Good morning, Roanoke.

The Salem Fair held its Sock Night yesterday, offering discounted wristbands for visitors donating two pairs of new socks to benefit the Rescue Mission of Roanoke (and Mrs. Dorsey’s Clothes Closet).

10 News anchors and meteorologist Edward Shaw attended to support the event.

The Western Virginia Water Authority has begun voluntary water conservation as drought conditions persist, with reservoirs like Carvins Cove at 65.9% capacity.

Roanoke City Council approved new zoning rules for data centers, and Kirk Family YMCA will launch its Early Learning Center for three-year-olds in early August (rates differ for members and non-members).

School officials, community partners and families celebrated two new programs at the Community Empowerment Center outdoors in Roanoke today while enjoying free ice cream and kid-friendly activities plus a life-size Dolly Parton cardboard cutout.

The event marked a step in reducing barriers to learning and empowerment.

CNN Travel ranked Roanoke among the top 10 towns to visit—citing its outdoor activities, walkable downtown and lively food scene.

Local leaders view the ranking as a boost to the city’s tourism appeal and progressive spirit.

Today, the Eleanor D Wilson Museum on Hollins University campus opens No Excellent Beauty, a photography exhibit on disability aesthetics, while the Dumas Theatre hosts Ain’t Misbehavin’ from Friday to Sunday and Attic Productions in Fincastle launches Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods this weekend.

Mill Mountain Zoo celebrated its 74th anniversary Wednesday with Zoobilee, featuring free birthday cake, keeper chats and the chance to see over 250 animals.

Zoo officials said plans for a year-long buildup to the 75th anniversary in 2027 are already underway.

Veterinarian Dr Carrie Turnbull launched Clarity Vet Consulting to provide in-home end-of-life care and palliative services for pets nearing the Rainbow Bridge, and to help pet parents decide on care options.

She sold her private practice last year and is now receiving referrals from local clinics + accepting new clients.

Roanoke groups received $19,375 in mini-grants from the Roanoke Foodshed Network to boost nutrition education and community gardening at local schools.

Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare starts walk-in psychiatric services today at the Burrell Center + Virginia Tech research finds mindfulness may ease caregiver stress.

LewisGale unveiled a nearly 6,000 sqft simulation center yesterday in Roanoke to boost training for over 900 nurses and clinicians in detailed patient care scenarios.

The $2.4 million center supports rural healthcare facilities (Blacksburg, Pulaski, Alleghany) across western Virginia.

Sunlight Bakery Lofts released renderings for the planned conversion of the former bakery building at 501 Salem Ave SW; the lofts will feature high-speed Wi-Fi and energy-efficient systems and will open in summer.

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.

An Evening with Webb Wilder

8-9:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — $15 ADV | $20 Day of Show — Experience Americana Rock and Roll with Roots Rock Royalty Webb Wilder.

Falcon Ridge Most Wanted Tour

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Check the duo's award-winning sound blending country and Americana vibes.

On Tour with Vince Gill

7:30-9 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of world-class country music with the legendary Vince Gill.

Hoppie Vaughan and the Ministers of Soul Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — Golden Cactus Brewing — Free entry — Experience a night of rhythm and blue-eyed soul with Hoppie Vaughan and his electrifying band!