Daily
Roanoke
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County Food Truck Week continues this week; after the Tuesday celebration at Waldron Park, food trucks serve lunch from 11 to 2 today at the Administration Building + will run tomorrow at Green Hill Park, giving locals more chances to enjoy park dining. WSLS 10
- ➤ State data released on Tuesday, May 19 shows that Roanoke has the second-highest foster care rate in Virginia, prompting local agencies to plan new support programs for affected families. WDBJ7
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A fire at a local home left five residents without shelter last night, and officials are working with emergency services to help them recover. WDBJ7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation released its annual list of endangered sites today, naming the historic Salem house and Old Cave Spring and raising concerns for their preservation. The Roanoke Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool in Roanoke County will launch a full-day, all year-round program in September after 35 years offering half-day care to better support working families. The program (for children aged 2 through Pre-K) provides extended hours and weekly enrichment activities. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke's Entertainment District focus group held its final meeting today to discuss long-term plans for the Berglund Center, which needs over $30M in repairs to keep events and sports running safely; councilman Nash said the city will continue seeking community input for future planning. WDBJ7
- ➤ On Tuesday, May 19, residents urged local officials to preserve Evans Spring as the city council is reviewing plans for its future. The community calls for protecting this historic natural asset. WDBJ7
- ➤ Union electricians met with state lawmakers on Tuesday at a Senate Finance committee meeting to urge keeping data center tax breaks that helped create 2,500 jobs (including work on the Roanoke star). Budget talks will continue in June as officials balance economic benefits with state funding needs. WVTF
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local healthcare providers are urging women to get prenatal screening early to plan healthy pregnancies. Carilion’s midwifery director Tina Johnson (citing a March of Dimes report) says early blood tests and ultrasounds can spot risks and address mental health needs. WDBJ7
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Tanglewood Crossing is under construction in Roanoke County to bring new shops, restaurants and apartments to the Starkey Road and Route 419 corner. The retail center (13,271 sqft) is fully leased and will open later this year, with tenants expected by spring 2027. WSLS 10
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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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5PTS Legendary Brunch with Hoppie Vaughan and Friends
11 a.m.–4 p.m. — Black Dog Salvage - Main Showroom — Kids 12 & under FREE — Enjoy live music and local vendors at this community benefit series supporting non-profits.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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