Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 8/28 to 9/4.

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, 8/28 to Sunday, 9/1 — Back on the Rack Consignment Sale at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Baby, kid, teen, home, and ladies’ resell shopping event. Find more information at this link.
• Thursday, 8/29 to Sunday, 9/1 — Closing weekend: “Footloose” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Based on the award winning film and moving to the rockin' Oscar winning 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. Find more information at this link. ($)

Wednesday, August 28

• 8 a.m. — Brand Camp at the Greater Roanoke & NRV Small Business Development Corporation Office (7 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). This half-day in person camp is designed to equip small business owners with the tools and strategies to build a strong, sustainable brand that attracts loyal customers and drives growth. Limited to 20 people. Find more information and register at this link. ($)
• 4 to 9 p.m. — Early Access Day (VIP/Seller-Only Event): Back on the Rack Consignment Sale at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). This baby, kid, teen, home, and ladies’ resell shopping event continues through September 1. Find more information at this link.
• 5 to 7 p.m. — Networking at Tech on Tap: Water Cyclone Takeover at The Quarters Coworking Space (351 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke), with Hassan Fayed, PhD, CEO and founder for Narmer-engsim, a climate-tech company headquartered in Blacksburg. This event is presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council. Find more information and register at this link.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Barefoot West Trio at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kings as part of Party in the Park at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Ultimate Frisbee Pick-up League presented by PLAY Roanoke at River’s Edge Park (302 Wiley Dr., Roanoke). Informal, fun, ultimate frisbee pick-up league. Continues weekly on Wednesdays through November 6, some dates excluded. Visit this link for details and to sign up for this low-cost series. ($)
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Candlelight concert featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more performed by the Liteso String Quartet presented by FEVER at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Kyran Daniel at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 8:45 p.m. — Live music: Candlelight concert featuring A Tribute to the Music of Adele and more performed by the Liteso String Quartet presented by FEVER at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Thursday, August 29

• 7:30 a.m. — State of the City Address at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Meet the Artist Reception: Z.L. Feng at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr., Roanoke). Growing up in Shanghai, Feng painted and experimented with different mediums, including pastel, oil, and egg tempera, before choosing his favorite, watercolor. He finds inspiration for his lovely landscapes in the countryside of the New River Valley. His artwork can be found in numerous private and corporate collections, including Walt Disney, the U.S. Gulfstream Aerospace Center, and Orlando International Airport. His exhibit will be open for viewing at Blue Ridge PBS from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekdays through September 13. 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Kemistry at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Juggling Club presented by Jefferson Rose and the Star City Circus Society at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Pay-what-you-can to help maintain equipment and purchase new circus props. Props are provided, no experience necessary. All are welcome. Meets every Thursday.
• 6 p.m. — VOICe Social Hour at Roanoke Mountain Adventures (806 Wasena Ave. SW, Roanoke). Let's chat about everything outdoors and how we can improve Roanoke's outdoor spaces. Whether you love hiking, biking, or just soaking in the beauty of our natural spaces, your voice matters. Join the conversation, share your ideas, and help us advocate for more local investment in our outdoor infrastructure. Find more information and RSVP at this link.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: New and Traditional Stitchery with artist Lynn Donihe 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 p.m. — Two Cities: Book Club and Discussion Group presented by Messiah Roanoke at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Discuss part III of Timothy Keller's book "Making Sense of God." In the final discussion we'll focus on his argument in part 3 that Christianity "makes sense" of reality as we (somewhat) rational animals experience it. Special emphasis on historical arguments for the reality of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Find more information at 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.
• 7 to 9 p.m. — History After Dark: “The Underbelly of Cannabis in the U.S.” with Roanoke College professors Dorothy Belle Polli and Ray Fowler presented by the Botetourt County Historical Society at 1772 on Main & Rooftop (18 S. Roanoke St., Fincastle). Find more information here and reserve a table by calling (540) 632-8099.
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Corned Beef & Co., Inc. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).  
• 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Karaoke Night at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Jacob Panic: Songs for Healing at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Friday, August 30

