Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/24 to 5/1.

We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to.

SlowK participants practice goat yoga on Sunday, April 21 at the Dog Bowl outdoor music venue behind Black Dog Salvage. PHOTO BY LINDSEY HULL. 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. Want to know when the next City Council meeting takes place? Curious about what there’s to do this weekend? 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, 4/26 to Saturday, 4/27 — 69th Annual Vinton Dogwood Festival in downtown Vinton. Features vendors, street entertainment, kids activities, live music on three stages, a parade, and the crowning of the Vinton Dogwood Festival Queen. Find more information, including a complete schedule, at this link
  • Friday, 4/26 to Sunday, 4/28 — Roanoke Pride Weekend 32 presented by Roanoke Pride at The Park and Elmwood Park. Featuring live performances and parties all weekend long. Find more information at this link and in the section below.
  • Saturday, 4/27 to Sunday, 4/28 — Open Studios Tour Roanoke at various locations throughout Roanoke. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. This year's event will celebrate local creativity and engage art enthusiasts, featuring 40 local artists with stops in six unique Roanoke neighborhoods. Engage in conversations with artists and purchase original artworks directly from the creators on this free, self-guided tour. Visit this link for more information about the artists and studios, including a map of locations. 

Wednesday, April 24

  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6:30 p.m. — Queer Tango Lessons & Practice presented by Queer Dance Roanoke and Dance with Lane at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Join in this spring to learn Argentine Tango, a gender-norm defying dance where anyone can lead or follow. You do not need to have a dance partner to participate, we will all be dancing and learning together. Find more information, including a schedule of lessons and practices at this link. ($)
  • 7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Tim Rowlett & Annalyse Marie at Montano’s International Gourmet (3733 Franklin Rd., Roanoke). 
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link

Thursday, April 25

  • 4 to 7 p.m. — Meet the Artist reception: Paulina Swietliczko at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr. SW, Roanoke). As a painter, Swietliczko is interested in capturing her own experience of living a simple life and finding magic in the mundane. Her work will be on display at Blue Ridge PBS through May 17. The exhibit will be open on weekdays during that time. 
  • 5 to 9 p.m. — Best in Show to benefit the Roanoke Valley SPCA at the City Market Building’s Charter Hall (32 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). This year, the show will last one night only, with a VIP preview from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The show and sale will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last until 9:00 p.m. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Band Paul at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. — Vine to Wine at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). In house wine specialist, Melissa Branner, will talk about the production of six award-winning wines. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community night: Upcycling in the Garden presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga and kids activities begin at 6 p.m., with the workshop to follow at 6:45. Community nights are free and open to all ages. Visit this link for more information and to RSVP.
  • 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6) — Author event: “Science + Literature: Nature’s Peril and Poetry” at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Arthur Sze, author of 11 books of poetry will have a conversation on poetry and the environment with UVA professor and poet Brian Teare. Find more information and register at this link
  • 7 p.m. — Roanoke City Council Public Hearing: Recommended Budget and Tax Breaks in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building  (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: LaMP (Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski) at the Spot on Kirk (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Cactus Lee, Lamplight, and Jacob Ritter at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 8 to 10 p.m. — Live music: The Steel Woods at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase your tickets. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Timewave Zero at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link

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Friday, April 26

  • 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Optimize Your Makerspace: An Educator Workshop presented by Virginia Tech at the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center (108 Jefferson St., Roanoke). This professional learning opportunity is for public, private, informal, and homeschool educators, parents, librarians and anyone interested in incorporating engaging STEM/STEAM activities into their teaching. Find more information and register at this link. ($)
  • 5 p.m. — Live music: Domino at the Salem Farmers Market (3 East Main St., Salem). Children under 5 are free. Find more information at this link. ($) 
  • 5:30 p.m. — Grandin Chillage in the Grandin Village (enter between Westover and Grandin Ave., Roanoke). Live music from Mountain Walrus, food from Mountain Grille Food Truck, Two Roosters, and Pop’s Ice Cream & Soda Bar, adult beverages, and family entertainment. Visit this link for more information. ($)
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: The Frequency Band at the Vinton Farmers Market (204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Creedence Clearwater Recital as part of Down by Downtown at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 7 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Keith Goggin Band at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 8 to 10 p.m. — Live music: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase your tickets. ($)
  • 8 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Dave Carrell at Pollard 107 South (107 S. Pollard St., Vinton). 
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Josh Clark’s Visible Spectrum at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, April 27

  • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Go Green for Grandin at the Raleigh Court Library (2112 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Features sessions and presentations on the following: Qigong. Climate and Inflation, heritage bees, calendula, and composting, as well as a rock climbing wall, a granola bar, and other sustainable crafting stations. Find more information at this link.
  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — 9th Annual Moonshine Heritage Bash & Car Show at the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum (20 Museum Dr., Ferrum). Over 100 vehicles that were used, or would have been used for hauling liquor, will be on display. Find more information at this link.
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Historic Garden Week tour presented by the Mill Mountain Garden Club, Roanoke Valley Garden Club, and The Garden Club of Virginia, starting at Virginia Western’s Community Garden (3084 Colonial Ave. SW, Roanoke, parking lot #9). Visitors will be shuttled from Virginia Western to the Lakewood neighborhood to tour four private homes and gardens, a neighborhood that has not been featured on a garden week tour for 40 years. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Indie Bookstore Day at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Roanoke Valley Holistic Expo at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information including a link of vendors at this link.
  • Noon to 4 p.m. — Chili Cook-off at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
  • Noon to 6 p.m. —- The Peaks Wine, Beer, & Art Festival presented by the Central Virginia Business Coalition at The Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center (1336 Simmons Mill Rd., Thaxton). Featuring live music from Hunter Overstreet Music, Farm Use String Band, and Surrender Dorothy, vendors, and food trucks. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Ash Devine and Aaron Gellar at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 2 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Rock Haven music benefit for Brain Injury Solutions presented by the Rotary Club of the Blue Ridge at Loch Haven Lake (2745 Loch Haven Lake Dr., Roanoke). Featuring live music from Solacoustix, Eric Wayne Band, and Erin & the Wildfire. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 3 p.m. — BIT ONE: Blacks in Technology One Year Anniversary Party at the City Market Building’s Charter Hall (32 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). Features live performances from local vocalist Reach-One and spoken word artists Brittany-Marie Aarons and Matt Moseley. Find more information here and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Who Shot John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30) — Live music: Shine a Light — Empowering Survivors, Igniting Change, An Evening of Music to Support SARA, Inc at the Spot on Kirk (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Dr. Phil’s Kimo Therapy at Brady’s Distillery (711 Pocahontas Ave. NE, Roanoke). 
  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Live music: Remember the 90s featuring Dancing Queen with DJ Blendz at Tajzmah’s Lounge (434 Church Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Phat Anchovies as part of Down by Downtown at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 7 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Keith Goggin Band at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 8 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Ruthie Foster with The Wandering Hearts at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase your tickets. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: South Hill Banks at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
  • 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Vinyl & Vibes with the Star City Soul Club at Sidecar (411 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.

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Sunday, April 28

  • Noon to 7 p.m. — Pride in the Park 32 at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Featuring live music by Brody Ray, Shonie, Christian Q. & The Groove, Jamal Sutton, and Low, Low, Chariot and DJ Bobby Hash and numerous featured entertainers. Find more information at this link
  • 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Noah Spencer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 2 p.m. — A Walk Down Henry Street: Celebrating the Art and Life of David Ramey presented by Park Roanoke and its partners starting at the Gainsboro parking garage (60 Center Ave. NW, Roanoke). This free event will celebrate the life and art of the late David Ramey, featuring a mural wall dedication, art activities, music, and refreshments. Rain Location: Hotel Roanoke Conference Center. Free Parking: Higher Education Center parking lot & Gainsboro Garage top level. Find more information at this link.
  • 2 p.m. — Dogwood Stroll Walking Parade around the Vinton Library (300 S. Pollard St., Vinton). 
  • 4 p.m. — Live music: Area 51 Band at the Creek Bank Stage at Twin Creeks Brewing Company (111 S. Pollard St., Vinton). 
  • 4 p.m. — Beltane Gathering hosted by Roanoke Church of the Wild at Happy Hollow Garden Park (6697 Mt. Chestnut Garden Rd., Roanoke). Honor the dance of life, and celebrate a sacred time of fertility, love and sensuality. This gathering is outside and will include contemplative practices, silent wandering, and fellowship. All are welcome! Wear what you need to be comfortable, have something to sit on, and bring a food or drink to share (optional) that is associated with oats!  For more information and to RSVP, visit this link.
  • 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). 
  • 5 to 8 p.m.  Live music: Noah Spencer & the Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 

Monday, April 29

  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). During this time, $1 from every pint purchased will go to Brandon Davis, a musician who was recently struck by a car while riding his bike home after playing at the regular Monday Night Irish Music Session. 

Tuesday, April 30

  • 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Destination Botetourt Small Business Tourism Summit at Botetourt County Administration (57 S. Center Dr., Daleville). This dynamic, in-person summit is designed to empower small businesses and cultivate strategic partnerships within local tourism. Visit this link for more information and to register.
  • 5 to 8 p.m.  Live music: Alex Arbaugh at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Comedy Showcase at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7): The R.E.A.L. Funny Open Mic Comedy Show at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Open mic at 7:30; stand-up begins at 8 p.m. Donations and tips appreciated. Visit this link for more information.
  • 8 to 10 p.m. — Open Mic Night at the Jefferson Center’s Music Lab (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). These nights are all about celebrating local talent and creating a supportive community of music lovers. Take your instruments and prepare to share your talents. For more information, contact Brian Waites at bwaites@jeffcenter.org
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link

Wednesday, May 1

  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6:30 p.m. — Queer Tango Lessons & Practice presented by Queer Dance Roanoke and Dance with Lane at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Join in this spring to learn Argentine Tango, a gender-norm defying dance where anyone can lead or follow. You do not need to have a dance partner to participate, we will all be dancing and learning together. Find more information, including a schedule of lessons and practices at this link. ($)
  • 7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Trubblegum, Times Tables, Convalescent, and Nervous Surface at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link

Ongoing

  • Through May 17 — Paulina Swietliczko exhibit at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr. SW, Roanoke). As a painter, Swietliczko is interested in capturing her own experience of living a simple life and finding magic in the mundane. The exhibit is open on weekdays. 
  • Through August 25 — Rimer Cardillo exhibit at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Through graphic work, sculptural objects, and large-scale installations, Cardillo presents viewers with his searching inquiry into relations across national borders and his rigorous investigation of continuities between historical epochs. Find more information at this link

Roanoke Pride Weekend 32

Tickets can be purchased for the entire weekend at this link. ($)

Friday, 4/26

  • 9:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Pride Kickoff Show and Dance Party at The Park (615 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)

Saturday, 4/27

  • 9:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Pride Dance Block Party at The Park (615 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)

Sunday, 4/28 

  • Noon to 7 p.m. — Pride in the Park 32 at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Featuring live music by Brody Ray, Shonie, Christian Q. & The Groove, Jamal Sutton, and Low, Low, Chariot and DJ Bobby Hash and numerous featured entertainers. Find more information at this link
  • 7 p.m. — Pride Show & Afterparty at The Park (615 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)

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