Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 7/17 to 7/24.

The Wells Fargo Tower as seen from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge in 2023. Have a "recognizably Roanoke" photo for Happenings? Email us at editor@roanokerambler.com for a chance to be featured in this space. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU

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

Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21 — 2024 Playwrights Festival at Mill Mountain Theatre. Each summer at the end of July, Hollins University presents a three-day event showcasing readings of student work from the Playwright’s Lab. For more information about plays and show times, visit this link.

Wednesday, July 17

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Diversity, Equity, Inclusion panel discussion presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. Hear from industry leaders about their journey to find belonging in our region and ways you can find your people and create more welcoming spaces for all to come together. Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
11 a.m. to Noon — Cupcakes with Roanoke City Employees: Ian Shaw, Stormwater at the Roanoke Public Library (706 S. Jefferson St.). This meet-and-greet series gives Roanokers the chance to come meet City employees of different City departments and to learn more about what they do.
1 p.m. — Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center Commission meeting in that hotel’s Jefferson Boardroom (106 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke).
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Live music: Alpha Whiskey Company at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
7 p.m. — Live music: Tim Martin and Brian Wheeling at the Brambleton Deli (3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke).
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Crypto Wave Radio at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, July 18

1 to 3 p.m. — Vintage Broadway Jazz Masterclass at Mill Mountain Theatre Waldron Stage (20 Church Ave. SE). This exhilarating two-hour jazz masterclass will dive into the captivating history and timeless choreography of the industry’s legends. For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Catalinas presented by Delta Dental’s Party in Elmwood at Elmwood Park Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jesse Ray Carter Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Basic Carpentry for the Home Gardener 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.
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Elephants Dancing at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, July 19

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Ambassador and The Chosen Few at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Busk Roanoke! and Theatre in the Square present workshops for artists interested in street performance in downtown Roanoke at the City Market Building (32 Market Square, SE, Roanoke). Find full lineup and information at this link.
6 p.m. — Live music: Yächtley Crëw at Dr. Pepper Park at The Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke), featuring timeless 70s and 80s soft rock hits. For tickets and information, visit this link.
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Robin and Doug Settles at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link. ($)
7:30 p.m. — The Bear Theatre presents Crimes of the Heart, Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama/black comedy, at Community High School (302 Campbell Ave. SE). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.) — Live music: Jake Kohn at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Chad Nickell and The Loose Change at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
11 p.m. — No Shame Theatre at Hollins University’s Theatre (8004 Hill House Ct., Roanoke). Visit an experiential performance lab for original work. Anything can happen and usually does in this late night venue. We take the first 15 pieces to walk in the door. Pieces are accepted starting at 10 p.m., doors open at 10:30, and the show starts at 11. Get more information by contacting krucker@hollins.edu

Saturday, July 20

8:30 to 10:30 a.m. — Breakfast with the animals - Om-Nom with the Omnivores at Mill Mountain Zoo (Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke). Guests will be treated to a light breakfast buffet and the chance to meet one of the zoo’s education outreach animals. Find more information at this link. ($)
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Eco-Fest at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Pkwy, Roanoke). a day of fun, learning, and environmental stewardship. Visit this link for more information.
10 a.m. — Busk Roanoke! and Theatre in the Square present workshops for artists interested in street performance in downtown Roanoke at the City Market Building (32 Market Square, SE, Roanoke). Gather for morning performance opportunities. Find full lineup and information at this link.
11 a.m. — Children’s Story Time with Icelandic author Ævar Þór Benediktsson, who will read from his new book, Stranded!: A Mostly True Story from Iceland at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). More information can be found at this link.
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Jesse Ray Carter at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
3 to 9:30 p.m. — Jazz in July at Longwood Park (611 E. Main St,, Salem). Find more information at this link.
4 to 8 p.m. — Night Market: Craft and Vendor Show on the Historic City Market (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information.
5 p.m. — Busk Roanoke! and Theatre in the Square present workshops for artists interested in street performance in downtown Roanoke at the City Market Building (32 Market Square, SE, Roanoke). Gather for evening performance opportunities. Find full lineup and information at this link.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Leonard Blush and The Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link. ($)
7:30 p.m. — The Bear Theatre presents Crimes of the Heart, Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama/black comedy, at Community High School (302 Campbell Ave. SE). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Embertender, Fix Your Hearts, and Dead Billionaires at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: The Settlement 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, July 21

