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Kick off 2025 with fun events happening in the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
The January calendar is packed with opportunities to enjoy great live music and special performances, as well as lots of exciting sporting events.
Here are 25 special events to add to your calendar in January!
NOTE: All info is subject to change. Please check event websites and social media pages for the most updated information.
1. Blake Christiana | January 10
The Spot on Kirk
As the founder and lead singer for the band, Yarn, Blake Christiana has performed with many of music’s biggest stars, including Dwight Yoakam, Charlie Daniels, Allison Kraus, and The Lumineers. In his work as a solo artist, Christiana showcases his songwriting skills and stories in a raw, authentic way, performing only with his voice and an acoustic guitar.
Learn More: Blake Christiana Tickets >
2. Salem Stampede Championship Rodeo | January 10-12
Salem Civic Center
The Stampede Championship Rodeo (pictured at the top of this post) is a favorite annual event at the Salem Civic Center, offering three days packed with bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and more.
Learn More: Stampede Championship Rodeo Information >
3. A Taste of Virginia Expo & Market | January 11
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
Sample a rich assortment of Virginia-crafted foods, drinks, herbals, and other libations at this special Virginia Expo & Market at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center in Downtown Roanoke. The event is free and open to the public, and there will be professional chef cooking demos from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Learn More: Virginia Expo & Market Info >
4. Charlie Starr & Benji Shanks | January 12
Harvester Performance Center
Charlie Starr, lead vocalist and guitarist of Blackberry Smoke, will be joined by longtime friend Benji Shanks for this special acoustic concert at the Harvester Performance Center in Franklin County. Don’t miss this performance by one of music’s most legendary guitarists.
Learn More: Charlie Starr Tickets >
5. Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Hockey | Various Dates
Berglund Center
The new year is the perfect time to get the family and friends together to cheer on the Rail Yard Dawgs professional hockey team in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The Dawgs and Berglund Center have many fun promotional nights planned for this month’s home games, including Thirsty Thursday and Trivia on January 18, the Diesel 500 on January 18, and the Mighty Dawgs Night on January 24. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
Learn More: Rail Yard Dawgs Tickets >
6. Michael Cleveland | January 17
Jefferson Center
The Jefferson Center will host Grammy Award winning fiddler Michael Cleveland. Cleveland is a 12-time recipient of the IMBA Fiddle Player of the Year award and is a member of the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.
Learn More: Michael Cleveland Tickets >
7. Big Something w. Natalie Brooke | January 17-18
5 Points Music Sanctuary
Big Something and Natalie Brooke will perform at Roanoke’s 5 Points Music Sanctuary for back-to-back nights of concerts. Big Something has emerged as one of the best rock bands in the Southeast, known for a blend of musical styles that combine elements of rock, funk, reggae, jazz, and electronica.
Learn More: Big Something Tickets >
8. Downtown Roanoke Restaurant Week | January 17-26
Participating Restaurants - Downtown Roanoke
It’s time for the return of the tastiest week of the year in Downtown Roanoke! Restaurant Week serves as a great opportunity to try a new restaurant, with many offering specials for a $15 lunch, or $30 & $40 dinner options. Reservations are strongly encouraged at the restaurants that accept them.
Learn More: Downtown Roanoke Restaurant Week >
9. VA250 Celebrations - A Salute to Southwest Virginia: 250th Anniversary of the Fincastle Resolutions - January 18 | VA250 Mobile Museum - January 17-24
History Museum of Western Virginia & O. Winston Link Museum
“A Salute to Southwest Virginia” is a special event that will take place on January 18 at the O. Winston Link & History Museum of Western Virginia in Downtown Roanoke. The event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Fincastle Resolutions, which marked the first time Americans declared that independence was a cause for which they were willing to give their lives. The event will also feature musical performances by the VMI Regimental Band and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, as well as a reenactment of the Fincastle Resolutions being delivered on horseback.
The VA250 Mobile Museum will also be on display from January 17 through January 24 at the museum as part of its travels throughout Virginia to commemorate the state’s rich history.
Learn More: VA250’s Salute to Southwest Virginia >
10. Woody Woodworth & The Piners, Dimestore Cowboys, Marie-Claire Evans | January 18
The Spot on Kirk
Influenced by Virginia’s musical history and Appalachian culture, Woody Woodworth & The Piners combine storytelling with country, bluegrass and rock & roll for a musical style that’s been described as Appalachian alt-country. The band will be joined by the Dimestore Cowboys and Marie-Claire Evans for a great night of alt-country and folk music at The Spot on Kirk in Downtown Roanoke.
Learn More: Woody Woodworth & The Piners Tickets >
11. Salem Gun & Knife Show | January 18-19
Salem Civic Center
The Salem Gun & Knife Show is intended to serve as a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for patrons to buy, sell, or trade shooting sport or personal protection items.
