Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 9/4 to 9/11.

A view of downtown Roanoke and the Virginia Museum of Transportation's rail yard from the Fifth Street Bridge on Sept. 1, 2024. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU. Have a "recognizably Roanoke" photo for Happenings? Email us at editor@roanokerambler.com for a chance to be featured in this space.

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.

💡

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

Friday, 9/5 through Sunday, 9/7 — Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival (13561 Lee Highway, Buchanan). 120 handmade crafters and food vendors, over 700,000 sunflowers, farm animals, hay rides, photo booths, children’s activities. Cash and credit accepted at the door. Heavy rain cancels. Continues through September 15. Find more information, including a list of special activities, at 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: Alpha Whiskey Company 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. ($)
6:30 to 9 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
9:30 p.m. — Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, September 5

5 p.m. — Mountains for Meg Memorial Ride (Bike/Hike/Run/Drive) starting at Riverdale Basecamp (1026 River Ave. SE). Celebrate the life of Meg Burrow by joining together to climb Mill Mountain. Gather beginning at 5 p.m. The ride will depart at 6:00 p.m. You can bike, hike, run or drive--however you want to get to the top of the mountain. We will meet at the Roanoke Star at 7:00 p.m. for a photo, and then we will head back to basecamp for some time together as a community. This community event is being hosted by the following local businesses and organizations. Thank you to everyone for your support. See the list of host businesses, and find more information at this link.
5:30 to 7 p.m. — Cancer Connection: Physical Activity/Yoga Support Group presented by Carilion Clinic in the Mill Mountain Conference Room at Carilion Children’s: Tanglewood (4348 Electric Rd., Roanoke). Engage in a conversation about the role physical activity and yoga play in your health journey and engage in relaxing chair asanas (poses) and pranayama (intentional breathing). All cancer survivors and those receiving active treatment are welcome, whether you were diagnosed with cancer today or years ago. Free and open to all ability levels and ages. No prior experience with yoga is required. Visit this link for more information and to RSVP.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Kerosene Willy 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 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.
6 to 8 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Mellow Mushroom (2239 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Wouldn't it be great to have a book club where you could just enjoy books, friends, and drinks - without any homework? At Silent Book Club, there is no assigned reading. Visit this link for more information.
6 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Prisoner, Gaol, Whimper in the back room at Blue Ridge Indie Market (601 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
7 p.m. — Live music: Koe Wetzel at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
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.
7 p.m. — Live music: Sarai Sibéal at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
7 to 9 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela at Los Amigos Bar & Grill (3424 Orange Ave. NE, Roanoke). Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to learn, Angela’s got the moves to get everyone out on the floor, so dust off your best western wear, round up your crew, and come on down for a boot-scootin’ good time.
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Ella Folk 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: GOTE at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
11 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Late Night Karaoke DJ Marshall (AKA ParMar) at Los Amigos Bar & Grill (3424 Orange Ave. NE, Roanoke). Grab that mic and sing your heart out.

Friday, September 6

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. ($)
4 to 7 p.m. — Sneak Peek Opening Night at Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival (13561 Lee Highway, Buchanan). 120 handmade crafters and food vendors, over 700,000 sunflowers, farm animals, hay rides, photo booths, children’s activities. Cash and credit accepted at the door. Heavy rain cancels. Find more information at this link. ($)
5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Lyndsay Bella at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
5 to 8 p.m. — Book Swap at Blue Ridge Indie Market (601 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Bring your books to trade in honor of National Read-a-Book Day. Free to attend and open to all ages. Find more information at this link.
5 to 9 p.m. — Art by Night: Artemis Journal Book Launch featuring Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). The 2024 Artemis Journal’s theme is Illuminating the Darkness and addresses the challenges facing artists and writers today. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
5 to 9 p.m. — Live music: InsideOut Band presented by First Fridays at Five, Inc. (Downtown Roanoke, Franklin Road between S. Jefferson St. and Williamson Rd.). This week’s benefiting nonprofits include Botetourt County Public Schools and Kimoyo This is a 21+ event. For more information, visit this link. ($)
5:30 to 7 p.m. — Living with Grief meetup: Happy HeARTS presented by Carilion Clinic at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem 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.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Art by Night Reception: Patricia Carr at Market Gallery (22 Campbell Ave., Roanoke). Carr will speak about her work at 6:15 p.m. The gallery will feature the work of Patricia Carr, Marguerite Andrews and Maggie Perrin-Key through September 29.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Creedence Clearwater Recital at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Not Your Average Tailgate presented by The Humble Hustle Company at the Salem Red Sox Fan Appreciation Night at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Five Shades of Gray at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
8 p.m. — Live music: Andrew Kasab at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
8 p.m. — Live music: Kinnfolk with Marian McConnell at 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke).
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Paleface at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: GAK! (90s Tribute) at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Paul Rosewood at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).

