Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 8/14 to 8/21.

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. 

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

• Wednesday, 8/14 to Saturday, 8/17 — Franklin County Agricultural Fair at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). Experience the excitement of tractor competitions, midway rides, music concerts, live entertainment, competitive and educational exhibits, demonstrations, animal shows, petting zoo, fair pageant, contests, games, food, and fun – lots of fun! Find more information at this link.
• Thursday, 8/15 to Sunday, 8/18 — Roanoke Comedy Fest in various locations around town. See special section below for a complete show listing and more details. ($)
• Thursday, 8/15 to Sunday, 8/18 — “Footloose” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Based on the award winning film and moving to the rockin' Oscar wining and Tony-nominated top 40's score, Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town and face the adjustments of a new town, new school, and new local edicts like the ban on dancing. Playing for 3 weeks, through September 1. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Friday, 8/16 to Saturday, 8/17 — Patrick Henry High School All-Alumni Reunion Weekend. Friday’s Meet and Greet will be held at Holiday Inn Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke) from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. & Saturday’s Cookout will be at Wasena Park (1001 Winchester Ave. SW, Roanoke) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with live music from Solacoustix starting at 1 p.m. Visit this link for more details.

Wednesday, August 14

• 1 p.m. — Board of Zoning Appeals meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 5 to 10 p.m. — Franklin County Agricultural Fair at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). Experience the excitement of tractor competitions, midway rides, music concerts, live entertainment, competitive and educational exhibits, demonstrations, animal shows, petting zoo, fair pageant, contests, games, food, and fun – lots of fun! Find more information at this link.
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Cyclocross practice at Fallon Park (2116 Dale Ave. SE, Roanoke). Bring your mountain bike, gravel bike, cyclocross bike — really anything that will run on grass, gravel, and pavement. The invitation is open to all cyclists with interest in building cyclocross skills. Just show up, introduce yourself and learn cx skills from experienced riders. 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Noah Spencer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — 90s Trivia Night at Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen and Brewery (24 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Ultimate Frisbee Pick-up League presented by PLAY Roanoke at River’s Edge Park (302 Wiley Dr., Roanoke). Informal, fun, ultimate frisbee pick-up league. Continues weekly on Wednesdays through November 6, some dates excluded. Visit this link for details and to sign up for this low-cost series. ($)
• 6:30 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Reggae Night with The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Thursday, August 15

• 4 p.m. — Babies and Brews presented by Mamaraderie at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). Bring your little ones, ages 0-24 months, and join in for happy hour to meet and mingle with other local moms and their littles.
• 5 p.m. — Architectural Review Board Committee meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building  (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Noah Spencer at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Harvest Blaque Birthday Bash & Album Release Party presented by BUZZ at Hotel Roanoke AKA Lounge (110 Shenandoah Ave. Roanoke). Raise a glass as Bryan “Harvest Blaque” Hancock releases his second album, “The Care Package,” a mixture of hip-hop and spoken word poetry. That same evening, this generous and talented soul will also be celebrating his 44th birthday. Find more information and RSVP at this link.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Native Plants 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.
• 6:30 p.m. — Don’t Fall to Pieces: Puzzle Off at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Grab four of your cleverest friends and join in for a night of friendly competition to see who can piece together the puzzle the fastest. 
• 6:30 to 8 p.m. — VA Mtns Outdoor Collective Kickoff presented by Oxbow and the Roanoke Outside Foundation at The Green Goat (302 Wiley Dr., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
• 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.
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Oak Ridge Boys at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Lua Flora at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Friday, August 16

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Friday Float Day presented by Roanoke Mountain Adventures at Wasena Park (806 Wasena Ave. SW, Roanoke). Book your Friday Float Day shuttle – it is the cheapest day to float. The RMA van will meet you at Wasena Park and shuttle you up to Bridge St. to launch your rental tubes for about a 2 hour float back to your car at Wasena Park. Visit this link for more information. ($)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Ambassador and Chosen Few at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Cinémathèque at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Virginia Sweet at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Concerts by Canoe: Cory Hunley & Matt Powell presented by Franklin County Parks and Recreation at Twin Ridge Recreation Area (1052 Twin Ridge Marina Road, Henry). Bring your canoe, kayak, SUP, tube or float and paddle your way to a front row seat for this one of a kind event. Motorboats please utilize the Salthouse Branch Recreation Area for lake access. Non-motorized boats please utilize Twin Ridge Recreation Area, 1052 Twin Ridge Marina Rd., Henry, VA. Life jackets are required for all watercraft per DWR regulations. Find more information at this link.
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Max & Heather Stalling with Jack Marion at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Jared Stout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($

