Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ WDBJ7+ aired its new Hometown Veterans Special: Episode 1 yesterday, featuring local veterans sharing their stories and experiences. The program is available on the channel for community members who want to learn more about local heroes. WDBJ7
- ➤ The local NAACP hosted its 26th Annual Citizen of the Year Awards and Silver Life Membership Recognition Dinner on May 8 at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center, honoring local leaders and community members for their service. Dr. Brenda L. Hale presented Beth Macy with a portrait amid standing ovations for honorees from education, healthcare, media, and more (Rooted in Justice, Rising with Purpose). The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Roanoke Foodshed Network launched the Roanoke Region Food and Farm Trail yesterday at Big Lick Farm to connect residents with local food businesses, including farmers markets and brew pubs. A six-part video series debuted its second episode to highlight the region's culinary scene. WFIR News
- ➤ Roanoke County’s Hollins Branch Library will begin a renovation in June that is expected to be complete next summer. The library will close its current location May 20 before temporarily reopening in meeting room (C) at Green Ridge Recreation Center on May 23. WSLS 10
- ➤ Volunteers celebrated National Bike to Work Day on May 15 by showcasing new bike lanes and greenway trails designed for safer commuting. The 17-mile ride featured stops like the new lane over Gainsboro Bridge plus a contra flow lane behind the Taubman Museum of Art. WSLS 10
- ➤ Roanoke community leaders were honored at the inaugural Waymaker Honors Dinner on Thursday, May 7 at Salem Civic Center. The event—hosted by the SOOUL Foundation—celebrated entrepreneur Doug Pitzer, teacher Brad Collins, football coach Brad Lutz and basketball coach Richard Wilson as local achievers. The Roanoke Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Appalachian Power will host an open house on June 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Read Mountain Middle School (182 Orchard Hill Drive, Cloverdale) to explain grid upgrades supporting a new Google data center project in Botetourt County. The upgrades, part of the Daleville Area Transmission Improvements, will address growing power demand. Cardinal News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Melissa A. Kelly is a Roanoke-born artist, screenwriter and publisher of 14 books who is working on new film projects to showcase local talent—her efforts aim to boost the local creative scene. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Roanoke residents can enjoy the Local Colors Festival today in downtown, where local art, food, and music will showcase community creativity — a free event open to all. WDBJ7
- ➤ Archie Richmond and Jere Williams have celebrated a 60-year friendship that began in the late 1950s during their Boy Scouts days when they helped integrate local scouting in Roanoke. They honor their bond with annual visits that remind everyone that friendship transcends differences. The Roanoke Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Joann Hamidullah, known as Ms. H — a longtime instructional assistant at Hurt Park Elementary — was named RCPS Teacher of the Year at the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center on Thursday, April 30. She received 1,000 dollars from Trane and will be considered for Virginia’s RISE Award. The Roanoke Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Tech expert Monica Arul urges locals to prepare for severe storms by trimming trees, clearing yards, closing windows and taking shelter during weather watches. Arul explained that downbursts cause far more damage reports than tornadoes (10 for every one) and reminded residents to act early. The Roanoke Tribune
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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.
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Talking Heads Tribute Concert
6-9 p.m. — Black Dog Salvage - Main Showroom — Kids 12 & under are free — Enjoy the definitive tribute to The Talking Heads with a seven-piece band performing hits from ’77 to Stop Making Sense.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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