Good morning, Roanoke.

The Happenings calendar showcases a week of community events including live music, theatre, and festivals from August 20 to 27—this curated schedule from 30 sources offers essential details on dates, times, and local venues like the Jefferson Center and Elmwood Park.

Roanoke residents can use the list to plan their week with confidence.

Trenton Frye was given a life sentence in a Bedford County court on Tuesday for first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend, Katlyn Montgomery — she was strangled in her Forest home on October 7.

Local playwright Rex Stephenson, known for his Jack Tales with the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre, died on August 13 at 81.

His funeral is set for Saturday at Ferrum College—followed by a performance at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre.

A third-grade student named Emmalyn from Alleghany Highlands Public Schools quickly called her mom when an elderly woman fell behind her garage and received timely help; she was honored on August 12 by Clifton Forge Town Council and awarded a certificate on August 18—her brave act earned national attention and praise from her principal.

At yesterday's meeting the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted to accept Explore Park property from the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, which had owned nearly 1,100 acres for almost 40 years—county officials said the acquisition, made possible with $2—plus an agreement with Bedford County covering over 300 acres of the park, will help create a hub for outdoor recreation.

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Experience a captivating laser and light show set to the iconic music of Pink Floyd.

2nd Annual Safe Community Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Berglund Center — Registration fee required — Celebrate community spirit with music, food, and fun activities for all ages.

Train & Edwin McCain Concert

3:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the hits of Train and Edwin McCain.

Mackenzie Carpenter Live

7:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Sidewinders — Ticketed event — Experience soulful country melodies from rising star Mackenzie Carpenter.

Icons of Country Tribute Night

7-11 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Admission details on event website — Celebrate the best of country music with tributes to Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, and Miranda Lambert.

Tyler Hubbard Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with national artist Tyler Hubbard as part of the Budweiser Summer Series.

Chase Rice Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Tickets required — Enjoy the energetic country sounds of Chase Rice live in Roanoke.

Southern Culture On The Skids Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Grandin Theatre — Tickets required — Experience an energetic evening with the legendary Southern Culture On The Skids, a band with Roanoke roots, delivering their signature rock and roll sounds.

Roanoke Valley Brick Convention

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Salem Civic Center — Tickets $15 online, $20 day of — Discover the ultimate LEGO experience with massive displays and hands-on activities.

Crash The Cove Paddle Race

8 AM – 2 PM — Carvins Cove Natural Reserve — Registration required — Compete in the inaugural paddle race featuring a 2 mile sprint and a 5 mile distance challenge.