Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 10/23 to 10/30.

Lindsey Hull -
A view of the Mill Mountain Star. PHOTO BY AARON SPICER. Want to see YOUR photo in our Happenings events calendar? Send us your best recognizably Roanoke shots to editor@roanokerambler.com.

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.

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

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, 10/25 through Saturday, 10/26 — Historic Fincastle Ghost Tour starting at Botetourt County Historical Society and Museum (26 E. Main St., Fincastle). We'll share spooky stories highlighting local lore as we transport you back to a time when the mountains were wilder and more dangerous. Highlights of the evening include a walk through the cemetery, a peek inside the Early Cabin, and lots of great stories to keep you entertained. Tours are approximately one hour and twenty minutes. Find more information at this link. ($)
  • Saturday, 10/26 through Sunday, 10/27 — Live music: Roanoque Baroque at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church (2101 Jefferson St. SW, Roanoke). Masterpieces performed during October will include those of G.P. Telemann and friends. Name your own price with a recommended donation of $20 or what you can offer. Ample free parking. No tickets required. Visit this link for more information. 
  • Saturday, 10/26 through Sunday, 10/27 — Blue Ridge Sports Car Club at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information at this link. ($)

Wednesday, October 23

  • 5:15 p.m. — Roanoke Plawkers at the LEAP Community Store (1027 Patterson Ave. SW, Roanoke). Plawking is the act of walking and picking up litter. October is the final month of our official plawking season! So if you’ve been thinking that you kinda maybe wanna give this plawking thing a try, let’s go! Bring your friends and help clean up our neighborhoods! Supplies provided. Find more information at this link.
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Keith Goggin Solo Show at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 to 8 p.m. — Ultimate Frisbee Pick-up League presented by PLAY Roanoke at River’s Edge Park (302 Wiley Dr., Roanoke). Informal, fun, ultimate frisbee pick-up league. Continues weekly on Wednesdays through November 6, some dates excluded. Visit this link for details and to sign up for this low-cost series. ($)
  • 6:30 p.m. — Open mic comedy night with The Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. — Live music: Candlelight — A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics presented by Fever Up, performed by the Liteso String Quartet at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Live music: Eric Gales at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion & the Pearl Snap Prophets at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Thursday, October 24

  • Noon to 3 p.m. — Dr. Pepper Day at Market Square (198 Wall St. SE, Roanoke). Free product, free limited edition t-shirts, and other goodies while supplies last! Visit this link for more information. 
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Creamery Station at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. — History is Served with guest speaker Ralph Berrier, Jr. at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke) to benefit the Historical Society of Western Virginia. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 6:30 to 9 p.m. — MAKE Roanoke Kickstarter Launch Party at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Help MAKE Roanoke cross the finish line in bringing a makerspace to Roanoke. Dress is casual; bring your own craft to work on. Visit this link for more information and to RSVP. 
  • 7 p.m. — Gaymer Night at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or Playstation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
  • 7 p.m. — Live music: For King and Country at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 7 to 9 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela at Los Amigos Bar & Grill (3424 Orange Ave. NE, Roanoke). Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to learn, Angela’s got the moves to get everyone out on the floor, so dust off your best western wear, round up your crew, and come on down for a boot-scootin’ good time.
  • 7:30 p.m. — Stage production: Bluey’s Big Play at the Berglund Performing Arts Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Richard Lloyd Group (of Television), Beex, and The Young Sinclairs at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Karaoke Night at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: HEEVAHAVA at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 
  • 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Late Night Karaoke with DJ Marshall (AKA ParMar) at Los Amigos Bar & Grill (3424 Orange Ave. NE, Roanoke). Grab that mic and sing your heart out.

