Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ John Lennon photos from his Lost Weekend era are on display at a local exhibit in Roanoke today. The exhibit shows rare images that give fans a glimpse of the iconic musician's creative period. WDBJ7
- ➤ The City of Roanoke honored local medicine pioneer Dr. Elbyrne Grady Gill as it unveiled a historic marker on Friday at 9:30 a.m. on the 700 block of South Jefferson Street in Elmwood Park (near the Main Branch Library). WSLS 10
- ➤ Dozens of local authors are gathering at Authors Rock Roanoke today to engage readers in a celebration of local literature, with the event featuring live readings and book signings at a downtown venue. WDBJ7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the Botetourt Chamber of Commerce backed Google’s planned data center in Greenfield, stating it will bring up to $30 million in annual tax revenue and 1,000 construction jobs (groundwork begins in coming months) while the first center is set for 2028. WDBJ7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A two-year-old beaver that was rehabilitated by the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center was released into a Roanoke pond on Thursday. Wildlife experts expect her to thrive in the wild after quickly taking to the water. WSLS 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Appomattox Dialysis Center will close today as operational changes take effect. Patients are advised to contact the center for further health guidance & transition details. WDBJ7
- ➤ Carilion Clinic has teamed with local partners to launch ROVA Labs—an innovative center aimed at advancing patient care; the agreement was reached Friday, Apr. 17, and more details on its services will be shared soon. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Blue Ridge Marathon preview lays out course details, start times, and registration info for the upcoming race in Roanoke. Published on Friday, Apr. 17, the article guides prospective runners to plan for the event. WDBJ7
- ➤ Part four of the 7@four Blue Ridge Marathon preview offers tips on the course and advice for local runners. It was published Friday, Apr. 17 at 4:30 p.m. EDT to help athletes prepare for the upcoming race. WDBJ7
- ➤ A preview for part 7 of the 7@four Blue Ridge Marathon was published online at 4:47 p.m. EDT on April 17, 2026, outlining event details for competitors in Roanoke — including course updates and scheduling. WDBJ7
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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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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.
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Coppélia Performance
3-6 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical ballet where toys come to life in a magical toyshop.
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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.
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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.
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Black Label Society Concert
7-10:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $33.75 — Experience the electrifying heavy metal sounds of Black Label Society alongside Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Roanoke
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