Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 8/7 to 8/14.

A view of the Roanoke Valley from atop Mill Mountain from 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

Thursday, 8/8 to Sunday, 8/11 — “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. Playing through August 18. Find more information and purchase tickets at this link.
Friday, 8/9 to Sunday, 8/11 — Opening weekend: Acoustic Invasion at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). An immersive experience that explores the changes created in an environment’s soundscape when invasive species impact our ecosystems. Jointly presented by the Taubman Museum of Art and Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology in the Museum’s Media Lab. Open through September 8. Find more information at this link.

Wednesday, August 7

10:30 a.m. — Northwest Roanoke Vision Zero High Injury Network Walk Audit starting at Roanoke Envision Center (2607 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke). A walk audit is a site visit, primarily by foot, aimed at identifying safety and access issues, considering potential strategies to address these concerns, and fostering an informed discussion about the feasibility of various solutions. Open to the public; however, space is limited and preference will be given to PAC members. Contact Rob Issem to hold your space at robert.issem@roanokeva.gov
5 to 7 p.m. — Vision Zero Roanoke Community Gathering at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). These are informal gatherings designed for folks to drop-in, meet the Toole Design consultant team, ask questions and provide input and feedback. Find more information at this link.
5 to 7 p.m. — Networking: Small Biz Meet-Up at The Quarters coworking space (351 Campbell Ave., Roanoke). Talk shop and get to know others in the community.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Kerosene Willy 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. ($)
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. the Delmarva Shorebirds at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Karaoke Night! at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, August 8

9 to 11:30 a.m. — Lecture: "Prescribing Hope for Recovery” with Patricia Deegan Ph.D. on the topic of Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode Psychosis as part of the Coordinated Specialty Care Behavioral Health Symposium at St Johns Episcopal Church (1 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). For more information and to RSVP, visit this link.
Noon to 1:30 p.m. — “Beyond the Sale - Mastering Networking and Customer Outreach to Achieve Your Goals” with Tammy Swader, sales executive with Lawrence Companies as part of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber ‘s 2024 LeadHERship Series at Humana (4365 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and register at this link. ($)
1 p.m. — Northeast Roanoke Vision Zero High Injury Network Walk Audit starting at Williamson Road Library (3837 Williamson Rd, Roanoke). This tour will combine a van ride and short walks for site visits aimed at identifying safety and access issues, considering potential strategies to address these concerns, and fostering an informed discussion about the feasibility of various solutions. Open to the public; however, space is limited and preference will be given to PAC members. Contact Rob Issem to hold your space at robert.issem@roanokeva.gov
4 p.m — Vision Zero Roanoke Community Gathering at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). These are informal gatherings designed for folks to drop-in, meet the Toole Design consultant team, ask questions and provide input and feedback. Find more information at this link.
5:30 p.m. — BIT SWVA: “Maximize Your Conference Experience: Effective Networking Strategies” with Ashley Offutt and Shamaill Ross presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council the Roanoke Higher Education Center (108 North Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information and register at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kings presented by Delta Dental’s Party in Elmwood at Elmwood Park Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: GOTE at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Community Night: Growing Microgreens presented by Carilion Clinic at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Yoga and kids activities begin at 6 p.m., with the workshop to follow at 6:45. Community nights are free and open to all ages. Visit this link for more information and to RSVP.
7 p.m. — “For King and Country: The Life of the British Soldier” with Jeff Briggs of the Fincastle Company at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Briggs will present little known facts about the British Army in general and the British soldier in particular, including their uniform and equipment used.
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. the Delmarva Shorebirds at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
7:30 p.m. — Stand-up comedy: Tom Segura: Come Together at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Moken at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, August 9

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. ($)
2 p.m. — Art opening and lecture: Warhol Revisited curated by Amy Lawhorn sponsored in part by the City of Roanoke through the Roanoke Arts Commission at The Eleanor D. Wilson Museum in the Richard Wetherill Visual Arts Center at Hollins University (8009 Fishburn Dr., Roanoke). Through a modern lens, “Warhol Revisited” reexamines Andy Warhol’s personal attitudes and involvement in the Pop Art movement to better understand how his prints play a role in today’s world. The exhibit will be open through October 8. For more information, visit this link.
4 to 10 p.m. — Live music: The Deloreans 80s Band at Wind Vineyards SML (15772 Moneta Rd., Moneta). Find more information at this link. ($)
5 to 9 p.m. — Live Music: Thomas Road presented by the Daleville Summer Concert Series at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Find more information at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Jerry Garcia Tribute with Foster & Friends at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: Rhonda Funk at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke).
6 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Creedence Clearwater Recital at Brugh Lawn at Twin Creeks Brewpub as part of Tavern Stage Summer Music Series at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke). Grab your lawn chairs, gather your friends and family, and join us for an unforgettable evening of music in the perfect summer atmosphere.
6 to 9 p.m. — Author event: An Evening with Savannah Mandel, author of “Ground Control: An Argument Against Human Space Exploration,” presented by Stars Over Star City series at the Science Museum of Western Virginia’s Eye auditorium (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). This event features an author talk followed by a star show, Q&A, and book signing. Books will be available for sale throughout the event, facilitated by War on Books. Beer + wine cash bar. Recommended ages 13+ Find more information at this link. ($)
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Greensky Bluegrass at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (301 Ivy Ln., Union Hall). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Daisychain at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
6:30 p.m. — Live music: 5 Dollar Shake at Cast (3555 Electric Rd., Roanoke).
7 p.m. — I.G.O.R. (Introvert Gatherings of Roanoke) at Blue Ridge Indie Market (601 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
7 p.m. (Movie starts at dusk, around 8:30 p.m.): Movies in the Park — Sonic the Hedgehog 2 at Kiwanis Park (732 Indiana St., Salem). The Kiwanis concession stand will be open for business (Cash ONLY) and will provide free popcorn. Free admission.
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. the Delmarva Shorebirds at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Donavan Frankenreiter with TWAM at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Virginia Electric at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, August 10

