet the makers preserving Appalachian heritage and see how old traditions inspire new creations. Rain or shine. Free admission.
• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Art and Architecture Walking Tour: Both Sides of the Track led by Taubman Museum of Art Research Fellow and historian James Moser starting at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Registration required. ($)
• Noon to 4 p.m. — Celebration of African Cultures presented by Local Colors and CommUnity ARTSReach at Countryside Park (2365 Ranch Rd. NW, Roanoke). This outdoor fair will feature performances, artisan crafts, cuisine, fashion, drumming, and more.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Kayla Jones at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Steele Cookin Band in the Beer Garden at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kind at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Rarely Available Band at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount). 
• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Jonathan Paige Brown Jr. at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Carolina Mudcats: Military Appreciation Night at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: That 80s Show presented by Mingle at the Market at the Vinton Farmers Market (204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Omegawolfe at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Mavis Staples at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: The Snozzberries at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, Aug. 24

• 7:30 a.m. (all day) — VBR Gran Fondo cycling challenge on the roads throughout Botetourt County starting at Fincastle’s Courthouse Square (1 Courthouse Sq., Fincastle). With 33, 43, and 75 mile options, riders will enjoy the area's natural beauty including the rolling terrain, open farmland, forested mountains, and the James River. ($)
• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 1 p.m. — Live music: Jodie Davis at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 2 to 3 p.m. — Creative Hour presented by Get2KnowNoke at Olin Hall Galleries (240 High St., Salem). Join us for a low-key, come-as-you-are meetup for artists, makers, sketchers, tinkerers, and creative minds of all kinds. Bring your own project and supplies. Stay for the whole hour or just drop in. Vibes: relaxed, inclusive, no pressure. RSVP requested.
• 5 to 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. 
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Blues Co. at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Sammy Kershaw at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Train with special guest Edwin McCain at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).

Monday, Aug. 25

• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, Aug. 26

• 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). 
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Coffee, Tea, & Poetry at the Roanoke Higher Education Center (108 North Jefferson St., Roanoke). Share your poetry in a safe, judgment-free space and learn techniques to improve your writing. Each poet should bring 5 individual poems to read in case we have the opportunity to each share more than once. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Request Line with Jared Stout at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, Aug. 27

• 6 to 7 p.m. — History After Dark: “"Feathers, Guts, and Power Plays: a Short History of Roman Divination" with Katelin McCullough of Hollins University at 1772 on Main & Rooftop (18 S. Roanoke St., Fincastle) to benefit Botetourt County Historical Society. Explore the curious world of Roman augury and fortune telling. Call the restaurant at (540) 632-8099 to reserve your spot.
• 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. — Live music: Mountain Grass Unit Block Party at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). Bring your own chair. Tickets available at the door. ($)
• 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6) — Live music: Halcyon Listening Room - Julian Hartwell x Evolvlove at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 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 p.m. — Live music: Mackenzie Carpenter at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). 21+ ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Ben Trout Band 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). ($)
• Aug. 30, 6 p.m. — Live music: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Farewell Tour at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 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.