Business News - March 4

Feelin' lucky? 🍀 Enter our contest!

Author

Joya Garris
March 04, 2025

March has arrived in Downtown Roanoke with warmer weather and eventful days!

Today’s Top Three:

  • Roanoke Arts Pop makes an exciting return this weekend.

  • 5 Downtown businesses are celebrating anniversaries this month.

  • Don’t miss your chance to win cash prizes in our St. Patrick’s Day window decorating contest.

Bonus: Mark your calendars for all of the networking and educational opportunities in March.

Keep reading to stay informed!  

- Joya Garris, Community Engagement and Communications Manager

Stay Informed

Burst with Creativity at Arts Pop

Celebrate arts and culture in Virginia’s Blue Ridge with Roanoke Arts Pop! Thirty arts and cultural organizations from around the region will offer pop-up performances, demos, talks, and hands-on activities throughout this free, family-friendly weekend at the Taubman Museum of Art.

www.facebook.com/share/v/1F5JVeBEzM

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following businesses for celebrating anniversaries in March! Here’s to more milestones and accomplishments ahead!

New Member Spotlight: MAKE Roanoke

DRI’s newest member is MAKE Roanoke, a non-profit community of makers working to create a “makerspace” with access to tools and classes to learn new skills. MAKE Roanoke promotes knowledge, skill, and creativity in science, technology, crafts, and the arts. The nonprofit recently signed a lease for 128 Albemarle Ave SE (the same building as Motel Studios).

Ambassador Updates 📝

Watch Izzy’s latest Ambassador video to learn more about our Outreach Specialist, Avanna!

Follow the official Downtown Ambassadors Facebook Page to stay updated on everything the team does!

Get Involved

Enter Our Window Decorating Contest ☘️ 

Our St. Patrick's Day window decorating contest returns. Enter for the chance to win CASH PRIZES! The public votes on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. We will post submissions on our social media accounts instructing users to comment with their favorite design(s). The businesses with the most mentions win. The contest is open to all businesses within the Downtown Service District.

Submission deadline: Monday, March 10th, by midnight

Bites and Bevs: June 16-22 🥨🍹

Showcase your best appetizers, small plates, cocktails, wines, craft beers, and spirits to attract customers exploring Downtown Roanoke’s culinary scene.

Who: Bars, breweries, and restaurants serving alcohol.

Offer a limited-time or discounted appetizer-and-beverage combo, featuring a standout item beyond your regular menu to draw in guests. Like Restaurant Week, Bites and Bevs has set price points, requires menus, and DRI will promote all participants.

Let’s boost your foot traffic and sales—join us!

Join Regional Restaurant Week

May 31 - June 8, 2025

Restaurants across the region are invited to participate in VBR Restaurant Week. Downtown businesses interested in participating should contact Brady Lawrence at 540-853-5661 or [email protected].

Gain Knowledge & Network

Networking & Career Development Opportunities

Events, Street Closures, & Parking

Downtown Events and Street Closures 🚧

The following street closures and associated events may affect Downtown traffic and business for the week of March 3 - 9.

  • Straight Street Youth Night Series on Friday, 3/7 & Saturday, 3/8

    Closure: Luck Ave SW, between 3rd St and 4th St

Please review the street closures associated with the Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival on Saturday, March 15.

Check out our Event Calendar for a full list of events.

Find Downtown Parking 🅿️

With more than 1,300 on-street spaces and 7,000+ off-street spaces, plenty of free or paid parking options exist.

DRI - Your Downtown Partner

Put DRI to work for you! 💼

Our mission is to make Downtown Roanoke the preferred place to Work, Live, and Play. As a Downtown business, you have a valuable FREE resource at your fingertips. Let us help share your story!

Website Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our business listings often come up among the first in Google searches. Help us enhance your listing by providing us with vital information including website, phone number, description, hours, menus, and images.

Job Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Downtown Roanoke is the most vibrant workplace around and a destination for job seekers. Let us help get the word out when you’re hiring!

Event Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our Event Calendar is THE place people go to find out what’s happening Downtown. Get your event in front of the audience you’re looking for.

Important Contacts 👤

Often businesses need phone numbers for government services, such as solid waste, permitting, etc., and other services, such as private parking and transportation.

Check out our list of frequently requested information!