Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke will celebrate America’s 250th birthday as the Berglund Center and Mill Mountain Star light up red, white and blue from July 1 to July 5 – a display approved by City Council to mark the holiday.

Artist Mark Cline works from his Natural Bridge studio where he makes fiberglass giants for Route 66’s centennial.

Three more figures, including a 16-ft Abraham Lincoln, are moving to Illinois this week (his work also features a planned 66-ft dinosaur in Tulsa).

Joseph McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, will join Botetourt County’s Juneteenth Freedom Jubilee with a Friday conversation and a Saturday presentation on historic Greenfield — his project preserves slave dwellings to educate on America’s real past.

The VA 250 series now highlights Colonel William Fleming—a local hero who sustained severe injuries during Lord Dunmore’s war yet continued to serve—and connects his legacy with figures like Andrew Lewis and Thomas Jefferson in this second installment.

Data center investments are bolstering rural job growth in Virginia as Munters (a climate control manufacturer) in Botetourt County now employs around 670 workers and Hitachi Energy in Halifax County plans to expand.

Governor Spanberger supports keeping tax incentives through 2035 to secure this manufacturing boost.

Virginia Tech Turfgrass Science Associate Professor Dan Sandor said lawns in drought conditions show stress by curling and thinning in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

He advises homeowners to test soil moisture with a screwdriver and water deeply but infrequently to help conserve water.

Temporary speed cushions have been installed on Robertson Road between Owen Drive and Kent Road to slow traffic drawn by nearby projects.

City officials said they are considering making the cushions permanent as residents express support.

A new study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting found that people using GLP-1 weight loss drugs in Roanoke exercise less (from 28 to 22 minutes daily).

Experts advise staying active to help keep lean muscle mass.

The 2026 Donna Andrews Invitational Round 2 competition is set today in Roanoke (featuring local athletes vying for top rankings) and aims to draw strong community support as organizers plan next steps.

USA Cycling Mountain Biking Championships will begin next month on July 12 in the Valley after organizers unveiled six race courses at Elmwood Park.

They still need 400 volunteers and will return for a third year in 2027 + this follows last year’s successful run.

Leonard Blush and the Camelcals Live Performance

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Check the venue for ticket prices — Enjoy a vibrant rock and roll performance by Leonard Blush and the Camelcals, hailing from Virginia.

Josh Turner Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the smooth baritone of Josh Turner and his timeless hits live on stage.

Allen Stone Live in Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — The Exchange — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying soulful sounds of Allen Stone in Roanoke’s premier music venue.

PWR Poetry Jam featuring Taye the Truth

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Free entry — Experience an evening filled with expressive poetry and music from local artists in Roanoke.

Dinner in the Dark 2026

6-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Supportive event — Experience a unique dining event aimed at raising awareness for the Deaf/Blind community.

2026 Miss Virginia - Thursday Preliminary Competition

June 25th — Berglund Center — Scholarships over $80,000 at stake — Witness the competition as talented young ladies vie for the crowns of Miss Virginia and Miss Virginia’s Teen.

Nether Hour Concert

8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience the Texas Blues Rockers Nether Hour bringing their unique sound to Roanoke's vibrant music scene.

Kristy Cox Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — $20 General Admission (+fees) — Experience the electrifying blend of bluegrass, country, and Americana from the 'Queen of Bluegrass'.

The Broken Hearts - Tom Petty Tribute

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Dr. Pepper Park — Cost info not specified — Celebrate the music of Tom Petty with a tribute band from his home state of Florida.

Delta Dental Party in Elmwood

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park — $10 admission, kids free — Enjoy a lively evening of beach bands and family-friendly activities in a vibrant park atmosphere.