Good morning, Roanoke.

Residents in Roanoke and nearby areas will celebrate Independence Day on July 4 at River’s Edge Park with the Freedom Festival and Fireworks—featuring live music set to begin at 4:45 p.m., food trucks, and a fireworks display scheduled to start around 9:30 p.m. The annual Four on the Fourth race will also take place at the Vinton War Memorial at 8 a.m., with about 500 runners and a kids’ race at 9 a.m.

Roanoke College held its 20th Annual R House build yesterday when hundreds of freshmen worked with Habitat for Humanity to start building a home for a local family.

Forty students worked from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on floors, walls and windows — with upperclassmen as leaders — while volunteer days will continue until the home is move-in ready in the fall.

John Smiley, known as Urban Hobo, was a cherished local musician whose tunes filled the Roanoke Greenway before he died on Father’s Day at 82.

His daughter Dixie Greer said he also fixed bikes and built lasting bonds in the community.

Fans can send in ideas for buttons or stickers as The Loose Strings Band from Galax will play next month at FloydFest Aurora on the Floyd Country Store Stage—hoping to meet new listeners.

The band began in their teens and released the album 'Realities,' and they plan to share their music with more people.

Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced $5,058,755 in federal funding from the FAA Airport Infrastructure Grant Program to upgrade taxiways and other facilities at seven Virginia airports—including Roanoke Regional Airport.

Officials said the funding will improve airport safety, connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport has refreshed its logo and changed its name to Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport after 30 years, spurred by a rise in travel with over 756,000 passengers last year.

The new look, featuring an ascending airplane + a familiar R, comes as the parking lot project is complete and airline counters shift to a 45-minute check-in cutoff.

Thomas Bowers announced on Thursday that he will step down as Salem Commonwealth’s Attorney when his term ends on December 31—he has served since 2006 after working as an assistant prosecutor in Roanoke City.

He said he hopes his successor will build on the strong teamwork among local law agencies and the Salem community.

Freedom Festival & Fireworks

4-9:30 p.m. — River's Edge Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate freedom.

Virginia Electric Live Concert

10 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — No Refunds — Enjoy two sets of electrifying music at one of Roanoke's top venues.

Annual Floatilla to Starr Hill

1-6 p.m. — Roanoke Mountain Adventures — Bring your own float — Float down the Roanoke River to Starr Hill Brewery with friends and family.

Them Dirty Roses Concert

5-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Ticketed event — Enjoy southern rock vibes from Bama's own Them Dirty Roses.

Minka with The Big Debbies

6:30-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check for ticket prices — Experience a funky night with Minka and the debut of The Big Debbies, promising an energetic musical blend.

Summer Discovery Days at the Museum

10 AM — O. Winston Link & Roanoke History Museum — $5 per child — Interactive summer learning themed around local history and hands-on adventures.

Weekly Club Meeting

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Charter Hall at the City Market Building — Registration required — Attend this weekly meeting in person or virtually via Zoom.

Summer Senior Club

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Historic Fishburn Mansion — $30 — Engage in crafts and games while making new friends in a welcoming environment.

Diamond Rio Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved country band Diamond Rio live in Roanoke.

Spanish Tune-Up for Middle School Students

9 AM - 12 PM — Michael Eaton — Cancellation and change fees apply — A fun camp for rising sixth to eighth graders to boost their Spanish skills over the summer.