Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 3/12 to 3/19.
We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to.

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.
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, March 14 and Sunday, March 16 — Family Feuds: Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini + Chorus & Orchestra Concert presented by Opera Roanoke at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Sung in Italian with projected English translations. ($)
- Through March 16 — Closing weekend: 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 — Closing weekend: 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.
Wednesday, March 12
- Noon to 1 p.m. — Lunch & Learn with Oakey’s Funeral Home presented by the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce at the Charles R. Hill Community Center (820 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). Attendees will learn more about pre-arranging or pre-funding their funerals. Lunch will be provided. Limited seating. RSVP required. Call Keith Robinson to register at 540.982.2100 or krobinson@oakeys.com.
- 4 to 9 p.m. — Back on the Rack Consignment Sale at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Continues through March 16. Additional event info and full shopping schedule available here.
- 6 p.m. — "Mona Lisa Smile" as part of Women’s History Month at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke).
- 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Poems & Coffee with poet Angelina Dawn at the Williamson Road Library (3837 Williamson Rd. NW, Roanoke).
- 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. ($)
- 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Open Mic Night at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, comedian, or singer, tonight's your chance to shine. Every voice matters.
- 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night with the Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Everyone is welcome to perform or spectate.
- 7:30 p.m. — Opening night: “Waitress — The Musical” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). The musical follows Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and expert pie maker at Joe's Diner, who finds herself in an unfulfilling marriage to her controlling husband, Earl. When Jenna discovers she's pregnant, she begins to re-evaluate her life and dreams of escape. Continues through March 30. ($)
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Thursday, March 13
- 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks – Franklin Rd. (110 Franklin Rd. SE, Roanoke). At the downtown Roanoke Starbucks.
- 4 to 7 p.m. — Gaymer Night at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or Playstation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music:GOTE at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 to 9 p.m. (VIP 5 to 6 p.m.) — Best in Show Art Exhibit to benefit Roanoke Valley SPCA at Charter Hall, on the third floor of the City Market building (32 Market Square SE, Roanoke). One night only this year! Features more than 200 local artists’ original artwork – paintings, sculpture, pastels, and photography – depicting animals. All artwork will be for sale, with at least 50% of the purchase price donated to the Roanoke Valley SPCA by the artists. Purchase VIP tickets here. ($)
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Celebrating Mayor Joe Cobb hosted by Marissa Yi and Garland Gravely at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Join us as we celebrate the election of Roanoke's first openly queer Mayor, Joe Cobb with Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and Councilman Peter Volosin. Light apps provided by Bubba's 33; drinks on separate tabs from Golden Cactus.
- 6:30 p.m. — Three Eras of Henry Street with Sullivan Knight presented by Roanoke Reparations Group at First Baptist Church Gainsboro (310 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Learn more about the businesses and locations in and around Henry Street from 1900 to 1963 and examine some of the events that occurred during that period which shifted the overarching historical narrative of Henry Street.
- 7:30 p.m. — Author reading: Poet Kiki Petrosino in the Green Drawing Room at Hollins University (7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Petrosino will present her work “Bright,” which explores the term used to describe light-skinned people of interracial American ancestry. The book offers a meditation on the author’s upbringing in a mixed Black and Italian American family.
- 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Steely Dead at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Heevahava at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Friday, March 14
- 10 a.m. to noon — Hot Chocolate Yoga with Willow at Shanti Temple (363 Deer Park Way NE, Pilot). This class is for every body. Gather for a consciousness raising, heart opening, moving meditation practice pairing kundalini yoga and sacred cacao. ($)
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jordan Harman & The Humble Brags at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Trans Book Share at Dragon Bites Books & Crafts (5342 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Get ideas for your reading list! Come discuss your favorite titles by trans & nonbinary or gender non-conforming authors and hear about others’ favorite titles in preparation for this year’s Trans Rights Readathon, to be held March 21-31.
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Daisychain at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: The Women's Bathroom Bash at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 7 to 8 p.m. — Remembering the Botetourt Resolutions presented by the Botetourt County Historical Society and the Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at Kyle House (101 E. Main St., Fincastle). The night will feature a short play that brings the historic events to life. A reception will follow. Seating is limited. Advance tickets are required. ($)
- 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: The Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs with Joshua Luongo at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. ($)
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Muskrat Flats at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
- 10 p.m. — Jason Owens at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
Saturday, March 15
- 9 a.m. — Shamrock Hill Run 5k & 1 miler starting at Roanoke Catholic School (621 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke). This year features an all-new route that winds its way through Gainsboro and Lick Run Greenway. ($)
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Freedom First Shamrock Festival at John Nolen Plaza (behind the City Market building). Featuring entertainment from DJ Joey Nicely, In the Meantime, Funky Bone, and The Jared Stout Band.
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Go Green! at Crafteria: Handmade Food & Goods (16 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke). Enjoy a free swig of Conway’s Irish Stout and bop your head to our signature Irish Pub Crawl playlist while you browse handmade goods from nearly 200 craftspeople.
