Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 8/27 to 9/3.

A view of downtown Roanoke's City Market Square as seen in September 2024. ROANOKE RAMBLER FILE PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU. Have a "recognizably Roanoke" photo for Happenings? Email us at editor@roanokerambler.com for a chance to be featured in this space.

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

Friday, 8/29 to Sunday, 8/31 — “Circle Mirror Transformation” presented at Showtimers Community Theater (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). In this stage production, a teacher and her four students experience the tremendous transformative power of the theatre. ($)

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).

Thursday, Aug. 28

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. — Mad Iguanas Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Gourmet Butter Board Tasting at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Gourmet butter tasting with sides and wine. ($)
6 to 9 p.m. — 5 Year Anniversary Party at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke).
7 p.m. — Lecture: Revolutionary Roundtable Series: The Revolutionary War and the Cherokee Nation at the O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Join Brandon Dillard, Director of Historic Interpretation and Audience Engagement with Monticello, as he discusses the ramifications of the American Revolution on the Cherokee Nation during the 18th century, and how the perception of these wars has been passed through generations of Cherokee to today. ($)
7 to 8 p.m. — Film Foundry Info Session presented by the Commonwealth Film Collective at Olde Salem Brewing Company (21 E Main St., Salem). Learn about the Foundry, meet fellow screenwriters, and get information on upcoming events.
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 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Mesko Electric Revue at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Karlee Raye at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Heevahava at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Friday, Aug. 29

6 p.m. — Grandin Chillage in the Grandin Village (enter between Westover and Grandin Ave., Roanoke). Live music from Phat Anchovies, food trucks, adult beverages, and family entertainment. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Seph Custer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck and Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
7 p.m. — Live music: The Icons of Country: Tribute Night to Zac Brown, Miranda Lambert, and Kenny Chesney at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
7:30 p.m. — Live music: Francis Eliza at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Becki & the Boom Booms at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
8 p.m. — Live music: Gavin Adcock at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Cinematheque with Copy Cat Syndrome at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Aug. 30

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Gates open at 8) — 38th Annual Mopars in the Valley Car Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Closing: Art Exhibition “HOME” at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). “Home” aims to showcase emerging and established artists together, providing collectors a fresh perspective on art in Roanoke, Virginia.
Noon — Roanoke Labor Day Parade 2025 along Campbell Ave. Rain date: Sunday, August 31.
Noon to 10 p.m. — Shenanigans on Shenandoah Beach Block Party at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Slip on your favorite Hawaiian shirt, throw on some flip flops, and don't forget those beach towels, friends 'cause 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙬𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚! Featuring: 19ft tall waterslide, classic boardwalk attractions and games, a live DJ, a pong tournament, and more.
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Sasha Landon at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
3 to 5 p.m. — Tyler Hubbard Pre-Concert Party at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). All ages. ($)
3 to 6 p.m. — Live music: The Thrillbillyz Acoustic Duo at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
4 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Parrotheads on the Parkway at Twin Creeks Brewpub featuring performances by The Shoobies (4 to 5:30 p.m.) and Capt. Mike & The Shipwrecked (6 to 9 p.m.) at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke). Bring your beach chairs, dress in your best tropical gear, and spend the evening soaking up live music, cold drinks, and good vibes. ($)
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Marie Anderson on the patio at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Creedence Clearwater Recital at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Roller Derby Double Header: The Bigfoot Baddies vs. The People Eaters at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Don’t miss the debut of Roanoke’s home roller derby team. ($)
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). ($)
6 p.m. — Live music: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Farewell Tour at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Chesterfield Foxtrot at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7 to 9 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
7:30 p.m. — Live music: The Fire featuring Terry Brown at Hanging Rock Tavern (1790 Thompson Memorial Dr., Salem).
7:30 p.m. — Live music: Tyler Hubbard at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Beyond The Crypt: Goth Night at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Mavis Staples at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: JCE & The End at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, Aug. 31

11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
1 p.m. — Live music: Dave Corbitt & Jeremy Davall at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
4 to 7 p.m. — Live music: Sasha Landon at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: The Boptet at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
5 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Remember the Times: 90s and 2000s Party in the Park at (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
6 p.m. — Live music: Chase Rice with Drake at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Ice Nine Kills: Dayseeker, Kim Dracula & More — Hell of a Summer Tour at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem).

Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day)

6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)

Tuesday, Sept. 2

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).
6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Wednesday, Sept. 3

6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Three Notch’d (24 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., 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.
10 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Looking ahead

Sept. 4 — Live music: Southern Culture on the Skids at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke).
Sept. 5, 5 to 9 p.m. — Artemis Journal Book Launch featuring artist Jeremy Crewdon at the Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). The journal’s theme is “homeward bound” and honors the legacy of beloved poet Nikki Giovanni, who lived in Blacksburg but had a profound impact across the nation and beyond through her work. ($)
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. $25 each.
Sept. 6 to 7 — Roanoke Valley Brick Convention — The Ultimate LEGO Event at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem).
Sept. 25, 7 p.m. — Film screening: “The Last Class” at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). This powerful, deeply personal film follows master educator Robert Reich as he teaches his final course, Wealth and Poverty. This moving documentary explores inequality, transformation, and the belief in the next generation’s power to change the world. Reserve your tickets in advance for this special showing. ($)
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 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.