Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 9/17 to 9/24.
Find something to do over the next week in our comprehensive Happenings.

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
- Friday, 9/19 to Saturday, 9/20 — Veterans’ Resiliency Retreat at Healing Strides (672 Naff Rd., Boones Mill). Veterans, please join Healing Strides at this retreat that serves veterans with VA approved benefits who struggle with PTSD, TBI, depression, anxiety or other mental wellness challenges. This is a fully funded (free) event but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - please call the Healing Strides front office in advance of the event.
- Friday, 9/19 to Saturday, 9/20 — Opening weekend: Terror Manor (805 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Nestled in the heart of the city, this spine-chilling attraction boasts over 40 meticulously designed rooms that promise an extended experience of sheer terror. ($)
Wednesday, Sept. 17
- 11 a.m. — Naturalization Ceremony at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest (1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg). Witness a Naturalization Ceremony welcoming 30 new American citizens in honor of Constitution Day, the day in 1787 the American Constitution was signed into law. Admission to the ceremony is included with general admission to Poplar Forest. ($)
- 4 to 9 p.m. — Opening Day: Back on the Rack Consignment Sale at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Buy early access passes here. ($)
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Mid-week Market at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Grab a beer, shop local vendors and pick up a bite to eat from Food Hut RKE.
- 5:30 to 6:20 p.m. — Try Transit Southeast presented by RIDE Solutions and I Heart SE starting from the bus stop in front of Chris’s Coffee and Custard (1860 9th St. SE, Roanoke). Meet at 5:30 to learn about bus routes and receive BINGO cards, then board the bus at 5:45 for a free ride and a rousing game of BINGO. We will return to our starting point, so drivers may leave their cars parked at the starting point or in the nearby greenway parking lot. RSVP at the link above.
- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Networking: Get2KnowNoke Q3 Social at Valleydale Apartments (628 E 8th St., Salem). Register in advance.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Foster Burton & Henry Lazenby at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke).
- 7 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3733 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke).
- 7 to 9:15 p.m. — Film Screening & Q/A: “A Beast Touch the Mountain: Mountain Valley Pipeline and the Fight for Appalachia” presented by the film’s director, James Mottern, at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). In Appalachia, determined women battle for years against powerful corporations and a biased government to prevent a dangerous gas pipeline from cutting through hazardous mountain terrain, threatening their homes and environment. ($)
- 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. — Opening night: “Million Dollar Quartet” at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Features a glorious score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” and more. ($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Paint Fumes, U.S. Gas, The Downclines at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Tasty Vibrations at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Thursday, Sept. 18
- 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.
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Food Truck Thursdays presented by Roanoke County Parks and Recreation at the Roanoke County Administration Building (5204 Bernard Dr., Roanoke).
- 12:30 p.m. — Lunch & Learn: Branding and Marketing at 601 Inc (601 11th St. NW, Roanoke).
- 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.
- 4:30 to 6 p.m. — Networking: September After Hours presented by the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber at Mac and Bob’s (316 E. Main St., Salem).
- 5 p.m. — Lecture: From Lab to Life: Translating Heart Cell Discoveries into Therapy with Robert Gourdie at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC (2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke). Robert Gourdie’s lecture will take the audience on a journey from how heart cells talk to each other all the way to new treatments that can improve lives. He will talk about how his team’s latest discoveries have changed the way scientists think about how heartbeats are coordinated and how irregular heart rhythms start, and how that understanding has furthered the research and development of treatments for real-world scenarios from healing wounds to fighting cancer.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Father Sun at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 5:30 to 10 p.m. — “History is Served” presented by the Historical Society of Western Virginia at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). The evening features New York Times journalist and author Andrew Lawler, who will speak on his new book "A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis that Spurred the American Revolution." Purchase tickets in advance. ($)
- 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: The Nature of Clay presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga, gardening/farming and kids activities kick off at 6 p.m., followed by a workshop at 6:45 p.m.
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Lecture: Bringing Death Back into Life with Dr. Adithi Sethi-Brown presented by The Palliative Care Sponsorship of Roanoke Valley at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Adithi Sethi-Brown is the founder of the Center for Conscious Living and Dying in Asheville, NC. Register in advance to reserve your seat. ($)
- 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 p.m. — Live music: Kaleo at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: The Machine performs Pink Floyd at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount).
- 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Saul Brooks at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
- 9:30 p.m. — The Norms at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Friday, Sept. 19
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Jojo Stockton & Solacoustix at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek Duo at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
- 6 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke).
- 6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck and Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
- 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Kinnfolk at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 7 to 11 p.m. — Latin Dance Block Party at 202 Social House (202 Market St., Roanoke). We will begin the evening with a Fun group lesson for ALL at 7pm followed by the Dance Party until 11pm with DJ Guia.
- 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Steve Gellman with Dan and Adonna at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 8:00 p.m. — Stand-up: The R.E.A.L. Comedy Festival hosted by L.A. Preston at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Performances by Dusty Cagle, Lucas Gumbrecht, Brenden Crozier, and Seth Kerman. ($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Future Joy NOW Album Release Tour at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Memphis Lightning at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)
Saturday, Sept. 20
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Pet Health Fair at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Angels of Assisi and Banfield Pet Hospital will have veterinarians, Vet Techs and staff offering low-cost well and sick pet exams, vaccinations, microchips, nail trims and other care to all family pets. All are welcome regardless of income or location and parking is free. Exams will be first come first served, with no appointments necessary.
- Noon — Oktoberfest at Olde Salem Brewing Company (21 E. Main St., Salem).
