Come and see what we’re all about.
Old Southwest events are an easy & rewarding way to connect with your community!
Check out our event calendar and Facebook for the most up-to-date
information on our upcoming events.
All Old Southwest home owners, renters, and business owners are welcome to join us at OSW community events held throughout the year.
MONTHLY COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Join us at the Alexander-Gish House for a 90-minute monthly meeting to get the scoop on the community. Conversations focus around how we have made and want to make an impact — from safety concerns and community beautification to fundraising, special projects, workshops, and events. There is typically a guest speaker. Topics are based on neighborhood needs, interests, and requests. Previous topics include: historic preservation, inner-workings of local media, explanations of City resources, environmental sustainability, neighborhood safety, and the Architectural Review Board (ARB) permitting process in our historic neighborhood.
WHEN: Every third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. except July & December. Arrive at 6 p.m. for social time and refreshments!
SOCIAL EVENTS
Block Parties Bring a dish and connect with neighbors! We aim to have two block parties a year, with a different “host block” around the neighborhood. Kick back on a closed-off street filled with tables, chairs, games, and music. Did we mention this community can seriously cook? All are welcome (and so are the store-bought goodies)!
Interested in coordinating a block party? We have funds set aside and helpful planning resources to make it easy! Email info@oldsouthwest.org for details.
Food with Friends An impromptu potluck event that resembles an indoor block party. A resident offers their home to host the gathering. The host provides paper products such as plates, napkins, cups, and cutlery. Guests bring a dish to share and beverage of their choice. Sometimes there are themes to the potluck – like favorite family dish, Italian night, etc.
Come make a friend and learn more about the neighborhood! Interested in hosting? Email info@oldsouthwest.org for details.
Holiday Gatherings In addition to the annual Parlor Tour and recent Festival of Lights in December, neighbors jump in and volunteer to coordinate events when and where their passion strikes them. The OSW board supports these events with volunteers and getting the word out. Halloween haunts, Easter egg hunts, and Thanksgiving open houses are just some of the possibilities. Check out our Google calendar for currently scheduled events.
National Night Out Every year on the first Tuesday in August, neighborhoods across the country take part in National Night Out — a day to celebrate police/first-responder-community partnerships. Historically, Old Southwest has participated by inviting the community to the Alexander-Gish House for food and neighborhood camaraderie.
COMMUNITY-BUILDING EVENTS AND WORK PARTIES
Lend a helping hand alongside your neighbors. Old Southwest has a long history of stewardship. We jump in where there is need, whether it’s our bi-annual Block Pride clean-up days, urban green-space improvements, or repair jobs at the historic Alexander-Gish House — just to name a few.
Old Southwest, Inc. also raises money and sources grants for a variety of community improvement projects. Beginning in 2021, we committed to transform and maintain two vacant lots at the corner of Day Avenue and 8th Street as a “Pocket Park” that features native plants to attract and support pollinators and urban wildlife. This project is ongoing. It has been recognized by Roanoke City Storm Water and Trees Roanoke as a model for how urban neighborhoods can have a positive impact on environmental sustainability, clean air, and clean water.
Most community-building events begin as an idea from a passionate neighbor, and they thrive with a handful of volunteers. Have an idea or want to get involved? Drop us a line at info@oldsouthwest.org.