We love this place. It's such a great throwback to the good old days. My wife and I have gone to…read moremovies, concerts etc. The service is always great and a lot of fun. It beats the mega theaters. We attended the Rocky Horror Picture Show here also. It was a lot of fun. They had a theater group along with the movie. It's a cult classic. It's a can't miss if they have it this fall. The staff upbeat also. Very friendly.

This Historic and Non-profit theatre which opened its doors more than 90 years ago as a local icon…read morein Grandin Village, continues to be the center of attraction of this dynamic neighborhood in the City of Roanoke. Today I decided to go visit and experience first hand the magic behind this theatre that besides showing movies and holding special events, it has and will always be the heart of this community, and as I was able to see and experience for myself offers a unique movie going experience. When I first arrived, I was fascinated with the magnificent restoration of this Historic Art Deco Architectural building. Little did I know that I was about to experience one of the best movie going experiences of a lifetime. For I discovered that a local community movie theatre is more than just a place to go watch a movie and eat popcorn. It is a place to feel the pulse of fervent community in action. At the ticket booth I was greeted by a young lady and asked to go inside to purchase my ticket because her computer was not working as it should. So I proceeded to do so and walked over to the concession stand where a lady greeted me with a warm welcome and not only sold me the ticket but after I asked her about the theatre, she gave me a personal description of key points of its structure as well as other activities that took place here. Among other things she told me about the Art Gallery on the second floor, the different viewing rooms and the two owls located in the main one, and other events and activities that they have year round including the fundraisers. Also, tonight they were having the Rocky Horror Picture Show showcased by the Tolls of Madness Troupe from Virginia Tech. The cast will dress like the ionic characters and encourage audience participation through callback lilines aimed at the screen and throwing various props as called for by the film. Needless to say the two shows for tonight were sold out. What an exciting event here in this community movie theatre in the Star City of Roanoke! One could see the excitement and enthusiasm of all the theatre employees, from the ones behind the concession stand selling the popcorn to the ones finishing putting up some light up the stairs to the second floor as part of the Halloween decorations. Inside the main viewing room I was impressed with natural red brick walls and the two owls. The chairs even though they weren't as reclinable as some of the ones in new modern theatres, they made you feel at home, maybe because they reminded me of the many time I went to my hometown movie theatre before many of them have become extinct due to lack of creative management and competition from the big new modern ones. Last time I went to one of those the room temperature was so hot to the point of being uncomfortable. But here, in this cozy and warm not so little theatre, the air-condition worked just fine and contributed to the excellent movie watching experience. As I was leaving there was a crowd of people outside waiting to come in for the Rocky Horror Picture Show; and I thought to myself: Now I know and have experienced the magic behind the Grandin Theatre and wish everyone who reads my review can do the same.

The shape of this building is intriguing and, lucky for us, there is a very nice exhibit inside…read moredetailing how this came about. As you might expect, this museum is filled with of local artists. And instead of the usual cryptic information, most pieces have a brief biography of the artist and sometimes a bit more about the piece. It made each of these pieces come alive for me. The art placement seems very thoughtfully laid out. It's not a huge museum but it seems the perfect size for the art inside. Don't forget to check out the 3rd floor.

