Roanoke sets five-night patriotic lighting for Mill Mountain Star

Roanoke's most visible landmark will shift colors for a longer patriotic display during the first week of July.

The city says the Mill Mountain Star will be illuminated in red, white and blue for five days, from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, through Sunday, July 5, 2026, to mark America's 250th anniversary. City Council approved the temporary lighting change during its 2 p.m. meeting on June 15.

Roanoke says the Berglund Center will also be illuminated red, white and blue during the same July 1-5 window. The city notes that the star is typically lit in patriotic colors only on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Patriot Day and Veterans Day.

• What to know: The temporary display expands the Independence Day lighting window into a five-night civic marker.
• Who is affected: Roanoke residents, visitors, downtown businesses and photographers planning holiday-week views of the valley.
• Why it matters: The Mill Mountain Star is a regional symbol, so lighting changes often become shared civic calendar notes beyond city limits.

Residents planning photos or visits should use normal public parking and park access guidance and avoid blocking roadways or private property for views.

Source: Reporting based on the City of Roanoke June 15, 2026 notice, Mill Mountain Star Will Shine Red, White and Blue for America's 250th Anniversary, checked June 17, 2026.