• 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. ($)
• 5:30 p.m. — Grandin Chillage in the Grandin Village (enter between Westover and Grandin Ave., Roanoke). Live music from Tin Can Locomotive, food from Chef Claytor’s Dream on a Plate, lots of vendors, adult beverages, family entertainment, and sidewalk chalk for days… 12 and under are free; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; pets must be leashed and friendly. Credit cards now accepted. Visit this link for more information. ($)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kind at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Roger Glenn at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Cinémathèque as part of Friday Food Truck and Tunes’ 10th Anniversary Celebration at Sweet Donkey (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke). Also featuring a Local Makers’ Market with 10 vendors on site. Food vendors: Birrieria La Vaca, Smokin’ Nick’s BBQ, and Blue Cow Ice Cream Truck.
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Priscilla Block at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Oddfellows at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Tanjo & Crow with J. Candeed at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: H. Pruz, Colin Miller, and Lamplight at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Andrew Scotchie at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, August 31

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — 37th Annual Mopars in the Valley Show with music by DJ Eugene 'Lone Wolf' Windsorat the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem) to benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and local charities. Show registration from 8 a.m. to noon; open to all Mopar and Mopar Heritage Vehicles. Free to spectate and park. Visit this link for more information. ($)
• 11:45 a.m. — Vanderbilt vs. Virginia Tech Watch Party at 202 Social House (202 Market St., Roanoke). Kick-off is at noon!
• Noon to 2 p.m. (Parade line-up starts at 8 a.m.) — Roanoke Labor Day Parade along Campbell Ave. in downtown Roanoke. The parade line-up will begin at 200 Campbell Ave. at 8 a.m. The parade will progress east along Campbell starting at noon, eventually dispersing at the intersection of Campbell Ave. and Williamson Rd. For more information, visit this link.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Jesse Ray Carter at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5 to 10 p.m. — Not Your Average Block Party: The Collective’s Anniversary presented by The Humble Hustle Co. as part of We Outside Weekend at The Collective (601 11th St. NW). For years, Xavier Tramaine and the Humble Hustle team have fostered a creative and collaborative community through their consistent, driven efforts to build The Collective. It has been a year since they marked the grand opening of this community coworking space. The city is invited to celebrate this milestone with Xavier and his team! Enjoy live music, special HMBLE HSTLE Clothing deals, local vendors, and more. Find more information and RSVP at this link. 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Winn, Mesko, Young at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: The Rarely Available at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 to 11:30 p.m. — The Southwest Virginia Pride Pageant at the Vinton War Memorial (814 E. Washington Ave., Vinton) as a component of the 2024 SWVA Pride FEST  on the Festival Stage. Tickets will be $15 at the door. For information about entering the pageant, visit this link. ($)
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Tim Rowlett at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Improv comedy: Big Lick Conspiracy at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Karaoke Night at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Hustle Souls at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
• 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, September 1

• 11 a.m. — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Gary John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Live music: Star City Ceili Band at Twin Creeks Brewpub Tavern Cellar at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke). Sing, drink, dance, and be merry as the Star City Ceili Band brings all the Irish pub vibes to an incredibly authentic setting.
• 2 to 5 p.m. — In Our Back to School Era Party: Taylor Swift Hits at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Dance to all your favorite Taylor Swift hits , and let your inner sparkle shine. Tiny Swifties and future Starr-lets are welcome with their parents. Grab your friends, wear your favorite Taylor-inspired outfit, and let’s make this a day to remember!
• 3 p.m. — Live music: Toured Warp at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
• 3 to 6 p.m. — Labor Day Y2K Party at Awful Arthur’s (108 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). You dress the part and DJ Dollar Bill will spin all your favorite 2000s hits. Look for drink specials all day.
• 4 to 10 p.m. — Labor Day Luau at Six and Sky Rooftop Grille (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Featuring live music by In the Meantime (4 p.m.), The Low Low Chariot (6 p.m.), and Solacoustix (8 p.m.). 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.
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Rachael Hester and the Tennessee Walkers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5 to 10 p.m. — Remember the Times: 90s and 2000s Party in the Park presented by The Humble Hustle Co. as part of We Outside Weekend at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). DJ Showtime & Friends will be spinning the top throwback hits. Also look for interactive karaoke and a dance contest to showcase your moves like it's 1999 – come relive the good times and make some new memories. No outside food, drinks, or coolers. 21+ event. Purchase tickets at this link. ($)

