This Week in Roanoke - April 09, 2026

Art Venture (Taubman Museum of Art) — Sunday, April 12, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM · Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke

This is the Taubman's dedicated hands-on space for kids, and it's legitimately one of the best free-ish things to do with children in the valley. For five bucks, your kids get hours of interactive art stations — building, painting, sculpting — while you wander the galleries upstairs between check-ins. It's designed for roughly ages 3–11, and the Sunday crowd is lighter than Saturday, so you'll actually get elbow room at the stations. Pro tip: pair it with lunch at one of the Market Square spots a block away and you've got a full day downtown for under $30.

Kids' Story Time — Roanoke Public Library (Main) — Monday, April 13, 10:30 AM · Roanoke Public Library — Main Branch, Roanoke

If you have a toddler or preschooler, this is your Monday morning anchor. The main branch librarians run a tight, engaging 30-minute session — stories, songs, a simple craft — and it's completely free. Kids sit on the carpet up front, parents hang in the back, and afterward everyone migrates to the children's section to play. It's also a genuinely great way to meet other parents in the neighborhood. Arrive a few minutes early; the good carpet spots go fast with the regulars.

Teen Game Club — Tuesday, April 14, 4:15–8:00 PM · Roanoke Public Library — Main (Downtown), Roanoke

Parents of teens, listen: a free, supervised, screen-and-board-game hangout at the downtown library on a Tuesday afternoon is a gift. The library sets up consoles, tabletop games, and snacks, and the vibe is low-key and welcoming — your kid doesn't need to already know someone to walk in and join a game. It runs until 8:00, which means you can get dinner downtown while they're occupied. That's called winning.

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: "Cinematic Scores" — Saturday, April 11, 7:30 PM · Berglund Performing Arts Theatre, Roanoke

The RSO doing iconic film music is one of those evenings that works even if your date isn't normally an orchestra person. Think sweeping John Williams, dramatic Hans Zimmer — the kind of scores that give you chills in a theater. Tickets run $35–$65 and the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (not the big arena — the intimate hall) sounds gorgeous for this kind of program. Grab dinner beforehand at any of the downtown spots within walking distance. This is a proper Saturday night out that doesn't require explaining what a concerto is.

SERCAP Water Is Life Sneaker Ball — Thursday, April 9, 5:30 PM · Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Roanoke

A sneaker ball at the Hotel Roanoke is exactly as fun as it sounds: dress up from the ankles up, lace up your freshest kicks, and enjoy a full evening of dinner, live music, and dancing in one of the most beautiful rooms in the valley. At $125 it's a splurge, but this is a fundraiser for clean-water access, so you're doing good while looking good. The Hotel Roanoke ballroom alone is worth the ticket if you've never been — those Tudor-revival ceilings don't mess around. This one's tonight, so act fast.

That's So 70's (Mill Mountain Theatre) — Friday–Saturday, April 10–11, various times · Mill Mountain Theatre (Trinkle Mainstage), Roanoke

Disco, funk, rock — this is a high-energy 70s tribute show on the Trinkle Mainstage, and Mill Mountain Theatre knows how to put on a party. If you and your person have any affection for the Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, or Fleetwood Mac, this is your move. The Friday show tends to be a slightly looser, more energetic crowd; Saturday is a touch more polished. Either way, you'll leave humming something.

Live Music at Valhalla Vineyards — Saturday, April 11, 1:00–4:00 PM · Valhalla Vineyards, Roanoke County

An afternoon on the Valhalla patio with acoustic music and a bottle of their Götterdämmerung red is one of the most underrated date moves in the valley. The vineyard sits high enough to catch real views, and mid-April the vines are just starting to green up. Arrive closer to 1:00 to grab a good table outside — by 2:00 the patio fills. Bring a blanket for the lawn if you want to spread out. This is the kind of lazy Saturday afternoon that reminds you why you live here.

Thursday Trivia Night at Twisted Track Brewpub — Thursday, April 9, 7:00 PM · Twisted Track Brewpub, Roanoke

This is one of the easiest solo-friendly things to do in Roanoke on a weeknight. Twisted Track runs a solid trivia format, the beer list is deep, and the crowd skews 25–40 — mostly friend groups but plenty of solo players and duos who merge into teams. If you walk in alone and post up at the bar, someone will recruit you by round two. Get there by 6:30 to grab a table if you've got a group; if you're flying solo, the bar seats are where the action is.

Wednesday Night Disco Mountain Bike Ride — Wednesday, April 15, 5:45 PM · Carvins Cove — Bennett Springs Lot, Roanoke County

The Disco Ride is a Roanoke institution. It's a no-drop group ride — meaning nobody gets left behind — so you don't need to be fast, you just need a working mountain bike and a headlight. The crowd is a mix of seasoned riders and people who haven't been on a trail in months, and the post-ride parking-lot hangout is half the point. This is genuinely one of the best ways to meet active people in the valley if you're new in town. Show up at Bennett Springs by 5:30, sign the waiver, and you're in.

