Good morning, Roanoke.

The Roanoke Valley SPCA is hosting its annual Best in Show fundraiser on Thursday, March 12 at Charter Hall on the third floor of the City Market Building.

Nearly 300 local artists will display original animal artwork with a VIP preview from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.+ ticket sales help cover pet care costs.

Interstate 581 in Roanoke has short weaving lanes that make merging tricky as drivers are advised by VDOT and Brambleton Driving School to accelerate to 55 mph before merging (35 northbound exit 4 crashes occurred from Nov.

2020 to Oct. 2025).

Local Wasena businesses have struggled with fewer customers due to a two-year bridge construction and greenway closure that has affected walk-in traffic.

Owners say the project will finish this summer and is expected to boost property values — a sign of long-term revival.

The Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival will take place Saturday in downtown Roanoke.

The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. at the plaza behind the City Market Building and the parade starts at 11:00 a.m. from Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, continuing to Campbell Avenue & Williamson Road.

Roanoke residents celebrated Burrell Day to honor Dr. Isaac Burrell's legacy in healthcare + education; speakers and exhibits showcased his contributions and lasting impact on the community.

A Roanoke native recounted his work as executive producer on Comics Unleashed in an interview on Tuesday, Mar.

10 — he explained how his local background influenced the show's creative direction.

AAA said that Roanoke drivers can save money as gas prices jumped to $3.30, 46 cents higher than last week.

The group advises shoppers to use discount clubs and keep vehicles tuned up - such as checking tire pressure and avoiding hard acceleration.

Virginia Western is using VR technology to let students explore career paths on campus – a program launched Tuesday, Mar.

10 – that offers hands-on learning opportunities.

Roanoke Schools officials say the district’s budget is $13 million short as discussions for necessary spending cuts begin; Board Member Eli Jamison explained that the cuts are needed to meet the proposal.

Botetourt County deputies held a ceremony today to honor K9 Axin, who retires after five years of service involving narcotics detection, apprehension and assignments with the Emergency Response Team & CARFTF.

Data from Johns Hopkins shows that emergency room visits for COVID-19, flu, and RSV in Roanoke and nearby counties dropped from Jan.

3 to Feb. 28 — wastewater levels remain low, suggesting the trend may continue. Health experts advise high-risk groups to stay updated on vaccines.

Grand Finale Sale

Crowning Touch is closing it's doors after 30 years and selling all remaining cons. inventory. Discounted furniture, tools, home decor and more. 540-982-5800 Option 1 6704 Williamson Rd. Roanoke

Virginia Spartans vs. Roanoke Catholic Soccer Match

6:15-8:00 p.m. — Roanoke Catholic School — Ticket prices may vary — Watch the Virginia Spartans take on Roanoke Catholic in an exciting high school soccer matchup.

VPhA 145th Annual Convention

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center — Registration fees apply — A three-day gathering for pharmacy professionals to learn, network, and engage.

Shoobies at Parkway

5:30 PM — Parkway Brewing Company — Cover band performance — Enjoy tight vocal harmonies with real steel pans from local talent.

Filter Concert

6:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets $44-$74 — Experience a night of rock with Filter, Finger Eleven, and Local H on tour together.

Blippi: Be Like Blippi Tour

6-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $27 — Experience an interactive live show with Blippi filled with music, laughter, and curiosity-igniting adventures.

Runaway Gin - A Tribute to Phish

8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable night with the world’s most notable Phish tribute band.

A Taste of Ireland

8:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Harvester Performance Center — Ticketed event — Experience the vibrant spirit of Ireland through music, dance, and heartfelt storytelling.

Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage Live

7:30-10 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Ticket prices vary — Experience the mind-spinning indie rock and folk artistry of Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage.

MDA Cruise In Car Show

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Free admission — Celebrate 45 years of automotive passion at this final community car show.

Disco Diner: A Tribute to Widespread Panic

8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check event page for costs — Experience a high-energy tribute to Widespread Panic featuring talented local musicians.