Business News - November 11

🇺🇸 Veterans Day, 🎁 Gift Guide, & ❤️ Farewell

Author

Joya Garris
November 11, 2025

Happy Tuesday and Happy Veterans Day!

Before I cover today’s top 3, I have a bittersweet announcement.

After four wonderful years with Downtown Roanoke, Inc., I’ll be moving on to a new opportunity. It’s been a privilege working with so many downtown businesses through this newsletter and my role. Thank you for all your support over the years and everything you do to make downtown thrive.

Don’t worry— you can still expect to see the Business Newsletter in your inbox. For now, DRI is transitioning a bi-weekly publication schedule.

- Joya Garris ❤️

P.S. Your gift guide items will be returned before I depart.

Today’s Top Three:

  • The Who-ville Holiday Market is this Friday starting at 5pm!

  • Park Roanoke has an important update for monthly parkers.

  • The deadline to submit items for the Holiday Gift Guide has been extended to today at 4:30pm!

Keep reading to stay informed!

Get Involved

Stay Open Late this Friday! ⏰ 

Friday, November 14th, 5-8pm

Don’t forget that DRI’s Who-Ville Holiday Market is this Friday in Market Square featuring the Roanoke Gri-NCH!

We’re encouraging folks to shop downtown by filling the farmer’s market with craft and holiday vendors, along with some regular Farmers Market vendors. Stay open late and capture additional foot traffic downtown.

The devious Roanoke Gri-NCH, will be in Market Square to entertain kiddos with his grouchy antics and snap photos with the entire family. A professional photographer will be on-site 6pm-7pm, taking free photos.

Small Business Saturday Registration 🛍️ 

Let’s promote downtown shopping! Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 29, is quickly approaching in Downtown Roanoke! DRI’s kickoff event in Market Square will be 10am-noon and we’re giving away free coffee and tote bags to shoppers!

Need help promoting the event and/or shopping small? American Express has your back with downloadable assets. Whether you’re seeking general marketing materials or industry-specific (retail, dining, beauty), there’s something for every small business owner.

18 businesses have registered for Small Business Saturday so far. Restaurants are also encouraged to sign up and offer discounts.

We’re still waiting on sales information from a majority of businesses, so please remember to submit that information!

Holiday Gift Guide: Deadline Extended 🎁 

We have extended the deadline to drop off items for DRI’s holiday gift guide! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to promote your small business this shopping season! The guide is open to all downtown businesses (retail, restaurants, museums, hair salons, etc.). We simply request physical items or gift cards for inclusion.

Please drop off your items TODAY (Tuesday, November 11th) by 4:30pm at our office located at 213 Market St., 3rd floor.

Note: We will have your items for at least 2 days during the professional photoshoot.

Email Joya with questions, comments, and concerns.

Stay Informed

Monthly Parking Update! 🅿️ 

SP+, the City of Roanoke’s parking operator, was recently acquired by Metropolis, a company introducing a seamless, gate-less parking system across all PARK Roanoke facilities starting Monday, December 8.

Metropolis technology allows drivers to simply enter and exit—no tickets or gates required.

Monthly parkers will receive an email with a link to create their Metropolis account. To ensure uninterrupted access, all monthly parkers must complete registration by December 8.

For assistance, contact [email protected].

Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas to Return December 5, 12, & 19! 🎄 

The Roanoke Valley’s largest celebration returns for its 43rd year!

Night 1 - December 5, 6pm - 10pm: The City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting

The Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Salem Avenue in the Plaza behind the Market Building. The ceremony begins at 5:30 pm with the tree lighting at 6:20pm and will include live stage performances.

Night 2 - December 12, 6pm - 10pm: The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade presented by ValleyStar Credit Union

The parade begins on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, turns onto Campbell Avenue, goes past Market Square, and ends at Williamson Road. This year’s parade will start at 6:30pm.

Night 3 - December 19, 6pm - 10pm: Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest, Cox S’mores Station, and Snowzilla

The Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest returns. Registration begins at 5:30pm and the contest begins at 6:30pm. Head to the Cox S’mores Station for FREE pre-made s’mores kits. Plus, we’re adding a 90 foot-long inflatable slide and bounce-house combo called Snowzilla!

Don’t forget to review the street closures for all 3 nights of Dickens! Please share with your staff to ensure everyone can get to and from work safely.

New Modern Apartments 🏠️ 

Discover the perfect blend of modern living and historic charm at DoCalvary! The thoughtfully designed apartments and condos cater to the vibrant lifestyle of young professionals, students, and couples, making them a standout choice in downtown living. Find your next home at 608 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke, VA.

Ambassador Update 💙 

We’re a bit late sharing the October Statistics for the Downtown Roanoke Ambassadors, but check out these numbers!

Gain Knowledge & Network

Get a New Headshot During Happy Hour! 📸 

Thursday, November 20th, 5:30pm-7:30pm

In the era of social media and LinkedIn, first impressions happen long before you step through the door for a job interview or meet with a client. That’s exactly why a professional headshot is more important than ever. Ad 2 Roanoke is proud to host Headshot Happy Hour at The BiblioPub on Thursday, November 20, from 5:30–7:30 PM.unique and elegant setting.

Free to attend but registration is required.

Get2KnowNoke Q4 Social 😃 

Friday, December 5th, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Don a holiday sweater (or not) and get ready for the last Quarterly Social of the year! The Q4 Social will be hosted in tandem with the Taubman Museum Young Professionals Program. Get ready to mix, jingle, and connect!

Free to attend but registration is required.

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 November 10-23.

  • Straight Street Youth Night on Friday, 11/14 and Saturday, 11/15 on Luck Ave SW between 3rd St and 4th St

  • Who-Ville Holiday Market on 11/15 on Market St SW between Campbell Ave Church Ave

  • Straight Street Youth Night on Friday, 11/21 and Saturday, 11/22 on Luck Ave SW between 3rd St and 4th St

Additional closures:

Upcoming Festivals, Concerts, & Events 🎉 

We’ve officially entered festival season! Whether you want to get involved or need to staff your business, mark your calendars for the following festivals and 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!