The Roanoke Rambler

11/14/2025

Need weekend plans? From live music to theatre, lectures to drag shows, we’ve got you covered. Sign up today to get our Happenings calendar in your inbox each Wednesday.

As the holidays approach, find something to do in our Happenings.

11/13/2025

After three community meetings, Roanoke's Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board will take its recommendations on an urban renewal apology to city council.

After three community meetings, Roanoke's Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board will take its recommendations to city council.

11/12/2025

The city of Roanoke paid a consultant a tidy sum to give it a thorough financial forecast. City council heard the results during a Saturday retreat – and it's clear some difficult decisions are likely on the horizon.

The city paid PFM Group to take an independent look at what the next five years may bring.

11/10/2025

Layla Khoury-Hanold's Corner Booth for November offers an assortment of hyperlocal entrees, from a new Spanish restaurant set to open downtown to her take on best brunch spots.

There's also news about Canvas & Coffee Art Cafe on Grandin Road.

11/07/2025

From live music and art shows to goat yoga and a chili cook-off — discover it all in Happenings, the only events calendar you’ll ever need.

Looking for something to do? Find numerous options in our Happenings calendar.

11/06/2025

A 30-year veteran of the strip club scene, Brent Jackson plans to reopen the defunct strip club that operated as Gold & Silver Gentleman’s Club at 3121 Franklin Road in Roanoke, he said last month. If it opens, it would be the first strip club to put an adult entertainer on stage in the Roanoke area in some time.

City officials are evaluating whether the project needs to go to the board of zoning appeals to get permission to open.

11/05/2025

Three incumbents who represent all or a part of Roanoke – Dels. Sam Rasoul and Joe McNamara along with Sheriff Antonio Hash – won reelection Tuesday night as challengers’ bids to convince voters otherwise were unsuccessful.

After an eventful race with Republican James Creasy, Sheriff Antonio Hash said his campaign didn't need to "sling mud."

11/03/2025

In this new Q&A series, The Rambler invites members of the community to reflect on what it means to live in a divided city. This month, we spoke with Carolina Smales, a Venezuelan American health researcher and children’s author. In our conversation, Smales reflected on her journey from Venezuela to Roanoke, the process of reuniting with her family and finding connection in Roanoke’s Latino community.

10/31/2025

Don’t miss out on Halloween fun this weekend! Check out the only events calendar you’ll ever need. Sign up today to get Happenings in your inbox each Wednesday.

Find something to do in our comprehensive Happenings.

10/30/2025

Next month, officials plan to celebrate five decades of bus transit. But during the last few weeks, city officials signaled that they want to shake up how Valley Metro is managed.

Is the city about to hire a new manager for its bus system?

10/29/2025

The race for Roanoke sheriff is ending the way it began – with allegations, questions and dripping with politics.

Voters will elect incumbent Sheriff Antonio Hash, a Democrat, or Republican James Creasy next week.

10/27/2025

Among our latest Ramblings, shorter items that caught our eye recently:
✅ Mayor confirms consent on removal of bench, says he can't unilaterally approve the taking of city property.
💵 New City Hall jobs to add expected results and a cost of more than $500,000.
🅿️Don't like Roanoke's parking situation? Now is the time to offer complaints and ideas in the city’s new parking survey.

What are Ramblings? Ramblings are a collection of short items that have caught our attention for one reason or another.