Week of May 19 to May 27, 2026

We scanned city, downtown and regional calendars so you don’t have to. Here’s what’s happening in and around Roanoke this week. As always, we recommend checking with the venue for last-minute changes or cancellations.

Tuesday, May 19

• The Arts and Entertainment District Committee Meeting
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Location: Bergland Center
  • What: Make your voice heard on the new entertainment district proposal. Do you think there should be a casino in Roanoke?

Wednesday, May 20

• 2026 Roanoke Ride of Silence
  • Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Location: Market Square, downtown Roanoke
  • What: A solemn, slow group ride honoring cyclists injured or killed on public roads, part of a global Ride of Silence observance.
  • More info: Downtown Roanoke event listing
• Live Music on the Rooftop
  • Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
  • Location: Corned Beef & Company rooftop, downtown Roanoke
  • What: Outdoor rooftop show downtown, with free, all-ages access and pay-as-you-go food and drinks.
  • More info: Downtown Roanoke event listing
• The Heretic Anthems Tour: Thin The Herd VA, Smile On The Sinner
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Location: The Spot on Kirk
  • What: Heavy music bill at one of downtown’s most intimate venues, for folks who prefer their midweek loud.
  • Tickets/info: Eventbrite listing

Thursday, May 21

• Art and Architecture Walking Tour: Both Sides of the Track
  • Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
  • Location: Taubman Museum of Art (tour departs from the museum)
  • What: A guided walking tour exploring downtown Roanoke’s art, rail heritage, and architecture on both sides of the tracks.
  • More info: Downtown Roanoke event listing
• Bon Jovi Tribute: Always Jovi – Dr Pepper Park
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Location: Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges
  • What: Outdoor tribute show featuring Bon Jovi hits along the riverfront, with food and drink vendors on site.
  • Tickets/info: AllEvents listing
• Rocky Dale Davis at Dr Pepper Park
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Location: Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges
  • What: Stand-up comedy under the stars from touring comedian Rocky Dale Davis.
  • Tickets/info: AllEvents listing

Friday, May 22

Crab Magnet Take Home Craft

• May 22, 2026 - May 23, 2026, 12:00 AM at Raleigh Court Library
• ​​​​​​Get ready and pin your summer plans on the fridge with this crab magnet take home kit at the Raleigh Court.
• For more information, please call 540-853-2240.

Bingo @ Main!!

• May 22, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Teen Classroom, Main Library
• Join us at the Main Library every 4th Friday at 11 AM for Bingo!
• Enjoy a fun morning and play for a chance to win awesome gift card prizes.

The Music Circle

• May 22, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM at Children's Mezzanine, Main Library
• The Music Circle Roanoke is a music and movement class for children that combines play, adult interaction, and hands-on learning. Offering an assortment of songs in various keys and meters, the class exposes both children and adults to the rich, diverse language of music. We are delighted to host The Music Circle at your libraries again this holiday season!
• For more information, call (540) 853-5842

Storytime

• May 22, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM at Community Room, Gainsboro Library
• Join Ms. Liv at the Gainsboro Branch Library for a themed storytime and craft!

Belmont Bistro

• May 22, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Belmont Library
• There will be coffee, speciality teas, donuts and more at the monthly Belmont Bistro. All are welcome.
• For more information contact us at (540)853-2640.

Saturday, May 23

• 1v1: Not Your Average Versus – Chris Brown vs. Usher
  • Time: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.
  • Location: 5 Points Music Sanctuary
  • What: A late-night “versus” party pitting two R&B catalogs against each other in a listening and dancing battle at one of the city’s most distinctive venues.
  • More info: Downtown Roanoke event listing

Tuesday, May 26

• The Kings – Delta Dental Party in Elmwood
  • Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Elmwood Park Amphitheater
  • What: After-work outdoor concert in the Party in Elmwood series, with The Kings bringing classic and danceable tunes to the city’s biggest downtown park.
  • More info: Downtown Roanoke event listing

Wednesday, May 27

• Wednesday Night Disco Mountain Bike Race
  • Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Mill Mountain Discovery Center and trail system
  • What: A weeknight mountain bike race up and around Mill Mountain that doubles as a spectacle for spectators and a challenge for riders.
  • More info: City of Roanoke special events calendar
• MyRoanoke Economic Development Event (Business Program)
  • Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
  • Location: Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
  • What: A business-focused session listed on the city’s economic development calendar, geared toward employers, investors and civic leaders.
  • More info: MyROANOKE Economic Development calendar

At a glance: May 20–27