Daily
Roanoke
Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 27th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Foster Aviation and Pulaski County are hosting the 4th Annual Fly-In at New River Valley Airport in Dublin on Saturday, May 30, offering free flights for kids 8 to 18, drone demos at 11 a.m., and a flour bombing competition at 1 p.m. to reconnect locals with the airport’s history. WSLS 10
- ➤ Residents can help protect their identities at the 2026 WSLS Shred-A-Thon this Saturday, May 30, as staff from the Better Business Bureau support secure shredding of documents with personal information (experts advise checking credit reports for suspicious activity). WSLS 10
- ➤ STEP, Inc. hosted an open house on May 26 to celebrate 60 years of service and welcome community members to explore its legacy and future plans. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Wildlife Center of Virginia has launched a naming contest for its new ambassador snake — an Eastern hog-nosed snake accidentally delivered in soil — as it now helps educate visitors and raise funds with $1 votes from May 25 through June 3. WSLS 10
- ➤ On Tuesday, May 26, the community honored James Guilliams in a tribute to his longstanding service. Local organizers said the event highlighted his role in positively shaping the neighborhood. WDBJ7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mill Mountain Zoo is preparing Brew at the Zoo this weekend — local brewers and food vendors will offer craft beer and treats for families. The event will be held in the zoo's scenic setting for community enjoyment. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Lebanese Festival returns this weekend, beginning at 11 a.m. Friday and running through Sunday at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church on Cove Road. The event will offer traditional foods, live music, and folk dancing as it celebrates 25 years of local tradition. WFIR News
- ➤ Taubman Museum has announced its Annual Sidewalk Art Show returns to Roanoke, featuring local artists and interactive displays on museum grounds + nearby community spaces. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two local students are in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which started Tuesday; Layla Barrett (8th grader from Danville) was eliminated in preliminary rounds while Ashvin Pinnamaraju (6th grader from Cave Spring) moves on to Wednesday's quarterfinals amid 247 global spellers. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke officials are reviewing a $30M plan to upgrade the aging Berglund Center, which faces high repair costs for its building systems & hosts events by Journey in June and Billy Strings in July while the city council will discuss the proposal amid budget cuts and future planning. WVTF
- ➤ Roanoke City Council appointed two members to the school board last week and said the process lets them choose candidates based on skills & experience rather than campaign funds. Council leaders added that this method, also used by other local towns, builds a closer partnership to improve our schools. WDBJ7
- ➤ After a May 13 hearing upheld a zoning violation against The Least of These Ministry, founder Dawn Sandoval appeared on 7@four to explain the ministry's next steps. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Researchers say many young adults are unaware that excessive drinking increases cancer risks. Dr. Darren Mays from the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center said alcohol is linked to cancers including colorectal, liver, and breast cancer (especially in young women), and he is exploring better outreach. WDBJ7
- ➤ Virginia Tech doctoral candidate Alyssa Lyon received a $50,000 National Ataxia Foundation grant to study brain stimulation for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC; her lab study on rodents will test neuromodulation to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. The Roanoke Star
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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.
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TOAST - The Best of BREAD
7-11 p.m. — Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke, VA — Ticket prices vary — Experience the nostalgic soft rock hits of BREAD performed with virtuoso fidelity by TOAST.
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Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: A Heartland Hit Parade
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31.00, $37.00 & $50.00 — Experience the powerful fusion of country music and orchestral performance with hits from legendary artists.
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Monster Flea Market
7-11 a.m. — Berglund Center — Free entry — Explore over 200 vendors selling a diverse range of items at Roanoke's biggest flea market.
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