Good morning, Roanoke.

The Rambler launched on May 27 to reshape local journalism in Roanoke.

Its team of seasoned reporters (with global and local experience) aims to connect the community through thorough, clear coverage.

This weekend, the 68th art show near Taubman Museum offers a beer and wine garden while the 5th Rockabilly Festival at the Virginia Museum of Transportation features local bands on Saturday; a VA 250 one-act play — A Most Horrid Conspiracy — runs at Attic Productions in Fincastle from Thursday to Sunday.

The Lebanese Festival marks its 25th anniversary as it returns later this month to Roanoke, offering traditional food + cultural music.

Organizers say the family-friendly event will feature dance and craft vendors to highlight local heritage.

The 68th annual Sidewalk Art Show — held this weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Salem Avenue near the Taubman Museum and City Market — will feature 130 artists selling works to fund museum art education, with a beer and wine garden and Blue Cow Ice Cream available.

Gas prices in Roanoke averaged $4.23 per gallon for regular fuel as of May 27, with GasBuddy reporting a 0.3-cent increase from last week.

Murphy USA on Valley View Boulevard offered the lowest price at $3.89 plus global oil shifts continue to affect rates.

Forecasts by the Weldon Cooper Center project more job losses in Virginia with numbers expected to rise from 10,000 in 2025 to as many as 17,000 in 2026.

Prices are predicted to increase and unemployment will continue climbing until early 2027 due to international events and inflation.

The governor signed a bill to lower child care costs today in an effort to offer families more affordable care options.

The law aims to ease financial burdens for working parents in Virginia.

Roanoke City Public Schools approved a rezoning of elementary students Tuesday night to ease overcrowding ahead of a new school opening this fall at Preston Park.

The change will affect students at Monterey, Round Hill, Lincoln Terrace, Preston Park, and Fallon Park and has led some parents to consider homeschooling or switching districts.

At a House subcommittee hearing, Rep. Morgan Griffith said ALS deaths in the Roanoke Valley have driven him to back legislation that will renew federal funding for research, emphasizing personal loss as a call for improved treatments & continuing support for investigational therapies.

Local officials met on Wednesday to plan the sale of Hotel Roanoke, a historic property jointly managed by Virginia Tech, its foundation & the city.

They expect to secure one buyer for both the hotel and conference center in the next three months to help reinvest in local development.

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.

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.

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.

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.