One of the required elements of a great city is to have a quality Art Museum. Here in the Star City…read moreof Roanoke that quality Art Museum is the Taubman Museum of Art. Art is what makes our lives ritcher and Art appreciation brings great joy to an otherwise boring life. For this reason is the important role that this Art Museum plays in our community. A couple of days ago I decided to become a member of the Museum, go visit it once more, and write this review for people to read, view my photographs and decide for themselves whether it's worth it to put aside some time to go visit it and what they could get out of it. First of all I would like to mention that the award-winning architectural design of the building by the internationally renowned architect Randall Stout is in of itself a Masterpiece work of art. At first sight it might look like a modern rendition of Noah's Ark. But if you look closer you can see that the architect took special care to honor naturalistic elements of the Roanoke region, such as its beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the Mill Mountain Star. The building itself is something to admire and visually enjoy. Expensive gems come in small sizes. I consider this as one of the most beautiful and valuable assets of the City of Roanoke. As I entered its doors and introduced myself at the guest station in the entrance, simply as a new member who had just joined, I was warmly welcomed and given a ticket for the Special exhibition of Eternally New: The Art Nouveau World of Alphonse Mucha. The general admission to the public is free, but to see the Special exhibition there is a modest fee, unless you're a member. On the first floor they had everything set up for a wedding reception dinner. The area looked so elegant and inviting. I was amazed at how this Museum used some of its space for private or public gatherings and activities to involve members of the community. They also had a nice Museum Shop and a Cafe and patio on this floor. On the second floor they have eleven galleries to exhibit artworks from their respected permanent collection as well as a special space for rotating special annual exhibitions showcasing the best of the best. On the third floor they have the City of Roanoke Atrium and a wonderful Auditorium and other meeting and activities rooms. Besides all these spaces for exhibition and social events, the Museum has excellent programs for the community as well as hosts a yearly Sidewalk Art Show that is very popular to meet local artists, see their work, and be able to purchase some quality original art pieces. Art is wonderful, I remember the joy I had the time I purchased my most valuable painting by Mary K. Trotter, an American woman artist who studied in Philadelphia before moving to Paris. I highly recommend this wonder of an Art Museum in all aspects. Go visit it, appreciate its masterpieces, attend one of its tours, take one of its classes, get involved in one of its programs, learn to love and enjoy art. For art is a wonderful and splendid thing, that brings joy and flavor into our lives.

From the outside I never expected to see such an amazing variety of quality exhibits highlighting…read moreour nation's transportation history. Located in downtown Roanoke's historic freight station, The Virginia Museum of Transportation does a great job in preserving Virginia's transportation history with a major focus on rail, featuring iconic locomotives like the N&W Class J 611 and Class A 1218. It houses a vast collection of steam, diesel, and electronic locomotives, including famous Roanoke-built engines. The museum offers interactive family-friendly exhibits covering trains, automobiles, and aviation, featuring over 30 antique automobiles, aviation displays, an outside railyard with historical locomotives on the rail, and a U.S. Army Jupiter Rocket. In 2025 it also launched the Maritime Gallery, with the Naval History of Virginia, located on a second floor. There they also have an interesting exhibit of the Circus and America's Railroads. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its amazing exhibits. The museum also houses the Traveler's Treasures Gift Shop with lots of desired item for sale, such as pins, posters, apparel, wooden trains, hats, toys, books, and tumblers, among other items. These can be also purchased from their website vmt.org Free parking is available for guests immediately adjacent to the museum. Also, cross from the museum is located the award winning Valley Metro Third Street Station, providing convenient bus transportation. Admissions prices are reasonable at $14.77 for adults, and discounted to $12.66 for Youth (13-17), Seniors, and Students with ID (17-59). Children (3-12) pay $10.55, and 2 & under are Free. I highly recommend you visit this museum if you have not yet done so. It is definitely an enriching experience.

I was in Roanoke for work and work ended early for me and since it wasn't dinner time, I'd say to…read morestop at the Virginia museum of transportation. They have there planes, trains, and automobiles. Reminds me of a movie I once saw. The museum is very nice. They have a big area for trains lots of information about trains. They also have airplanes there. They have one hanging from the ceiling. They have a couple cars actually more than a couple cars. Some of them were very nice, but it's a good place to go for a couple hours and check it out.