After Hours Makers Series: Dendrochronology — Friday, April 10, 5:30–7:30 PM · O. Winston Link Museum, Roanoke

A hands-on workshop about tree-ring dating at the Link Museum sounds niche, and it is — that's the point. The After Hours Makers Series draws a curious, creative crowd (mostly 20s–40s), and the format is casual enough that you can show up alone without it feeling weird. You'll actually learn something interesting, the museum itself is worth wandering, and it's a far better Friday happy-hour alternative than staring at your phone at a bar. Check Downtown Roanoke's event calendar for ticket details.

Coffee Shop Talk — Rural Health Conversation — Wednesday, April 15, 7:00–8:30 PM · Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea — Salem, Salem

Roanoke College hosts these public conversations at the Salem Mill Mountain Coffee location, and they're genuinely good. This one's on rural health — relevant to basically everyone in the region — and the format is casual: buy your own coffee, sit in, ask questions. It's a smart, low-pressure way to meet thoughtful people and engage with something bigger than your Netflix queue. The Salem location is cozy, so arrive a few minutes early for a seat.

Dogs In A Pile — 2‑Night Run — Thursday–Friday, April 9–10, 6:30 PM · 5 Points Music Sanctuary, Roanoke

If your crew is into jam music at all, this is the move. Dogs In A Pile are a young, ferocious jam band doing a two-night stand at 5 Points, and multi-night runs at that venue are special — the band loosens up, the setlists diverge, and the second night almost always hits harder. 5 Points is intimate (capacity around 200), so buy tickets before you show up. Split the nights with your group or commit to both. The sound in that room is absurdly good for a venue this size.

Ali Siddiq: Custom Fit Tour — Friday, April 10 · Berglund Center, Roanoke

Ali Siddiq is one of those comedians who's been building a massive following through specials and podcast appearances, and his live show absolutely delivers. This is a great group outing — four to six of you, grab dinner beforehand at a downtown spot, then head to the Berglund Center. Comedy shows are always better with people you can quote lines to afterward. Check times and grab seats together; the Berglund's performing arts side has good sightlines from almost everywhere.

Murder by Magic at Crab Du Jour — Sunday, April 12, 2:00–5:00 PM · Crab Du Jour, Roanoke

An interactive murder-mystery dinner at a seafood restaurant is either the most fun your friend group has had in months or a beautiful disaster — either way, you win. At $30–$35 per person you get food and the full roleplay experience. This works best with 4–8 people who are willing to commit to the bit. Go in with the right energy and you'll be talking about it for weeks. Book ahead; these fill up.

One Night Live Tour — Claire Ernst / Dani Offline / Dylan Dent — Friday, April 10, 8:00 PM · The Spot on Kirk, Roanoke

Three artists — indie, hip-hop, singer-songwriter — on one bill at The Spot on Kirk, which is about as small and sweaty and perfect as a music venue gets. This is the kind of show where you discover someone you'll be streaming for the next six months. Grab your music-nerd friends and go. The room is tiny, so arriving close to doors is smart if you want to be near the stage. Great Friday-night energy.

Music on the Mountain — Sunday, April 12, 5:00–9:00 PM · Mill Mountain (near the Roanoke Star), Roanoke

This is the event of the week, full stop. Free live music on Mill Mountain with the entire Roanoke Valley glowing below you as the sun sets — it doesn't get more quintessentially Roanoke than this. Bring a blanket, bring the dog, bring the kids, bring a cooler (check posted rules on alcohol). The vibe is pure community: families on blankets, couples watching the sunset, dogs making friends. Get up the mountain by 4:30 if you want parking near the top; otherwise, plan on the lower lots and a short walk up. The evening light from up there in April is genuinely stunning.

Botetourt Farmers Market — Opening Day — Saturday, April 11, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM · Daleville Town Center, Daleville (Botetourt County)

Opening day of the Botetourt market is a small-town event in the best way. Local produce is still early-season (greens, herbs, eggs, baked goods), but the energy of vendors setting up for the first time and regulars reuniting is the real draw. Dogs on leashes are welcome, kids can wander safely, and the Daleville Town Center has easy parking. If you live in Botetourt or north county, this is your Saturday-morning ritual returning — get there early for the best baked goods.