11 a.m. — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Bowl Market at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Featuring vintage, local, handcrafted goods, food and music every third Sunday of the month.
1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Mason Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
3 to 5 p.m. — Tails & Ales: Cat Edition at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Come on out and enjoy some brews while you meet your new best feline friend. Our kitties will be eager to play with employees and visitors.
3:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link. ($)
4 to 7 p.m. — Live music: Mad Iguanas at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
5 to 8 p.m. Live music: Rachel Hester and The Tennessee Walkers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).

Monday, July 22

10 a.m. — Tour de France Summer Art Classes for ages 8-12 att Art on 1st (300 1st St.) Recreating and reimagining renowned French Masterpieces with mixed media art teacher Sarah Duran-Ballen. Find more information at this link. ($)
6 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).

Tuesday, July 23

7 p.m. — Lecture Series: Tony Reevy, author of “O. Winston Link: Life Along the Line,” discusses Link and Link’s work as part of the O. Winston Link Museum's 20th anniversary, at 101 Shenandoah Ave. NE, Roanoke.
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link. ($)
8 p.m. — Line Dance Night at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).
9 p.m. — Karaoke night at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q and The Funky Truth at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Wednesday, July 24

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion’s Western Wednesdays at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: Dirty Heads at Dr. Pepper Park at The Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke), featuring mixed hip-hop, reggae, and rock to create a unique sound that both fully embodies their Southern California roots. For tickets and information, visit this link.
6:30 and 8:45 p.m. — Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay at Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke). Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Fredericksburg Nationals at Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link. ($)
7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) — RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke), an electrifying journey through the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour in addition to songs from the early years all the way to Abbey Road. For tickets and more information visit this link. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Caleb Carpenter at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Ongoing

Through July 28 — “Flat Stanley: The Musical” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre at various locations throughout Roanoke City and Roanoke County. In this whirlwind musical odyssey, Stanley, the ultimate global explorer, embarks on a thrilling journey from Hollywood to Paris and Honolulu, seeking a way to regain his three-dimensional form. Find more information, including dates, showtimes, and locations, at this link.
Through July 28 — All She Surveys exhibit at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Highlights 16 mid- to late-career women artists based in Roanoke or a contiguous county. This intimate group exhibition gives a taste of the work these artists have made and are creating. Find more information at this link.
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.
Through August 30 — Sons of the Village: The Art of Fatherhood curated by Fletcher Nichols at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke). “I believe fatherhood extends beyond our blood relatives and into the fabric of the community,” Nichols said. “We are all connected to a village.” Nichols’ vision for celebrating meaningful, mentoring relationships between men – those who came before them and those who will come after them – comes to life in a series of photographs. In addition to Nichols’ photography, the show includes sketches, metal works, and multimedia by other local artists. The show will be open until August 30. If you would like to visit the exhibit, contact Courtney Powell at cbrakes@vt.edu to make arrangements. Find more information at this link.
Through mid-September — When Salem Sizzles: Tales of Summers Past at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Visitors will enjoy a fun look back in time to see how we kept our cool in the days before air conditioning, and the fun we had once the weather turned warm. The Lake Spring resort and Lakeside Amusement Park offered cool spots to take a dip. There were graduations, June weddings, Fourth of July parades, scout camps, and lots and lots and lots of sports. And, oh – we had such trouble with the iceman. Find more information at this link.
Saturdays through December 28 — 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. ($)