Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 2/26 to 3/5.

We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. From live music to theatre, lectures to drag shows, we’ve got you covered. We encourage folks to contact the venue directly to learn of any last minute changes or cancellations.

Do you want to sponsor a Happenings calendar? Reach out to us at jeff@roanokerambler.com. Have fun!

This Weekend

• Thursday, February 27 through Sunday, March 2 — Opening weekend: “Almost, Maine” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, residents of Almost, Maine find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Continues through March 9. ($)
• Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 2 — ODAC Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). ($)
• Saturday, March 1 through Sunday, March 2 — Dinosaur Adventure at the Berglund Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Step back 65 million years and get up close with your favorite dinosaurs! Dig for ancient fossils, race on Jurassic scooters, mine for gemstones, bounce in the inflatable Jurassic Playground, meet baby dinosaurs, and so much more. ($)

Wednesday, February 26

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Tango! The Resistance at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). We enthusiastically welcome beginners and returning queer tango dancers alike. Come learn the basics of Argentine tango, a dance rich with queer history and growing all over the world today. Series continues on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Pay what you can. ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Meskos at The Village Grill (1802 Memorial Ave., Roanoke). 
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open 6:30) — Live music: Andy Frasco & The U.N. at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music:  Mark Taylor with Jason Dean at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Abe Partridge at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m.  — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday,  February 27

• Noon — Civility Rules: A Bipartisan Discussion with Virginia’s Top Legislators presented by Cardinal News at the Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Hear from top Republican and Democratic House and Senate leaders as they discuss the issues on which they found consensus and those in which they remain far apart. They’ll also leave time to answer your questions. ($)
• 1 to 2 p.m. — Art and Architecture Walking Tour: Downtown Roanoke led by Taubman Museum of Art Research Fellow and historian James Moser starting at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Includes landmarks such as Hotel Roanoke and the Higher Education Center. Registration required. ($)
• 2 to 3:30 p.m. — Black History Month Walking Tour presented by AARP Virginia at the National D-Day Memorial (3 Overlord Circle, Bedford). The National D-Day Memorial has recently created materials highlighting the contribution of Black military service members in, and leading up to, the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Register in advance for complimentary admission.
• 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: GOTE at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. ( Doors open at 5:30 p.m.) — BUZZ Live! Talk Show Filming at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). BUZZ4Good is launching its brand-new talk show, a “Tonight Show” for non-profits, to be filmed in front of a live studio audience on Thursday nights in February. 
• 6 p.m. — Lecture: “Virginia Untold: Reconstruction in Virginia” with Library of Virginia librarian Peter North at the Gainsboro Library  (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke).
• 7 p.m. — The Distillery Comedy Tour at Brady’s Distillery (711 Pocahontas Ave. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Author event: literary critic and poet Stephanie Burt at Hollins University’s Green Drawing Room. An influential trans poet and critic, Burt was proclaimed “Poetry’s Cross-Dressing Kingmaker” by The New York Times in 2012. Her collection We Are Mermaids (2022) is an exploration in poetry of the non-binary nature and “in-betweenness” of human existence.
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Kodo at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech (190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg). Kodo’s drummers move with a combination of strength and grace, navigating intricate choreography. Alongside folk dances and songs from regional Japan, experience the soul-stirring rhythm of life firsthand. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Joint Operation at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, February 28

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Harwell Grice Band at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Charissa Joy at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: The Oddfellows at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 and 9 p.m. — Live music: Tatiana Eva-Marie & The Avalon Jazz Band at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open 6:30) — Live music: Keith Allen Circus + Solar Circuit at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Karaoke at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Co-Conspirators with Josh Jones at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. 
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Kinnfolk: "Star Above the Mountain" Album Release Party" at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Pok-E-Joe’s BBQ (105 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Billingsley at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
• 10 p.m. — “The Blackening” as part of Black History Month at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). ($)

Saturday, March 1

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Wild Ones! Native Plant activities at the Belmont Library (1101 Morningside St. SE, Roanoke). Learn about how to plan native species in your home and neighborhood in an interactive, accessible seminar. No previous gardening experience necessary. Plant and seed giveaways. 
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Alex Faught & Dave Corbitt at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Book Swap at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
• 5 p.m. — Pardi Gras at Corned Beef & Co., Inc. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). New Orleans themed food and drink specials, party favors & DJ.
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Rachael Hester & the Tennessee Walkers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Beads & Bling: It’s a Mardi Gras Thing at St. Johns Episcopal Church (1 Mountain Ave. Roanoke, VA). All your favorite New Orleans Food, Drink and some fun music to benefit two great causes, Kimoyo and Ronald McDonald House of SWVA. ($)
• 7 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Mardi Gras with The Ryan Greer Band at Living Proof Co. (50 West Court St., Rocky Mount).
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open 6:30) — Live music: East Nash Grass at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Dr. Bacon with Al Al and The Associates at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music:  Kathy Mattea at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Jacoozy at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)

