Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/25 to 1/1.

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 is 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!

Wednesday, December 25

• 6 to 10 p.m. — Christmas Night Roller Jam at Firehouse Skate & Play (1620 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). Find more information at this link.
• 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Doors open at 8) — Live music: Annual Christmas Sneak Out with Shep & Friends at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke). 

Thursday, December 26

• 4 to 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.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jordan Harman & The Humble Brags at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Don’t Fall to Pieces — Puzzle Off at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Grab four of your cleverest friends and join us for a night of friendly competition to see who can piece together the puzzle the fastest.
• 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.
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Liv Sloan & The Diehards 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.

Friday, December 27

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Abby Bryant at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Grandin Holiday Lights Extravaganza starting at Heights Community Church (2014 Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke). Take in the sights and sounds of beautiful Grandin village small businesses and residences. Register the whole family for this fun walk (run-optional) and support our friends at the West End Center for Youth! Hot cocoa and goodie bags for all registered participants after your walk. Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Jared Stout Trio at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Huntsville Havoc at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 9 p.m. — Live music: Highway Miles at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Phat Anchovies at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). ($)

Saturday, December 28

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Happy HeARTS Community Art Session at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). These sessions are designed for participants and their families or caretakers with specific adaptations for those who identify as: Blind or have low vision, Deaf or hard of hearing, Neurodiverse (Autism Spectrum, Sensory Processing, Learning Disabilities), Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In each session, participants will focus on a particular work of art in the galleries and take part in an art activity that is accessible and sensory-friendly. Find more information at this link.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Gary John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: 419 Band at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Goodtime Alibi at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Travis Reigh (solo) at Mango’s Bar & Grill (16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Moneta).
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Candlelight Serenade at Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke). Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of a Large Harp and Violin Duo, their timeless melodies floating through the warm glow of candlelight. As the evening unfolds, a talented String Quartet will grace the stage, filling the room with rich harmonies that weave together classical masterpieces and holiday-inspired favorites. Find more information at this link.
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Andy Burnette Trio at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Knoxville Ice Bears at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: NYE Pre-Jam with Music Road Co., Solacoustix, and special guest Father Sun at Dogtown Roadhouse (302 S. Locust St., Floyd). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 9 p.m. — Live music: Highway Miles at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Jared Stout Band 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.

Sunday, December 29

• 11 a.m. — Yoga with Blacie at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Foster Burton at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Public Ice Skate at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 4 p.m. — Live music: Marie Claire-Evans Duo at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: The Floorboards at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)

Monday, December 30

• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, December 31 — New Year’s Eve

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Doors open at 10:45) — Live music: A Colorful Countdown at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Bring the kids out to count down to the stroke of “midnight” and make new memories in this family-friendly New Year’s Eve event featuring music from DJ Flex. Dance your hearts out, get creative with arts and craft activities, get your photo taken on the red carpet, and more. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 6 p.m. — New Year’s Eve Party at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Live music from Jake Bradley on the Main Stage & DJ Dakota playing your favorite dance music on the next level. Free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Seating is first come, first serve. 21+ only. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Greenstreet, Clark, and Allen Jazz Trio at Rockfish Food & Wine (1402 Grandin Rd., Roanoke).
• 6 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30) — Murder at the Stroke of Midnight at Stave & Cork (115 E. Main St., Salem). This will be an interactive Festivus-themed murder mystery event where you will play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($) 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: William Penn as part of the New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Pine Room at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). If you're looking for a lighter celebration, The Pine Room and 1882 Lobby Bar will be toasting to 2024 with a more informal celebration. Reservations required in The Pine Room. The 1882 Lobby Bar is first come, first served. 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Tom Floyd Trio as part of the New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Regency Room at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Reservations required. 
• 6:30 p.m. — Studio 615 Dance Party New Year’s Eve at The Park (615 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Dress as your favorite era or dress to have a good time. Ages 21+. For more information, visit this link. ($) 
• 6:30 p.m. to midnight — New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance at the Floyd Country Store (206 S. Locust St., Floyd). Featuring Twin Creeks String Band, Larry Sigmon & The Virginia Girls, + Mac Traynham & Friends. Tickets available at the Floyd County Store Box Office. Find more information at this link.
• 7 p.m. — Preceptor Omnicron’s New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Featuring live music from The Kings and The Uptown Trio and a count-down to the new year with a balloon drop at the midnight hour over the dance floor. Champagne is provided to each couple for a midnight champagne toast. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Fayetteville Marksmen at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — NYE Magic and Marvels with Magician Bryan Saint at Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke). Mind-bending tricks and signature acts will have you questioning reality. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to experience the wonder of magic, this is a night you won't want to miss. Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land: A Legendary Electric New Year’s Eve at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 p.m. — A Starry Night New Year’s Eve Celebration at Six and Sky (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Featuring live music by Jerome Claytor & Touch of Class, DJ Flex, and The Low Low Chariot, plus multiple outdoor bars, fire pits, photo booth, party favors and champagne toast. Inside, enjoy a chef’s presentation with multiple seating times available. Find more information and make your reservations at this link.
• 8 p.m. — New Year’s Eve Celebration at Pok-E-Joe’s (105 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). Featuring live music by Creedence Clearwater Recital, giveaways, and special craft cocktails.
• 9 p.m. — NYE Celebration at Tajzmah’s Lounge (434 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. — New Year’s Eve Rumba presented by Salsa Noke at Inka Grill Peruvian Cuisine Downtown (14 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Features a 9 p.m. Kizomba group class and DJ Guia and DJ Tato. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. — New Year’s Eve at the Elephant Walk Lounge at Holiday Inn Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Chad Nickell & The Loose Change New Year’s Eve Party at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information visit this link. ($)