- 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. — Corned Beef & Co. Celtic Celebration (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Outside celebration until 5 p.m., with the indoor party lasting until 2 a.m. Live Celtic music, food specials, live DJs, 6 indoor bars, plus a rooftop bar and an outdoor beer tent.
- 11 a.m. — Martin's St. Pat's Street Party 2025 with headliner Cowboy Mouth at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). features 11 Bands on 2 Stages, including The Wilson Springs Hotel, Ranford Almond, Jared Stout, Captain Midnight Band and more! Irish themed food and drink. 21+ only. Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
- 11 a.m. — Live music: St. Paddy’s featuring Celtic music with Kinnfolk (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 11 a.m. — Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Roanoke, beginning at the corner of Jefferson St. & Elm Ave. and continuing to Campbell before turning towards Williamson. Rain or shine. Can’t make it to the parade? WZBJ24 will broadcast it live.
- 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. — Live music: St. Patrick’s Day Block Party (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Featuring music from Travis Reigh, Jake Bradley, and John Deal, plus a DJ and dance floor on The Next Level. 21+ only. ($)
- 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Hidden Gems: A Master Class in Storytelling with acclaimed storyteller Antonio Rocha at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Rocha will focus on the art of story transitions — the subtle shifts that connect ideas — and engage attendees in new ways to refine those moments with voice and body language to create seamless shifts in the narrative. ($)
- 1 p.m. — St. Paddy’s Day Party at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Corned beef specials.
- 1 to 5 p.m. — Oh Lucky Day! Not Your Average St. Patrick’s Day R&B Block Party presented by The Humble Hustle Company at Century Plaza (12 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
- 1:30 p.m. — Live music: Seph Custer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 1:30 to 10 p.m. — Live music: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Tin Can Locomotive, Mad Iguanas, Hot Fuss (90s/2000s Tribute), and DJ Flex. Rooftop views, outdoor bar, no cover charge.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Mad Iguanas at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — In Our St. Paddy’s Era Dance Party at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Taylor Swift Dance Party w/ DJ Bobby Hash. Swifties, let’s go green & scream the bridge!
- 6 to 10 p.m. — Jam Rock at Caribbica Soul (215 Market St., Roanoke). Featuring reggae, afrobeat, and R&B with DJ Soul.
- 7 p.m. — “The Malaga Ship: A Story of Maine & The Middle Passage” presented by acclaimed storyteller Antonio Rocha at CommUNITY ARTSReach (3025 Frontier Rd. NW, Roanoke). Rocha uses song, mime and narration to powerfully confront the history of the Malaga, a ship that participated in the slave trade. Reserve your seat here.
- 7 p.m. — Live music: Tribute to Randall Hylton with The Virginia Squires & The Comptons at The Floyd Country Store (206 S. Locust St., Floyd). This live concert features a reunion of members of The Virginia Squires — Sammy Shelor, Mark Newton, Ronnie Simpkins with Jesse Smathers and The Comptons. ($)
- 8 p.m. — Romeo & Juliet Drag Show at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). This is Shakespeare like you've never seen it before! An all-drag-artist cast, featuring some of Southwest Virginia's favorite queens and kings, brings you the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet in a brand new, gender-bending experience. Follow the story of the star-crossed lovers through upbeat lip syncs, Shakespearean shade, and dazzling dance numbers all the way to their tragic death(drop)s. ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Jeremy Short at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
Sunday, March 16
- 11 a.m. — Live music: Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Bowl Market at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Featuring hand-made, upcycled, or vintage items. We will have your favorite vendors and some new ones, plus over 100 local artisans and vendors located inside The Marketplace at Black Dog Salvage.
- Noon to 4 p.m. — Roanoke Bridal Expo at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Meet with over 90 wedding professionals who will help you plan every detail of your special day. ($)
- 1 to 4 p.m. — A Wee Bit o’ Murder presented by Jump into Mystery at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 12:45. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
- 2 p.m., Sunday, March 16 — The Lucky Leprechaun Drag Brunch at The Park Dance Club (615 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 2 to 5 p.m. — Live music: Twin Creeks St. Patty’s Day celebration with Star City Ceili Band (111 S. Pollard St., Vinton).
- 2:30 p.m. — Stellar St. Paddy's Day Party with Virginia Electric at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). We’re launching into a day of Garage Americana & Rock ‘n’ Roll that’s good for the soul.
- 4 p.m. — Spring Equinox Gathering presented by Roanoke Church of the Wild at Happy Hollow Gardens Park (6697 Mt. Chestnut Rd., Roanoke). celebrate the greening of the land and a moment of perfect balance between day and night. This gathering is outside and will include contemplative practices, song, silent wandering, and fellowship. All are welcome.
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Miss Tess & KC Jones at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Jamiel & Shmazz at Rockfish Food & Wine (1402 Grandin Rd. Ste 101).
- 6:30 to 9 p.m., Sunday, March 16 — Iftaar Fundraiser with Roanoke Refugee Partnership with guest of honor Delegate Sam Rasoul at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Share a meal and celebrate eight years with Roanoke Refugee Partnership at our fundraiser Iftaar dinner. ($)
Monday, March 17
- 11 a.m. to close — Let’s Get Lucky! at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Irish food and drink specials, party favors, and a DJ starting at 8 p.m.
