Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Over 50 volunteers will bake 10,000 shortcakes using local butter, flour, and milk for Community School’s 46th Annual Strawberry Festival in Elmwood Park (a local favorite). The festival runs on Friday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WSLS 10
- ➤ Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia will mark World Wish Month with Make-A-Wish Night at the Salem RidgeYaks game on Sunday, April 12 at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1008 Texas St., Salem), where gates open at 1 p.m. and the first pitch is set for 2:05 p.m.; a portion of each $17.08 ticket sale will benefit the wish program. WSLS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ After closing Arsenic and Old Lace, Smokestack Theatre announced changes to its improv lineup. The new show will be held on May 16 + Crimes of Heart will run from May 21–31. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Tech's Orbital Launch Vehicle Team gathered in Blacksburg to watch NASA’s Artemis II launch from Kennedy Space Center today. The mission is set to break distance records as astronauts journey to the moon and return after eight days (inspiring the next generation of aerospace engineers). WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke County Schools approved a 4.5% pay raise on Apr. 1 to boost teachers' salaries + the board's decision followed staff negotiations and will take effect with the next school term. WDBJ7
- ➤ Southwest Virginia colleges are using Commonwealth Cyber Initiative funds to train students in cybersecurity. VMI cadets built simulator boxes that mimic water treatment attacks + UVA Wise students and others are assessing local systems to strengthen defenses and grow the cybersecurity workforce. Cardinal News
- ➤ Virginia Tech economics professor Dr. Jadrian Wooten said that employers are retaining staff due to delayed retirements and slowdowns in business + he advised students to explore fields such as healthcare and social services to find new job opportunities. WSLS 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Smith Mountain Lake officials are weighing a plan to introduce sterile carp to slow hydrilla's rapid spread while local fishermen advise using targeted treatments + they warn that a similar 2013 effort negatively affected native vegetation; the commission will decide in the coming weeks. WSLS 10
- ➤ A Fairlawn business owner is making eco-friendly soaps to honor his late brother & promote sustainability by using natural ingredients. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ RVARC is updating its rural transportation plan for the region after 15 years and is inviting residents to share feedback via an online survey or paper copy at its office (313 Luck Ave SW) until the end of April. WFIR News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cynthia Sutton travels every three weeks from Big Stone Gap to Roanoke for treatment at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, where her 6-year-old cat, Piggy, is in clinical remission following chemotherapy and half-body radiation & plans fewer long drives soon. The Roanoke Star
- ➤ Allergists advise Roanoke residents to use over-the-counter nose sprays (Fluticasone or Mometasone) as a safe first defense against seasonal allergies, helping with congestion and eye symptoms in children and adults. They suggest adding allergy pills like Allegra or Zyrtec only if symptoms persist and warn against extended Afrin use. WDBJ7
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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.
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Chirp at The Spot on Kirk
7-10:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Check website for details — Experience a night of progressive rock and funk with Ann Arbor's own Chirp.
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Squeaky Feet Jam Band Performance
6:30-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Experience the full-flavor sonic marinade of a modern jam band from Denver.
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That's So 70's Live Concert
7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theatre — Group discounts available — A high-energy celebration of 1970s music featuring the best disco hits, classic rock anthems, and funk grooves.
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Local Author Fair
Join us for the Local Author Fair on April 11 from 11–2 at the South County Library, where you can meet local authors, explore a variety of books, and hear the stories behind their work. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the writing community, discover new reads, and support local talent.
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Shakedown Citi - Grateful Dead Tribute
6:30-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of Shakedown Citi, a Grateful Dead tribute known for their high-energy performances and unique setlists.
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2nd Ever Screamiverse Expo
10 AM - 5 PM — Terror Manor — Check website for entry details — Explore the haunted tour with music in a lively midway atmosphere.
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Gareth Pearson Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Ticket prices vary — Experience the explosive fingerstyle guitar mastery of The Welsh Tornado, Gareth Pearson.
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Leonard Blush and the Camelcals
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Not specified — Experience a vibrant rock and roll performance by a versatile live band from Roanoke, Virginia.
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Roanoke Valley Holistic Expo
10 AM – 5 PM — Salem Civic Center — Free admission — Experience a day of holistic discovery with inspiring vendors and wellness activities.
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