Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 5/1 to 5/8.

A view of the City Market Building from April, 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. 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.

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

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, 5/2 through Saturday 5/4 — Experience Conference: RISE presented by Get2KnowNoke in various locations in downtown Roanoke. Offering 40+ programs, events, artistic showcases, and socials to encourage professional development and regional improvements while celebrating all the area offers. Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
Thursday, 5/2 through Sunday 5/5 — “A Year With Frog and Toad” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre on Waldron Stage (20 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). This heartwarming story follows Frog and Toad, two contrasting yet inseparable friends, as they navigate the changing seasons, learning life lessons along the way. Playing through May 11. All public performances are pay what you can. There is also an option to pay a donation to reserve a seat in advance. For more information, visit this link.
Thursday 5/2 through Sunday 5/5 — “Dearly Beloved” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). This fast-paced Southern-Fried comedy about a wedding gone horribly wrong will have you rolling in the aisles. Playing through May 12. Find more information at this link. ($)
Friday, 5/3 through Saturday 5/4 — 44th Annual Community School Strawberry Festival at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your advance dessert tickets at this link. ($)

Wednesday, May 1

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3722 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke).
6:30 p.m. — Queer Tango Lessons & Practice presented by Queer Dance Roanoke and Dance with Lane at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Join in this spring to learn Argentine Tango, a gender-norm defying dance where anyone can lead or follow. You do not need to have a dance partner to participate, we will all be dancing and learning together. Find more information, including a schedule of lessons and practices at this link. ($)
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Trubblegum, Times Tables, Convalescent, and Nervous Surface at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8 to 11:30 p.m. — Live music: Big Lick Tonic Band at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
9:30 p.m. — Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, May 2

5 to 7 p.m. — Roanoke County (North) Safe Streets and Roads for All community meeting at the Hollins Library (6624 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke). This is part of a collaboration between Roanoke County, Botetourt County, and the Town of Vinton on a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan through the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Read more at this link.
5:30 p.m. — Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board meeting at at the Williamson Road Branch Library (3837 Williamson Rd). A public hearing will receive input on the responsibilities of the EEAB and on what language should be included in a proposed resolution to City Council apologizing to persons affected by the City’s past urban renewal projects.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Father Sun at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community night: Explore Southeast Walk and Talk presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga and kids activities begin at 6 p.m., with the workshop to follow at 6:45. Community nights are free and open to all ages. Visit this link for more information and to RSVP.
7 to 10 p.m. — Kizomba Dance Social at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). From 7 to 7:30 p.m., there will be a basic kizomba lesson with the open dance floor to follow until closing.Find more information at this link.
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Mardi Gras in May) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: The Faux Paws at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Bradley Steele – Live on the Rooftop at Corned Beef & Co., Inc. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
9:30 p.m. — Live music: GOTE at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, May 3

5 to 9 p.m. — Live music: 80z Nation presented by First Fridays at Five, Inc. in Downtown Roanoke (Franklin Road between S. Jefferson St. and Williamson Rd.). Covering, Rick Springfield to Prince and everything in between! If you are stuck in the 80’s this is the time to break out the aquanet hairspray, parachute pants, leg warmers and jelly shoes for a totally awesome 80’s night out! This is a 21+ event. For more information, visit this link. ($)
5 to 9 p.m. — Late nights: Swing into Spring at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Featuring a pop-up card design session with local artist Katherine Devine and swing dance lessons from 6 to 8 p.m. with Underground Swing. The galleries will be open during this time as well. Find more information at this link.
5 to 10 p.m. — Cinco de Mayo Salem Avenue Street Fest with Tuco’s Taqueria and Beamer’s 25 at 416 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke. Featuring music from That 80s Show, Sons of Pirates and DJ Flex, a kids zone, and multiple outdoor bars. Find more information at this link.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kind at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6:30 to 8 p.m. — Reading into Art’s Author/Artist reception presented by Book No Further and Art on 1st at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Artists from throughout Western Virginia have created art inspired by one of five books written by local authors. Book No Further and Art on 1st will host an event celebrating this creativity across the arts. Visit this link for a list of this year’s celebrated artists and authors. The exhibit will continue at Art on 1st through May 24.
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7 p.m. — 7th Annual Make Roanoke Queer Again Bar Crawl presented by the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ History Project starting at the Roanoke City Market Building (101 Market St. SE, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Teacher Appreciation Night) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Agents of Good Roots at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to reserve your tickets.
10 p.m. — Live music: Music Road & Co. + Aliens at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, May 4