Monday, September 2 – Labor Day

• 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Ruck 2 Restore at River’s Edge Sports Complex (302 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke). A 22-mile ruck (walking a set distance carrying a weighted object) to raise awareness for the suicide epidemic affecting the nation’s veterans and to fundraise for the National Center for Healthy Veterans and Valor Farms. Find more information about the programs or sign up to participate at this link.
• 4:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Star City Secret Cinema presented by Justin Smith at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). What's the film? You won't know until you take your seat and the lights go down. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($) 

Tuesday, September 3

• 9 a.m. — Roanoke City Council informal meeting / Joint Meeting with Roanoke City School Board at Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (3601 Ferncliff Ave. NW, Roanoke).
• 2 p.m. — Roanoke City Council meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Gary John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Living with Grief meetup: Gardening for Healing presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). These monthly meet-ups offer activities that help build social-emotional well-being, community and reconciliation for those looking for support as they are experiencing grief. Visit this link for more information and to RSVP.
• 6 to 7 p.m. — Opening Night Reception: “Shining a Light on the Christiansburg Institute” exhibit in the Gainsboro Library community room (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke). This exhibit tells the story of Christiansburg Industrial Institute, a school for African American students that was established in 1866 and later supervised by Booker T. Washington. The institute was open for a century, witnessing many of the most historic moments leading up to and including the Civil Rights Movement.  The event will include commentary from the Christiansburg Institute, Inc.'s Executive Director, Chris Sanchez, followed by a panel discussion with that school’s alumni. The exhibit will be open through September 27th. Find more information at this link.
• 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Karaoke Night at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
• 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, September 4

• 3 to 6 p.m. — Downtown Roanoke Hiring Fair presented by Downtown Roanoke Inc. and the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board at the City Market Building (32 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). Featuring employers looking to hire workers in the Service Industry or in Professional and Administrative Roles. Employers can still register to participate in this event. Find more information at this link.
• 4 to 5 p.m. — Audit Committee meeting in the city council conference room, 4th floor at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke)
• 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. — 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. ($)
• 7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Ongoing

• 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. ($)
• Through September 1 — Back on the Rack Consignment Sale at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Baby, kid, teen, home, and ladies’ resell shopping event. Find more information at this link.
• Through September 13 — Featured Art Exhibit: Z.L. Feng at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr., Roanoke). Growing up in Shanghai, Feng painted and experimented with different mediums, including pastel, oil, and egg tempera, before choosing his favorite, watercolor. He finds inspiration for his lovely landscapes in the countryside of the New River Valley. His artwork can be found in numerous private and corporate collections, including Walt Disney, the U.S. Gulfstream Aerospace Center, and Orlando International Airport. His exhibit is open for viewing at Blue Ridge PBS from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekdays through September 13. 
• 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.
• Through September 27 — “Shining a Light on the Christiansburg Institute” exhibit in the Gainsboro Library community room (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke). This exhibit tells the story of Christiansburg Industrial Institute, a school for African American students that was established in 1866 and later supervised by Booker T. Washington. It witnessed the United States’ attempt at Reconstruction, the successful installation of Jim Crow, and school desegregation and the Civil Rights Movement. Explore its history through featured artifacts, such as artwork, photographs, newspapers, and more. 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. ($)