We booked the funkiest possible way into spring:
Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph on April 18th in Elmwood Park.
Galactic is one of the most respected and electrifying live acts in American music. Their unmistakable sound blends funk, jazz, rock, hip-hop, and soul making them a staple at major festivals and iconic venues nationwide. Known for high-octane shows and deep New Orleans roots, Galactic doesn’t just play concerts, they create moments. And this Roanoke stop in their 2026 calendar is a major win for music-lovers.
“Freedom First is proud to play a role in bringing exceptional performers, like Galactic, to Roanoke. Down by Downtown is a reflection of the creativity, energy, and community-driven mindset we value as a company, and we’re honored to be part of an event that brings so many people together,” said Linda Johnson, President and CEO of Freedom First.
This headline event in Elmwood Park is formatted as a mini-festival at the heart of the DxDT schedule. With the gates opening at 4pm, the late-afternoon into-evening lineup will serve as both a post-race celebration for runners of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, as well as an open call for music-lovers to get down to Elmwood Park for a funky spring show and enthusiastic kick-off to the city’s outdoor festival season.
Opening for Galactic will be local funk-masters, Cinémathèque and one other band to be announced soon.
Cinémathèque, a Roanoke band lauded for its spicy spirit in recent sets at both Floyd Fest and GO Fest, will appear at 6:30pm. Attendees should expect a tour de force of dance music that aptly sets the stage for the funktastic main event at 8:00 pm.
Tickets for Galactic are on sale now, with a limited number going for a special $26.20 each (in honor of the marathon distance of 26.2 miles). After that, tickets will be $35 online and $45 at the gate. Registered runners and volunteers for the marathon will be able to purchase tickets for discounted rates: $15 online and $20 at the gate. Music-lovers looking to run or volunteer should head to BlueRidgeMarathon.com to sign up.
Freedom First Down by Downtown is Roanoke’s premier celebration of music, art, and culture, transforming downtown into a multi-day experience that attracts thousands of attendees each year. Live-event venues across Downtown Roanoke pull top tier shows offering a welcoming look into the arts and culture that make Roanoke special. The Elmwood Park Stage anchors the festival, hosting nationally recognized artists alongside regional favorites. Venues also lighting up the city include Martin’s Downtown–DxDT’s Official After Party Venue, The Spot on Kirk, Golden Cactus, Fork in the Alley, 6 Points Music Sanctuary, Sweet Donkey Coffee House, and more.
More artist announcements and daily schedules are coming soon—but Galactic fans won’t want to wait. Now is the moment to lock in your Down by Downtown plans.
For tickets, updates, and announcements, visit DownByDowntown.com and follow Down by Downtown on social media.
https://downbydowntown.com/galactic-featuring-jelly-joseph/
Love to our Festival Partners
Freedom First, Roanoke Outside, Parkway Brewing Company, Martin's Downtown, Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, and Virginia is for Lovers
Also check out other Entertainment events in Roanoke, Festivals in Roanoke, Music events in Roanoke.
