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, 8/5 to Saturday, 8/6 — 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. $25 each.
• Friday, 8/5 to Sunday, 8/7 — “Sylvia” presented by The Bear Theatre (aka Exit, Pursued by Bear) at Community High (302 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). A.R. Gurney’s play in which a stray dog comes between a middle-aged couple at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives. Ages 13+. Weekends through Sept. 14. ($)
• Friday, 8/5 to Sunday, 8/7 — Opening weekend: Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival (13561 Lee Highway, Buchanan). Children 5 and under free. Service dogs only; animals left in vehicles will trigger a call to animal control. Heavy rains cancel; no refunds. Open through September 14. Check website for hours and special events. ($)
• Saturday, 8/6 to Sunday_, 8/7 — Roanoke Valley Brick Convention –– The Ultimate LEGO Event at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)

Wednesday, Sept. 3

• 5:30 p.m. — Sunset Spin Cyclocross presented by PLAY Roanoke and Roanoke Outside at Fallon Park Cyclocross Course (2116 Dale Ave. SE, Roanoke). We'll be splitting into teams and racing laps on the cross course. Each lap you complete adds to your team's overall score. The teams will be mixed up to be competitive in a friendly way. You will be contributing to your team no matter your tenure: just starting, want to give cross or short track mountain bike racing a try, weekend warrior or seasoned professional - we want you. We welcome all types of racers, including those not looking to race in a traditional way.  Extra brownie points if you dress up or decorate your bike or up your spectating game! Register in advance. ($)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Sideshow Runaways at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Three Notch’d (24 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Jazz Nights hosted by Brian Mesko at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 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.  — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, Sept. 4

• 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 Walrond Park (6824 Walrond Dr., Roanoke). Explore new parks while indulging your taste buds with a wide range of food trucks offering a variety of cuisines
• 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. — Party in Elmwood: Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Music Road Co. Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Composting 101 presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga, gardening/farming and kids activities kick off at 6 p.m., followed by a workshop at 6:45 p.m. 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem BeerMongers vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 p.m.  –– Live music: Southern Culture on the Skids at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 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.
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Charissa Joy at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Latin Night with Kike Rodriguez & Miguel Benitez at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, Sept. 5

• 4 to 7 p.m. — Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival: Sneak Peek Opening Night (13561 Lee Highway, Buchanan). This night is all about the vendors and a time for visitors to shop, shop, shop. Children 5 and under free. Service dogs only; animals left in vehicles will trigger a call to animal control. Heavy rains cancel; no refunds. ($)
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Artemis Journal Book Launch featuring artist Jeremy Crewdon at the Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). The journal’s theme is “homeward bound” and honors the legacy of beloved poet Nikki Giovanni, who lived in Blacksburg but had a profound impact across the nation and beyond through her work. ($)
• 5 to 9 p.m. — First Fridays: Bananas at Large in Downtown Roanoke (111 Franklin Road between S. Jefferson St. and Williamson Rd.). This fun group of local musicians plays the best of 70s and 80s funk and rock and roll.. This is a 21+ event. $10 entry. Cash only. No pets. ($) 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Harwell Grice Band at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano at the Center for the Arts Virginia Tech — P Buckley Moss Lawn (190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg). A multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer, Valera is best known as one of the world's greatest players of the Cuban cuatro, a mid-size guitar with eight strings grouped in sets of two. With infectious rhythms, melodic tres guitar, and vibrant vocals, this music is made for dancing — and for bringing people together. Grab your friends and your dancing shoes, and come celebrate music, movement, and community. Free event. Check the website for inclement weather information.
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Deer Run Drifters at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Friday Food Truck and Tunes at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke).
• 6:11 p.m. — Taps and Tracks Film Showing & Fundraising Event: “611 in Steam” presented by the Virginia Museum of Transportation at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Following the film, enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, trivia and more all while supporting the continued preservation and operation of the 611. Every ticket and donation helps keep the steam dream alive. ($)
• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Lucid Evolution at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem BeerMongers vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers: Fireworks Friday at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Alma Ross with Randolph Thomas at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Improvement Movement with William Wild at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Feel Free at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Saturday, Sept. 6

