Good morning, Roanoke.

A new pedestrian bridge at the McAfee Knob trailhead opened Thursday to help hikers safely cross Virginia 311 — the $1.5 million project built by Stonewall Bridge Inc. through a partnership of local, state and federal agencies also reopened the parking lot and added a ramp for accessibility.

A 15-year-old boy was attacked while running on the 1800 block of Brandon Avenue Monday morning and taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a man slashed him with a sharp object, and self-defense teacher Bryan Cochran advised locals to run with a partner—police later arrested the 39-year-old suspect.

The School of Performing Arts and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology will host the New Music — Technology Festival from April 2-4 at the Cube in the Moss Arts Center and at 3 p.m. on April 5 at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke.

The event will feature guest artists such as Wayne Horvitz and The Honourable Elizabeth A. Baker along with new works, and admission is free with required registration for some performances.

Smith Mountain Lake is cleaning up debris from its waterways as part of spring cleanup programs while other local projects work to keep roads, trails, and rivers litter-free—officials say similar efforts will continue across the region.

The pedestrian bridge over Route 311 from the McAfee Knob parking lot to the Appalachian Trail is now open today and the parking lot has reopened.

The concrete and steel bridge is 90 feet long, 8 feet wide and spans 18 feet above the road—built by VDOT contractors in over a year using state and federal funds—allowing commercial vehicles to pass underneath without restrictions.

After the death of 10-year-old Autumn Bushman, community leaders in Roanoke began discussing ways to support young people with mental health.

Cindee Pletke, President of Living On Incorporated, joined Here @ Home to explain how parents can talk with children about grief and suicide.

Warrior Women's Conference 2025

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Salem Civic Center — Check website for costs — Experience powerful testimonies and discussions on spiritual leadership from dynamic women.

Virtual Tour at Clearview Apartments

9 AM - 7 PM | Clearview Apartments | Free entry | Explore the best in senior living with nutritious meals and engaging activities.

Tribute to John Prine by Tree of Forgiveness Band

6:30-11:00 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticketed event — Celebrate the legendary songs of John Prine performed by an all-star lineup of North Carolina musicians.

Carmina Burana: O Fortuna

8 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful choral music of Carmina Burana under the direction of renowned conductor David Stewart Wiley.

Joanne Shaw Taylor Live

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Jefferson Center — $6 box office fee — Experience an electrifying night of pop, soul, and blues-rock with Joanne Shaw Taylor and her stellar band.

Reflections on Water: Art, Music & Science Evening

7-9 p.m. — Taubman Museum of Art — Free entry — Dive into an interdisciplinary evening blending local art, music, and community reflections on water.

Ripe Concert in Roanoke

6:30-11:00 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket information available — Experience indie pop grooves and anthems for better days ahead with Ripe's live performance.

Of Good Nature Concert in Roanoke

6:30-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check venue for cost — Experience vibrant tunes and heartfelt grooves from Of Good Nature and opener Cam Clark.

Views and Brews E-Bike Tour

2-5 p.m. — Roanoke Mountain Adventures — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a scenic 11-mile e-bike tour through Roanoke’s beautiful Blue Ridge vistas and local brews.

The Magnetic Fields - 69 Love Songs Performance

Apr 14-15 — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the 25th anniversary of '69 Love Songs' with a full performance by The Magnetic Fields over two nights.