Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 9/20 to 9/27.

An aerial view of downtown Roanoke, with the Virginia Museum of Transportation at center, in August 2023. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU. Want to see your photo in our Happenings events calendar? Send us your best recognizably-Roanoke shots to editor@roanokerambler.com.

We scoured 17 disparate community calendars (yes, 17) 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!

Ongoing

Thursday, September 21 through October 8 — “Something Rotten” presented by Showtimers (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). In 1595 London, the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, are trying to find success by writing plays. No matter how hard they try, they’re always upstaged by the rock star playwright of the Renaissance, that odious and pompous fellow, William Shakespeare. Find more information, including dates and times, and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
Friday, September 22 through November 4 — Terror Manor 2023 (805 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information, including dates and times, and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
Through October 1 — “Brightstar” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. Find more information including dates and times, and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
Through December 2 — “ULTRAVIOLET, A Life of Purpose” by Simone Paterson at Olin Galleries at Roanoke College (240 High St., Salem). Find more information at this link.
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays — Star City Cruise E-Bike Tour presented by Roanoke Mountain Adventures (806 Wasena Ave., Roanoke). This 13 mile tour will highlight tons of cool Roanoke sights and shops. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)

Wednesday, September 20

11 a.m. to noon — Zumba with Andrea Burney at the Williamson Road Branch Public Library (3837 Williamson Rd. NW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information.
5:15 to 6:15 p.m. — Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). For more information and to register in advance, visit www.taubmanmuseum.org/calendar or contact info@taubmanmuseum.org or (540) 342-5760. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — 16th Annual Star B-Q featuring Dalton Dover at the Salem Farmers Market (3 E. Main St., Salem). Visit this link for more information. ($)
7 p.m. — Repertoir presented by Southwest Virginia Ballet at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q & The Groove at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, September 21

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — 2023 Preserve Luncheon: Preserving History, Serving Community presented by Restoration Housing at the City Market Building’s Charter Hall (32 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). Enjoy welcome mocktails, a delicious meal, great conversation, and engaging guest speaker, Tom Low, while exploring the need for Middle Housing in our community. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
4 to 7 p.m. — Gaymer Night at the Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). Young adults are invited to hang out, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat, and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch on the big screen, or start an RPG, card games and board games. Visit this link for more details.
5 to 8 p.m. — Not Your Average Happy Hour & Q3 Social at Century Plaza (14 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). Roanoke Regional Professional Network Happy Hour in collaboration with Humble Hustle. All proceeds from the ABC sales will go to Humble Hustle for the youth programs and nonprofit endeavors. Find more information and RSVP at this link.
5 to 11 p.m. — Karaoke Night at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke).
5:30 p.m. — Lecture: “Artificial Intelligence — It's scary and it's amazing!” by Robert Turcotte, Senior Systems Consultant at Entre Computer Center presented by Botetourt County as part of the BOCOTalks Series at Stoney Brook Vineyards (516 Stoney Battery Rd., Troutville). Find more information and register at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Party in Elmwood presented by Delta Dental featuring Holiday Band. The featured food truck will be Mountain Grille. Visit this link for more information. ($)
6 p.m. — “A Life of Sorrow: The Life and Times of Carter Stanley” at the Blue Ridge Public Library (28 Avery Row, Roanoke). Featuring a one-man play that uses a mix of storytelling and music to bring to life the saga of a legendary Appalachian Mountain Music Treasure. For more information, contact jduval@botetourtva.gov.
6 to 9 p.m. — Fall for Ursula at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Features an open mic with guest performances and a raffle. Visit this link for more information.
6:30 to 8 p.m. — Author event: Poet Eva Lynch-Cormer will read from her chapbook of poetry created for Roanoke’s 2023 Writer by Bus program in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke).
7 to 8:30 p.m. — Author event: Phillip Andrew Gibbs, author of Murder and Mountain Justice in the Moonshine Capital of the World at the Salem Museum (801 East Main St. Salem). Visit this link for more information.
7:30 p.m. — Author event: Raquel Salas Riviera, author of lo terciario/ the tertiary at Hollins University’s Wetherill Visual Arts Center (7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke).
7:30 p.m. — Live music: The Motet with J. & The Causeways at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
7:30 p.m. — Live music: Jamie McLean with The Jared Stout Band Trio at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8:30 p.m. to midnight — Line Dancing at Sidewinders Saloon (16 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information.
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Nature Art presented by Carilion Clinic as part of their Community Night series at Morningside Urban Farm (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Find more information and register at this link.
6:30 p.m. — Creek Freaks Skills Session at Rotary Park (1705 Electric Rd., Salem). Bring your kayaks or canoes and plan to practice your paddling skills. This is not a formal class. Find more information at this link.
7 to 10 p.m. — Karaoke at 2 Chill Restaurant (312 2nd St. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Simplicity at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, September 22

