Good morning, Roanoke.

The 74th annual Ernest ‘Pig’ Robertson Fishing Rodeo begins Saturday, April 25 at Lake Spring Park (corner of West Main Street and Green Street) and will host fishing sessions for kids, seniors and special needs individuals over four days.

Participants must bring their own gear and can win trophies while enjoying food services.

Roanoke officials and VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment announced that the Wells Fargo Tower and Berglund Center will light up blue from April 2 to April 9 to honor Autism Acceptance Month & promote inclusive communities.

GLTC officials voted to temporarily suspend Sunday service after Apr.

26 during a recent meeting. This change will affect scheduled gatherings, and further details are expected to be announced soon.

Roanoke realtor Alyshia Merchant and musician Jared Stout reported rising gas prices are straining their daily work expenses as Merchant drives clients to show homes and Stout adjusts his tour budget, which may reduce commission earnings.

Roanoke County Public Schools and Carilion Clinic have announced a multi-million dollar career center to replace the Burton Center and promote workforce training.

Construction began in September 2024 and the 123,000 sqft facility will open early 2027, offering programs for both students and adults (driving local development).

Roanoke high schoolers are learning union trades in a spring break camp led by IBEW Local 26 — featuring Joe Brinley and Jason Dudding — that serves Redevelopment Authority students.

The pilot program will expand across Western Virginia later.

Local partners are set to launch Roanoke Valley Saves Week tomorrow at noon with a free community cookout and resource fair at the EnVision Center.

The week-long event will offer three free workshops on financial wellness topics.

Today, the Bedford County Sheriff's Office unveiled an Autism Awareness design on a patrol vehicle, featuring a puzzle piece wrap and calming colors to support families affected by autism + officers will wear matching badges throughout April.

North Cross introduced Kevon Bagot as its new head football coach.

The appointment, announced on Mar. 31, comes as the team prepares for the 2026 season.

The Salem RidgeYaks opened their season at Salem Memorial Ballpark on Thursday with a 5 to 4 win.

Family friendly activities such as races and fireworks added fun to the event before the team is set to play again on Friday.

Salem's rebranded baseball team, the Salem RidgeYaks, now sports new uniforms + a new mascot and will take the field at Carillion Clinic Field this Thursday as part of a family-friendly tradition that boosts local pride.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Swan Lake

7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s most iconic ballet brought to life by a cast of international dancers in a stunning performance.