"The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection." Michelangelo…read more I've always appreciated art and the importance that it plays in people's lives. The Sidewalk Art Show takes place annually on the streets surrounding the Taubman Museum of Art in the heart of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. It is hosted by the Taubman museum itself, whose mission is to bring people and art together for discovery, learning, and enjoyment. The Sidewalk Art Show is one of Virginia's most oldest and anticipated outdoor art shows. It is held annually usually on a Saturday and Sunday around the end of the month of May. This year 2025 was the 67th year it takes place. It was held on Saturday and Sunday, May 31st and June 1st from 10am - 5pm. The exhibition from mostly regional artists included original paintings, prints, jewelry, watercolors, etchings, mixed media, fine art photographs, fine crafts, and sculpture. It is always free and open to the public, and a premier destination for art aficionados and ideal for fine art shopping. Over a period of two days it is estimated that the show will have 10,000 attendees. It is also an annual fundraiser to help raise funds for the Taubman Museum of Art programing to the community. The Roanoke Sidewalk Art Show also offers a variety of awards to participating artists, including cash prizes and merit awards, to recognize the best artwork. The show also features awards specifically recognizing the achievements of artists in particular media and through memorial awards. The most coveted award being The Best in Show Award with a cash prize of $1,200 plus the use of the image for the following year. After some years now of living in Roanoke, Virginia and being fascinated by driving by the art show, and seeing all the white tents lined up along Salem Ave, and crowds of people walking by, enthusiastically viewing and enjoying, and some evening purchasing some of their most valued, precious artworks from the show, I finally decided to schedule some time out of my busy schedule to attend the show and experience for myself one of the Star City's most prestigious and beloved yearly events. Being my first time attending this event, I would describe it in one sentence as: The experience of a lifetime! I invite the readers of this review to view my photographs and video clip from the event and see for yourselves first-hand what's it all about. Oftentimes when we visit art galleries or museums we get to see beautiful original artworks by famous and up-and-coming artists, but rarely do we get to meet the artists themselves and interact with them, asking them questions about their early beginnings, their creative process, the figment of their imagination. Here I was able to do so and discover very interesting personalities behind the artworks themselves. And I was fascinated with what I found. Very loving individuals who bring out their souls through the expression in their artworks. Creativity gives all a meaning in life. And for many artists the process of creativity is the process of living, of discovering themselves and the best that they can create and thus be. I highly recommend all those reading this review to attend one of the future Sidewalk Art Shows in Roanoke, Virginia, and to visit the Taubman Museum of Art while you're here. I can assure you you'll have the experience of a lifetime.

Art On 1st is a very special art gallery, as you will see from my review. Last Friday was the…read moreOpening Night of their current exhibition "Love in Many Colors: An exhibition of art exploring the many different colors and types of love." I considered it very appropriate to visit it and write a review, today, Friday, on Valentine's Day. This Art Gallery and Studio is owned by and features the paintings of Annie Schultz and the photography of Rick Sheridan. Their Mission is to strive to support, established, emerging, and aspiring artists and photographers through exhibitions, classes, and occasional open Studio time. It is dedicated to showcasing diverse artworks from local emerging artists and fostering a creative community. Through a diversity of workshops, it is also committed to teach and assist new artist how to prepare their artwork for exhibition and sale. The gallery space is also available to rent for photo shoots, art lectures, and other related activities. Located in Downtown, Roanoke, in the heart of some of the best art galleries and restaurants in the area, on the corner of 1st Street SW and Kirt Avenue, it is the ideal location to experience the best of the best of what the City of Roanoke has to offer to its community and visitors as well. The building itself is Historic and very well renovated, maintaining its beautiful, original mosaic and hardwood floors. The corner entrance glass doors and two display windows are perfectly placed to allow the natural light in and to be able to observe all beautiful sunset as well. Besides the art gallery and studio, it also has a fully equipped modern darkroom, for young photographers to be able to learn, through workshops offered, how to take traditional film photography and how to develop and print their own photographs. As I entered through the gallery's front door, I was amazed to see a variety of art media in their current exhibition. There was oil paintings, stained glass hanging windows, sculptures, photography, jewelry, artisctic works in rare and exotic woods such as a beautiful carved wood set to play cards, among others. There was also a square table next to their computer full of brochures, business cards, and other very informative art and photography literature from around the area. Both the owners of this gallery were amazing individuals, very warm and welcoming with wonderful personality and a desire to enjoy their art and assist the newer artists by sharing all their knowledge, experience, and expertise. I highly recommend to all those reading my review and viewing my photographs that accompany it, to definitely give this gallery a visit. You will find some lovely artworks at very reasonable prices that will make beautiful gifts for yourselves, special friends, or loved ones. As you purchase these items, you will be supporting and encouraging young artists, and giving special meaning to their lives.

