Weekly Drop - August 12th

See what's happening in Downtown Roanoke this week!

Brittany Smith
August 12, 2026

Hello Roanoke friends and neighbors,

The work week is halfway done, and there's plenty happening downtown in the days ahead! A special highlight this week is the Festival of India at Elmwood Park, where you can enjoy vibrant cultural performances, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.

Before checking out this week's events, here are a few reminders:

Dickens of a Christmas is around the corner! Vendor and Parade applications are now available.
The Annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale is coming up on Saturday, August 22, featuring deals from Gypsypalooza, chocolatepaper, Walkabout Outfitters, Wyndrose, Orvis, The Roanoke Co-op, and more.

Now, let's dive into what's happening downtown this week!

Saturday, August 22 10:00AM-5:00PM

Want to save some money while still supporting local businesses? Join us for our annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale! Our local retailers will have lots of great specials + a preview of new fall items.

Don't miss your chance to win a gift basket full of downtown Roanoke goodies by completing the Sidewalk Sale Passport!

When you arrive, make your way to DRI's tent in Market Square to pick up your passport. Each time you visit a participating store, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport. (No purchase necessary). Once your passport is fully stamped, return to DRI's tent in Market Square to submit it by 5pm on 8/22 for a chance to win a gift basket, which includes a planter from The Slap Shop, a $50 gift card from 310 Rosemont, Hibiscus Strawberry Cooler from Mountain Star Herbal, a set of cards from Left of Center, and more!

We hope you have your body glitter and trucker hats ready- we are excited to welcome Y2K Kids to our Delta Dental Party in Elmwood stage on Thursday, August 13th! Gates open at 5:00 pm, and the music kicks off at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $10 cash only, and kids 12 and under are free. Enjoy beer, canned cocktails, seltzers and sangria (cash only) from Michelob Ultra/PA Short Distributors.

Wednesday, August 12th

Music Bingo with Archer at Olde Salem Brewing- Market Street
90's Tunes with DJ Slate at Big Lick Brewing
Midweek Market at Golden Cactus Brewing
Comedy Night with The Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing

Thursday, August 13th

Party in Elmwood at Elmwood Park
Get2KnowNoke Q3 Social at Elmwood Park
The 2026 Inaugural Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge at The Exchange

Friday, August 14th

August Member Hour at the Taubman Museum of Art
Start Class: Line at the Taubman Museum of Art

Saturday, August 15th

Free Art Venture Community Day at the Taubman Museum of Art
Downtown Roanoke Historian Guided Tour at Roanoke Higher Education Center

Saturday, August 15th (Cont)

Festival of India at Elmwood Park Roanoke
True Crime Tour at Corned Beef & Company
Fairies & Knights Market at Big Lick Brewing

Sunday, August 16th

Roanoke Drag Brunch Harry Potter Party at Well Hung Vineyard
Mini Paintings at Big Lick Brewing
Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art
Roanoke Bridal Expo at Hotel Roanoke
Virginia Harm Reduction Water Bottle Drive at Golden Cactus Brewing
Small Things Pop Up at Golden Cactus Brewing
Karaoke at Starr Hill

Monday, August 17th

Free Yoga for the People at Elmwood Park

Tuesday, August 18th

Move & Mingle at Big Lick Brewing
Urban Kiz Dance Social at Olde Salem Brewing Company Market Street

August is one of the best times of year to visit the Historic Roanoke City Market! Stroll through and shop an abundance of locally grown produce, including juicy peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, squash, melons, and other seasonal favorites. You'll also find fresh flowers, baked goods, meats, cheeses, honey, handcrafted items, and more from local vendors.

Since 1882, the Market has been a downtown tradition and remains a great place to support local farmers while enjoying the heart of Roanoke. The Market is open daily, with the largest selection typically available on Fridays and Saturdays.