Happenings: A Special Travel Issue Events Calendar Beyond Roanoke. Week of 6/19 to 6/26.

Floyd County, as seen from off the Blue Ridge Parkway in June of 2021. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU. Have a "recognizably Roanoke" photo for a regular Happenings events calendar? Email us at editor@roanokerambler.com for a chance to be featured in this space.

This week, happenings is rambling. We scoured the calendars of a dozen different communities in the region. What to know what’s happening in those other towns and cities? Thinking about hitting the road this weekend? We got you!

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Want to know about regular weekly events, including bar trivia, bingo and yoga? Check out our new recurring Happenings calendar!

We encourage you to contact the venue directly to learn of any last minute changes or cancellations.

Have a local 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

Thursday, 6/27 to Saturday, 6/29 — “1776 The Musical” at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest (1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg). he Tony Award-winning comedy by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. Bring a picnic dinner, a blanket or chairs. 7:30 p.m. each night. Find more information at this link. ($)
Thursday, 6/27 to Saturday, 6/29 — Buchanan Community Carnival at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St., Buchanan) featuring live music. See this link for the list of attractions and performance dates and times.
Saturday, 6/29 to Sunday, 6/30 — Lavender Festival at Beliveau Farm (3899 Eakin Farm Rd., Blacksburg). Enjoy the sight and scent of the lavender as you sip on wine and gluten free beer. Find more information at this link. ($)
Saturday, 6/29 to Sunday, 6/30 — DiscVenture Disc Golf Tournament at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing (11176 Peaceful Valley Rd., New Castle). Camping is included in the cost of the tournament. Find more information and register at this link. ($)

Wednesday, June 26

7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Ashlee Watkins and Andrew Small playing at the Market Square Jam at Market Square Park (100 Draper Rd. SW, Blacksburg). A Crooked Road event.
7 to 9 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night at The Milk Parlor (211-B Draper Rd., Blacksburg). Find more information at this link.
9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. — Salsa Night with Free Salsa Lesson presented by SalsaTech at The Milk Parlor (211-B Draper Rd., Blacksburg). Find more information at this link.

Thursday, June 27

2 to 3 p.m. — Shakespeare Workshop presented by the Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech as part of the Summer Arts Festival at the Lyric Theatre (135 College Ave., Blacksburg). Find more information at this link.
6 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Henry’s Hardt’s Mudcats at Buffalo Mountain Brewery (332 Webb’s Mill Rd., Floyd). The Mudcats specialize in illuminating the influence that old style street music including blues and jug band sounds had on modern Rock and Roll. They play songs made popular by such artists as Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Nirvana and Eric Clapton, but they play in the style of the original recordings from the 1920s and 30s. Find more information at this link.
6 to 8 p.m. — Open Mic Night at Radford Coffee Company (333 W. Main Street, Radford). Bring your instrument and your talents and share a song or two with us. Find more information at this link.
7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Redd Volkaert and others as part of Honky Tonk Thursdays at the Floyd Country Store (206 South Locust St., Floyd). Honky tonk, Western swing, and good old classic country. This is a donation-based event.
7 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Rebecca Porter at The Clubhouse (21174 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg).
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Lantern Tour of Natural Bridge at Natural Bridge State Park (6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge). Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge. Follow a guide along the trail to the Bridge and uncover stories from its past, all by lantern light. Pre-registration is required; call 540.254.0795. ($)

Friday, June 28

5 p.m. to dark — Franklin County Independence Day Festival presented by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club at Franklin County High School Football Field (700 Tanyard Rd., Rocky Mount).
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Music Road Co. presented by the Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech as part of the Summer Arts Festival on the Henderson Lawn (100-138 College Ave., Blacksburg).
6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: First to Mars at Rising Silo Farm Brewery (2351 Glade Rd., Blacksburg).
6 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Michael Wayne Dill at Devil’s Backbone Brewing Outpost (50 N. Wind Lane, Lexington).
8 p.m. to 12 a.m. — Live music: Will Overman at The Clubhouse (21174 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg).
9 p.m. (Doors open at 8) — Live music: The Settlement at The Milk Parlor (211-B Draper Rd., Blacksburg). This is an 18+ event. Find more information at this link.