Sunday, March 2

• 12:30 p.m. — Ice Bumper Cars at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 1 p.m. — Live music: Brad Collier at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 1 p.m. — Mardi Gras at Brady’s Distillery (711 Pocahontas Ave. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Film Photography Workshop: Shoot & Process Film with Stephanie Klein-Davis at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SE, Roanoke). 
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Live music: Star City Ceili Band in the historic tavern cellar at Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke). 
• 5 p.m. — Live music: Blues Co. Live! at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).  
• 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Tarantula, Shiv, Lost in Space Camp, Ranger Maid at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Sierra Hull at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)

Monday, March 3

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Discussion: “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt presented by The Raleigh Court Book Club in the Community Room at the Raleigh Court Library. In this book, the author lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time. He then investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults. For more information contact us at (540) 853-2240.
• 5 to 6 p.m. — Daisy Art Parade workshop at the Melrose Branch Library (2502 Melrose Ave NW Suite D). Join various artists in creating puppets and artwork for the upcoming Daisy Art Parade; every Monday in the STEAM Lab!
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Live music: The Concordia Choir at Raleigh Court United Presbyterian Church (1837 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Seen nationwide on public television and heard in Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and across the country in concert.

Tuesday, March 4

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Living with Grief: Creative Movement for the Soul presented by Carilion Clinic at Carillion Tanglewood Mental Health (4434 Electric Rd., Roanoke). Learn how simple movements and dance can enhance your connection to self and others. Led by Lisa Linger. Register in advance.
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Soulful Sounds presented by Acute Inflections at the Dumas Center (108 1st St. NW, Roanoke). Step back in time for a special Harlem Nights experience. Dress to impress in Harlem Renaissance attire and get ready for an evening filled with dynamic duets, witty banter, and engaging freestyles that will have you laughing and grooving all night. ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: James McMurtry with BettySoo at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 9:30 p.m.  — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, March 5

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — A Sense of Place: Vermont at Barrel Chest Wine & Beer (2601 Franklin Rd., Roanoke) An event pairing beer, cheese, charcuterie and more all hailing from Vermont. ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Tim Martin & Brian Wheeling at Brambleton Deli (3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke).
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Bummer Camp, L.A. Dies, Times Tables, The Stray Lions at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m.  — Live music: Fo Daniels at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Looking ahead

• 8 p.m., Saturday, March 15 — Romeo & Juliet Drag Show at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). This is Shakespeare like you've never seen it before! An all-drag-artist cast, featuring some of Southwest Virginia's favorite queens and kings, brings you the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet in a brand new, gender-bending experience. Follow the story of the star-crossed lovers through upbeat lip syncs, Shakespearean shade, and dazzling dance numbers all the way to their tragic death(drop)s. ($)

Ongoing

• Through February 28 —  “Love in Many Colors” at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). This exhibition seeks to celebrate the diverse expressions of love — romantic, platonic, familial, self-love, and beyond—through the lens of color, culture, and individuality. Find more information at this link.
• Through March 2 — Vinton’s Restaurant Week. Enjoy exclusive menus, special deals, and mouthwatering dishes from some of Vinton’s best kitchens.
• Through March 16 — 2025 Juried Biennial Exhibition at Olin and Smoyer Galleries (240 High St., Salem). This exhibition exemplifies works of art from artists within 200 mile radius of Roanoke College. Fine Arts media including but not limited to painting, sculpture, graphic design, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, video and photography are accepted for submission. Find more information at this link.
• Through March 16 — Eternally New: The Art Nouveau World of Alphonse Mucha at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). An exhibition and immersive art experience featuring masterworks from one of the most celebrated and influential artists of the 20th century. The Taubman is the first museum outside of Europe to showcase the immersive from the Grand Palais Immersif in Paris. This is a ticketed exhibition. Guided tours are offered daily at 1 p.m.
• Through March 30 — Charisse Pearlina Weston: "I saw the room but darkly dreamed it..." art exhibition at Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech (190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg). Weston's exhibition features new glass, lead, and concrete sculptures and works on canvas that challenge fixed narratives and systems of control. The core of this disruption lies in the manipulation of Mirropane, a reflective and transparent glass often used for monitoring. This material transformation symbolically subverts the mechanisms of surveillance, questioning who holds power in the act of observing and being observed. Visit this link for more information. 
• Through March 30 — Shauté Gates: “This is Not a Test” art exhibition at Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech (190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg). Extracting from multiple time-based media that include current events, history, and cinema, perhaps paradoxically, labyrinths or worlds are constructed to be deconstructed into what Gates describes as, “moments that feel to be on the brink of an unconscious truth.” Visit this link for more information. 
• Saturdays through December 27 — 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. ($)
• Every Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — VA Works Assistance presented by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement in Meeting Rooms B and C at the Roanoke City Main Library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Do you need help with your job search? Looking for temporary income support or transition and training services? Visit the workforce experts at their satellite desks at the Main Library in downtown Roanoke.