8 to 10 a.m. — 50th Anniversary Salem Distance Run starting outside of the Easter Seals building (201 E. Main St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to register.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Mega Market Match presented by Downtown Roanoke Inc. at Roanoke’s Historic City Market (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
2 to 6 p.m. — PLAYpalooza presented by Roanoke City Parks and Recreation at Washington Park – Upper (1610 Burrell St. NW, Roanoke). Discover all of the programs that PLAY Roanoke has to offer. Learn about outdoor recreation activities, athletics sports teams, environmental education programs, and more! We will also feature information from other providers including, but not limited to, after school care, athletic clubs, family services, recreation opportunities, and lots of other vendors. Find more information at this link.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Becki and the Boom Booms at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: Reggae in the Bowl with Lazy Man Dub Band presented by 5 Points Music Sanctuary at Black Dog Salvage’s Dog Bowl (902 13th St. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
6 p.m. — Live music: Charissa Morrison at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
6:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. the Delmarva Shorebirds at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
7 p.m. — Live music: Eric Wayne Band and Karlee Raye presented by Mingle at the Market at the Vinton Farmers Market (204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton). Find more information at this link. ($)
7:30 p.m. — Live music: Old Crow Medicine Show at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Sam Morrow at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
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 11

11 a.m. — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
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: Jive Exchange at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
5 to 9 p.m. — Jamiel with Hoppie Vaughan & The Ministers of Soul at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke).
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Guitars Under the Star guitar pull presented by 3rd Street Coffeehouse at Mill Mountain Star (Prospect Rd. SE, Roanoke). Gather together outdoors with acoustic instruments in hand and celebrate music on the grassy area opposite the lower observation deck at Mill Mountain (see picture above). Originals or covers are fine. Find more information at this link.

Monday, August 12

1:30 p.m. — Roanoke City Planning Commission meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
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.
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).

Tuesday, August 13

5:15 p.m. — Southeast Plawkers meet at Small Batch Liquidations (315 Albemarle Ave. SE, Roanoke). Plawk: (verb) to pick up litter while walking, in order to beautify the streetscape. Bags, gloves, and grabbers will be provided (THANKS to our friends at Clean Valley Council!). The SE Plawkers meet in various locations every Tuesday. For more information, visit this link.
7 p.m. — Arts Connect Tuesday Conversation: Street Art in Southeast Belmont Fallon Target Area: Bus Shelters + Placemaking through Street Improvements with Artist in Residence Molly Kernan and Ride Solutions’ Andrea Garland in the Economic Development Conference Room at 117 Church Avenue, SW. Be part of this conversation as the city advances construction on the bus shelters. Find more information at this link.
9:30 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, 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. — 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.

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. ($)
Through mid-September — When Salem Sizzles: Tales of Summers Past at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Visitors will enjoy a fun look back in time to see how we kept our cool in the days before air conditioning, and the fun we had once the weather turned warm. The Lake Spring resort and Lakeside Amusement Park offered cool spots to take a dip. There were graduations, June weddings, Fourth of July parades, scout camps, and lots and lots and lots of sports. And, oh – we had such trouble with the iceman. Find more information at this link.
Through October 8 — Art opening and lecture: Warhol Revisited curated by Amy Lawhorn sponsored in part by the City of Roanoke through the Roanoke Arts Commission at The Eleanor D. Wilson Museum in the Richard Wetherill Visual Arts Center at Hollins University (8009 Fishburn Dr., Roanoke). Through a modern lens, “Warhol Revisited” reexamines Andy Warhol’s personal attitudes and involvement in the Pop Art movement to better understand how his prints play a role in today’s world. The exhibit will be open through October 8. For more information, visit this link.
Saturdays through December 28 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. Find more information and reserve your spot at this link. ($)