Saturday, June 29

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Nature Expo 2024 at Booker T. Washington National Monument (12130 Booker T. Washington Highway, Hardy). Find more information at this link.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Helicopter Air Tours over Smith Mountain Lake starting from the Burnt Chimney Airport (4801 Booker T. Washington Highway, Burnt Chimney). Tours range in time from ten minutes to one hour, depending on booking choice. Email BlueRidgehelicopters01@gmail.com or call 276-806-0695 for more details.
Noon to 3 p.m. — Live music: Americana Afternoons at the Floyd Country Store (206 South Locust St., Floyd). The music is varied, but has the common thread of Americana: traditional acoustic music. Some of it is indigenous, including bluegrass, or the music of contemporary singer-songwriters: you might hear the blues, or some of the Celtic or African sounds that underpin our American folk traditions. While there, have lunch at the store.
2 to 3 p.m. — “Some Like it Hot” presented by the Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech as part of the Summer Arts Festival at the Lyric Theatre (135 College Ave., Blacksburg). Find more information at this link. After two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in in this film starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.
7 & 10 p.m. — The Bob Lauver Comedy Hypnosis Show presented by The Clubhouse Sports Bar & Grill (708 Crowell Ln., Lynchburg). Prepare to be amazed as Bob expertly hypnotizes volunteers from the audience. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
9 p.m. (Doors open at 8) — Live music: Pathway, Object Grey, Late Night Zero, Jimothy at The Milk Parlor (211-B Draper Rd., Blacksburg). Find more information at this link. ($)
9 to 11 p.m. — Studs of Steel Live at Tempest Bar & Lounge @ The Clocktower (27 West Beverly Street, Staunton). This show is filled with high energy, theatrical performances and crowd participation. Inspired by the movies “Magic Mike” and “Fifty Shades of Grey”
9 to 11 p.m. — Paranormal Night in the Cemetery presented by Hill City Paranormal in a Lynchburg cemetery (you’ll receive the location after you book the tour). Grab your flashlight and go along to delve into the mysteries of this eerie location. Who knows what you might uncover as you wander through the old tombstones and original buildings. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Dark Tales and Haunts of the Queen City presented by Ghosts of Staunton Walking Tours starting next to the former Stonewall Jackson Hotel (32 S. New Street, Staunton). A combination of history, legend, lore, mystery, murder and haunts. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)

Sunday, June 30

Noon to 6 p.m. — Live music: Sunday Music Jam at the Floyd Country Store (206 South Locust St., Floyd). The store comes alive with community music during our old time and bluegrass music jams. Bring your instrument and join in the music or grab some food and be our audience! The jam is open and free for everyone.
2 to 4 p.m. — Ride for Pride presented by Trek Bicycle Blacksburg (1400 South Main Street Ste 3, Blacksburg). Everyone is welcome on this casual cruise. Helmets are required, and lights and hydration are recommended. Find more information and RSVP at this link.
2 to 4 p.m. — Twerks of Art Benefit Drag Show Paint and Sip at Dish (1120 Main St., Lynchburg). Features an acrylic painting of a stunning drag queen with rainbow wings, highlighted by dazzling glitter. This fabulous evening isn’t just about art; it’s also a Drag Show featuring the Downtown Divas, and proceeds will be split between Central Virginia Regional Rescue and The Lavender Lodge. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
4 to 6 p.m. — Live music: Bill “Chicken Wing” Smith & Friends at Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke). Perfect for relaxing with the whole family (furry friends too!) after a day of hiking Mountain Lake's 22 miles of trails. Find more information at this link.

Monday, July 1

6 to 8 p.m. — Line Dancing at The Milk Parlor (211-B Draper Rd., Blacksburg). Find more information at this link. ($)
7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Monday Night Jam at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (20 Museum Dr., Ferrum). An evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music on The Crooked Road.

Tuesday, July 2

5 p.m. — Live music: Raistlin Brabson & Friends at the Floyd Country Store (206 South Locust St., Floyd). Admission is free with tips appreciated ($10 suggested donation).
5 to 9 p.m. — World UFO Day at Blue Ridge AXEcade (130 Jackson St. NW, Blacksburg). Find more information at this link.
5:30 to 10 p.m. — Independence Day Celebration at Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke). Pack your lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Pets not recommended. No coolers. Food and beverages available for purchase. Fireworks at 9:30.
6 p.m. (Gates open at 5) — Live music: Michael Franti & Spearhead at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall).

Wednesday, July 3

5 p.m. — Freedom Food Festival in downtown Lexington. This fundraiser pairs local celebrity chefs and restaurants with area non-profits in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Find more information at this link.
7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Brown Bag Willie and the Tall Boys playing at the Market Square Jam at Market Square Park (100 Draper Rd. SW, Blacksburg). A Crooked Road event.

Ongoing

Through July 5, closed Sunday — Buchanan Community Carnival at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St., Buchanan) featuring live music. See this link for the list of attractions and performance dates and times.