Good morning, Roanoke.

The Salem VA Medical Center installed 15 new 'Hometown Heroes' banners on Wednesday to honor local veterans ahead of Memorial Day; the banners (with service details and awards) will be displayed until Veterans Day and more will be added.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia (a nonprofit that helps families stay together during a child’s medical care) provides a home-away-from-home in Roanoke and a family room at Carilion Children's Hospital.

The group plans to double the number of families served by 2030 after meeting less than one-third of global demand.

Roanoke PD’s police chief led a community walk yesterday to strengthen ties with local residents and law enforcement partners.

The event focused on building trust and collaboration in key community areas.

Conservation Police warn boaters that low water on Smith Mountain Lake is exposing hazards, including eroded shorelines + scattered rocks, this Memorial Day weekend.

They advise wearing life jackets and having sober operators to help prevent accidents.

Splash Valley Water Park will open this Memorial Day weekend starting Saturday with daily hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will run from Thursday to Sunday after the holiday + staff are monitoring the forecast to ensure full visitor access.

Carvins Cove currently holds 76% capacity and is 11 feet lower than last year due to a drought.

Forecasts say (3-4 inches) of rain may come by mid next week, and while boat launches are closed, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards remain allowed for visitors.

At Paint Bank Trout Hatchery, trout raised in raceways fed by cold spring water will soon be loaded onto trucks for release into local streams — this pre-Memorial Day run includes about 900 pounds of fish, including specimens roughly 14 inches long, and local anglers are waiting for their catch.

Town officials in Vinton announced plans to redevelop a block that was damaged by fire.

The project will include repairs and new construction to restore the area, with details expected soon.

Local health experts warn families that pool safety will be a priority during Memorial Day weekend as pools open.

They advise designating a water watcher, removing toys, and securing pools with alarms and fences (no distractions) to prevent drowning.

Local health experts warn that ticks are more active as spring continues and advise Roanoke residents to use repellent and perform tick checks after outdoor activities (especially in grassy or wooded areas) to prevent tick-borne diseases.

In April, Virginia home sales increased by 4.5% with over 9,000 sales and a statewide median price of $439,945 while the average 30-year mortgage rate reached 6.5% amid rising inventory of 17,000 new listings.

Experts advised buyers to focus on affordability + options when choosing a home.

NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, who won 16 races in Virginia, died Thursday after a severe illness kept him from competing in this weekend's Coke 600.

He leaves behind a legacy marked by 234 wins and a reputation as a racing icon.

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.

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.