Good morning, Roanoke.

Salem Stadium will get a $688K LED lighting upgrade — officials plan to start installation soon to boost energy efficiency and enhance visibility for game days.

Local McDonald’s restaurants are partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities to support families by donating a portion of each Happy Meal sold through April 17.

The program helps families with children receiving medical care stay together while away from home.

Bob Kolinski wins the annual Cardinal Weather snowfall prediction contest after his forecasts for Lynchburg and Blacksburg proved more accurate than Twila DiMarco's by a one-inch margin.

His win earns him a $25 gift card in a contest with 117 entrants.

Roanoque Baroque presents chamber music on Saturday at West End United Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m. and a new outdoor mural at Taubman Museum allows locals to meet artist Mokha Laget between 2 and 3 p.m. The mural (a tribute to Randall Stout) will be displayed for two years.

Internationally renowned artist Mokha Laget is painting a mural titled Intersecting Terrains near the Taubman Museum of Art — inspired by the Blue Ridge and the museum's design — and will host a public talk on Saturday at 2 p.m.

A Virginia Tech senior discovered a fossil skull in Blacksburg that belongs to a meat-eating dinosaur from the Triassic period, marking a breakthrough in understanding early carnivorous dinosaurs; his findings were published Wednesday in Papers in Palaeontology.

Roanoke is now officially in severe drought status — low rainfall means the usual October to March groundwater recharge may not occur, so residents could face water supply issues if dry conditions persist.

Roanoke residents will soon vote Yes or No on zoning and equity as state and city leaders discuss how the war in Iraq influences support for returning reservists and veterans.

Local agencies start Public Safety Week + ramp up pedestrian and fire prevention education at community events.

Carilion Clinic is launching Usability Works (a new engineering consultancy) to help medical device manufacturers test prototypes near Dr. Pepper Park.

The initiative will attract startups and research partners and boost regional bio-technology innovation.

Dr. Trishul Kapoor of Cleveland Clinic said pickleball offers physical and mental health benefits but players risk injuries if muscles are not warmed up before play.

He advises using proper shoes and paddle sizes (watching experienced players can help improve technique) to lower shoulder, wrist, and knee injuries.

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, local groups provide vital services for survivors.

SARA Roanoke offers crisis counseling + a 24-hour hotline, Carilion delivers forensic nursing care, and Salem’s legal program and self-defense expert Logan Doughty offer additional support across the valley.

The 17th annual Blue Ridge Marathon, Half Marathon and Anthem Star 10K and the Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival (featuring live acts) will take place downtown this weekend.

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.

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.

Explore & Pour Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — Explore Park — $25 for wine tastings — Enjoy a full day of wine, live music from Latin Heat, and local artisan shopping in a scenic setting.

Coppélia Performance

3-6 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical ballet where toys come to life in a magical toyshop.

The Shoobies Live

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Free entry — Experience live music in a vibrant brewery setting with rotating food trucks.

The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute

6:00 – 9:30 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost info not provided — Experience an authentic tribute to classic Pink Floyd that feels just like being there.