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Friday, October 25

  • 5 to 10 p.m. — Grandin Chillage in the Grandin Village (enter between Westover and Grandin Ave., Roanoke). Live music from Sean K. Preston (5 to 7) and Seedpicker (7:30 to 10), food, adult beverages, and family entertainment. Visit this link for more information. ($)
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kind at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Pumpkinfest presented by Q99 at the Salem Farmers Market  (3 East Main St., Salem). Inflatables, sand art, carnival games, the Surgeons vs. Chefs pumpkin carving contest, kids costume contest. Children under 16 are free. Find more information at this link. ($) 
  • 6:30 p.m. — Dan and DKs Halloween Hootenanny at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). We’re turning the brewery into a haunted haven of live music, outrageous costumes, and bone-chilling fun. Strut your spooky stuff in our costume contest, where we’re dishing out epic prizes for the creepiest, kookiest, and most ridiculous outfits. Think you’ve got what it takes to terrify or tickle the crowd? Prove it!
  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Boos & Brews at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke) with live music from The Dundies and food and drink from Twin Creeks Brewpub. Don your spookiest costume for a night of thrilling tunes and chilling fun.
  • 7 p.m. — Live music: Boo’s Free Halloween presented by Unholy Matrimony with live music by Pumpkin Guts, Late Night Zero, and VAMPWOOV! at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Wear a costume for a $5 discount on admission. This event is much more than a show, it’s also a costume party! The event will be $10 dollars for people dressed up in a costume, and $15 without a costume, so we encourage you to dress up!  Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 7 p.m. to midnight — Boo Bash presented by K92 at Awful Arthur’s Downtown (112 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke, and on Market St. outside the venue). Featuring a costume contest, over $1200 in prize, and music from DJ Flex. Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Mountain Walrus Album Release Party at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Theresa Caputo “The Experience” at the Berglund Performing Arts Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Caputo has been recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over thirty years. Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Classic Broadway presented by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Unforgettable melodies and beautiful lyrics featuring the most popular tunes from Porter, Gershwin, Hamlisch, Lloyd Webber and more are sung by Phantom of the Opera stars Lisa Vroman and Doug LaBrecque. Don’t miss an elegant evening filled with hits from Broadway. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: The Ryan Greer Band at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
  • 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Halloween Spooktacular featuring  Dan and Adonna with Marian McConnell at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay-what-you-can. 
  • 9 p.m. — Live music: Punk in the Market at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke) with live music by The DownClines, Left Eats Left, Strike Cult, and Tylor Reagan. Find more information at this link.
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Wayne Graham at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 
  • Midnight — The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)

Saturday, October 26

  • 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Writer workshop: 7 Scary Things about Publishing Your Book with local publisher and award-winning author Mike Allen at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). The two hour workshop will cover the "monsters" of publishing, such as procrastination, perfection and promotion. Find more information and hold your place at this link. ($)
  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Ferdinand Avenue Street Mural Painting presented by PedalSafe ROA (between Elm Ave. and Riverside Blvd. Roanoke). Volunteers will help paint artistic designs, created by Roanoke artist Maggie Perrin-Key, on the street in areas designated by the city to reduce speeding, improve sidewalk and crossing visibility, and increase cyclist and pedestrian safety. People of all ages are encouraged to participate. We will need at least 50 helpers throughout the day. Learn more here and sign up for a shift at this link.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Monster Motor Mash at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Spend the day exploring our fall themed craft stations, education corner with games and slime lab demo, Kids Corner outdoor games, magic shows, and more. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Blue Ridge Folklife Festival at Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (20 Museum Drive, Ferrum College). Festival participants are the real thing, sharing folk traditions that have been a part of their families and/or communities for years. The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is the largest regional event of its kind in Virginia, and there’s nothing like it in the Commonwealth. We feature performers, artisans, foods, and activities not found at typical craft shows, fairs, and festivals. Find more information at this link.
  • 2 & 7 p.m. — “Dracula” presented by Roanoke Ballet Theatre at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information.
  • 6 to 8 p.m. — Old Lick Cemetery Presentation organized by Ellen Stick at the Melrose Library (2502 Melrose Ave NW Suite D). 
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Becki & the Boom Booms at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 6 to 10 p.m. — Big Lick Forever Halloween Bash at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke) featuring live music with Chad Nickells & the Loose Change. Put on your best Gotham City costume and get ready to showcase your inner hero or villain in our costume contest as we honor Batman's legendary battle against Two-Face and the Riddler. 
  • 6 p.m. to midnight — Live music: Halloween Party at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke) featuring Chance Carter downstairs and The Dundies upstairs; costume contest, food and drinks. Find more information at this link.
  • 7 p.m. — Live music: The Blues is Alright Tour at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 7 to 11 p.m. — Spooky Jam at Caribbica Soul (215 Market St., Roanoke). Live music, good vibes, and killer costumes.  DJ Squeeze will be in the building – come jam out with us all night long.
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: The Dead Reckoning at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: MetalCore Massacre presented by Maiden & Crow Tattoo with live music by Dying Oath, Seasons, Freedom From The Shadows, and To Be A King at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Costume contest. Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 9 p.m. — Live music: Halloween Party at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Featuring DJs, costume contest, and drink specials as part of Rocktoberfest.
  • 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Fork-O-Ween at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke). Silent Disco to follow from midnight to 1 a.m. 21+ only. Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 10 p.m.  — Live music: Halloween Street Party 2024 with live music by Sneezy, Disco Risque, The Snoozberries, and Soul Patch at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information and to purchase tickets, 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, October 27

