Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke’s Happenings Calendar lists free events from June 24 to July 2 including family storytimes, craft sessions, live music and a 20th Anniversary ribbon cutting at Chocolatepaper at local venues.

Locals can join in for a week of fun and learning throughout the community.

Rising Grace microbakery in South Roanoke begins its daily production using locally milled whole grains from Heritage Virginia Mills, Wade's Mill, and Flour to the People.

Local millers like Aaron Sterling support bakers with custom electric milling machines to foster a resilient local food system.

Feeding Southwest Virginia CEO Pamela Irvine will retire in December after 45 years with the Salem non-profit that distributes over 20 million pounds of food annually amid rising food and fuel costs.

The organization still faces challenges with food inflation and funding cuts to aid programs.

United Way of Virginia's Blue Ridge secured a grant to install over 30 nature-themed signs along a paved trail at Rocky Mount Community Park, and town leaders celebrated the upgrade today.

Mill Mountain Zoo now displays two Patagonian maras, Millie and Tilly Hopps, in a renovated habitat near its entrance.

The exhibit lets visitors see the large rodents and learn about their natural digging and jumping skills.

Local award-winning author Jennifer Brody is finishing her new novel and updating her summer reading list today.

She grew up enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway and local hangouts (which keep her connected to home).

The state will unveil a historical marker for the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail on Monday, Jun.

29 at 8:00 a.m. in Daleville (at State Route 779 and Catawba Rd), with the Lee family sponsoring the effort for the free event where guests should bring lawn chairs.

Roanoke's Independence Day Celebration will feature live music, family activities & fireworks on July 4 in downtown.

The event promises a festive day for local residents.

A Salem student won a $5,000 environmental scholarship from Kiwanis on Jun.

24 (recognizing her commitment to sustainability).

A 2010 water study shows that to meet the valley’s growing water needs, officials will build pipelines rather than a new reservoir, evaluating options such as drawing water from Smith Mountain Lake (where permit challenges exist) or Spring Hollow for a long-term supply.

The Western Virginia Water Authority reported that the region lost nearly 2 billion gallons of treated water last year through leaky pipes – nearly three times the water allocated for Google's data center in Botetourt County.

Aging pipes have improved from past years but still waste over one-fourth of all treated water.

Marcus Alert System—that honors Marcus-David Peters—is active in over 17 local areas, linking law enforcement with crisis centers and operating from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Supporters will seek extra funding to expand service to 24/7 hours.

Roanoke City Councilman Nick Hagen, a cannabis attorney, said the state’s recreational marijuana framework starting 2027 may limit local gains by capping licenses and offering low tax shares, and he urged an opt-in system to boost benefits (video interview recorded June 17 downtown).

Virginia Tech introduced Brian White as its new Vice President and Director of Athletics on Wednesday.

White spent eight years at Florida Atlantic (where he boosted fundraising and sports success) and will work to strengthen all 22 varsity programs.

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.

Cooper Alan Concert

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Dr. Pepper Park — Free for kids 12 & under with an adult — Experience the creative sounds of rising country star Cooper Alan at the Northwest Ace Summer Concert Series.

Umphrey's McGee Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Exchange — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-blurring grooves of Umphrey's McGee at Roanoke's premier music venue.