Daily
Roanoke
Tuesday, April 7th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 7th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Freedom First Credit Union partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia on Wednesday, April 8 to collect summer camp supplies for children at its Elmwood Headquarters at 207 Bullitt Avenue, with drop-offs available at Your Hometown Station on Hershberger Road. WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke County officials announced Monday that the 25th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival will be held on Saturday, April 18 at Green Hill Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature kite demonstrations by Richmond Air Force Kite Club & free kites from United Healthcare, with crafts & artisan vendors for families. WSLS 10
- ➤ Restoration Housing invites locals to attend Trinity Unveiled — a community housewarming and documentary screening at the renovated Trinity United Methodist Church tomorrow at 305 Mountain Avenue SW. The event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will highlight the new Trinity Commons senior housing project. The Roanoke Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Crumbl Cookie plans to open a new shop at Old Country Plaza near Mill Mountain Coffee and Buffalo Wild Wings off Starkey and Ogden roads. Owner Patrick Gardner (a Cave Spring High graduate) expects construction to begin soon with the new location slated to open between mid-June and early July. WSLS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local musicians released 'Neighbors: A Compilation to Benefit Roanoke Refugee Partnership' last week, collecting (27 tracks) to support the Roanoke Refugee Partnership. Musician Seanmichael Poff organized the album after being inspired by a local charity show, and it is now available on Bandcamp. WVTF
- ➤ Virginia’s Blue Ridge announced a schedule of returning local events — including outdoor festivals and art shows — that will take place at various community venues this season. WDBJ7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke’s biomedical complex now fuels a $456 million annual impact— while strong regional opposition stalled a casino proposal set as a legislative priority. City officials continue debating how to boost downtown revenues and revitalize economic growth. Cardinal News
- ➤ Gas prices in Roanoke rose 13.3¢ per gallon over the last week, averaging $3.90 on Monday, Apr. 6 — they are 77.4¢ higher than a month ago and nearly 95¢ higher than a year ago. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Franklin County students are testing space farming by growing plants in simulated lunar soil at a local school. The hands-on project aims to spark interest in science and agriculture among young learners. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Tim Kaine secured $6.3 million in federal funding from the National Park Service to expand the McAfee Knob parking lot today. The project will add a permanent restroom building and a shuttle stop for visitors coming from Salem. WFIR News
- ➤ Governor Spanberger signed HB 1153 in Roanoke to make the Community Builders Pilot Program permanent for public schools, which help students build good habits that lower juvenile gun violence. Delegate Sam Rasoul said the bill passed with bipartisan support & funding from the General Assembly. WSLS 10
- ➤ Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed bills on Monday offering incentives to Avio USA in Pittsylvania County & Hitachi Energy in Halifax County to secure investments and over 2,300 jobs. Avio will invest at least $537.5 million and Hitachi at least $457.1 million with facilities operating by 2028. Cardinal News
- ➤ Roanoke City Council voted unanimously to commit $150K to preserve Caretaker’s Cottage in Washington Park, with plans to transform it into a community space or preserve its historic elements. A 90-day public survey is open until July 6 for resident input. WSLS 10
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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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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.
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2026 Community School Strawberry Festival
11 a.m. - 7 p.m. & 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Free entry — Enjoy delicious strawberry shortcakes and local music amidst artisan vendors.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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