Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 9/21 to 9/28.

Lindsey Hull -
A view of the City Market area. Have a "recognizably Roanoke" photo for Happenings? Email us at editor@roanokerambler.com for a chance to be featured in this space.

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 list events chronologically. Want to see different formatting/information? Let us know! This weekly listing is accessible to non-subscribers. Especially with pandemic uncertainty, we strongly 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

  • Through Sept. 30 — Roanoke’s International Restaurant Month presented by Roanoke City as part of Welcoming Week. Throughout the month, visit various local restaurants, have your Restaurant Month passport stamped and enter to win prizes. For more information and to print your passport, visit this link.
  • Thursday, Sept. 22 through Oct. 30 — Pumpkin Festival at Sinkland Farms (3060 Riner Rd., Christiansburg). Open weekly, Thursday through Sunday. Features music, food, activities like pig racing and ax throwing, and a giant corn maze. Visit this link for more information, including a complete schedule. ($)
  • Sunday, Sept. 25 through Oct. 30 — Fall Festival & Country Store at Jeter Farm (181 Blue Ridge Blvd., Roanoke). Open weekly, Saturday and Sunday. Features corn maze, hayride, pumpkin train, and food sales. Visit this link for more information. ($)

Wednesday, September 21

  • 4 to 8:30 p.m. — West End Wednesdays at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St SW, Roanoke). Featuring weekly music, makers, food, drinks, and plant sales, as well as the weekly Roanoke Old Time & Americana Jam from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. — Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art. For more information, visit www.taubmanmuseum.org/calendar or contact info@taubmanmuseum.org or (540) 342-5760. ($)
  • 5:30 p.m. — Historical marker unveiling and soil collection to acknowledge the 1893 lynching of Thomas Smith at the corner of Franklin Road and Mountain Avenue, coordinated by the Roanoke Equal Justice Initiative Community Remembrance Project Coalition. One block of Mountain Avenue will be blocked off for the ceremony. Parking is available at Second Presbyterian Church (214 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 5:30 p.m. — Downtown Pub Plawk presented by Roanoke Plawkers at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Join other environmentally-conscious walkers to pick up trash around downtown Roanoke, and then gather for a drink at Big Lick. Find more information at this link.
  • 5:30 p.m. — Live music: Bella’s Bartok at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Views and Brews presented by Roanoke Mountain Adventures, starting at 806 Wasena Ave., Roanoke. This guided e-bike tour will lead you on a cycling adventure along the Roanoke River Greenway and up Mill Mountain, and through two of Roanoke’s loveliest neighborhoods. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at breweries and local eateries during your three hour tour. Equipment rental is included in the ticket price. For more information and to book your tour, visit this link. ($)
  • 7 to 9 p.m. — Soul Sessions Wednesday Night Poetry Show at Ursula’s Cafe (511 Jefferson St., Roanoke). Featuring local poets and musicians.
  • 7:30 p.m. — Opening Night: “The Diary of Anne Frank” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from the pages of history as a living, lyrical, and intensely gifted young girl. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Wheel of Fortune Live: America’s Game on Tour at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Henry Rollins: Good to See You 2022 at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Join Henry for commentary, anecdotes, humor, and outrage at this spoken word event. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Kyle Kelly at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Thursday, September 22

  • 5:30 p.m. — Workshop: “You Write the Bill” presented by Delegate Sam Rasoul at the Gainsboro Branch of the Roanoke City Public Library. Learn how a bill becomes a law and work with others to draft a bill. Visit this link for more information.
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. —  Party in the Park with The Kings sponsored by Delta Dental in Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Schult’s Dogs and Queen’s Vegan Cafe will be on hand, dishing up some fantastic food at this family-friendly event. For more information, visit this link. ($)
  • 6 p.m. — Crank Sisters Social Ride with Cardinal Bicycle. (Meet at 1312 Winborne St., Roanoke). Any individual with a female or non-binary gender identity can ride along on a sub-10 mile, no-drop social ride. For more information, see this link.
  • 7:30 p.m. — “The Diary of Anne Frank” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from the pages of history as a living, lyrical, and intensely gifted young girl. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Author Event: Khaled Mattawa, author of Fugitive Atlas at Hollins University’s Green Drawing Room (7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
  • 7:30 p.m. — Author Event: Understanding the Heart by Dr. Stephen Hussey at Roanoke College’s Olin Theatre (240 High St., Salem). Dr. Hussey will give a lecture entitled “To Truly Conquer Adversity, We Must Learn From It: A Heart Attack Survival Story, which is based on his new book. Visit this link for more information.
  • 8 p.m. — Live music: Sexbruise? with MINKA at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Marie Anderson Live on the Rooftop at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Jaded Ravins at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, September 23

