Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 9/24 to 10/1.
Our comprehensive event calendar includes Halloween and fall festival listings this week.

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, 9/26 to Saturday, 9/27 — Big Fat Greek Drive-Thru at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (30 Huntington Blvd., NE, Roanoke. OPA! A new way to celebrate an annual tradition. Your Roanoke Greek Festival, but make it a drive-thru. From pastichio and moussaka to flaky spanakopita and tiropita, savory gyros, and mouthwatering Greek pastries, your favorites are back! And yes, there will be bottles of Greek wine and baklava. Lots of baklava! For a complete menu, visit the event website.
- Friday, 9/26 to Saturday, 9/27 — VA250 Mobile Museum Experience in Fincastle (Academy St.).
- Friday, 9/26 to Sunday, 9/28. — Oktoberfest at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint (210 B Market St SE, Roanoke).
- Saturday, 9/27 to Sunday, 9/28 — Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival at Bernard's Landing Resort & Conference Center (775 Ashmeade Rd, Moneta). ($)
Wednesday, Sept. 24
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Mid-week Market at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Grab a beer, shop local vendors and pick up a bite to eat from Food Hut RKE.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Emily Woodhull at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
- 6 to 7 p.m. — History After Dark: Big Dogs, Big Cats, Bigfoots, and More: The Cryptids and Legends of Botetourt County featuring Garrett Channell, Executive Director of the Salem Museum 1772 on Main & Rooftop (20 S. Roanoke St). Reserve your table in advance by calling the restaurant at (540) 473-0148. (4)
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke).
- 6:30 p.m. — Creative Conversations: A Love Letter to Black Creativity at 601 Inc (601 11th St. NW, Roanoke). Here, you’ll find a space dedicated to celebrating and reflecting on the brilliance of Black creativity. Through open dialogue and shared stories, we’ll explore the joys, challenges, and journeys of Black (BIPOC) creatives—across art, business, culture, and beyond.
- 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Stand-up: Open Mic Comedy Night presented by the Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6) — Live music: Moga Family Band with Corey Hunley at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Roanoke native, and Berklee School of Music graduate, Emme Cannon comes home to the Grandin Theatre with her world-class Nashville musical peers, the Moga Family Band. ($)
- 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). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Thursday, Sept. 25
- 4 p.m. — Gaymer Day at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or Playstation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Mad Iguanas Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Ribbons of Hope Quilting presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga, gardening/farming and kids activities kick off at 6 p.m., followed by a workshop at 6:45 p.m.
- 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Prickly Flippers Pinball Tournament at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Registration starts at 5:30pm, and the tournament will begin at 6:30pm sharp. ($)
- 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. ($)
- 7 to 11 p.m. — Karaoke Night at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine.
- 7:30 p.m. — THE FAB FOUR: Tribute to the Beatles' "HELP!" and the Hits at the Berglund Performing Arts Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
- 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Bywater Call at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Justin Prillaman & Co. / Lyndsay Bella Music Duo at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
- 9:30 p.m. — John Ingrham Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Friday, Sept. 26
- 5 p.m. — JC Social Club at the Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Get ready to hit the dance floor at JC Social Club, Jefferson Center’s brand-new night of music, lights, and retro vibes. DJ Stevie D. will be spinning the best hits from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. ($)
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — McFadden & Friends at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Grandin Chillage in the Grandin Village (enter between Westover and Grandin Ave., Roanoke). Live music from The Ambassador and Chosen Few, food trucks, adult beverages, and family entertainment. ($)
- 6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck and Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
- 6 p.m. — Live music: Journey Tribute — Separate Ways at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Eric Wayne Band at Twin Creeks Brewing Company (111 S. Pollard St., Vinton).
- 7 p.m. — Live music: Taylor Leonhardt House Show in Roanoke (address tba). ($)
- 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. — Live music: Todd Marcus Quintet featuring Virginia MacDonald at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
- 7:30 p.m. — Live music: The Ladadas with The Bridge at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Prisoner, Moros, Gaol, Nerve at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Rumours ATL at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount).
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Jeremy Short at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)
Saturday, Sept. 27
- 9 a.m. — Star City Strongfest at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Events: deadlift, barrel drag, log press, Fingal’s fingers, stone over bar. Capped at 50 athletes. ($)
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Fall Plant Sale presented by Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs (3640 Colonial Ave., Roanoke).
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Historic Fincastle Festival (Downtown Fincastle). Enjoy a petting zoo, local crafters, food trucks, music, a blacksmith demonstration, touch-a-truck, VA250 Mobile Museum, artists, Fincastle Company 18th Century Encampment, Fincastle Library book sale, and more.
- Noon to 10:30 p.m. — Rocktoberfest at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). Music from Mercy Creek starting at 7:30 p.m.
- 1 p.m. — Silent Book Club at RND Coffee (101 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). No assigned reading. No pressure.
- 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Seph Custer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 2 p.m. — Roanoke College Maroons vs. Gallaudet University Bison at Salem Football Stadium (1002 Texas St., Salem) ($).
