Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Beta Chi Omega Chapter welcomed six new members after completing its Membership Experience on April 26 with a New Members Luncheon at L.H. Hamlar Event Center, led by membership chair Carla Shepherd. The event celebrated the sorority’s commitment to service, leadership and scholarship. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ The Holiday Inn Roanoke Airport Conference Center hosted the Whitney M. Young Award Dinner on Thursday, April 30, honoring leaders Taren Taylor McCoy, Doris Neal Ennis and Peter Lewis for service in education and youth programs, and Eagle Scout Phazhon Nash shared Scouting journey — a highlight of the event. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ On May 2, a Delta Chef’s Cookoff held at the Family Life Center of Pilgrim Baptist Church brought local amateur chefs and community leaders together to compete in a fundraiser organized by the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta (dishes were judged on taste, presentation, texture, and creativity). The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge recognized a local hero in financial stability on Friday, May 8. The award honored someone whose work boosts financial support in our community (details will be shared soon). WDBJ7
- ➤ Volunteers, WSLS staff, and Habitat for Humanity held a wall raising ceremony for local mother Divine Hakizimana and her eight children. The project (the 12th Home for Good build) will have the new house ready for move-in in October or November. WSLS 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Western and regional partners opened RoVa Labs, a $26 million biotech incubator — it aims to spur local life sciences jobs and commercialization in Roanoke. The Roanoke Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Musician William Seymour will host Songwriters of Roanoke, a local event featuring community songwriters set to take place soon in downtown (exact timing and venue to be announced). WDBJ7
- ➤ Today, the VA250 Mobile Museum is at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Franklin County from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and showcase Virginia’s rich history. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local lawyer Amanda Burch fulfilled her lifelong goal by earning the Lawyer of Distinction honor today, highlighting her commitment to client advocacy after studying at Patrick Henry High, Clark Atlanta and Georgia State — her achievement reflects skill and integrity in representing families and businesses. The Roanoke Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County has shared plans to improve safety on Plantation Rd. as it seeks community input to reduce speed and enhance road conditions. Officials will use public feedback before finalizing the project. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Consumer Reports advises homeowners on tick proofing their yards by cutting grass to 3 inches, clearing debris, and using barriers near wooded areas + bagging clippings in zones with high tick activity to reduce illness risks. WSLS 10
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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.
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Josh Gates
8-11 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticketed event — Experience an exciting evening with Josh Gates in Roanoke, VA.
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.
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