Wednesday, January 1 — New Year’s Day

• 8 a.m. — New Year’s Day Annual Star Run presented by Fleet Feet. Start wherever you please. Hike up, walk up, run up, whichever mode of movement you choose. Make sure you are at the Star Overlook by 9am for the group pic. 
• 11 a.m. — Hangover Brunch at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Recovery Brunch at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made at this link.
• Noon — Creek Freaks New Year’s Day Float starting at the intersection of New Plant Rd (Rt. 904) and Grassy Hill Rd (Rt. 919) near the William Lee Cooper bridge. The float lasts for about an hour on the river. The backup plan is Philpott Lake. Participants must wear weather-appropriate paddling gear; this means avoid cotton clothing. Check this link for more information.

Looking for more Holiday Spirit?

• Through December 25 — Land of Lights presented by Franklin County Parks and Recreation at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). A half-mile loop drive-through light experience. Continues through December 25. Free. Donations accepted.
• Through December 30 — Illuminights at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd., Roanoke). Brighten your nights and explore your holiday spirit through a dazzling world of over 650,000 lights at Illuminights’ Winter Walk of Lights. Travel down our half-mile wooded path while taking in the sights and sounds of the season. Visitors will experience new displays, trail enhancements and family activities. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Through December 31 — Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park (6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• Through January 1 — Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail in downtown Fincastle. Walk the Tinsel Trail to view the beauty of the trees in this historic setting. Visit this link for more information.
• Through January 1 — Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Step into a world of creativity at this tree-decorating contest. Families come together to snap cheerful photos and vote (with dollars) for their favorite dazzling tree, to benefit United Way of Roanoke Valley. Continues until New Year’s Day.
• Through January 2 — Deck the Rails at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Enjoy the magic of the holiday season by viewing over 15 unique Christmas tree displays provided by local businesses, clubs and non profits while you also visit your favorite exhibits. Additional holiday decor provided by VMT. General Admission rates apply. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Through January 4 — Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace at Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke). A festive holiday experience with twinkling lights, charming village shops, ice skating, and seasonal activities, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories. New & Special events happening every week. Find more information at this link.
• Through January 6 — Bedford Festival of Trees at the Bedford Area Welcome Center (816 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford). 40 beautifully decorated trees come to life under the theme “A Christmas to Remember,” each showcasing the creativity of local businesses and organizations. Visit this link for more information. 

Ongoing

• 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. ($)
• Through December 29 — "Celebrating 60 Years of Partnership: Wonju, South Korea, and Roanoke, Virginia, USA" at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). In celebration of this momentous anniversary, the Taubman Museum of Art is pleased to exhibit three works gifted to the Museum and the City of Roanoke from Wonju during these 60 years of partnership. Find more information at this link.
• Through December 29 — "Ray Kass: Artist, Educator, Collector" at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). The Taubman Museum of Art is honored to shine a spotlight on its holdings from Ray Kass, a renowned artist, respected teacher, and astute collector. Find more information at this link.
• Through the end of December — WNC Art Relief Project at Left of Center Art Space (24 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). We're dedicating our gallery to western North Carolina artists displaced by Hurricane Helene, providing them a place to sell their work at no cost. This initiative runs through the end of December 2024, with all sales proceeds going directly to the artists. Find more information at this link.