- 2 p.m. — The Return of the MAC III — Boxing Anti Gun Violence at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). ($)
- 2 to 5 p.m. — Preservation Pub Crawl & History Scavenger Hunt presented by the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation starting at Corned Beef & Co. (107 Jefferson St. S., Roanoke). ($)
- 5 p.m. — Live music: Martin's 20th Anniversary Street Party at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Music by BIG Something, DJ Williams Band, Lazy Man Dub Band, Half Moon, Shorefire. Purchase tickets here. ($)
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Great Bourbon and BBQ Tasting of Virginia 2025 presented by The Greater Williamson Road Business Association at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Guests will enjoy six bourbon tastings paired with incredible flavors, including Texas BBQ, Carolinas/Virginia BBQ, Kentucky BBQ, Kansas BBQ, smoked salmon, and even a vegetarian option. Full bar service will also be available at 1882 Bar. Proceeds benefit the Williamson Road Grant Facade Project. ($)
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — The Kind at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Live music: Ozzy Osbourne Tribute: Diary of an Ozzman at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). ($)
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke).
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke).
- 6:15 p.m. — Live music: Young the Giant with Cassandra Coleman at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). ($)
- 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Meskos Electric Revue at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 7 to 10 p.m. — Mingle at the Market: Solacoustix and Lindsay & Justin Prillaman at the Vinton Farmers Market (204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton).($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Pocket Vinyl, Dover & The Elevators, Lucy The Spy, J. Graves at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Shadows of the ‘60s: The Supreme Girls of Motown at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Whitey Morgan — Acoustic Songs & Stories Tour at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount).
Sunday, Sept. 28
- 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Drag Brunch presented by the Downtown Divas at Evie’s Bistro & Bakery (1212 4th St., SW. Roanoke). ($)
- 1 p.m. — Live music: Dave Corbitt and Jeremy Davall at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 1 to 2 p.m. — Art and Architecture Walking Tour: Both Sides of the Tracks led by Taubman Museum of Art Research Fellow and historian James Moser starting at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Registration required. ($)
- 2 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: Ryan Greer Band Duo at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
Monday, Sept. 29
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Noah Spencer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Discussion: Your Brain on Art: Conversation with Authors Ivy Ross & Susan Magsamen at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). This conversation, which explores the healing nature of art, will be grounded in the authors’ book “Your Brain on Art” and moderated by Dr. Robert L.Trestman, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Carilion Clinic Virginia Tech School of Medicine.
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
Tuesday, Sept. 30
- 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).
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at The Green Goat (802 Wiley Dr. SW, 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).
- 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.
- 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: Béla Fleck, Edmar Castaneda, Antonio Sanchez Trio at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Fall Festivals and Halloween Haunts
- Thursday, 10/2 to Saturday, 10/4 — Salem Ghost Walk presented by the Salem Museum & Historical Society at East Hill Cemetery (730 E. Main St., Salem). Ghosts (and tickets) are beginning to fly at the Salem Museum as tours for this annual event are selling fast. meet notable characters from Salem’s past on walking tours that are family-friendly, fun, and informative, but not scary. The tour covers just over half a mile. Tickets can be purchased here or stop by the Salem Museum to reserve your tour in person. ($)
- Friday, 10/25 through Saturday, 10/26 — Haunted History: A Fincastle Ghost Tour presented by Botetourt Historical Society and Historic Fincastle starting at the Botetourt County Historical Society & Museum (26 East Main St., Fincastle). ($)
- Friday, 10/31 — Halloween Murder Mystery at Stoney Brook Vineyards (516 Stoney Battery Rd, Troutville. Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 5:45. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join us! Purchase advance tickets. ($)
- Weekly, Saturday through Sunday: Jeter Fall Festival (181 Blue Ridge Blvd., Roanoke). Corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin train, barnyard animals, giant slides & jump pad, farm games, and more. Enjoy delicious eats like hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, kettle corn, cider doughnuts, apple cider, and a variety of Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest products in our Country Store. Through Oct. 26. ($)
- Weekly, Friday through Saturday: Terror Manor (805 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Nestled in the heart of the city, this spine-chilling attraction boasts over 40 meticulously designed rooms that promise an extended experience of sheer terror. Through Nov. 1. ($)
- Weekly, Thursday through Sunday: Sinkland Farms 34th Annual Pumpkin Festival (3060 Riner Rd., Christiansburg). 5-acre corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin patch, vendors, kids activities, live music. Saturdays and Sundays always provide plenty of entertainment such as blacksmith demonstrations, watching pig races, A Capella groups from Va Tech, visits with the Scarecrow, PumpkinTron, and the Fairytale Princess. Through Nov. 2. ($)
Looking ahead
- Oct. 4, 7 p.m. — Open Mic Night hosted by the Roanoke Quaker Friends at The Meetinghouse (505 Day Ave SW, Roanoke). A chance to read a poem, sing a song, be a ham! Or just enjoy watching and listening to others. Everyone is welcome.
- Oct. 17, 7:05 p.m. — Opening Night: Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs Huntsville at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Tickets go on sale for individual games on Sept. 17. ($)
Ongoing
- 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. ($)
- Through Dec. 12 — “Curator Off Duty” Exhibition at Olin Hall Galleries at Roanoke College (240 High St. Salem). This is an open exhibition for any and all artists living in Virginia. This exhibition invites artists and creators of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to submit a work of art to be shown at Olin Hall Galleries. Each submission must fit within one cubic foot. Curator Off Duty aims to unite the Virginia visual arts community through diversity and inclusion. Open through Dec. 12.
- Saturdays through Dec. 27 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. ($)
- 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.