Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/16 to 4/23.

Blossoms and facades in downtown Roanoke, March 2024. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU. Have a "recognizably Roanoke" photo for Happenings? Email us at editor@roanokerambler.com for a chance to be featured in this space.

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.

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

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This Weekend

Friday, April 18 through Saturday, April 19 — Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast: Good Friday Service and Patriot’s Day Prayer Breakfast at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). People of faith, government leaders and clergy are invited to gather and pray for the Office of the Presidency, the United States of America and Israel for a Good Friday Service and a Patriot's Day Prayer Breakfast. ($)

Wednesday, April 16

11:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Networking: Beer & Biotech presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Innovation Alliance at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
5 to 7 p.m. — Art at Perry Park (1101 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Different activities for West End neighbors and friends every week.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 to 8 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Stave & Cork (115 E. Main St., Salem). No assigned reading. No pressure.
6:30 to 8 p.m. — Open Mic Night at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, comedian, or singer, tonight's your chance to shine. Every voice matters.
7 p.m. — Live music: Tim Martin and Brian Wheeling at Brambleton Deli (3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke).
7:30 p.m. — Virginia Tech Wind Ensemble with the Bassett High School Band at the Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke).
7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Kenmuju, Gaol, Dogscream, Excerow at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: SunSquabi at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: The Dip at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Russell Dickerson at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: New Age Phonograph at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Thursday, April 17

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: Grass is Dead at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Blessing of the Farm presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga, gardening/farming and kids activities kick off at 6 p.m., followed by a workshop at 6:45 p.m.
6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
7 p.m. — Live music: Ashes and Arrows, America’s Got Talent semi-finalists, at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). ($)
8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Karlee Raye at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Willie De at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Friday, April 18

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Father Sun at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: Elonzo Wesley at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke).
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Jojo Stockton & Solacoustix at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
7 p.m. — Live music: Light of the World — JS Bach’s motet presented by the Roanoque Baroque Chamber Choir and the Roanoque Baroque Chamber Strings at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church (2101 Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
7:30 p.m.. — Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Pops: The Music of Billy Joel at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). The Music of Billy Joel features some of the most iconic melodies ever recorded, including Only the Good Die Young, She’s Always a Woman, We Didn’t Start the Fire, Uptown Girl and more. ($)
7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Bookbag Santa and friends at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. ($)
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Jason Hostetter at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Spafford at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Pink Beds, Simplest Form, The Moops at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Karaoke at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Snozzberries at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)

Saturday, April 19

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — 24th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival at Green Hill Park (2501 Parkside Dr., Salem).
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Earth Day Roanoke celebration in the Grandin Village (Grandin Rd. between Westover Ave. and Memorial Ave.). Live music.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Lexington & Concord 250 Day at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Throughout the day living historians in Colonial-era military and civilian attire will bring the past to life for kids and families alike, demonstrating the professions, trades, and crafts essential to the era. Several distinguished lecturers will also be on hand to discuss the lead up to, events during, and later significance of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Authentic music from the time period of the Revolutionary War will also be performed.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Longshot Comic & Toy Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Comic, toys, and collectibles. Cosplayers welcome.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Roanoke Pride Kickoff at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Andrew Winn & Brian Mesko at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
5 to 8 p.m. — A Night Under the Stars with Chris at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Chris's annual fundraising gala. There will be cocktails, dinner, a travel auction, and the premiere of a short film by Nate Gallopo. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kind at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 to 9 p.m. — Alt Rock Rewind with DJ Flex at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Skydog — Allman Brothers Tribute at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Lua Flora with Dylan Dent and Sullivan Smith at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Tina & Her Pony at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Matt Tucker at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Hawthorne Heights w/ To Be a King — at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: The Kind Thieves at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)

Sunday, April 20

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Downtown Divas Drag Brunch at Evie’s Bistro & Bakery (1212 4th St. SW, Roanoke). ($)
1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: The Night Shift at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
1:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Jive Exchange at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).

Monday, April 21

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).
6:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Manic Monday Karaoke at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).

Tuesday, April 22

6 to 8 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Three Notch’d (24 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
7 p.m. — "The Great Gatsby" presented by The World Ballet Company at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). See the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel LIVE on stage. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Sky Dolphin at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Wednesday, April 23

5 to 7 p.m. — Art at Perry Park (1101 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Different activities for West End neighbors and friends every week.
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Open Mic Comedy Night at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. 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.
10 p.m. — Live music: Griffin Haley at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Looking ahead

April 25 through 26 — Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival at Camp Bethel (328 Bethel Rd., Fincastle). Featuring Megan Wells, Donna Washington, Michael Reno Harrell and Donald Davis. ($)
April 25 through 27 — Roanoke Pride Weekend presented by Roanoke Pride.
April 26, 6 pm. — Shine a Light: SARA Benefit at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Proceeds from this event will support SARA’s FREE services to survivors of sexual violence in Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt, Franklin, and Craig. ($)

Ongoing

Through April 19 — “Artists and Mentor” a group exhibition featuring national and international artists at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). This exhibition features the work of twenty artists from Japan, Spain, England, and across the United States who have studied under celebrated artist, teacher, and mentor Erin Raedeke.
Through May 2 — 2025 Studio Art Exhibition at Roanoke College’s Olin Hall Galleries (240 High St., Salem). Exhibited works are from Roanoke College Art Majors and Minors.
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.