Learn More: Salem Gun & Knife Show Details >
12. International Wine Festival | January 19
Taubman Museum of Art
The International Wine Festival is a fantastic event at the Taubman Museum of Art, offering the opportunity to sample more than 40 wines from around the world while also enjoying live music and expertly paired hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
Learn More: International Wine Festival Tickets >
13. Umphrey’s McGee - Cruising Altitude 2025 Tour | January 19
Jefferson Center
Rock band Umphrey’s McGee has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years, and the show goes on with the band’s Cruising Altitude Tour in 2025. Innovators in music and technology, the group is known for its live performances and hit songs such as Can’t Rock My Dream Face and In The Kitchen.
Learn More: Umphrey’s McGee Tickets >
14. PAW Patrol Live - A Mighty Adventure | January 21-22
Berglund Center
Join Chase, Skye, Rubble, and the entire Paw Patrol squad for A Mighty Adventure in this special live stage show at Roanoke’s Berglund Center. The pups will work together to save the day with catchy tunes and lots of interactive fun that will keep you and your kids entertained.
Learn More: PAW Patrol Live Tickets >
15. The Jared Stout Band w. Corey Hunley & The Millionaires | January 23
Grandin Theatre
The Jared Stout Band and Corey Hunley & The Millionaires are both staples of Roanoke’s live music scene, and this is a fun opportunity to see them in concert at one of the region’s most iconic venues - the historic Grandin Theatre.
Learn More: Jared Stout Band & Corey Hunley Tickets >
16. Cash Unchained | January 24
Harvester Performance Center
Take a journey back in time to experience the life and music of “The Man in Black” with this performance by Cash Unchained, the ultimate Johnny Cash tribute band.
Learn More: Cash Unchained Tickets >
17. Big Daddy Love + The Judy Chops | January 24
5 Points Music Sanctuary
It’s a Sweet 16 Party for Big Daddy Love and The Judy Chops, as both bands are celebrating 16 years of performing music and entertaining audiences. The Judy Chops have performed throughout the state and Big Daddy Love describes itself as “Appalachian Rock.”
Learn More: Big Daddy Love + The Judy Chops Tickets >
18. Guns & Hoses Hockey Game | January 25
Berglund Center
Guns and Hoses is an annual charity hockey game between local Roanoke area firefighters (hoses) vs. Roanoke area police officers & law enforcement (guns) in an event that raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
This has become an extremely popular community event, often selling out the Berglund Center Coliseum and helping raise over $300,000 over the years.
Learn More: Guns & Hoses Tickets >
19. Big Lick Conspiracy | January 25
The Spot on Kirk
Big Lick Conspiracy is Roanoke’s improv comedy troupe and their shows offer a hilarious experience of improv comedy based entirely on audience suggestions, along with sketch comedy.
Learn More: Big Lick Conspiracy Tickets >
20. 5th Forever 5 & 10 Mile Trail Races | January 25
Day Creek Day Use Area
Bundle up and get outside for the Forever 5 & 10 Mile Trail Races in the Jefferson National Forest. The race is part of the popular RNUTS (Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series) events hosted by Mountain Junkies and is a great way to connect with other runners in the community.
Learn More: Race Info & Registration >
21. Jump Into Mystery Interactive Murder Mystery Events | January 25 & 26
Snowed In: RND Coffee Vinton - January 25
Murder by Magic - Big Lick Brewing Co. - January 26
Jump Into Mystery is a company specializing in hosting interactive murder mystery events, and there are two special activities planned for January. Snowed In will be hosted at RND Coffee Vinton on January 25 and Murder by Magic will take place at Big Lick Brewing Company in Downtown Roanoke. This is an adults only event.
Learn More: Jump Into Mystery Tickets >
22. Come From Away | January 30
Berglund Center
Come From Away is the latest production in the popular Broadway in Roanoke series at the Berglund Center. The Best Musical winner features the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers that were stranded in a small town in Newfoundland after airplanes were grounded on 9/11 and the community that welcomed them.
Learn More: Come From Away Tickets >
23. The Outlaws | January 31
Harvester Performance Center
The Outlaws are Southern Rock legends, performing for more than 40 years and becoming one of the most influential and beloved bands in the genre. The group is known for hits such as There Goes Another Love Song and Green Grass & High Tides.
Learn More: The Outlaws Tickets >
24. Jaha Koo | January 31 - February 1
Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech
South Korean theatre maker Jaha Koo uses video to weave politics, history, and his own personal stories together as a play that focuses on how the inescapable past affects our lives today. Three talking rice cookers are Koo's conversation partners as he engages in dialogue about the lonely lives a Korean generation faces. The show is performed in Korean and English with English subtitles.
Learn More: Jaha Koo Tickets >
25. Eternally New: The Art Nouveau World of Alphonse Mucha | Through March 16
Taubman Museum of Art
Eternally New is the current special exhibition at the Taubman Museum of Art. The exhibition presents the work of Alphonse Mucha, who originated Art Nouveau, an international style of art and architecture that became popular in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The experience features 50 original posters, books, lithographs, sculptures, and other interactive elements.
Learn More: Eternally New Tickets >
To find out more about what's going on Virginia's Blue Ridge, check our Calendar of Events.
You can also get additional information about fun things to do in the region and unique ways to be a #Trailsetter by following us on social media and signing up to receive our monthly e-newsletter.
