Good morning, Roanoke.

Neighbors on Preston Avenue near Preston Park Elementary School voiced concern over speeding drivers who often ignore stop signs and exceed the 25 mph limit—residents have spoken with police and now urge city officials to add safety measures such as speed bumps to prevent a future accident.

A beloved local restaurant known for its family-style Southern meals will reopen under new ownership by Easter in 2026 in Catawba—new owners will keep the original name, recipes, and menu while also considering extra weekend breakfast and lunch options.

Roanoke hosts its 15th annual Go Outside Festival, a three-day event that began on Friday and features outdoor activities at Explore Park and Elmwood Park.

Today, visitors can join a sunrise hike at Explore Park Adventure Outpost (7am) before the festival wraps up on Sunday with a lumberjack show at Elmwood Park (4:30pm).

Dr. Sam Scroggins, a local orthodontist, reached his 40th state by summiting Wyoming’s Gannett Peak as part of a high-point challenge he and his wife started 10 years ago with their children.

He said the couple always kiss at the peak—something the family calls the 'makeout map'—and they plan to visit 10 more states.

Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight is on Mission 11 from October 17th to 19th, offering a free trip to Washington D.C. for one Korean War veteran and sixteen Vietnam veterans—it left Bedford on Friday at 10:00 a.m. and will return Sunday at noon with trained volunteer guardians assisting the veterans.

Community members protested outside Vinton Restaurant—over alleged animal cruelty—on Oct.

17th, urging local authorities to address the incident.

Thomasina Moore, director of operations at the Science Museum of Western Virginia, recounted growing up in Norfolk in a military family and overcoming hardships to lead the museum's events and exhibits downtown — she also expressed her passion for music and collecting Wonder Woman memorabilia.

The NAACP + Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County Branch held its 49th Freedom Fund Banquet on September 27 at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center with the theme 'Moving Forward.' Leaders honored local members by presenting the Nannie B.

Hairston Community Service award to Jessie Eaves+ announced scholarship recipients while keynote speaker Rev. Cozy Bailey stressed voter education and unity.

Mill Mountain Theatre announced its 2026 season, and tickets will go on sale November 1—audiences will see productions inspired by the Chocolate Factory and the Yellow Brick Road.

Hidden Valley Middle School and William Byrd Middle School will install new GO TEC labs by the end of 2025—funded by nearly $1M from GO Virginia and over $500K in local support—to offer students hands-on experience in high-demand career fields.

Roanoke County Public Schools and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research announced the project to spark early interest in technology and engineering careers.

Roanoke is exploring a casino at the Berglund Special Events Center — a move that may create an entertainment district to boost tourism, spur economic growth, and generate new jobs — as the new City Manager reviews the city’s assets.

Mayor Joe Cobb and Economic Development Director Marc Nelson said the plan could also improve local rail and airport service and create work for residents.

On October 6, National Coaches Day honored Roanoke mentors like head coach Taren McCoy and basketball coach Eugene Blu Cook for their leadership with young athletes.

Former players thanked the coaches for helping them grow in sports and life—showing how important strong guidance is.

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.

John Fogerty: The Legacy Tour

7-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets starting at $53.50 — Experience classic rock legend John Fogerty performing for the first time in Salem.

Petals & Potions Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Well Hung Vineyard — $90 per person — Create an autumn floral centerpiece while enjoying a curated wine tasting experience.

Greensky Bluegrass Concert

7-9 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost Info TBD — Enjoy an evening of electrifying bluegrass music from Greensky Bluegrass.

TobyMac Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets from $25 — Experience an electrifying evening with TobyMac's inspiring music live in Roanoke.

Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures

1-2:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Family-friendly fun — Embark on a magical journey with Mickey Mouse and friends through iconic Disney destinations.

Shwayze Live

6:30-11:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience Shwayze’s feel-good vibes with supporting acts The Quasi Kings and Twin Fin.