Happy Wednesday, Downtown Roanoke! We’re rolling through this week with a lot to look forward to as February winds down. From big community celebrations like our Freedom First St. Patricks’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival, to new events to attend, downtown is buzzing in all the best ways.

Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• The parade starts at 11:00 am, rain or shine.

• Parade Route: Begins on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, continues to Campbell Avenue and ends at Williamson Road.

• Parade + vendor applications available at www.downtownroanoke.org (through 2/27)

• Can't make it to the parade? WZBJ24 will be broadcasting it live!

Freedom First Shamrock Festival

• 10:00 am-5:00 pm in the John Nolen Plaza (behind the City Market Building). Free admission!

• Live music on the Delta Dental Stage, vendors, adult beverages, and more!

We're looking for volunteers! You can sign up here: https://dri.ivolunteer.com/stpats2026

Thank you to our sponsors!
Freedom First Credit Union, Michelob Ultra/ PA Short Distributing, Delta Dental of Virginia, WDBJ7, WZBJ24, K92, Q99, Star Country, WFIR, The Rock Channel, and the City of Roanoke.

Wednesday, February 25

• Silent Book Club at Ursulas

• Painting 101 at Art Project Roanoke

Thursday, February 26: 

• Roanoke Girls Group Book Club at the Bibliopub

• Comedy Showcase at Golden Cactus Brewing

• Martini Flight Class at Well Hung Vineyard

• AAF Roanoke Awards Gala at the Jefferson Center

Friday, February 27:

• Card Making at Olde Salem Brewing- Market Street

Saturday, February 28:

• Market Street Book Swap at Olde Salem Brewing- Market Street

• Happy HeARTS Community Session at the Taubman Museum of Art

• Magical Mushroom and Fairy Paint & Sip at Atheling Meadworks

Sunday, March 1:

• Delicious Elixir’s Botanical Perfume Workshop at Big Lick Brewing

ROANOKE ARTS POP

The Taubman Museum of Art is bringing back Roanoke Arts Pop!, a free, family‑friendly weekend celebrating the region’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Around thirty local arts and cultural organizations will fill the museum with pop‑up performances, demos, talks, and hands‑on activities. Art Venture will also be free on March 7, making it a perfect outing for kids and families. The event runs March 6 (5–8:30 PM) and March 7 (10 AM–4 PM)—a great chance to explore everything that makes Roanoke the cultural heart of Southwest Virginia.