Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/4 to 12/11.

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

• Thursday, 12/5 to Saturday, 12/7 — “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” presented by Ferrum College Theatre Arts at Sale Theatre at Ferrum College (215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum). Coming back for our second year, this family favorite is sure to please with new surprises! This is the only production of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas running nationwide this holiday season, so don’t miss it! Continues through December 15. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Thursday, 12/5 to Sunday, 12/8 — “On the Thirteenth Day of Christmas” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). What happens when your true love sends a partridge in a pear tree... for 12 days? Written by internationally published local playwright Dwayne Yancey. Continues through December 15. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Saturday, 12/7 to Sunday, 12/8 — 43rd Annual Old Southwest Parlor Tour of Homes (641 Walnut Ave. SW, Roanoke). This self-guided tour of 6 historic Old Southwest homes features festive decorations, refreshments at the Alexander-Gish house, music and merriment. Visit this link to purchase advance tickets and for more information about same-day ticket options. 
• Saturday, 12/7 to Sunday, 12/8 — 9th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke).  Featuring 242 vendors from all over the East Coast, plus Santa and the Grinch. Accepting new unwrapped toys for the Roanoke Area Toys For Tots. Find more information at this link.
• Saturday, 12/7 to Sunday, 12/8  — Candy Cane Express at the Virginia Museum of Transportation  (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Craft stations, tree displays, vendors, magic shows, face painting, and kids activities. Visit this link for more information. ($)

Wednesday, December 4

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 7 p.m.. — Live music: Jessica Lynn’s “A Very Merry Classic Christmas” at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link to purchase tickets. ($). 
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Christie Lenée at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Thursday, December 5

• 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: Leonard Blush and the Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Vinton Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade in downtown Vinton. The evening begins with the lighting of the town Christmas Tree in front of the municipal building (311 S. Pollard St., Vinton). Floyd Ward Dancers will entertain the crowd following the tree lighting. At 7 p.m., the parade will step off from the front of the Vinton War Memorial (814 E. Washington Ave., Vinton) and wind its way through town. Parking is available in and around the Farmers Market. Find more information, including the parade route, at this link. 
• 7 p.m.  (Doors open at 6) — Live music: Last Illusion: Trans-Siberian Tribute at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). A premier musical tribute to The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This is a sit-down show. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7 to 9 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela at Los Amigos Bar & Grill (3424 Orange Ave. NE, Roanoke). Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to learn, Angela’s got the moves to get everyone out on the floor, so dust off your best western wear, round up your crew, and come on down for a boot-scootin’ good time.
• 7:30 p.m.. — Live music: A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Featuring former World Irish dance champions and stars from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Celtic Christmas delivers a holiday spectacular packed with Irish wit, traditional tunes and heartfelt ballads, alongside all your favorite carols. Visit this link to purchase tickets. ($). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: GOTE 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 6

• 3 to 7 p.m. — An Old Virginia Christmas at Booker T. Washington National Monument (12130 Booker T. Washington Highway, Hardy). Step back in time into a mid-19th century Christmas, to learn about the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas as Dr. Booker T. Washington described it in his 1907 article written for both Suburban Life and Tuskegee Student magazines, “Christmas Days in Old Virginia.” Visit this link for more information. Children's crafts and music will be held from 3pm to 5pm. Tours will be held at 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, and 7pm. Visit this link for more information.
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Meet & Greet with the Showtimers Cast at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Meet the cast of “In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People (That Should Be Shot).”
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Holiday Late Nights at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). A great time for families to tour the museum’s exhibits! Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Small fees apply for the Eternally New experience, though youth high school age and younger get free admission to the exhibition and immersive thanks to the generosity of Lori and Steven Strauss. Repeats 12/13 and 12/20. Visit this link for more information
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Living with Grief Meetup: Happy HeARTS at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Enjoy the galleries and take part in art-inspired activities on First Fridays at the Taubman Museum. All events involve visiting museum pieces and the opportunity to reflect and create. This event will focus on the new exhibition "Eternally New: The Art Nouveau World of Alphonse Mucha," with a focus on print-making techniques. Find more information at this link.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Awen Family Band w/ Special Guests at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — City of Salem Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade in downtown Salem. The evening begins with the 6 p.m. lighting of the city’s Christmas Tree in front of the library (28 E. Main St., Salem). Just fifteen minutes later, the parade will step off and wind its way up Main Street. 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — 5th Annual Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail Kick-off in downtown Fincastle (1 W. Main St., Fincastle). Experience the magic of beautifully decorated trees, specially designed by local businesses and organizations. Christmas Carols by the Central Academy Middle School Choir, Kool Kids Diggity Dogs Food Truck, and special visits from Mr. & Mrs. Claus and the Fincastle Fire Truck. First Bank will be serving free hot chocolate in front of the First Bank Branch, with special appearances by our local Snowfriends.Visit this link for more information.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Botetourt Tinsel Trail Holiday Open House at the Botetourt County Historical Society & Museum (26 E. Main St., Fincastle). Visit downtown Fincastle for the Tinsel Trail Kickoff and stop in to tour the museum galleries. Visit this link for more information.
• 6 to 10 p.m. — City of Roanoke Tree Lighting (Dickens of a Christmas Night One) presented by Downtown Roanoke, Inc in the Market Street area (Salem Ave. in the Plaza behind the Market Building). The ceremony begins at 5:30 pm with the tree lighting at 6:20pm and will include live stage performances.The evening also includes vendors, carriage rides, and visits with Santa. Visit this link for more information. 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: The Frequency ROCKS at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Kansas — Another Fork in the Road 50th Anniversary Tour at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Barb Martin with opener Laura Pole at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay-what-you-can. 
• 7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Spectacular featuring American Idol star “Big Mike” at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 p.m.. — Live music: Preservation Hall Jazz Band — Creole Christmas at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). The Preservation Hall Jazz Band embodies the spirit of New Orleans, preserving and revitalizing the city's musical legacy for over 60 years. Visit this link to purchase tickets. ($). 
• 8 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Patterson Hood (of Drive-by Truckers) at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Lazy Man Dub Band Drummie Wayne’s B-Day Bash with special guest Star City Soul Club — at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). ($)