Historic Roanoke City Market (Saturday market) — Saturday, April 11, all day · Market Square SE, Roanoke

The oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia doesn't need a hard sell, but here's one anyway: the mid-April market is when the vendor lineup really starts to fill out. Local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and the permanent Market Building shops all in one walkable stretch. It's stroller-friendly, dog-friendly (leashed), and pairs perfectly with coffee from one of the nearby shops. If you're doing the Botetourt market early, you can absolutely double-dip and hit downtown Roanoke by late morning.

Down By Downtown Music Festival — April 16–18 · Multi-venue downtown music festival with national, regional, and local acts — the signature spring music weekend. Lineups drop soon; plan your schedule now.

Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon & Related Races — April 18 · "America's Toughest Road Marathon" with half, 10K, and relay options plus a downtown finish festival. Registration fills and road closures are real — sign up or plan your spectator spot early.

Blue Ridge Kite Festival — April 18 · Giant kites, demos, food trucks at Green Hill Park in Salem — free and perfect for families. This one draws a crowd; arrive early for parking.

Vinton Dogwood Festival — April 23–25 · Vinton's beloved community festival with parade, carnival rides, live music, and vendors — a small-town spring tradition worth the drive.

Mill Mountain Theatre — The Sound of Music — April 22–29 · Full production of the classic musical on the Trinkle Mainstage. Family-friendly and likely to sell out weekend shows — book now.

Big Lick Comic Con — April 25–26 · Pop-culture convention at the Berglund Center with celebrity guests, artists, and cosplay. Tickets are tiered; early purchase gets you better access.

Squeaky Feet — Thursday, April 9, doors 6:30 PM / show 8:00 PM · 5 Points Music Sanctuary, Roanoke

Touring prog-jam band in 5 Points' intimate listening room. Tickets $15–$18 — a strong opener to a stacked week of live music at this venue.

Norfolk & Western Architectural History Tour — Saturday, April 11, 10:00–11:00 AM · O. Winston Link Museum, Roanoke

Guided walking tour of historic railroad architecture downtown. One hour, easy pace — great for history buffs and architecture nerds.

Weighted Racing Is Coming to Roanoke! — Saturday, April 11, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM · River's Edge Sports Complex – North, Roanoke

A novel weighted-racing event on a 2.5-mile course from River's Edge to Piedmont Park. Fun to watch even if you're not competing.

Yoga at the Taubman — Sunday, April 12, 1:00 PM · Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke

Midday yoga session surrounded by gallery art for $10. Bring your own mat; the museum setting makes this feel like a treat, not a workout.

Little Feat in Concert — Tuesday, April 14, 7:30 PM · Jefferson Center — Shaftman Performance Hall, Roanoke

Legacy roots-rock legends in the Jefferson Center's beautiful main hall. If you know, you know — and if you don't, "Dixie Chicken" will convert you.

Open Mic Night at The Spot on Kirk — Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 PM · The Spot on Kirk, Roanoke

Community open mic — come to perform or just to listen. Low-key, supportive room.

Team Trivia at Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill — Tuesday, April 14, 9:30 PM · Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill, Roanoke

Late-night trivia institution. Competitive, loud, and a staple for locals who like their trivia with a side of trash talk.

Cooking Class: Spring Pasta Workshop — Wednesday, April 15, 6:00 PM · The Kitchen at Center in the Square, Roanoke

Hands-on pasta-making class with seasonal ingredients for $65. Great for couples or friends — book ahead, these classes fill.

5 Points Music Sanctuary — 1604 Spring Ave SW, Roanoke

If you haven't been to 5 Points yet, this is the week. With Squeaky Feet on Thursday and Dogs In A Pile holding down a two-night run Thursday and Friday, the nonprofit listening room on Spring Avenue is going to be humming. But beyond the calendar, 5 Points is simply one of the best small music venues in Virginia — maybe the mid-Atlantic. The sound system punches way above the room's size, the sightlines are excellent from every seat, and the no-talking-during-sets culture means you actually hear the music. It's intimate without being cramped, and the rotating local and touring acts mean there's always something worth catching. Grab a drink from the bar (beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options), find a spot, and settle in. Street parking on Spring Avenue and the surrounding blocks is free and usually manageable if you arrive 20 minutes before doors. This is the kind of room that makes you fall in love with live music again.

https://www.downtownroanoke.org/events/event-calendar

• Weather — Mid-April in the valley is looking like highs in the mid-60s with overnight lows in the 40s; bring a layer for anything outdoors after sunset, especially Music on the Mountain Sunday evening.
• Parking tip — For Saturday's downtown market and any evening shows at the Jefferson Center or Berglund Performing Arts Theatre, the Campbell Avenue garage is your best bet — it's central, well-lit, and usually has space when the street meters are full.
• Local resource — Bookmark Roanoke Outside for real-time trail conditions, group rides, and outdoor event updates — it's the single best source for anything active in the valley.