Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke musician Theodore Jefferson, performing as Ah_Jinx, will use his Sony deal funds to build a free studio for foster children and help them express themselves through music—he aims to give kids the creative outlet he once needed while living in foster homes.

Today, Aztec Rental in Salem is offering free warm Thanksgiving meals from 12 to 3 p.m. at 2069 Apperson Drive—Rescue Mission of Roanoke will serve meals from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today while LEAP provided free turkey meals with sides and pie yesterday.

A Roanoke woman recounted her loss from Hurricane Melissa, saying the storm damaged her home and belongings + deeply affected her life.

Roanoke County released its 2025 Gift Guide on November 26 that highlights five local businesses for holiday shopping—Jamison’s Farm Market offers ready-made meals and custom gift baskets, Country Corner features themed holiday plants and ornaments, Just the Right Gear stocks bikes and gear, Northwest Ace provides tools and deals, and Kind Brew Coffee serves specialty blends.

On November 26th, Geoff 'The Fiddler' White offered a unique gift idea that blends his musical talent with a fresh approach to seasonal gift giving—aiming to inspire local families.

He intends for his idea to add a creative twist to holiday celebrations in our community.

A recent survey by Roanoke College shows that Virginia consumers will keep spending this holiday season — they plan to buy more gifts even if overall spending dips slightly, which may ease retailers' concerns.

Roanoke educators met with state lawmakers to ask for more state funding as the growing school system struggles with costs — officials said the discussion focused on improving classrooms and student support.

Roanoke County launched its new Citizens Stream Monitoring Program on November 26 to help volunteers learn to test water quality and report pollution gaps to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality—residents can sign up to assist in monitoring local streams.

Local leaders in Roanoke say that rising deer numbers are causing road hazards and property damage as animals increasingly stray into neighborhoods—officials now rely on a private firm to remove over 100 deer a year while facing potential budget cuts and the need for disease testing on culled deer. Additional measures will be considered to better manage the deer overpopulation and its impact on the community.

Today, a list of SW Virginia restaurants is offering options including buffets, classic dinners, grab-and-go meals, and holiday treats—many have special hours and require reservations.

Phat Laces Concert

8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost not specified — Celebrate a post-Thanksgiving night with a vibrant hip-hop tribute featuring rap and funk influences.

The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute

8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost Info Not Provided — Immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with a heartfelt tribute performance.

Holiday Pops Spectacular by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra

7:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31-$56, Children 12 & under $12 — Experience a heartwarming celebration of holiday classics with LaTetra Lewis and the Pops.

Peen: A Tribute to Ween

8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $ — Experience a lively tribute to the eclectic band Ween featuring The Big Debbies with their unique blend of groove and energy.

Fayetteville Marksmen at Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Berglund Center — $3 beers all game long — Kick off the weekend early with Thirsty Thursday while cheering on the Rail Yard Dawgs.

Roanoke's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Check Eventbrite for ticket pricing — Embrace the holiday spirit with contests, games, and cheers in your ugliest sweater at this festive pub crawl.

The Nutcracker by Southwest Virginia Ballet

3-5 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket purchase required — Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a large cast and live orchestra in this beloved holiday classic.

Handel's Messiah Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA — Ticket info available — Experience the timeless power of Handel’s Messiah through choral and orchestral performance.

Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker

2-8 p.m. — Jefferson Center — $10 children's tickets — Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and her Nutcracker with stunning performances and holiday cheer.

The Santa Cares Experience

1 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Free entry — Enjoy seasonal songs with Santa and capture the holiday magic with Cloud Bobby.