  • 10 a.m. — Watch party: Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Brunch for a Cause at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke) to support the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.
  • 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. — Spooktacular Halloween-themed Drag Brunch at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 11 a.m. — Yoga with Blacie at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
  • 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Seph Custer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 4 p.m. — Samhain gathering presented by Roanoke Church of the Wild at Happy Hollow Gardens Park (6697 Mount Chestnut Rd, Roanoke). An opportunity to remember ancestors and celebrate endings and growing darkness. This gathering is outside and will include contemplative practices, song, silent wandering, and fellowship. Wear something comfortable, have something to sit on, bring food/drink to share, and a photo or memento of one of your ancestors. For more information and to RSVP, visit this link. 
  • 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Leonard Blush and the Camelcals at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 5 to 7 p.m. — Dirt Church with Trek Roanoke at Carvins Cove – Bennett Springs (4300 Carvins Cove Road Salem). A fun-filled day of mountain biking at the cove; all levels welcome. Two rides will take place — one of around 15 miles and another of around 10. Pace will be for all riders and skill levels. Find more information at this link.
  • 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Rarely Available at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 

Monday, October 28

  • 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 7 p.m. — Star City Secret Cinema presented by Justin Smith at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). What's the film? You won't know until you take your seat and the lights go down. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($) 

Tuesday, October 29

  • 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Foster Burton at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
  • 5:15 p.m. — Roanoke Plawkers at Ninth Street Church of the Brethren (1103 9th St. SE, Roanoke). Plawking is the act of walking and picking up litter. October is the final month of our official plawking season! So if you’ve been thinking that you kinda maybe wanna give this plawking thing a try, let’s go! Bring your friends and help clean up our neighborhoods! Supplies provided. Find more information at this link.
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Christopher Paul Stelling at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Karaoke Night at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q & The Funky Bunch at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Wednesday, October 30

  • 5:15 p.m. — Roanoke Plawkers Halloween Costume Plawk at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Plawking is the act of walking and picking up litter. October is the final month of our official plawking season! So if you’ve been thinking that you kinda maybe wanna give this plawking thing a try, let’s go! Bring your friends and help clean up our neighborhoods! Supplies provided. Find more information at this link.
  • 6 to 8 p.m. — Ultimate Frisbee Pick-up League presented by PLAY Roanoke at River’s Edge Park (302 Wiley Dr., Roanoke). Informal, fun, ultimate frisbee pick-up league. Continues weekly on Wednesdays through November 6, some dates excluded. Visit this link for details and to sign up for this low-cost series. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Apes of the State, Clover-Lynn & the Hellfires, and Endless Mike & the Beagle Club at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Fall Festivals and Halloween Horrors