7:30 to 8:30 a.m. — Free Yoga for the People at the main Roanoke Public Library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke.) More information can be found at this link.
6 p.m. — Live music: The Jared Stout Band with The Karlee Raye Band at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave
6 p.m. — Roanoke Royals Pageant at Holiday Inn Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Corey Hunley & Matt Powell at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Maggie Valley Band at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7 and 9 p.m. — Live music: Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Jack Marion at Olde Salem Brewing Company. (315 Market St, Roanoke).
8 p.m. — Roanoke Comedy Fest at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Atlanta Rhythm Section at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
8 to 11 p.m. — Fiesta Fridays Social at Inka Grille (611 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). The evening starts with a dance lesson, with a dance party after. Find more information at this link. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Dance Candy at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, September 23

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. — National Public Lands Day and Celebration of 100+ Miles of Trails and Greenways presented by Roanoke Parks and Recreation, featuring volunteer trail work. Trail volunteers will meet at the Mill Mountain Star Trail parking area on Riverland Road at 8 a.m. From there, they will hike approximately 0.5 miles to begin trail work at a specified location. All tools, gloves, and instruction will be provided. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Find more information at this link.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Historic Fincastle Festival (25 Bank Square, Fincastle). Featuring local artists and crafters along with Revolutionary War reenactors, a petting zoo and pony rides, touch a truck, old time children's games, live music, and great food. Find more information at this link.
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. — But First, Coffee Ride starting at Cardinal Bicycle’s Grandin Village Location (1312 Winbourne St., Roanoke). This is a no-drop ride, but cyclists should be able to maintain a speed of 15 mph.
10 a.m to 4 p.m. — Puppapalooza at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave., Roanoke). Features a dog adoption event, local vendors, pet/owner look-alike contest, and a pet costume contest. Find more information at this link. ($)
11 a.m. — Downtown Roanoke food and cultural tour, starting at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival at Crazy Horse Marina (400 Crazy Horse Dr., Moneta). In addition to nearly 30 Virginia wineries, SML Wine Festival visitors can peruse the booths of dozens of quality artisans, as well as craft and food vendors and live music. Find more information at this link. ($)
Noon — Trails and Greenways Celebration at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
Noon — Virginia Tech Softball vs. Fayetteville Tech at Billy Sample Field at Kiwanis Park (731 Indiana St., Salem). Find more information at this link. ($)
Noon to 6 p.m. — Oktoberfest at Twin Creeks Brewing Co. (111 S. Pollard St., Vinton). Enter the stein-holding competition to test your strength, and hit the stage at 5pm to show off your muscles. Lederhosen & dirndls encouraged. There will also be some strongmen (and women!) on site showing off their skills in keg-lifting. Visit this link for more information.
1 to 10 p.m. — Roanoke Roots and Reggae Fest at Wasena Park (1001 Winchester Ave SW, Roanoke). Embrace cultural diversity and unite with Roanoke communities through love, humility, food, music, and fun. All communities in and around Roanoke are invited to enjoy the sun and listen to relaxing and vibrant reggae sounds from local and regional bands at Wasena Park. Proceeds benefit Humble Hustle. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
3 p.m. — Alma Del Core Community Concert at Community High School for Arts and Academics (302 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
3 to 5 p.m. — The R.E.A.L. Funny Comedy Show at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
3 to 10 p.m. — Mabon Medieval Market: An Autumn Renaissance Faire and Fairie Fest Celebration presented by Glow Healing Arts at Ye Olde Preston House (1936 W. Main St., Salem). Find more information at this link.
6 p.m. — Live music: Yelawolf at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
6 p.m. — Roanoke Royals Pageant at Holiday Inn Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Marie Anderson at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: “The Most Unique Concert of the Year” featuring Dean Shastak, Kinnfolk & Carl Johnson at Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
7 to 10 p.m. — Live music: 5 Shades of Gray presented by Mingle at the Market at the Vinton Farmers Market (204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton). Visit this link for more information. ($)
7 to 11:45 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix and Reverend Carbine at the Jack Brown’s 90’s Block Party (210 Market St. SE, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: The Ryan Greer Trio at Olde Salem Brewing Company. (315 Market St, Roanoke).
8 to 10 p.m. — The R.E.A.L. Funny Comedy Show at The Coffee Pot (2902 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Phat Anchovies at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
10 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Vinyl & Vibes with Star City Soul Club at Sidecar (411 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.