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Art and Architecture Walking Tour: Heart of Downtown 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. ($)
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Roanoke Taco Fest at Elmwood Park Amphitheatre (505 Williamson Rd. SE, Roanoke). Enjoy tacos, live music, vendors, and a kids zone. ($)
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Gary John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 2 p.m. — College Football: Roanoke College Maroons vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons at Salem Football Stadium (1002 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 2 p.m. (start time) — Buchanan Tri: Run, Ride, River Race starting at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St. Buchanan). 2-mile road run + 13-mile road bike + 5-mile kayak = 20 miles of adventure. Watch for runners and cyclists on the Botetourt roadways during this time. Spectators free. Athletes register at this link. ($)
• 2 to 3:30 p.m. — Brief Encounters: Film Screening + Discussion with Artist Gregory Crewdson at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Crewson has meticulously composed large-scale images — stunning narratives of small-town American life, moviescapes crystallized into a single frame. With the eye of a filmmaker, he has created some of the most gorgeously haunting pictures in the history of the medium. Join us as we screen this special film, then host a Q+A with Crewdson afterwards. Registration suggested to reserve your seat. 
• 2 to 4 p.m. — A Poetic Sip + Sow Experience at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Step into sacred soil, soulful sipping, and spoken word. This isn’t just an event—it’s a ritual of restoration. Come ready to plant. Connect. Create. Experience a guided planting session, a curated poetry prompt, a drink ticket, and more. Register in advance. ($)
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Daleville Summer Concert Series: The Kings at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Bring a chair or blanket. No weapons. No outside food/beverage. No pets. ($) 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Rachael Hester & the Tennessee Walkers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5) — Live music: Phat Laces — A Hip-Hop Tribute presented by 5PTS Outdoors at Black Dog Salvage’s Dog Bowl (902 13th St. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: First Saturdays at Caribbica Soul (215 Market St., Roanoke). DJ Squeeze, karaoke, great vibes.
• 6:35 p.m. — Salem RedSox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 7 to 9 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
• 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Love is the Message dance party with DJs Private Figure (Alik Alol Lipop), Tomas C (b2b) Boomerang, and Melody Mundaca at Blindhouse Beer Company (534 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Expect a funky mix of Left field cosmic disco, Afro-spiritual jazz, sunny Brazilian grooves, Chicago house, Detroit machine funk, UK street soul, P lost B-sides,… dancing in outer-space… together under the disco ball. No guardrails and no limits. ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Mojo Thunder at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)

Sunday, Sept. 7

• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Crash the Cove Paddle Race at Carvins Cove (9644 Reservoir Rd.). The first ever paddle race at Carvins Cove — a 2 mile sprint and a 5 mile distance race. Register in advance. ($)
• 11 a.m. to Noon — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 1 p.m. — Live music: Gary Winn & Bryan Mesko at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 1:05 p.m. — Salem RedSox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Murder Mystery: Sunscreen & Suspects presented by Jump into Mystery at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive between 12:30 and 12:45. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Open Mic: Star City Poets Society –– Wake Me Up at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Live music: Star City Ceili Band in the historic tavern cellar at Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke). 
• 4:30 to 7 p.m. — Live music: Chuck Johnson Experience at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 5 p.m. — Soulful Sunday: A Gospel Dinner Buffet Celebration starring TFox & Lady Jean at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Enjoy this celebration of faith, community, and soulful music alongside a delicious prime rib buffet in a night destined to inspire and uplift. ($)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Mason Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 p.m. (Doors open at 4) — Live music: Crawford & Power — Bradley Free Clinic Benefit Concert presented by 5PTS Outdoors at Black Dog Salvage’s Dog Bowl (902 13th St. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Full Moon Night Paddle at Carvins Cove (9644 Reservoir Rd.). All equipment is provided, ensuring a safe and memorable adventure. Join us for this extraordinary journey under the full moon. 18+, 10+ with an adult. ($)

Monday, Sept. 8

• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Noah Spencer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 5:45 to 8 p.m. — PedalSafe ROA monthly meeting in the STEAM Lab at the Melrose Branch Library (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Note: Meet at 5:45 in Market Sq. (1 Market Sq., Roanoke) for a 6 p.m. ride to the library. The meeting will begin at the library at 6:30 p.m.). This month's meeting will feature a discussion about safe cycling infrastructure along the Downtown-Melrose corridor and areas for improvement, GO Fest planning (our bike valet!), and a presentation from the City.
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, Sept. 9

• 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). 
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Request Line with Jared Stout at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, Sept. 10

• 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 presented by the Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).  Roanoke’s OG comedy open mic will provide local aspiring comics the chance to hone their craft and find a community of like-minded artists. Everyone is welcome to perform or spectate. Sign-ups start at 6:30, and the mic runs from 7 to 9 p.m.
• 7 and 9 p.m. — Jazz Club Show: Michael Mayo at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Open Mic at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine. 
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — K92 Laugh Lounge with performances by Jeremy Alder and Mark Brady at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Swamp Flower at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Looking ahead

• Sept. 21, 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. ($)
• Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.  — Live music: Allison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
• 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. ($)
• Sept. 27, 6:15 p.m. — Live music: Young the Giant with Cassandra Coleman at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). ($)
• 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. ($)

Ongoing

• Through Sept. 14 — “Sylvia” presented by The Bear Theatre (aka Exit, Pursued by Bear) at Community High (302 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). A.R. Gurney’s play in which A stray dog comes between a middle-aged couple at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives. Ages 13+ ($)
• Through Sept. 14 — Opening weekend: Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival (13561 Lee Highway, Buchanan). Children 5 and under free. Service dogs only; animals left in vehicles will trigger a call to animal control. Heavy rains cancel; no refunds. Check website for hours and special events. ($)
• 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.