- 1 to 10 p.m. — Stairway to Big Lick Throwback Prom Night Year 11 at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Music from Father Sun (3 to 5:30 p.m.) and Billingsley (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.). We’re turning back the clock and bringing prom night to the beer garden for our 11th Anniversary. Step into the ultimate throwback evening — think retro gowns, sharp suits, big hair, and slow dances under the lights. We’ll have a decorated “dance floor,” photo ops, prom royalty, and of course, plenty of anniversary brews to toast with.
- 3 to 10 p.m. — Rocky Mount Fest in downtown Rocky Mount (149 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). The streets will be packed with talented bands, local restaurants, food trucks, craft vendors, and family fun all in the heart of downtown.
- 4 to 10 p.m. — The Urban Rodeo: Boots on the Ground Festival featuring 803Fresh at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Saddle up for a city experience like no other, where we are bringing southern soul to the streets of Roanoke City — curated for the culture, by the culture. Pull up in your boots, cowboy hats, and cutoffs. We’re throwing a southern soul festival where you can line dance, party, and have the time of your life with rhythm and real rodeo energy. ($)
- 5 p.m. — Twin Valleys Roller Derby: Double Header vs. Appalachian Roller Derby at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: PowerWhip’s Rock n Roll Party at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). If you like bands like Duran Duran, Guns N Roses, The Cars, Motley Crue, Eagles, AC/DC, Journey and Metallica you need to be there and party like it's 1985.
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Solazo at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Jerry Seinfeld at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Glam'r Kiti at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)
Sunday, Sept. 21
- 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Bowl Market at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Featuring hand-made, upcycled, or vintage items. We will have your favorite vendors and some new ones, plus over 1
- 1 p.m. — Live music: Ella Folk at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 2 p.m. — Opera Roanoke: Love and Sacrifice — A Tribute to the Heart of Opera Roanoke at the Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Opera Roanoke kicks off its 50th Anniversary Season with three powerful stories of passion, drama, and timeless music: Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Verdi’s La Traviata, and Massenet’s Thaïs. These moving stories of love and heartbreak capture the very soul of opera—and of Opera Roanoke’s legacy. Come be part of the magic. ($)
- 3 p.m. — Live music: Tyler Parrish at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
- 4 to 6 p.m. — Fall Equinox Gathering presented by Roanoke Church of the Wild at 6697 Mount Chestnut Rd., Roanoke. This gathering will include contemplative practices, silent wandering, and fellowship. We are a diverse, LGBTQ+ affirming community and welcome all faiths and beliefs. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, wear something comfortable and bring a dish or drink to share if you’d like. Please join us.
- 7 to 9 p.m. — Speakeasy Jazz Club: Fox City at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Inspired by the vibrant jazz legacy of Roanoke’s historic Gainsboro neighborhood—once a mecca for jazz in the city—this one-of-a-kind evening in our transformed AKA Speakeasy recaptures the soulful spirit of the era. Immerse yourself in the smooth, captivating melodies of T-FOX & the Fox City Band. This event is expected to sell out quickly. Purchase tickets here.
- 8 p.m. — Live music: The Robert Cray Band at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount).
Monday, Sept. 22
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Noah Spencer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
Tuesday, Sept. 23
- 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Creative Expressions: Healing Arts Workshop at Wellness on Melrose (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Did you know art can improve your well-being? Explore your identity, hopes and experiences. Get creative in a safe space—no judgement here.
- 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).
- 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Allison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount).
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Request Line at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Wednesday, Sept. 24
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Mid-week Market at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Grab a beer, shop local vendors and pick up a bite to eat from Food Hut RKE.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Freak Rangers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
- 6 to 7 p.m. — History After Dark: Big Dogs, Big Cats, Bigfoots, and More: The Cryptids and Legends of Botetourt County featuring Garrett Channell, Executive Director of the Salem Museum 1772 on Main & Rooftop (20 S. Roanoke St). Reserve your table in advance by calling the restaurant at (540) 473-0148. (4)
- 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. — Creative Conversations: A Love Letter to Black Creativity at 601 Inc (601 11th St. NW, Roanoke). Here, you’ll find a space dedicated to celebrating and reflecting on the brilliance of Black creativity. Through open dialogue and shared stories, we’ll explore the joys, challenges, and journeys of Black (BIPOC) creatives—across art, business, culture, and beyond.
- 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Stand-up: Open Mic Comedy Night presented by the Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6) — Live music: Moga Family Band with Corey Hunley at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Roanoke native, and Berklee School of Music graduate, Emme Cannon comes home to the Grandin Theatre with her world-class Nashville musical peers, the Moga Family Band. ($)
- 7 to 11 p.m. — Open Mic at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine.
- 8 p.m. — Live music: AVATAR: The Last Airbender in Concert- the 20th Anniversary Tour at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Looking ahead
- 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. ($)
- Sept. 27, 6:15 p.m. — Live music: Young the Giant with Cassandra Coleman at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). ($)
- 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. ($)
- Oct. 17, 7:05 p.m. — Opening Night: Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs Huntsville at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Tickets go on sale for individual games on September 17. ($)
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.
- Through Oct. 12 — “Million Dollar Quartet” at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Features a glorious score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” and more. ($)
- Through Dec. 12 — “Curator Off Duty” Exhibition at Olin Hall Galleries at Roanoke College (240 High St. Salem). This is an open exhibition for any and all artists living in Virginia. This exhibition invites artists and creators of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to submit a work of art to be shown at Olin Hall Galleries. The only curatorial criteria is that each submission must fit within one cubic foot. Curator Off Duty aims to unite the Virginia visual arts community through diversity and inclusion. Open through Dec. 12.
- Saturdays through Dec. 27 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. ($)
- 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.