Saturday, December 7

• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 23rd Annual Breakfast with Santa presented by CHIP of Roanoke Valley at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Three seatings available, at 8 and 10 a.m. and Noon. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — 2024 Gingerbread Festival at Longwood Park (601 E. Main St. Salem) and the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). This festive extravaganza features heartwarming events, including the En L’Air Academy of Dance and Acrobatics’ Christmas Festival Show, the all-new Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center Education Gingerbread Festival Program, and beloved favorites like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The true spirit of the season comes to life with enchanting attractions like festival vendors, the Gingerbread House Competition, the Marshmallow Roast, face painting, and so much more. Visit this link for more information.
• 11 to 11:30 a.m. — Roanoke Children’s Choir Holiday Singalong at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Come out and enjoy the sounds of the season with our community’s most talented young vocal performers.
• 1 and 2 p.m. — Fantasyland at the O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Santa teaches important lessons of love and sharing as he tells original stories, sings, plays guitar, and interacts with the children through fun activities. Santa has set program times; advanced tickets are required, and tickets are non-transferrable. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Adam Markham at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Drink & Draw Art Social presented by Roanoke Diversity Center and Community Pride in Blacksburg at Blindhouse Beer Company (534 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). All talents welcome. 
• 3 to 7 p.m. — Grandin Village Winterfest featuring live music from local dynamic jazz ensemble The Boptet. Also featuring 47 crafters and artists selling handmade goods, Chestnut roasting on site, Snowman stilt walkers, Beer and wine sales, Santa visits, children’s area for ornament making and selfie taking, Pipers piping traditional carols as the Holiday Tree is lit, shops and restaurants open. Find more information at this link.
• 4 to 8 p.m. — Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas in downtown Rocky Mount (320 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Enjoy The North Pole, live music, dance performances, horse and buggy rides, and Santa Claus. The streets are filled with food and craft vendors and Christmas spirit. Visit this link for more details.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Seedpicker at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Winter Jamboree featuring Domino at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7 to 9 p.m. — A Celtic Christmas featuring Kinnfolk at St. Marks United Methodist Church (19 Cedar Ridge Rd., Daleville). Local Celtic duo Kinnfolk will be joined by their friends The Mackenzies and Appalachian Piping Academy to bring you an evening of lively holiday music guaranteed to get your foot tapping and hands clapping. As they say in Irish Gaelic, “NOLLAIG SHONA DHAOÍBH!” Visit this link for more information.
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: The Darkside Experience — Tribute to Pink Floyd at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Holiday Pajamas Dance Party at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Get your holiday pajamas or sweaters — it’s time to party! Featuring DJ Edgar playing Salsa/Bachata/Kiz/Reaggeton/Merengue/Cumbia, etc. Lessons start at 8, the party lasts till 11. Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Eric Wayne Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information visit this link. Purchase tickets here. ($)
• 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 8

