Daily
Roanoke
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke is hosting National Bike to Work Day today with five celebration stations offering free coffee, donuts, and a raffle from 7 to 9 a.m. Cyclists may join a guided tour at each station as organizers highlight biking as a healthy commuting option. WSLS 10
- ➤ Organizers launched Roanoke Region Food and Farm Trail on Thursday to link residents with local farms, farmers markets, restaurants and agritourism sites. The rollout continues this weekend with a scavenger hunt in Grandin, a tour at trout farm and a farm-to-table dinner at Singing Spring Farm in Craig County. WVTF
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 35th Local Colors Festival kicks off this Saturday at Elmwood Park at 11 a.m. The event features a vibrant procession, live performances, and international cuisine from 50 to 60 countries + includes a passport program for kids. WSLS 10
- ➤ Roanoke Women’s Foundation held its 21st annual luncheon at the Taubman Museum of Art, honoring Judy Larson (formerly of the museum when it was at Center in the Square) and Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo for their contributions to arts education. Carilion Clinic CEO Emeritus Nancy Agee delivered the keynote speech. WFIR News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A local United Way Heroes Project honoree is recognized for brightening local kids’ futures as New River Community Action received a federal grant to expand Head Start programs. The initiatives will boost early learning & community support. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 13, 2026, a Roanoke zoning appeals board upheld violations against The Least of These Ministry (6-0 vote) and founder Dawn Sandoval joined 7@four to discuss how the ministry will move forward. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local doctors warned yesterday that fentanyl may be mixed with synthetic substances, urging community members to be cautious while local hospitals begin tests to monitor potential dangers. WDBJ7
- ➤ Residents of Brandywine Apartments in Roanoke have endured days without water or working toilets, with some facing sewage backups and using portable sanitation * crews are working to clear blockages but management has not provided a clear timeline. WSLS 10
- ➤ Health expert Dr. Cubbison warned that conflicting breast cancer screening guidelines may delay early detection — she recommends that women complete a risk survey with their doctor around age 25 and start annual mammograms at 40. WDBJ7
- ➤ United Way of Southwest Virginia’s Flourish program helps expectant mothers get to prenatal and post-partum appointments and receive support with essentials like car seats and diapers. The program expanded this year into the New River Valley to boost access to maternal health care in a region facing shortages. WVTF
- ➤ Three Virginia Tech engineering students developed a Spanish translator tool that Bradley Free Clinic is now using to help English speaking dentists and Spanish speaking patients communicate better. The clinic plans to expand its use to more languages as the students graduate this weekend. WVTF
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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.
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Tom Hamilton Live Concert
6:30-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticketed event — Experience a night of diverse musical exploration with Tom Hamilton, renowned artist and member of various bands.
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Journey: Final Frontier Tour 2026
7:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying farewell performance by the iconic rock band Journey featuring their greatest hits.
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Lauren Alaina Concert
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM — Dr. Pepper Park, Riverwalk Parking Deck — Cost not specified — Enjoy infectious melodies and relatable lyrics from a rising country star.
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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