Prepareathon 2024
Disasters don’t plan, but you can!
We invite you to join us in taking an active role in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community this September. September is National Preparedness Month, and the City of Roanoke Stormwater Utility, Emergency Management, and other public safety partners are hosting Roanoke's 2024 Prepareathon, an initiative with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that encourages local organizations and individuals to be prepared for flooding and other natural disasters that affect our local area. This free, family-friendly event provides participants knowledge about risks of local hazards, opportunities to practice preparedness actions, the confidence to help everyone stay safe during a disaster, and access to FEMA preparedness resources. This event will be both fun and informative, so residents can connect to the resources before a disaster happens. We want everyone in Roanoke to be prepared in case of a disaster.
Here are several fun things coming to Prepareathon this year!
- Meet your local rescue team
- Take pictures with and explore state of the art rescue equipment and vehicles
- Learn about your local hazards
- Build confidence in and connect with local resources
- Enter chance to win preparedness kits and other prizes
- Opportunities for blood donation
- Food and ice cream
- & more!
Residents, business owners, and property managers from the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas are invited to attend and participate. Join us, Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Berglund Center Coliseum!
Website: https://www.roanokeva.gov/prepareathon
Featured Events
Berglund Center Coliseum
Friday, 4/17, 7:05 P.M.
2026 SPHL President's Cup Playoffs - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Evansville Thunderbolts - Round Two: Game One. Rail Yard Dawgs postseason sponsored by Haley Toyota. Media partner is 94.9 STAR Country FM. Parking is $10 while spaces remain or use free shuttle. Event Updates: https://www.railyarddawgs.com/eventupdates
Berglund Center Coliseum
Saturday, 4/18, 7:05 P.M.
2026 SPHL President's Cup Playoffs - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Evansville Thunderbolts - Round Two: Game Two. Rail Yard Dawgs postseason sponsored by Haley Toyota. Media partner is 94.9 STAR Country FM. Parking is $10 while spaces remain or use free shuttle. Event Updates: https://www.railyarddawgs.com/eventupdates
Berglund Special Events Center
Saturday, April 18, 2026- 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, April 19, 2026- 10 AM – 5 PM
COSPLAY POLICIES
Screamiverse Expo is a horror, sci-fi, and arts convention taking place at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA on April 18-19 2026. We will feature vendors, special guests, panels, film fest, tattooing & piercing, and more!
FEATURED CLASSES
*SOLD OUT* Behind The Yellow Tape- Presented by Crime Scene Investigator Rebekah Hollingsworth
This is a "FREE ADD ON TICKET". A ticket for admission to Screamiverse Expo is still required.
Class Location- Berglund Hall, Parlor B (Ross Room)
Saturday, April 18, 2026: 4:00-4:45 PM
Title: Behind the Yellow Tape
*SOLD OUT*
Think horror movies are scary? Try investigating one in real life. Join veteran Crime Scene Investigator Rebekah Hollingsworth as she takes horror off the screen and into reality. In this up-close look at her work, you’ll walk through an actual crime scene and explore the gruesome, shocking, and sometimes bizarre details that CSI teams face every day. If you love horror, true crime, or just want to know what really happens when the scene is sealed off and the gloves go on—this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Due to the graphic nature of this event, it will be held in Parlor B in Berglund Hall. Only 48 tickets will be available for this event, so be sure to get them while you can! This is an "ADD ON TICKET", a ticket for admission to Screamiverse Expo is still required.
Dead Men Do Tell Tales- Presented by Crime Scene Investigator Rebekah Hollingsworth
This is a "FREE ADD ON TICKET". A ticket for admission to Screamiverse Expo is still required.
Class Location- Berglund Hall, Parlor B (Ross Room)
Saturday, April 19, 2026: 11:00-12:00 PM
Title: Dead Men Do Tell Tales
Step beyond the jump-scare and into the real world of Death Investigation. Join Crime Scene Investigator Rebekah Hollingsworth as she guides you through what really happens when a life ends unexpectedly; you’ll discover how investigators read a scene, interpret the body, and separate fact from Hollywood fiction. We’ll break down common myths, surprising truths, and the small details that speak louder than any ghost story. Whether you’re a writer, a horror fan, or just fascinated by the macabre side of science, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the stories the dead can tell, if you know how to listen.
Due to the graphic nature of this event, it will be held in Parlor B in Berglund Hall. Only 48 tickets will be available for this event, so be sure to get them while you can! This is an "ADD ON TICKET", a ticket for admission to Screamiverse Expo is still required.
*Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult for this event*
Berglund Center Coliseum
Saturday, 4/25, 7:05 P.M.
2026 SPHL President's Cup Playoffs - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Evansville Thunderbolts - Round Two: Game Five. This game will only played if series is not decided; refunds will be generated automatically if Game Five is not played. Rail Yard Dawgs postseason sponsored by Haley Toyota. Media partner is 94.9 STAR Country FM. Parking is $10 while spaces remain or use free shuttle. Event Updates: https://www.railyarddawgs.com/eventupdates