Saturday, September 7

9 a.m. to noon — 2024 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Wells Fargo Tower (10 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Onsite Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on September 11, 2001. Each participant pays tribute to an FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Find more information at this link. ($)
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Taco Fest at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Performances by Jason Long, Southbound Gypsies, Salsa Noke, and more. Features a delectable selection of tacos by local food trucks and restaurant vendors. Plus entertainment, local retail and artisan vendors, and kid-friendly activities to benefit Huddle Up Moms. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
Noon to 3 p.m. — Skatember Skate Competition presented by Franklin County Parks and Recreation at Rocky Mount Rotary Skate Park (127 Technology Dr., Rocky Mount). For more information, visit this link.
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: 419 at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
2 p.m. — Buchanan Tri starting and ending at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St., Buchanan). 20 miles of adventure — run, ride, and paddle your way through this scenic triathlon in beautiful Botetourt County, Virginia. Drivers, be aware that cyclists will be on the roads in and around Buchanan throughout the afternoon. Visit this link for more information. ($)
2 p.m. — Young Writers Workshop at the Williamson Road library’s quiet reading room (3837 Williamson Rd., Roanoke).
4:30 p.m. — Vinton Pink Warrior Walk starting at the Vinton Farmers Market (204 W. Lee St., Vinton). Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
5 to 9 p.m. — Live Music: The Bogeys presented by the Daleville Summer Concert Series at the Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Find more information at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: War Chile at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: The Rush Experience at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
6:05 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. ($)
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Tin Can Locomotive at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
7 p.m. — Live music: Soulful Sounds featuring NYC jazzy duo Acute Inflections at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. — Live music: Andy Burnette Trio at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke).
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Karaoke Night at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
10 p.m. — Live music: The Kind Thieves at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
10 p.m. — Live music: Paul Rosewood at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).
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 8

11 a.m. — Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
1 to 2 p.m. — Art & Architecture Walking Tour with historian James Moser starting at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Come find the hidden treasures Downtown Roanoke holds with its unique sampling of art and architecture; includes moderate physical activity that culminates to approximately 1 mile. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Mason Creek Bluegrass at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
1 to 5:30 p.m. — Operation H.E.R.: Strong Minds, Strong Girls Mental Health Summit presented by LewisGale Regional Health System HCA Virginia at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Learn more about mental health wellness from experts in the field while being in a fun, supportive, and uplifting environment. Open to both Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts in grades 4 through 12. The mental health summit has sessions for both girls and adults.Visit this link for more information and to register.
3 p.m. — Lick Run OkraFest 2024 at Lick Run Community Development (1031 Andrews Rd. NW, Roanoke). garden tours, yard games, recipe demonstrations, arts & crafts, and excellent meals provided by Food Hut RKE. Timed attractions include a performance by Community Arts Reach, Make-Your-Own event merch, free face painting, and the reveal of a mural in Brown Robertson Park. For more information, visit this link. ($)
3 to 5 p.m. — Guitars Under the Star Guitar Pull presented by 3rd Street Coffee House at Mill Mountain Star (Prospect Rd. SE, Roanoke). Gather together outdoors with acoustic instruments in hand and celebrate music on the grassy area opposite the lower observation deck at Mill Mountain (see picture above). Originals or covers are fine. We have a range of people from touring pros to people who’ve never set foot on a stage, but like to play and sing. Everyone is welcome. Find more information at this link.
3:05 p.m. — Salem Red Sox vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
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: Mad Iguanas at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).