  • 9 a.m. — Friday Coffee Club Ride starting at Sweet Donkey Coffee (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke). Meet local road cyclists at this weekly coffee club ride.
  • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — TXTUR Grand Opening: Ribbon Cutting and Street Party at Roanoke’s Historic Fire Station Number One (13 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). Following the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting, enjoy live music and local food.
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Eric Wayne Trio as part of the Friday Food Truck & Tunes event at Sweet Donkey Coffee (2108 Broadway Ave. SW, Roanoke). Rock N’ Roll Diner will be on hand, serving up fantastic dinner options, and the Maker’s Market will be open.
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Us and Floyd, a Pink Floyd Tribute band, at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 6 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: River Tramps at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 7:30 p.m. — “The Diary of Anne Frank” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from the pages of history as a living, lyrical, and intensely gifted young girl. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Taking Cover Fest Day 1, Acoustic Night at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Live music: LadyCouch with Charissa Joy & The High Frequency at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Javon Jackson with Nikki Giovanni at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. — Salsa Night at 2 Chill (312 2nd. St. SW, Roanoke). ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Sirsy at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, September 24

  • 9 a.m. — Bearwallow Breakdown, starting and finishing at Buchanan Town Park (255 School House Rd., Buchanan). This “mostly trail” triathlon will take participants through Archibald “Bear” Tolley’s 1800s-era stomping grounds, as they kayak, mountain bike, and run the length of a 23-mile long course. Find more information and register for this competitive “trail tri” at this link. ($)
  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Historic Fincastle Festival in the Town of Fincastle (20 West Main St., Fincastle). Features over 40 craft and artist vendors, food trucks, live music, history talks, demonstrations, and a petting zoo to celebrate Fincastle’s 250th birthday. Find more information at this link.
  • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — SW VA’s Bigfoot & Friends: A Cryptid Celebration at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Features a costume contest, guest speakers, vendors, and more. Visit this link for more information. ($)
  • 10 a.m. — Brunch with the Brewer at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Reading Dangerously: A Celebration of Banned Books at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information.
  • 11 a.m. — Ribbon cutting and official grand opening for Ursula's Café (511 Jefferson St., Roanoke), followed by evening events (see below).
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Downtown Food and Cultural Tour hosted by Tour Roanoke. Meet at the Hotel Roanoke, main lobby (110 Shenandoah Ave. SW, Roanoke). Accompanied by local tour guides, visit six iconic restaurants in downtown Roanoke, while learning about our city’s rich cultural history. For more information and to book in advance, visit this link. ($)
  • Noon — Oktoberfest 2022 at Olde Salem Brewing Company (21 E. Main St., Salem). Features games, music, food, and beer. Find more information at this link.
  • 2 to 5 p.m. — Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl presented by the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, starting at the Hotel Roanoke’s Lobby Bar (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Participants will proceed at their own pace after picking up an event button and their pub crawl swag. Features a history-themed scavenger hunt, as well as food and drink specials. Visit this link for more information. ($)
  • 2 and 7:30 p.m. — “The Diary of Anne Frank” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from the pages of history as a living, lyrical, and intensely gifted young girl. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 2 to 11 p.m. — Roanoke Roots & Reggae Fest at Wasena Park (1001 Winchester Ave, Roanoke). The Roanoke Reggae Festival embraces cultural diversity by uniting communities through love, humility, food, music, and fun. Features reggae music, food trucks, vendors, and kids activities. Find more information at this link, including a complete schedule of live performances. ($)
  • 4 to 9 p.m. — Moonlight Grape Stomp at Amrhein’s Wine Cellars (9243 Patterson Dr., Bent Mountain). Celebrate a successful harvest with this annual family-friendly tradition by stomping grapes inside large oak barrels. Features live music from Phlegar Hill, as well as beer, wine, and food sales. Visit this link for more information. ($)
  • 5:30 p.m. — Night Under The Stars with Chris at Hidden Valley Country Club (2500 Romar Rd., Salem). Features a cocktail hour, dinner, a silent auction, and an interactive program to learn more about LoveABLE Services, Inc. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 6 p.m. — Live music: Ryan Ward at Starr Hill Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).
  • 7 to 9 p.m. — Fall for Ursula Fundraiser at Ursula’s Cafe (511 Jefferson St., Roanoke). Features live music from the Kay B. Ross band, a performance from Big Lick Conspiracy, raffles, heavy appetizers, and mocktails. Proceeds will benefit Ursula’s Cafe, which is a local restaurant seeking to feed the community by operating on a donate-what-you-can fee structure. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 7 to 9 p.m. — Live music: The Kemistry Band at 2 Chill (312 2nd. St. SW, Roanoke).
  • 7 to 10 p.m. — Live music:  Live music: Travis Reigh and Eric Wayne Band presented by Mingle at the Market at the Vinton Farmers Market (204 W. Lee Ave., Vinton). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Taking Cover Fest Day 1, Band Night at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Live Music: An Evening with Josh Ritter at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: The Unlikely Candidates with Orange Culture at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Sunday, September 25