• 11 a.m. — Yoga with Blacie at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 11 a.m. — Star City Christmas Drag Brunch at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Ben Trout at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). The youth string ensemble (ages 8 to 12) and the symphonia (ages 10 to 16) will each perform. Free and welcoming to all.
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Clara’s Tea Party at Star City School of Ballet (1005 Industry Ave. SE Building 7A, Roanoke). Join Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy at this magical holiday event! This event is open to children of all ages. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Guitars Under the Star Guitar Pull presented by 3rd Street Coffee House at Mill Mountain Star (Prospect Rd. SE, Roanoke). Gather together outdoors with acoustic instruments in hand and celebrate music on the grassy area opposite the lower observation deck at Mill Mountain. Originals or covers are fine. Everyone is welcome. Find more information at this link.
• 4 p.m. — Live music: The Mill Mountain Ringers Annual Christmas Concert at Raleigh Court United Methodist Church (1706 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). The children, youth and adults will sing and ring Advent and Christmas music under the direction of Debra LeBrun.
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: 3 Eyed Tiger at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)

Monday, December 9

• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Roanoke County Christmas Tree Lighting at the South County Library (6303 Merriman Rd., Roanoke). Enjoy a ceremony and singing carols with After School Kids prior to lighting the tree and then welcome Santa. There will be activities for children, a balloon artist, teen fun, Cave Spring Jazz Band performance in the auditorium, and of course meet Santa.
• 7 p.m. — Star City Secret Cinema 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, December 10

• 6 p.m. (5 p.m. check in) — Holiday Lights Tour presented by PedalSafe ROA, RIDE Solutions, and Cardinal Bicycle starting at Cardinal Bicycle’s Grandin Village location (1312 Winbourne St. SW, Roanoke). Get in the holiday spirit and dress up in your most festive holiday outfit- the tackier the better! This bike ride is slow-paced and family-friendly ~ 4-mile group bike ride starting and ending at Cardinal Bicycle in Grandin, the tour will view the lights from Arlington Avenue to Westover Avenue and everything in between, hitting some of the best lights the neighborhood has to offer. Free. Donations to PedalSafe ROA are encouraged. Visit this link for more information. 
• 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. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Wednesday, December 11

• 4 to 7 p.m. — 6th Annual Last Minute Market at Roanoke Mountain Adventures (806 Wasena Ave. SW, Roanoke). This highly anticipated pop-up bazaar is the best place to find those special somethings just in time for the holidays. This year we are hosting 25+ local vendors. You won't want to miss it.
• 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:45) — Live music: Candlelight — Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more performed by the Liteso String Quartet at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:45) — Live music: Candlelight — Carols on Strings performed by the Liteso String Quartet at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Ongoing

• 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).
• Through December 15 — “On the Thirteenth Day of Christmas” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). What happens when your true love sends a partridge in a pear tree... for 12 days? Written by internationally published local playwright Dwayne Yancey. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Through December 15 — “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” presented by Ferrum College Theatre Arts at Sale Theatre at Ferrum College (215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum). Coming back for our second year, this family favorite is sure to please with new surprises! This is the only production of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas running nationwide this holiday season, so don’t miss it! Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Through December 22 — “Annie” at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Experience the heartwarming journey of plucky orphan Annie in 1930s New York, in this beloved Tony-winning musical. Continues through December 22. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Through December 25 — Land of Lights presented by Franklin County Parks and Recreation at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). A half-mile loop drive-through light experience. Continues through December 25. Free. Donations accepted.
• Saturdays through December 28 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. Find more information and reserve your spot at this link. ($)
• Through December 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. ($)
• Through the end of December — WNC Art Relief Project at Left of Center Art Space (24 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). We're dedicating our gallery to western North Carolina artists displaced by Hurricane Helene, providing them a place to sell their work at no cost. This initiative runs through the end of December 2024, with all sales proceeds going directly to the artists. Find more information at this link.
• Through January 1 — Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail in downtown Fincastle. Walk the Tinsel Trail to view the beauty of the trees in this historic setting. Visit this link for more information.
• Through January 1 — Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Step into a world of creativity at this tree-decorating contest. Families come together to snap cheerful photos and vote (with dollars) for their favorite dazzling tree, to benefit United Way of Roanoke Valley. Continues until New Year’s Day.
• Through January 2 — Deck the Rails at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Enjoy the magic of the holiday season by viewing over 15 unique Christmas tree displays provided by local businesses, clubs and non profits while you also visit your favorite exhibits. Additional holiday decor provided by VMT. General Admission rates apply. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Through January 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.