  • Now through October 27 — Jeter Farm Fall Festival & Country Store (181 Blue Ridge Blvd., Roanoke). Enjoy a corn maze, hay rides, slides, barnyard zoo, games, jump pad, and a country store stocked with all locally made, VA Grown products and crafts. Enjoy ice cream, local apple cider, fresh kettle corn, grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and roasted corn. Saturdays and Sundays through October 27. Visit this link for more information. ($)
  • Now through October 31 — Nightmare on Kirk at Stellina (104 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). If you’re one to deal in fear, step around the [proverbial] corner and enter Stellina’s nightmare. Bone-chilling elixirs flow at five, though the haunts are always watching. Find more information at this link. 
  • Now through November 2 — Layman Family Farms Fall Festival (1815 Mountain View Church Rd., Blue Ridge). Featuring 10 acre corn maze, pumpkin pickin’, gemstone mining, cow train, pumpkin blaster, farm animals, and family activities. Concessions sold on site at the Fry Shack. Find more information at this link. ($)
  • Now through November 2 — Hexed Haunted Attraction (2059 Burkette Rd., Elliston). Experience 6 different bone-chilling attractions at one ticket price: Scarecrow's Harvest, The Witch House, Manner's Meats, 1984: All Hallow's Eve, Hexed Penitentiary, and the Freakshow. Within these attractions, you will find immersive environments, special FX, film-level animatronics, and screams of the terrified. Find more information and buy your tickets at this link. ($)
  • Now through November 2 — Terror Manor (805 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). The events at Terror Manor may be too intense for young children, we require all children under the age of 16 to have a parent onsite. Open weekends through November 2. Visit this link for more spooky details. ($)
  • Now through November 3 — Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival (3060 Riner Rd., Christiansburg). Enjoy live music with beer & wine on the terrace, and food trucks on-site. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, 5-acre corn maze, farm animals, horseback trail rides, pony rides, kid’s zone and family games. Fridays (limited activities), Saturdays, and Sundays through November 3. Visit this link for more information. ($)

Ongoing

  • Through October 27 — “The Miracle Worker” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). The Tony Award winning play "The Miracle Worker" by William Gibson tells the story of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan as Annie frees Helen from her dark silence. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • Through November 3 — “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again)” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre at various times/locations. This fast-paced, witty, and physically engaging production features all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays condensed into a 65-minute performance by just four actors. Visit this link to find more information. Recommended for PG-13+
  • Through December 8 — Johnny Floyd “Child Be Free” exhibit at Roanoke College’s Olin Hall Galleries, Upper Smoyer Gallery (240 High St., Salem). The exhibit explores our relationship with time and how we define ourselves within its bounds delving into questions of purpose and identity, often through the lens of recursion theory, where repetition leads to revelation. Includes experimentation with paper, sewing, and digital manipulation, to intertwine archival imagery with themes of ancestry and connection, drawing inspiration from The Center for Studying Structures of Race’s project on naming unnamed enslaved individuals who contributed to Roanoke College's history. Find more information at this link.
  • Through December 8 — Sandy Williams IV “Freedom is Not a Metaphor” at Roanoke College’s Olin Hall Galleries, Olin Gallery (240 High St., Salem). The exhibition invites viewers to reconsider the construction and contestation of memory, intertwining family portraits with discussions on public space, while challenging conventional narratives and encouraging dialogue on agency and historical injustices. Williams prompts us to confront our shared consciousness and envision a more inclusive and just society built upon a deeper understanding of our history and identity. Find more information at this link.
  • Through December 13 — Altered Art – Making Art Your Own at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (2 Riverside Cir., Roanoke). Local artists have joined with Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine students, faculty, and staff to present their visions of creativity with discarded art by altering existing pieces to tell new stories.The exhibition is up until Friday, Dec. 13. To arrange for a visit, contact Courtney Powell (cbrakes@vt.edu).
  • Saturdays through December 28 — 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. Find more information and reserve your spot at this link. ($)