Saturday, August 17

• 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Botetourt Farmers Market Honey Festival at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St., Buchanan). Find more information at this link.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Star City Cruisers 33rd Annual Car, Truck, Cycle Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Lots of Fun for All / Silent Auction / Ticket Raffle / 50-50 /Coloring Contest with Prizes for children. Visit this link for more information and for show registration information. Free to attend. 
• 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. — Let’s Conquer Fitness: Get Bodied Day at Holiday Inn & Conference Center (3315 Ordway Dr., Roanoke). Start the day with nutrition and mental health workshops, followed by a  high impact workout at 10 a.m. When night falls, the music starts! DJ Dink will be in the building to make sure the vibe stays high. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Saturdays on the Lawn at Two and a Half Sisters (1405 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Featuring local vendors.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Celebration at the Station at O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A street festival celebrating the museum’s 20th anniversary. Find more information at this link.
• Noon — Household Hazardous Waste Collection event presented by Roanoke Valley Resource Authority at Tinker Creek Transfer Station (1020 Hollins Rd. NE, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to register.
• 4 to 8 p.m. — Festival of India presented by the India Heritage Society at the Elmwood Park Amphitheater (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Enjoy and experience India's vibrant and diverse culture, cuisine, and live performances right here in Roanoke. Find more information at this link.
• 5 p.m. — Twin Valleys Roller Derby vs. Appalachian and Chemical Valley at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Ryan Greer Duo at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Live Music: Ben Trout Party Band presented by the Daleville Summer Concert Series at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Find more information at this link. ($) 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Pickin’ in the Park featuring Bluegrass legend Junior Sisk and local favorites Wound Tight and New Standard at Longwood Park (611 E. Main St., Salem). Find more information at this link.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Matt Powell at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Aaron Lewis – The American Patriot Tour at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: White Toledo, Deaf Andrews, Times Tables, Mediogres at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: JCE & The End at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
• 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, August 18

• 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. — Disney-themed Drag Brunch featuring the Roanoke Royals at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Live music: 3rd Annual Bow Wow Brunch presented by Angels of Assisi at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). A dog-friendly, food and goodies will be available to purchase from Queen’s Vegan and Unleashed Dog Boutique & Bakery. Live music by GOTE. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 11 a.m. — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Bowl Market at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW., Roanoke). Featuring local artisans and vendors. 
• Noon — Drop Dead Gorgeous Drag Brunch featuring the Downtown Divas at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 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. A special menu will be provided by Sticks & Spoons and brunch drinks provided by The Hatch. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 5 to 7 p.m. — Dirt Church with Trek Roanoke at Carvins Cove – Bennett Springs (4300 Carvins Cove Road Salem). A fun-filled day of mountain biking at the cove; all levels welcome. Two rides will take place — one of around 15 miles and another of around 10. Pace will be for all riders and skill levels. Find more information at this link.
• 6 p.m. — Back to School Pray & Praise concert presented by Roanoke Voices in Market Square (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: The Plate Scrapers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 

Monday, August 19

• 2:30 to 5 p.m. — Monday Music Jam at the Charles R. Hill Community Center (820 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). Open to musicians and spectators. Find more information at this link.
• 6 to 9:30 p.m. — New Zealand Wine Dinner at Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Join Chef de Cuisine Matthew Deacon for a special Five Course Wine Pairing Dinner. To learn more or to make reservations, please call 540.853.8280 or visit this link.
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, August 20

• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Leonard Blush and the Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q & The Funky Truth at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Wednesday, August 21

