Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/2 to 4/9.
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
- Thursday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6 — “Sense and Sensibility” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Troutville). A timeless tale of love, heartbreak, and sisterly devotion. ($)
- Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6 — “Closing Arguments” presented by Exit, Pursued by Bear Theatre (The Bear, for short) at Community High (302 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Playwright and director David Walton describes his new work as “a family, a funeral and a lifetime of junk to sort through.” Through April 13. ($)
- Saturday, April 5 through Sunday, April 6 — Spring Home Show presented by the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). This show helps connect locals with an array of businesses all-at-once while providing new features for a new experience each year.
Wednesday, April 2
- 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: Murder Wagon at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 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. (Doors open at 6) — “Triumph of Hope” presented by the Roanoke Jewish Federation at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Powerful true stories of three Holocaust hidden children who survived against unimaginable odds, sharing their journeys of resilience, identity, and hope to ensure their voices and lessons endure for future generations. ($)
- 7 p.m. — Roanoke College Emancipation Week Lecture: Male or Man? American Slavery, Public Monuments, and the Containment of Black Manhood with Charmaine Nelson at Wortmann Ballroom (219 College Ln., Salem).
- 7 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3722 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke).
- 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Les Arts Florissants at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech (190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg). Performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. ($)
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Walter Trout at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Thursday, April 3
- 4 to 7 p.m. — Gaymer Night at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or Playstation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: GOTE at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Evie’s Bistro & Bakery (1212 4th St. SW, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
- 6 to 8 p.m. — Opening Night: 2025 Studio Art Exhibition at Roanoke College’s Olin Hall Galleries (240 High St., Salem). Exhibited works are from Roanoke College Art Majors and Minors. The exhibition will be open through May 2.
- 6:30 p.m. — Community Care & Open Mic Session: Building Our World Time Capsule Workshop presented by Post-Apocalyptic Poets for a Pre-Apocalyptic World at Blindhouse Beer Co. (534 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Get ready for the Daisy Art Parade with us! Bring your crafting supplies to create little artifacts (think 3" square) to attach to the papier mache globe we'll carry in the parade. We will have some supplies on hand, like air-dry clay.
- 7 to 10 p.m. — Urban Kiz Dance Social at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). Lesson from 7 to 7:30; open dance floor until closing at 10.
- 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Tom Barrett, Nicole Yun, and River Phoenix's Cigarette at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Latin Night hosted by JStop Latin Soul at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Friday, April 4
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Roanoke College Emancipation Week: Reading of the Names at the Memorial Site across from Roselawn (226 High St., Salem).
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Workshop: Comedy for Executives and Team Leaders who Speak presented by Walker Consulting Workshops at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
- 3 to 4 p.m. — Roanoke College Emancipation Week: Roundtable Discussion — Authors and Architects Memorial in Olin Recital Hall (240 High St., Salem).
- 4:30 p.m. — Roanoke College Emancipation Week: Dedication of the Memorial at the Memorial Site across from Roselawn (226 High St., Salem). Reception to follow
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Art opening: “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. The exhibition will be open through April 19.
- 5 to 9 p.m. — Late Nights at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Explore much of the museum with free admission.
- 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.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Art by Night Reception at Market Gallery (22 Campbell Ave. SE). Featured artists: Paulina Swietliczko & Margaret Sue Turner-Wright
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Ambassador & The Chosen Few at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theatre Improv Show at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: The Jive Exchange at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Artist Talk: Delphine Dialo, The Mythic Quest at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Meet the rising French-Senegalese artist Delphine Diallo, whose first solo show in the United States is debuting at the Taubman this April. Brooklyn-based Diallo shares how her personal journey to understand her identity has unfolded as she turns the lens on herself and her questions relating to power, autonomy, and connection, particularly as they relate to the representation of Black women’s bodies in photography. The talk is free and welcoming to all, but registration is highly encouraged to reserve your seat.
- 6:35 p.m. — Opening Night: Salem Red Sox vs. Delmarva Shorebirds at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
- 7 p.m. — Live music: Jamiel with Key West Band at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). ($)
- 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Kinnfolk with Josh Jones at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay what you can. ($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Tree of Forgiveness Band — A Tribute to John Prine at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Jaded Ravins, Rebecca Porter, and Doc McClintock at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 8 to 9:30 p.m. — Stand-up: Next Stop Comedy at Living Proof Beer Company (50 W. Court St., Rocky Mount). ($)
- 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. — Karaoke at Corned Beef & Co., Inc. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Tin Can Locomotive at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
Saturday, April 5
- 9 a.m. — Mill Mountain Mayhem 10k presented by Mountain Junkies starting at the pedestrian crossing on Fishburn Parkway. Voted as one of the most loved Mountain Junkies races (it was voted most hated too). This is a great race on a tough mountain and perfect training for the Blue Ridge Marathon race weekend. ($)
- 10 a.m. — Authors Rock Roanoke at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). Meet your favorite authors. ($)
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Meet & Greet with Author Barry Blair at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). Blair recently released his fourth novel, “The Biggest of Lies,” featuring a private investigator who finds himself drawn into two of the most famous murders in the history of the United States.
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Go Green for Grandin Festival with live music from Leftover Biscuits at the Raleigh Court Branch Library (2112 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Celebrate sustainability with your friends and neighbors at this fun & free outdoor festival! Highlights include: zero-waste crafts, the Music Circle classes, outdoor yoga, fairy houses, face painting, and a rock wall.
- Noon to 4 p.m. — Easter Egg Hunt presented by Mountain Thunder Abate of VA at Fallon Park (2116 Dale Ave., Roanoke). Egg Hunts, face painting, bounce houses, food trucks.