- 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: The Star City Céií Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
- 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 (rated R) 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. ($)
Tuesday, March 18
- 10 a.m. — Black History Month celebration presented by Total Action for Progress at St. John’s Episcopal Church (1 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Registration is required.
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Alex Arbaugh at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Open Hearts, Open Mic Night presented by the Star City Poets’ Society at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Sign ups from 6 to 7 p.m.; poems start at 6:30.
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Wednesday, March 19
- 4 to 6 p.m. — Virginia Department of Health pop-up at the Melrose Library, meeting room C (2502 Melrose Ave NW Suite D). Representatives will be available to answer questions about local and statewide resources regarding your health.
- 4:30 p.m. — Networking: Beer & Biotech presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Join us for a moderated question-and-answer session with Dr. Mike Friedlander, Executive Director of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and Virginia Tech’s Vice President of Health Sciences and Technology.
- 5 to 6:30 p.m. — Leadership Roanoke Valley Open House at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). Curious about Leadership Roanoke Valley? Now's your chance to learn more. Whether you're looking to grow your network, sharpen your leadership skills, or make a lasting impact in the Roanoke Valley, LRV is the place to start. Come see what it's all about.
- 5:30 p.m. — Grandin Plawkers starting at Grace’s Place Pizzeria (1316 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Meet Roanoke neighbors, take a walk, and collect a bit of litter along the way. Friendly pets are welcome. Cleanup supplies will be provided.
- 6 p.m. — "Persepolis" as part of Women’s History Month at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke).
- 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Open Mic Night at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, comedian, or singer, tonight's your chance to shine. Every voice matters.
- 7 p.m. — Live music: Tim Martin & Brian Wheeling at Brambleton Deli (3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke).
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Cowboy Bebop at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Hash Cabbage at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Looking ahead
- Thursday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. — Stand-up: Steve Hofstetter at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). No-holds-barred stand-up performance, featuring some of Hofstetter’s unfiltered observations. ($)
- Sunday, March 23 at 11 a.m. (Doors open at 10:45) — The Leprechauns are Broke Drag Brunch hosted by Enya Salad and Charles DeFranco at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). St. Paddy’s may be over, and the leprechauns have spent all their gold—but before they head back to the end of the rainbow, they’re throwing one last legendary brunch. ($)
- Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. — The Ultimate PEN Dive Poetry Night celebrating Women’s History Month presented by Verses Listening Lounge & Collaborative Center at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Bring your favorite pen and dive into an evening filled with poetry, spoken word, storytelling and good company. We welcome all to join us on this powerful night as we honor, celebrate and remember the women in our lives. ($)
- Thursday, March 27 through Sunday, March 30 — “Mary Poppins” presented by Ferrum College Theatre Arts (415 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum). A practically-perfect musical. ($)
- Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. — Extreme Plawkers take on Mill Mountain starting at Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. 1115 Piedmont St. SE, Roanoke). Walk. Pick up Litter. Be Exhausted. Let’s get Mill Mountain sparkling clean before thousands of people take their trek up it on Blue Ridge Marathon/Half Marathon/10K day. This adventure is not for the faint of heart nor for children.
- Sunday. April. 6 at 3:00 p.m. — "O Fortuna" Carmina Burana presented by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). Experience the raw intensity of Carmina Burana, an exhilarating ode to fate and fortune, harnessing the forces of operatic vocalists, choirs, and the full symphony orchestra. ($)
Ongoing
- Through March 30 — “Waitress — The Musical” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). The musical follows Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and expert pie maker at Joe's Diner, who finds herself in an unfulfilling marriage to her controlling husband, Earl. When Jenna discovers she's pregnant, she begins to re-evaluate her life and dreams of escape. ($)
- Through March 30 — “Matilda the Musical” presented by Wolfbane Productions at the Wolf Den Theatre in downtown Lynchburg (723 Jefferson St., Lynchburg). Step into our magical production based on Roald Dahl’s “Matilda.” Guests must be at least 5 years old to enter the theatre. ($)
- Through March 30 — Charisse Pearlina Weston: "I saw the room but darkly dreamed it..." art exhibition at Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech (190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg). Weston's exhibition features new glass, lead, and concrete sculptures and works on canvas that challenge fixed narratives and systems of control. The core of this disruption lies in the manipulation of Mirropane, a reflective and transparent glass often used for monitoring. This material transformation symbolically subverts the mechanisms of surveillance, questioning who holds power in the act of observing and being observed.
- Through March 30 — Shauté Gates: “This is Not a Test” art exhibition at Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech (190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg). Extracting from multiple time-based media that include current events, history, and cinema, perhaps paradoxically, labyrinths or worlds are constructed to be deconstructed into what Gates describes as, “moments that feel to be on the brink of an unconscious truth.”
- Through April 13 — “Dream, America” with Arden Cone at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University (8009 Fishburn Dr., Roanoke). This exhibition confronts the polarization felt throughout today’s American political system. Where groups are excluded from a national narrative, this exhibition seeks to include them and validate their perspectives.
- Saturdays through December 27 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. ($)
- 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.