• 4:30 p.m. — Beer and Biotech with Dr. Patrick Calhoun of Nanocrine presented by the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and register at this link. 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Celtfest with live music from Kinnfolk at Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke). Workshop topic: Intro to Celtic Christian Spirituality: Heritage, History, and the Power of Sacred Imagination. Bonus music from Kinnfolk. Festival continues through Friday, 8/23. Visit this link for more information and to reserve your seat.
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Ultimate Frisbee Pick-up League presented by PLAY Roanoke at River’s Edge Park (302 Wiley Dr., Roanoke). Informal, fun, ultimate frisbee pick-up league. Continues weekly on Wednesdays through November 6, some dates excluded. Visit this link for details and to sign up for this low-cost series. ($)
• 7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Billingsley at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Roanoke Comedy Fest

Thursday, 8/15

• 6:30 p.m. — Comedy Themed Trivia and Free Standup show at Twin Creeks Brewing Company (111 S. Pollard St., Vinton). 

Friday, 8/16

• 7:00 p.m. — Stand-up: Elon Altman at the Roanoke City Market Building’s Charter Hall (32 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). A NYC native, Elon is a regular face at the Comedy Cellar among other iconic comedy clubs, as well as a sought-after writer who recently contributed to the blockbuster roast of Tom Brady. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 9:00 p.m. — Stand-up: Neko White at the Roanoke City Market Building (32 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). As a stand-up comedian, Neko has appeared on Axs Tv's Gotham Comedy Live, Sirius XM's "Sway In the morning Show" FOX’s Laughs, Popcornflix’s Live at New York Comedy Club, and a documentary on his life entitled One Mic. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)

Saturday, 8/17

• 1 p.m. — Intro to Improv: Short Form Games with Richmond’s Coalition Theater TourCo at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Whether you're looking to gain confidence, be more spontaneous, learn about improv, or simply have fun, this workshop is for you. These hands-on exercises will encourage you to think on your feet and will sharpen your wit. No experience necessary. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 3 p.m. — Stand Up Comedy Writing Workshop with Michael Mandzak and Katherine Rogue at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). In this 2 hour workshop you’ll learn to find the funny in anything. Leave this workshop feeling more confident about comedy as well as yourself. Find more information and hold your spot at this link. ($)
• 5:30 p.m. — Stand-up: The Comedy Commission presented by Roanoke Comedy Fest at Big Lick Brewing at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Also known as “The Gangsters of Laughter,” the Comedy Commission is a Roanoke-based collective of comics who produce and perform on dozens of shows per year. Featuring: SteFunny Denise, See Lowe, Marques DaMadsderComic, Dustin Brown, Mitchell Paige, Zack Webb, Taylor Reschka, and Derek Nowlin. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — The Roanoke Comedy Fest Improv Extravaganza at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). One of the most challenging forms of comedy theater, Improv requires artists to create characters, new realities and comic premises on the spot. Trom the short form style popularized by “Whose Line is it Anyway?” to long-form, a highly theatrical approach pioneered in Chicago and New York, this year’s line up includes: Big Lick Conspiracy (Roanoke, VA), Pie Town (NYC), and RCF Dream Team (Various). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)

Sunday 8/18

• 7:00 p.m. — Stand-up: Winston Hodges’ Crowd Work Show at Martins Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Winston is taking over Martin's Downtown as our Sunday headliner. His only material will be his interactions with the crowd in attendance, making this one of the festival's most unique experiences. Even if you're a longtime fan and supporter of Winston's comedy, you've never seen this show before, and never will again. Winston has opened for Demetri Martin, Brian Regan, Mark Normand, Michael Che, and Dave Attell to name a few. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)

Ongoing

• Through August 18 — “9 to 5: The Musical'' presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). Dolly Parton's musical brings together three female co-workers who concoct a scheme to overthrow their sexist male boss. When they take control of the office they realize there is nothing they can't do, even in the man's world of the late 1970s. Find more information and purchase tickets 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 August 31 — Disney’s “Finding Nemo Jr.” at Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). When Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin overcomes his fears, embarking on an epic ocean adventure. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• Thursday, 8/15 to Sunday, 8/18 — “Footloose” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Based on the award winning film and moving to the rockin' Oscar wining and Tony-nominated top 40's score, Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town and face the adjustments of a new town, new school, and new local edicts like the ban on dancing. Playing for 3 weeks, through September 1. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 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. ($)