Monday, September 9

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).
6 to 7 p.m. — PedalSafe ROA public meeting at Kirk Family YMCA (520 Church Ave., Roanoke). We will be discussing a packed September and October- including a project update and volunteer opportunities for the fast-approaching Ferdinand Avenue project, bike valeting at GO Fest, the upcoming Week Without Driving challenge, and more. If you're looking for an opportunity to volunteer your time and expertise, this is the meeting to attend. 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).
6:30 p.m. — N3* Book Club discussion of “Promise” by Minrose Gwin at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). Admission is free with the purchase of the monthly book or $5 with your own book. New members should register here. Find more information at this link. ($)

Tuesday, September 10

5 to 7 p.m. — Roanoke Region Professional’s Network: Get2KnowNoke Website Launch Party at 202 Social House (202 Market St., Roanoke). Get2KnowNoke’s website has been fully redesigned to be the go-to resource for individuals looking to start and grow their careers, find a place to live, and connect with the people and places that fit their lifestyle. Now that we’ve done the work, it’s time to mix, mingle, and 'werk – network, that is. Find more information and RSVP at this link.
5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Gary John at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
5:15 to 7:15 p.m. — Celebrate SE Roanoke at LAB Sports Performance (1824 9th St. SE, Roanoke). Neighbors, community partners, supporters, and fans of SE Roanoke are invited to plank (walk while picking up trash) while exploring the up and coming Riverdale Village development. Get an up close look at a new paint and mosaic masterpiece created by artists Nicole Gray, Steven Paul, Gretchen Coleman, and SE community members and celebrate the neighborhood’s exciting happenings and momentum. Find more information at this link.
7:30 p.m. — Live music: ZZ Top with The Sedonas at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). 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: Sky Dolphin at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Wednesday, September 11

1 p.m. — Board of Zoning Appeals meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Sunflower Sunset Yoga presented by Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival (13561 Lee Highway, Buchanan). 120 handmade crafters and food vendors, over 700,000 sunflowers, farm animals, hay rides, photo booths, children’s activities. Cash and credit accepted at the door. Heavy rain cancels. Continues through September 15. Find more information at this link. ($)
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 to 8 p.m. — Silent Book Club at South County Library (6303 Merriman Rd., Roanoke). Wouldn't it be great to have a book club where you could just enjoy books, friends, and drinks - without any homework? At Silent Book Club, there is no assigned reading. Visit this link for more information.
6 to 8 p.m. — Ultimate Frisbee Pick-up League presented by PLAY Roanoke at River’s Edge Park (302 Wiley Dr., Roanoke). Informal, fun, ultimate frisbee pick-up league. Continues weekly on Wednesdays through November 6, some dates excluded. Visit this link for details and to sign up for this low-cost series. ($)
6:30 p.m. — Live music: Sunsquabi at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
6:30 to 9 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke).
9:30 p.m. — Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Ongoing

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 September 15 — Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival (13561 Lee Highway, Buchanan). 120 handmade crafters and food vendors, over 700,000 sunflowers, farm animals, hay rides, photo booths, children’s activities. Cash and credit accepted at the door. Heavy rain cancels. Continues through September 15. Find more information at this link. ($)
Through mid-September — When Salem Sizzles: Tales of Summers Past at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Visitors will enjoy a fun look back in time to see how we kept our cool in the days before air conditioning, and the fun we had once the weather turned warm. The Lake Spring resort and Lakeside Amusement Park offered cool spots to take a dip. There were graduations, June weddings, Fourth of July parades, scout camps, and lots and lots and lots of sports. And, oh – we had such trouble with the iceman. Find more information at this link.
Through September 27 — “Shining a Light on the Christiansburg Institute” exhibit in the Gainsboro Library community room (15 Patton Ave. NW, Roanoke). This exhibit tells the story of Christiansburg Industrial Institute, a school for African American students that was established in 1866 and later supervised by Booker T. Washington. It witnessed the United States’ attempt at Reconstruction, the successful installation of Jim Crow, and school desegregation and the Civil Rights Movement. Explore its history through featured artifacts, such as artwork, photographs, newspapers, and more. Find more information at this link.
Saturdays through December 28 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. Find more information and reserve your spot at this link. ($)