Daily
Roanoke
Monday, May 18th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke residents gathered Sunday at Oakey’s Funeral Service to honor Ragnar — a golden retriever who comforted over 1,000 families from 2018 until his retirement in 2025 — as his passing in early May united the community. WSLS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, around 1,500 locals recorded how they pronounce Appalachia, with 87% saying (latch) instead of lay as part of the Appodlachia podcast project that collected recordings from 408 counties to celebrate the region's diversity. WVTF
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Graduates and family gathered at the Berglund Center on Sunday morning for the Hollins University commencement — speakers stressed the class of 2026's ability to overcome challenges in an uncertain world. Roanoke.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Water levels will rise rapidly on the New and Roanoke rivers today, with up to two feet near Claytor Dam and eight feet in seven hours near Leesville Dam, according to Appalachian Power. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources urges boaters to wear proper life jackets and slow down as Safe Boating Month continues and Memorial Day weekend nears. Low water levels expose hazards plus smaller vessels are harder to spot, so officials warn everyone to stay alert while on the water. WDBJ7
-
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.
-
Gasoline Alley Festival
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Free entry — Enjoy an outdoor celebration of music, arts, crafts, and family fun.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Josh Gates
8-11 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticketed event — Experience an exciting evening with Josh Gates in Roanoke, VA.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Roanoke
Welcome to the Daily Roanoke, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Roanoke, Virginia community. If you like the Daily Roanoke, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Roanoke.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Roanoke and across Virginia. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Roanoke
A free Roanoke community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyroanoke.com/sitemap