Good morning, Roanoke.

USA Cycling announced that Roanoke will host its third consecutive racing series, with 2026 events planned July 12 to 19 at local parks and a 2027 National Championship underway.

Roanoke City Council approved rezoning for 74 townhomes on Westside Boulevard and Shenandoah Avenue, with construction to begin summer 2027.

The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office hosted its quarterly Life Essentials Pop-Up event in Elmwood Park Wednesday — partners Food Lion and Calm Clinic provided food, toiletries and health guidance to unsheltered residents.

RAM House will open its new day shelter on Elm Avenue on June 30th — the 12,000 sqft center is in a building donated by Virginia Transformer owners and expands services for those experiencing homelessness while completing its move from Campbell Avenue.

Google held an open house at Lord Botetourt High School on Wednesday to explain its proposed data center.

Hundreds from Botetourt County came to learn about plans for water use, noise, and local impact while Google said it is working with the water authority & offering community benefits.

Officials announced Friday that Austrian cosmetics company RINGANA will establish its first U.S. headquarters, production and distribution facility in northwest Roanoke, creating 435 jobs and receiving $85 million in local backing — a move expected to boost the regional economy.

After deadly winds collapsed a church tent Friday near Moneta, weather officials warn that severe storms with damaging gusts may occur today as a cold front moves through our area.

Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and remain alert to changing conditions.

The Roanoke Mountain Bike Alliance is teaming with city staff to improve park trails and streamline project approvals amid budget constraints.

The volunteer group, formerly Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists, has a successful record on projects like the Trough Trail reroute (using volunteer labor) and now seeks creative solutions.

A judge issued a gag order in the Natural Bridge Zoo case on Jun.

17, limiting all parties from publicly discussing the proceedings.

Federal health officials recalled all soft ricotta and requesón cheeses from Clover Hill Dairy due to Listeria contamination—one death occurred in Maryland and nine illnesses were reported.

Although no cases have been reported locally, Roanoke shoppers should check their refrigerators and follow FDA cleaning advice.

Studies show that losing the sense of smell harms mental health as much as chronic illnesses, that getting less than an hour of sunlight a day raises dementia risk, and that spending time with pets reduces stress (research from the UK, China, and the Netherlands was reported locally).

Chelsea Phillips at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute has been named a 2026 Myocarditis Research Fellow by the Myocarditis Foundation.

Working with James Smyth, she will study how adenovirus affects connexin43 to disrupt heart signals and possibly prevent fatal arrhythmias.

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.

Luke Schneider Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — $12 ADV/$15 DOS — Experience the celestial sounds of Nashville's ambient pedal-steel artist.

Pilates in the Park

8:00 – 8:45 AM — Wasena Park — Free entry — Start your day with refreshing Pilates moves and community connection in the park.