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Kiwanis Pancake & Auction Day at the Berglund Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). For 25+ years, our Club has conducted an annual event to raise money by selling pancake breakfasts, conducting an auction, and conducting a yard sale. The funds raised provide grants or local organizations that serve the elderly, children, and the environment. Purchase advance tickets here. ($)
8 a.m. — Southwest Virginia Pride Yard Sale at the Charles R. Hill Senior Center (820 E. Washington Ave., Vinton).
8:40 a.m. — 17th Annual Trail Nut 10k & Half Marathon at Falling Creek Park (1257 County Farm Rd., Bedford). Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — 9th Annual Spring Craft and Vendor Show at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Since it is May 4th, Storm Troopers will be on site for photo opportunities along with vendors selling Star Wars items. Free admission and free parking.
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Bonnie’s Big Inclusive Brunch for SWVA Pride presented by Building Beloved Communities at Status Restaurant and Lounge (213 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Dish on delicious brunch fare, sip bubbly beverages, and sing along to the dazzling performances of Downtown Divas while supporting SWVA Pride! (Adults 18+). Find more information at this link. ($)
1 to 6 p.m. — The Great Roanoke Pinball Pub Crawl starting at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Three breweries — One epic showdown! Have a drink, socialize, play some pinball, and win some cash. Find more information and register at this link. ($)
1 to 8 p.m. — Live music: JStop Latin Soul at Brady’s Distillery (711 Pocahontas Ave. NE, Roanoke).
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Chris Anderson at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
4 p.m. (Tailgating at 2 p.m.) — Roanoke Rampage vs. Tristate Shields at the Salem Football stadium (1008 Texas St., Salem). Find more information at this link. ($)
5 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Fuzzy Logic presented by the Daleville Summer Music concert series at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Find more information at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8 p.m. — Kentucky Derby Party at 202 Social House (202 Market St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Audacity Brass Band at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Star Wars Night) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Andy Burnette at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Her Majesty, The Moops, and Roughshod at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Jason Hostetter at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
8 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Sam Grisman Project at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase your tickets. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Charissa Joy & the High Frequency at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
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, May 5

9:30 a.m. — Compost Fest: Music, Permaculture, and Family Fun at Star City Compost (2051 Blue Hills Dr., Roanoke). Featuring permaculture workshops, kids activities, kids acoustic music, seed sowing workshops, tours of the compost facility, live music, and a local food themed Hoot and Holler show. Find more information at this link. ($)
Noon to 5 p.m. (VIP entry at 11) — Taco-Ritas Festival at the Berglund Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live Latin music from Chupacabrasi, salsa dancing, margaritas, and of course….TACOS from your favorite local Roanoke restaurants. Find more information including a complete schedule and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
12:30 p.m. — 2024 Spring Bling to benefit West End Center for Youth at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke). Brunch, fashion show, and silent auction. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Minor Strings (Lynwood and Arlia) at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
3 to 4:30 p.m. — “Ode to Joy” presented by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
3 to 9 p.m. — Cinco de Mayo party at 202 Social House (202 Market St., Roanoke).
3:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Cinco de Mayo) at the Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
4 to 7 p.m. — Live music: Aaron Geller and Lilly Potts at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
5 to 8 p.m. Live music: Into the Fog at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).

Monday, May 6

9 a.m. — Roanoke City Council meeting – informal meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
2 p.m. — Roanoke City Council meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
6 p.m. — CSG Book Club presented by Rainy Day Reads at Crystal Spring Grocery Co. (2205 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke). This month’s selection is “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. Find more information at this link.
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). During this time, $1 from every pint purchased will go to Brandon Davis, a musician who was recently struck by a car while riding his bike home after playing at the regular Monday Night Irish Music Session.
6:30 p.m. — Books and Beans book club at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). This month’s selection is “7 ½ Lives of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton. The next meeting will be in August to discuss Amanda Cockerell’s “Coyote Weather.” Find more information at this link.
7 to 8:30 p.m. — “Spotlight on Broadway” presented by the Roanoke Valley Choral Society at First Presbyterian Church (2101 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.

Tuesday, May 7

5 to 8 p.m. Live music: Alex Arbaugh at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
8 to 10 p.m. — Open Mic Night at the Jefferson Center’s Music Lab (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). These nights are all about celebrating local talent and creating a supportive community of music lovers. Take your instruments and prepare to share your talents. For more information, contact Brian Waites at bwaites@jeffcenter.org.
10 p.m. — Live music: Charissa Joy Jam at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Wednesday, May 8

5:30 p.m. — Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates meeting at the Melrose Library STEAM Lab (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke).
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6:30 p.m. — Queer Tango Lessons & Practice presented by Queer Dance Roanoke and Dance with Lane at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Join in this spring to learn Argentine Tango, a gender-norm defying dance where anyone can lead or follow. No dance partner necessary. Find more information, including a schedule of lessons and practices at this link. ($)
7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Troublesome Blues Band at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3722 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke).
7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Tina and her Pony with Ash Devine at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
9:30 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 May 11 — “A Year With Frog and Toad” at Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Stage (20 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). This heartwarming story follows Frog and Toad, two contrasting yet inseparable friends, as they navigate the changing seasons, learning life lessons along the way. All public performances are pay what you can. There is also an option to pay a donation to reserve a seat in advance. For more information, visit this link.
Through May 12 — “Dearly Beloved” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). This fast-paced Southern-Fried comedy about a wedding gone horribly wrong will have you rolling in the aisles. Playing through May 12. Find more information at this link. ($)
Through May 17 — Paulina Swietliczko exhibit at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr. SW, Roanoke). As a painter, Swietliczko is interested in capturing her own experience of living a simple life and finding magic in the mundane. The exhibit is open on weekdays.
Through May 24. — Reading into Art presented by Book No Further and Art on 1st at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Artists from throughout Western Virginia have created art inspired by one of five books written by local authors. Visit this link for a list of this year’s celebrated artists and authors.
Through August 25 — Rimer Cardillo exhibit at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Through graphic work, sculptural objects, and large-scale installations, Cardillo presents viewers with his searching inquiry into relations across national borders and his rigorous investigation of continuities between historical epochs. Find more information at this link.