Good morning, Roanoke.

Center in the Square announced the second annual Miniatures on the Market event set for Friday, May 1 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Market Square; families can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, balloon animals, face painting, crafts and lawn games with free entry + paid attractions.

Fincastle’s Attic Productions presents the final weekend run of the play Never Ever Happily starting tonight and Hollins University hosts the Senior Majors Exhibition reception at 6 p.m. today with works from seven graduating students — Showtimers Community Theatre will launch The Tin Woman on Thursday, May 7.

The Dogwood Festival returns for its 71st year to boost local artisans and businesses in Vinton — an effort recognized by the state legislature.

Drivers in Roanoke feel the pinch as local gas stations edge closer to $5 while the average sits at $3.84; many residents are cutting back on outings + experts urge using discount programs to manage rising fuel costs.

Anne Houston, a Cave Spring High School science teacher, received the 2026 Golden Apple Teacher award on Wednesday and a one-year Hyundai Santa Fe lease and $1,000 cash prize — she is the district nominee for the 2028 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

Roanoke City Public Schools is reviewing attendance zones to ease elementary overcrowding.

The district will host a virtual town hall on May 4 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Microsoft Teams and an in-person meeting on May 6 at Preston Park Elementary School with a tour.

A letter informed Bedford County parents that Stewartsville Elementary School will close after the next school year on June 30 and that students may be reassigned to Goodview Elementary to help with redistricting, leaving many families frustrated.

The 46th Annual Strawberry Festival fundraiser at Elmwood Park will run this Friday from 11 to 6 and Saturday from 10 to 4.

Community School will use proceeds from strawberry shortcake sales to support operating costs and keep tuition low with nearly 2400 volunteer hours in preparation.

Roanoke City Council proclaimed April as Autism Acceptance Month on April 20; on Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed new education bills at Roanoke Higher Education Center.

A judge later invalidated a contentious vote that could affect redistricting.

Virginia Tech researchers are examining long-term health effects among Hurricane Helene survivors as increased respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal issues continue in flood-affected areas across Appalachia.

They are collecting data from emergency rooms and clinics to inform future disaster planning.

Carilion opened a dedicated midwifery clinic on Tuesday at 102 Highland Ave (behind Roanoke Memorial Hospital) to expand maternity care access amid a local shortage; the clinic runs five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and expects 350 visits per month.

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.

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.

Hands-On Process Improvement Workshop for Spanish Speakers

8 AM – 12 PM — Virginia Western Community College — $275 — Engage in a hands-on workshop to learn effective process improvement techniques through interactive simulations.

Leonard Blush and the Camelcals Live

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Check event page for pricing — Enjoy an energetic blend of rock and roll and country with Leonard Blush and the Camelcals.

Gary Allan Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets starting at $31 — Experience the Southern rock sounds of Gary Allan live in concert.

Dark Star Orchestra Concert

6-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience the live sounds of Dark Star Orchestra under the stars in Roanoke's favorite park.