Good morning, Roanoke.

On June 7, the Roanoke Chapter of The Links inducted five accomplished women at Salem Civic Center, with 40 members attending and a dinner following the ceremony (which built on the Hands On CPR training held at the Melrose Branch Library).

Roanoke’s Juneteenth expo at Melrose Plaza showcased local small businesses as vendors offered handmade goods and food samples while inviting neighbors to connect with their stories — a community event that built lasting bonds.

Bubba's 33 in Roanoke will host a July 4th celebration with patriotic specials like Burgers for the Brave and Homes for Our Troops plus a Harley Davidson giveaway as it marks America’s 250th birthday.

Panelists including Angela Penn, Stan Hale, Helen Ferguson, and Richmond Vincent discussed how collaborative efforts behind Melrose Plaza transformed a northwest neighborhood during a panel held on Thursday, June 11 at the plaza’s main lobby.

They reviewed the community investments and planning that made the $30 million facility possible.

Mill Mountain Zoo welcomed two new Patagonian maras, Millie and Tilly, who returned after 10 years to a renovated exhibit on the mountain; their arrival coincides with the zoo’s Breakfast with the Animals event scheduled for Father’s Day weekend tomorrow (offering families a close look from the main deck and near the gift shop).

Descendants and community members gathered at Historic Smithfield during a Juneteenth ceremony to honor more than 200 enslaved people through a name reading under the Merry Oak.

The event celebrated the legacy of those who lived on the former plantation.

Local singer Gloria Evans Whiteside (The Lady with the Song) has delighted Roanoke audiences with soulful gospel and R&B tunes through community events and fundraisers, and she will soon compete in a Nashville contest to perform The National Anthem.

The Juneteenth Freedom Jubilee began Friday in Botetourt County with a Campfire Conversation featuring historian Joseph McGill at the county administration center, and festivities continue today with a Run To Freedom 5K and other educational events celebrating Black American history, heritage, and resilience.

Jamie Robinson, a multimedia creator born and raised in Roanoke, described his journey from early days at a downtown music lab and service in the Navy to launching his own business.

He detailed how family and community shaped his path + offered life advice drawn from diverse experiences.

Virginia Labor Secretary Jessica Looman visited the Excel Center at Melrose Plaza on Wednesday, June 10.

The center offers an adult high school program with free daycare & transportation assistance and has waitlisted enrollment for over 550 applicants.

Paula Morgan retired last month from Lincoln Terrace Elementary after a 36-year teaching career that included 26 years in her beloved classroom.

Students, colleagues and families shared heartfelt tributes as she said she will return as a tutor in the fall.

Wild Virginia will host a free eight-week Clean Water Advocates training program this fall to teach environmental law basics and how to join public hearings (sessions run about 1.5 hours weekly).

Applications are open until June 29.

Roanoke Public Pools will enforce a new clear bag policy starting Monday, June 22 to improve safety for all visitors.

NAACP Virginia State Conference launched Freedom Summer VA 2.0 during Juneteenth Freedom Week to boost voter registration and promote amendments in low-turnout districts; registration drives are set (July 25-26) with further events on August 6 and the weekend of August 8-9.

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.

Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners Concert

10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. — Dr. Pepper Park — Kids 12 and under free — Experience a day of music with Aaron Lewis in the Northwest ACE Summer Concert Series.

Billy Strings Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Berglund Center — Mobile delivery tickets only — Enjoy an evening of exceptional bluegrass music with no opener.