Great gallery space! Lots of emerging artists and affordable art pieces. Exhibitions and fun art…read moreclasses offered regularly. Could be great for an event or Girl's Day Out!

Science museum with hands on exhibits and learning for kids!…read moreWe spent a good morning playing with family at the museum. We went to the human body exhibits and the magnatiles, blocks and dino dig upstairs. They also had fish in an aquarium on the ground floor.

2 hours was enough time. Admission is overpriced for what was offered. Theatre show should be…read moreoffered more then 2x a day

There is nothing like live theatre for entertainment, and although professional theatre is…read moreconsidered the ultimate in theatre experience, throughout my life I have enjoyed community theatres just as much or even greater. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Showtimers Community Theatre of Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. This week, I happened to discover this non-profit, volunteer driven venue established in 1951, dedicated to fostering life-long appreciation of the performing arts through non-professional theatre productions. And today, I had the pleasure of visiting the theatre for the very first time and watch the production of "The Shark is Broken." Roanoke's oldest continuously running community theatre, originally performed at Roanoke College, and in 1961 they purchased a former church on McVitty Road, which now houses the intimate 138-seat venue, that produces five mainstage shows annually. I arrived early to be able to explore the theatre's lobby, and ask some questions at their ticket office. The beautiful building is located on top of a small hill with plenty of parking spaces. After parking my Lexus in a space near their entrance, I climbed up some stairs with eight steps and reached the building's nice size porch with a lovely light blue door entrance. I'm not sure if it has another easily accessible entrance but I think it might have because I saw some older guests inside that I'm sure couldn't have climbed all those stairs. I found the entrance front door unlocked and left a little bit opened, like if inviting guests to come in on this dark and cold showtime evening. Inside, the staff there were very friendly and welcoming. When I told them this was my first time there they allowed me to hang out in the lobby, looking at all the pictures and theatrical posters from previous shows. I also shared with them how when I lived in Boston I visited over 45 community theaters from cities and towns all around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. One was even in a farm and the seats were squared pieces of hay. How the first professional Musical I saw had been a Broadway Show in New York City at the age of 14 and was called Pippin, staring John Rubinstein as Pippin and Ben Vereen as the leading player and directed by Bob Fosse. And how during my college years, I had the opportunity of watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Wang Center in Boston with the main character played by Donny Osmond. And how during my time living in Miami I was an active Board Member of two community theaters. At seven o'clock sharp they opened the doors to the theatre and a volunteer guided me to my seat in Row J, Seat 8. Which happened to be in the center of the front row. It's amazing how in a very short time the theatre got completely full of people coming to watch this show. The three main actors did an excellent job performing and I was able to meet them in person at the end of the show at the porch of the building to congratulate and thank them for a wonderful show. I feel the Performing Arts enrich our lives and for this reason I highly recommend you visit this gem of a community theatre. Go watch a show there. Make a donation of time or money by volunteering and giving them your support. Believe me, you will be getting back a lot more than what you put in.

This is a quaint local theater that you probably never really knew existed. It's right off of…read moreElectric Road across Keagey Village. To me, it looks like an old church. Established in 1959, they have featured several local plays and musicals per year. Many local singers and actors have performed here. I have enjoyed many performances here. I estimate that the seating is just about 150 people. For refreshments, they have candy, chips, cookies and soda/pop/Coke (whatever you call a carbonated drink from where you live) and they're reasonably priced, as are the shows. Considering it is only a half skip and a jump from where I live, I frequently come for an entertaining afternoon. It's a great small local theater with excellent performances. Because of the small venue, there really ain't a bad seat in the house. Parking ain't too bad none either. Check them out, sometime. You won't be disappointed.

Our server Haley was amazing! Tonight was our first time here and she was very informative and…read moreprovided great service to our entire table all night!