- Noon to close — 20th Anniversary Forkapalooza featuring performances by Terry Brown Ascension Project, Phat Anchovies, Jon Stickley Trio and the Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Nowruz (Persian New Year) Celebration presented by Local Colors, Blue Ridge Literacy and the City of Roanoke at the Roanoke City Main Library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Nowruz is a spring festival celebrated in the Afghan, Iranian, and other Central Asian communities.The event features highlights of storytelling, traditional music traditions, and opportunities to join in traditional dancing, food and artisan crafts.
- 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: John McBroom at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 3 to 4 p.m. — Live music: October Sky Ensemble plays new music at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). A mixed-instrument quartet based in Blacksburg, Virginia, that actively commissions, records, and performs new music. Free and welcoming to all. No registration required – walk-ins welcome!
- 3 to 9 p.m. — Norwich Bicentennial Celebration and Concert at Norwich Park (2127 Buford Ave., Roanoke). Live music from Isaac Hadden, Jerome Claytor Touch of Class Band, The Thrillbillyz, and DJ Flex.
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Rachael Hester & The Tennessee Walkers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 6 p.m. — First Saturday: DJ Squeeze at Caribbica Soul (215 Market St., Roanoke).
- 6 to 10 p.m. — Kazim Band Spring Fling at the Kazin Shriners Center (628 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke). Live music from The Noblemen. Featuring a nostalgic big band dance. ($)
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Nathan Seldomridge at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 6:35 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Delmarva Shorebirds at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Tim Cappello (of Lost Boys) with DJ Stimulator Jones at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Live music: The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
Sunday, April 6
- 11 a.m. — Live music: Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 11:30 a.m. — Drag Me to Brunch presented by Spectrum Lynchburg at Beale’s Beer (510 Grove St., Bedford). ($)
- 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Live music: TJ Ellis at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
- Noon to 4 p.m. — Big Lick Bachata Brunch at the Roanoke City Market Building (32 Market Sq. SE (Roanoke). There will be a beginner-friendly lesson at 12pm, and then DJ Perico will be playing a mix of salsa, bachata, kizomba, zouk, and merengue. ($)
- 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Andrew Winn & Brian Mesko at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 1:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Delmarva Shorebirds (Bark in the Park) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). ($)
- 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.
- 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).
- 3 p.m. — Blossoms and Bourbon with Creative Occasions & Events, Mark Frye, and mixologist Henry Hill, Jr. at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Learn to craft a signature bourbon-inspired cocktail and try your hand at floral design. ($)
- 3 p.m. — "O Fortuna" Carmina Burana presented by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). Experience the raw intensity of Carmina Burana, an exhilarating ode to fate and fortune, harnessing the forces of operatic vocalists, choirs, and the full symphony orchestra. ($)
- 5 to 7 p.m. — Live music: Waitin’ on Dave as part of Music on the Mountain presented by PLAY Roanoke at Mill Mountain Discovery Center (2019 Prospect Rd. SE, Roanoke).
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Leonard Blush & The Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
- 8 p.m. — Live music: The Steeldrivers (night two) at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
Monday, April 7
- 4 to 5 p.m. — Springtime Plawking Picnic at the Gainsboro Library (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke). In the spirit of Spring, we'll be plawking the area around the Gainsboro Branch Library with supplies from the Clean Valley Council. Everyone is welcome: the bigger our effort, the more beautiful our neighborhood will look! Participants will be welcomed with a picnic to get fueled up before we head out!
- 5 to 6 p.m. — Daisy Art Parade workshop at the Melrose Branch Library (2502 Melrose Ave NW Suite D). Join various artists in creating puppets and artwork for the upcoming Daisy Art Parade; every Monday in the STEAM Lab.
- 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Manic Monday Karaoke at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke)
Tuesday, April 8
- 8 p.m. — Live music: Joanne Shaw Taylor at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
- 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Sky Dolphin at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Wednesday, April 9
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Senior Fun & Health Fair Day at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Geared toward Seniors 55 and over.
- 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 to 8 p.m. — Easter Egg Hunt presented by the Salem Kiwanis Club at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem).
- 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 8 p.m. — Live music: Evening with the Eagles — Franklin County High School Band fundraiser at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
- 7 to 9 p.m. — Reflections on Water: An Evening of Art, Music, and Science presented by SERCAP and Artvocate at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke).
- 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Minor Gold with Kayla Renee at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
- 10 p.m. — Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).
Looking ahead
- April 10, 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5) — Buzz Live Filming featuring VIA Center for Neurodevelopment with Michael Hemphill and Kianna Price Marshall at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke).
- April 13, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. — Flashback to the 80s Drag Brunch at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). ($)
- April 13, Noon — Lick Run Grown-Up Easter Egg Hunt at 1626 10th St. NW, Roanoke. Pre-sale tickets available now. ($)
- 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. ($)
Ongoing
- Through April 13 — “Dream, America” with Arden Cone at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University (8009 Fishburn Dr., Roanoke). This exhibition confronts the polarization felt throughout today’s American political system. Where groups are excluded from a national narrative, this exhibition seeks to include them and validate their perspectives.
- Through April 13 — “Closing Arguments” presented by Exit, Pursued by Bear Theatre (The Bear, for short) at Community High (302 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Bedford County playwright and director (and pastor) David Walton describes his new work as “a family, a funeral and a lifetime of junk to sort through.” We all know what happens when a family fraught with simmering feuds get together for weddings or funerals – sometimes they begin to boil, and they do in this “dramedy,” with lots of laughs – and a few tears. ($)
- 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.