Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke local events calendar offers a wide range of happenings — from Halloween activities and live music to art shows and community festivals scheduled from today through October 15, and readers are advised to check with venues for any last-minute changes.

Roanoke will host its 15th Annual Go Fest, a festival planned to include live music and local food vendors as part of the community celebration.

Organizers will share more details soon as the event approaches.

Francine the calico cat was missing for weeks after hitching a ride on a truck to Garysburg—Lowe’s employees drove 90 minutes Monday to retrieve her and returned her Tuesday to the store where she is loved by customers.

A local brewery will host Francine Fest today to celebrate her return.

Allegheny Mountain Radio will soon host its annual Gospel Jubilee and Fall Fundraiser to support community radio.

Organizers say live gospel music and donation drives will highlight the event—details on timing and location will be shared later.

Tourism in Roanoke reached record levels in 2024, generating nearly a billion dollars in economic activity and lowering local tax bills by $597, Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge head Landen Howard said Monday at City Council.

He warned that a shortage of hotel space may limit future growth—calling for more capacity to meet rising demand.

City leaders met on Monday in a private task force that includes council and school board members to review school funding and the handling of unused local funds—officials expect recommendations by November-December that could shift budget practices.

The discussion also covered ongoing capital projects and voting challenges related to conflicts of interest.

Local officials advised residents to celebrate Halloween safely—using natural decorations and turning off bright lights—to protect local wildlife.

They stressed that these steps will help animals avoid confusion during a busy holiday.

Candidates Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears will face off in Virginia’s lone governor’s debate on Oct.

9 at Norfolk State University — Nexstar Media Group has denied broadcast rights to 7News and experts note early polls showing Spanberger’s 10-point lead may mean little impact on the election.

Virginia water utilities are competing this week in the 35th Annual Water Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo as WDBJ’s Kate Capodanno tests tap water for clarity, taste & odor.

Winners of the Best of Virginia Taste Test will advance to a national contest while vendors and experts stress the need for safe water.

The National Park Service reduced staffing because of the government shutdown while the Blue Ridge Parkway stays open for fall foliage even though some services are limited and several visitor centers remain closed.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is funding three centers for one week—open on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 and from Oct. 9 to Oct. 13—to support local tourism.

Virginia, Maryland & D.C. leaders say a White House draft plan may deny back pay to federal workers furloughed during the shutdown and risk breaking the law; they add that the law requires back pay & demand negotiations to reopen the government.

A ribbon-cutting was held Tuesday to open the new H.E.M.I.

House Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Roanoke. Patient assessments begin today and intake starts October 13—while the center will offer counseling, job support, and housing help as it prepares to add inpatient services next year.

Researchers at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine found that sleep problems, smartphone use at night, and access to pills are linked to teen suicide attempts.

Data from patients ages 15 to 17 admitted for overdosing on pills show that two-thirds of the attempts occurred after 8 p.m.—three out of four had been on screens before the incident.

Kendall Street Company Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Fork in the Alley — Ticket prices not specified — Enjoy the genre-fluid sounds of Virginia's eclectic rock ensemble, Kendall Street Company.

Jo Koy Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets range from $53 to $376 — Experience a night of laughter with Jo Koy at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre.

Million Dollar Quartet Performance

2-5 PM — Mill Mountain Theater, Trinkle MainStage — VIP tickets and packages available — Experience a musical extravaganza featuring legendary rock and roll icons.

Million Dollar Quartet

2-5 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theater, Trinkle MainStage — VIP ticket options available — Experience the legendary musical featuring Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.

Jamie McLean Band Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying guitar skills of Jamie McLean, known for his work with Aaron Neville.

Roanoke GO Outside Festival

All day — Elmwood Park — Free entry — Celebrate outdoor recreation with music, food, and engaging events at this annual festival.

Matt Mathews Performance

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets starting at $27 — Enjoy a night of theatrical entertainment with Matt Mathews in Roanoke.

Turnpike Troubadours Concert

5-8:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $49.50 — Experience the Wild America Tour 2025 with Turnpike Troubadours and Dawes.

Randy Travis Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the legendary Randy Travis as he performs his timeless hits.

Chili Cook-Off at Center in the Square

12-4 p.m. — Center In The Square — $15 for chili tasting — Celebrate Roanoke's tradition with vibrant flavors and a chance to win prizes.