  • 12:45 p.m. — September Edition of Roanoke Sunday Drag Brunch at The Park (615 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Tickets include a show and brunch. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 2 p.m. — “The Diary of Anne Frank” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from the pages of history as a living, lyrical, and intensely gifted young girl. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 3 to 5 p.m. — PedalSafe ROA Launch Party at Sweet Donkey Coffee (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke). Roanoke cyclists will launch a new advocacy group to seek safer streets and promote bicycling. Celebrate the launch of this group and share your ideas at this event. Visit this link for more information.
  • 4 to 7 p.m. — Live music: Lenny Marcus & Friends at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Jackie Bristow & Rick Price at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)

Monday, September 26

  • 2 p.m. — Lecture: All About Appalachian Music presented by RUI University Fellow Andy Buckman at Woodland Hills Community (3365 Ogden Rd., Roanoke). Open to the public, this interactive class will explore the history of Appalachian Music. Visit this link for more information. To register to attend this no-cost event, call the Woodland Hills concierge desk at 540-682-7500.
  • 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.
  • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Writing Out Loud at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). Lee Hunsaker of Hoot and Holler Stories will lead this supportive, inspiring, and nurturing story sharing and writing workshop. No writing experience is necessary. Registration is required for this event. Visit this link for more information and to secure your seat.

Tuesday, September 27

  • 5:30 p.m. — Coffee & Conversations Happy Hour presented by the Grandin Village Business Association at Rockfish Food & Wine (1402 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
  • 5:30 p.m. — Roanoke City School Board meeting at the school administration building (40 Douglass Ave. NW, Roanoke).
  • 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Headshot Happy Hour presented by the Roanoke Chapter of the American Advertising Foundation at Twisted Track Brewpub (523 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Headshots can be expensive. Take advantage of special rates for both AAF members and nonmembers at this networking event for marketing professionals. Find more information and reserve your photo session at this link. ($)
  • 6 p.m. — Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Walk or run with the Fleet Feet family; 1, 3, and 5 mile routes are available, and participants can scale the distance or pace to their own needs. Check in at the Fleet Feet tent when you arrive. Visit this link for more details.
  • 7 to 11 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela & Kamronn at Corned Beef and Co. Bar and Grill (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Seph Custer & The Flatbreaks at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413  St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Wednesday, September 28

  • 2 p.m. — Lecture: All About the Ice Cream Industry presented Homestead Creamery founder Donnie Montgomery at Woodland Hills Community (3365 Ogden Rd., Roanoke). Open to the public, this interactive class will explore the history of Appalachian Music. Visit this link for more information. To register to attend this no-cost event, call the Woodland Hills concierge desk at 540-682-7500.
  • 4 to 8:30 p.m. — West End Wednesdays at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St SW, Roanoke). Featuring weekly music, makers, food, drinks, and plant sales, as well as the weekly Roanoke Old Time & Americana Jam from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. — Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art. For more information, visit www.taubmanmuseum.org/calendar or contact info@taubmanmuseum.org or (540) 342-5760. ($)
  • 5 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Easton Corbin presented by Star-B-Q at the Salem Farmers Market (3 E. Main St., Salem) to benefit the Rotary Club of Salem. Visit this link for more information.
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Views and Brews presented by Roanoke Mountain Adventures, starting at 806 Wasena Ave., Roanoke. This guided e-bike tour will lead you on a cycling adventure along the Roanoke River Greenway and up Mill Mountain, and through two of Roanoke’s loveliest neighborhoods. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at breweries and local eateries during your three hour tour. Equipment rental is included in the ticket price. For more information and to book your tour, visit this link. ($)
  • 7 to 9 p.m. — Soul Sessions Wednesday Night Poetry Show at Ursula’s Cafe (511 Jefferson St., Roanoke). Featuring local poets and musicians.
  • 7 to 9 pm. — Live music: Jared Stout at The Village Grill (1802 Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 7:30 p.m. — “The Diary of Anne Frank” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke). In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from the pages of history as a living, lyrical, and intensely gifted young girl. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)