Daily
Roanoke
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents are asked to leave non-perishable food and hygiene items in their mailbox ahead of Saturday mail delivery; letter carriers will collect donations that will be sorted at the local post office (last year nearly 92,000 lbs were collected) and sent to area food banks. WFIR News
- ➤ Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism has announced its 2026 summer camp programs offering outdoor play, arts + sports, and learning opportunities for children and teens. Sessions will run through the summer with registration opening soon. WDBJ7
- ➤ Nearly 200 people attended Grandin Theatre Thursday night for Rise Up: Stories of Roanoke Resilience, where teens, community members and leaders shared personal accounts of hardship and healing to raise funds for youth substance use prevention and build supportive bonds — inspiring future community efforts. WSLS 10
- ➤ The temporary detour and parking relocation on Andy Layne Trail near the Appalachian Trail has raised safety concerns for hikers and drivers. A long-term project — featuring a new trail route, bridge across Catawba Creek and larger parking area along Catawba Road — is under construction to improve access later this year. WSLS 10
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Two residents and two pets were displaced after an unattended cooktop fire broke out Wednesday at the Peters Creek Apartments on South Barrens Road (Hollins); building sprinklers and an automated fire stopper quickly controlled the blaze, and the American Red Cross is providing aid. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ City and state leaders opened RoVa Labs, a 40,000 sqft biotech incubator in the heart of Roanoke’s Innovation Corridor on May 7, where Tiny Cargo Company will begin using the facility to advance its research (providing crucial commercial space for biotech startups). WVTF
- ➤ Roanoke County Economic Development is promoting National Small Business Week 2026 by partnering with Basil’s Farm Market and Gifts and the Greater Roanoke Small Business Development Center to highlight local businesses and their ties to family heritage (including traditional recipes and locally sourced products). WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools plans to shift attendance zones for about 250 elementary students when classes resume in August so that schools like Preston Park and Monterey run at safe capacity. The board will vote on the proposal on May 26 (the changes may reduce overcrowding). Cardinal News
- ➤ Roanoke grad Brandie Nash completed her degree nearly 20 years later and will join the Peace Corps in Madagascar this summer. The Roanoke Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New research finds that eating one egg a day may lower Alzheimer’s risk by 27% in adults over 65. Other studies report widened brain arteries are linked to lacunar stroke and diets high in ultra processed foods raise heart disease risk by up to 65% + urging mindful eating. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On May 5, Lynchburg’s swim team rebuilt after sudden coaching changes, Roanoke Lacrosse aimed to prove themselves in ODAC, Salem Ridgeyaks beat Delmarva 12+4 on Education Day, and Hill City Howlers walked off a 4+3 win over Fredericksburg. WDBJ7
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Gasoline Alley Festival
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Free entry — Enjoy an outdoor celebration of music, arts, crafts, and family fun.
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1964 The Tribute
8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket info not specified — Experience the magic of The Beatles with this authentic tribute band recreating a live concert experience.
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Boogie on the Mountain: Kerosene Willy
6-8 p.m. — Mill Mountain Discovery Center — Cost information not provided — Enjoy an evening of great music and food at the scenic Mill Mountain.
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68th Annual Sidewalk Art Show
10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Taubman Museum of Art — Free entry — Explore Southwest Virginia’s premier outdoor fine art show featuring diverse artwork from local artists.
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
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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