Sunday, September 24

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Live music: TJ Ellis at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival at Crazy Horse Marina (400 Crazy Horse Dr., Moneta). In addition to nearly 30 Virginia wineries, SML Wine Festival visitors can peruse the booths of dozens of quality artisans, as well as craft and food vendors and live music. Find more information at this link. ($)
3 p.m. — Young Artist Performance presented by Opera Roanoke at Hollins University’s Talmadge Recital Hall (7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Sunday Funday with Adam Markham & Arlia Schwartz at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
5:30 p.m. — Live music: Anders Osborne Duo ft. Jonathan Sloane presented by 5 Points Music Sanctuary at The Dog Bowl at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
7 p.m. — Live music: Ja Rule & Ashanti at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)

Monday, September 25

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Roanoke City Council strategic planning retreat at the Berglund Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke).
11 a.m. to noon — Zumba with Andrea Burney at the Gainsboro Branch Public Library (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke).
4:30 p.m. — Youth Services Citizen Board meeting at the Gainsboro Branch Public Library (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke).
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Free Yoga for the People at the main Roanoke Public Library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke.) More information can be found at this link.
6 to 9 p.m. — Golden Cactus Pub Run starting at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 5th St. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Irish Jam Band at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).

Tuesday, September 26

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Roanoke City Council strategic planning retreat at the Berglund Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke).
4 to 8 p.m. — Happy Hour for All at A Few Old Goats Brewing (515 8th St. SW, Roanoke). Features a safe and inclusive space for all people to get together. Visit this link for more details.
5:30 p.m. — Roanoke City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting at Ridgeview Park (740 Hemlock Rd. NW, Roanoke).
5:30 p.m. — Roanoke City school board meeting at the school administration building (40 Douglass Ave. NW, Roanoke).
5:30 to 7:45 p.m. — L’Eroica (Roanoke’s Friendliest Group Road Ride) starting at Cardinal Bicycle’s Grandin Village Location (1312 Winbourne St., Roanoke). All levels of cyclists are welcome. Visit this link for more information.
6 p.m. — Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 1, 3, and 5 mile routes are available. Check in at the Fleet Feet tent when you arrive. Visit this link for more details.
6:20 p.m. — Pub Run presented by The Original Pub Run starting at The Village Grill (1802 Memorial Ave., Roanoke). Meet, run/jog/walk, then drink and eat. Find more information at this link.
7 p.m. — Lecture: John Long of the National D-Day Memorial presented by the Historical Society of Western Virginia’s Kegley Lecture Series at Christ Lutheran Church (2011 Brandon Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information. ($)
7 p.m. — Live music: Killer Queen — A Tribute to Queen at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
7:30 p.m. — Stand-up comedy: Brady’s Comedy Night featuring headliner Melissa Douty at Brady’s Distillery (711 Pocahontas Ave. NE, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
8 p.m. (Open mic starts at 7:30) — Stand-up comedy: The R.E.A.L. Funny Comedy Show at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information.
8:30 p.m. to midnight — Line Dancing at Sidewinders Saloon – College Night (16 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information.
10 p.m. — Live music: Eggs with Legs at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Wednesday, September 27

11 a.m. to noon — Zumba with Andrea Burney at the Williamson Road Branch Public Library (3837 Williamson Rd. NW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information.
5 to 8 p.m. — Oktoberfest: A Midweek Market Celebration at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 5th St. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
5:15 to 6:15 p.m. — Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). For more information and to register in advance, visit www.taubmanmuseum.org/calendar or contact info@taubmanmuseum.org or (540) 342-5760. ($)
6:30 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night with The Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Lucy the Spy, cul-de-sac, & Sorry Eric at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.