05 November 2025

2026 Virginia Arts Festival Lineup Unveiled

Virginia Arts Festival will light up stages throughout Hampton Roads in 2026 as it celebrates its 29th anniversary season, bringing acclaimed artists from around the world. Throughout southeastern Virginia, Virginia Arts Festival will fill the calendar from November 2025 through June 2026. Tickets for all performances are on sale now at vafest.org, 757-282-2822, and in person at Virginia Arts Festival box office (440 Bank Street in Norfolk).

November 2025 (Preseason events)

Attucks Jazz Club – Ken Peplowski, clarinet
Saturday, November 15, 7:30 PM
Attucks Theatre

Lynnhaven River Now, Musicians of Virginia Symphony Orchestra Benefit Concert
Saturday, November 15, 4:00 PM
Harrison Opera House

Luca Stricagnoli, guitar with Matt Thomas
Sunday, November 23, 3:00 PM
Attucks Theatre

December 2025 (Preseason Events)

VOCES8
Tuesday, December 16, 7:30 PM
Christ & St. Luke’s Church

VOCES8
Wednesday, December 17, 7:30 PM
St. Bede Catholic Church

VOCES8
Thursday, December 18, 7:30 PM
River Road Church, Baptist

January 2026 (Preseason Events)

The Acting Company – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Friday, January 16, 7:30 PM
Attucks Theatre

Attucks Jazz Club – Joel Frahm, saxophone
Saturday, January 17, 7:30 PM
Attucks Theatre

February 2026

Attucks Jazz Club – René Marie, vocals
Saturday, February 7, 7:30 PM
Attucks Theatre

Danish Radio Big Band with Cécile McLorin Salvant led by Miho Hazama
Sunday, February 22, 5:00 pm
Attucks Theatre

March 2026 (Season Events)

BalletX
Connie & Marc Jacobson Opening Night Celebration
Thursday, March 5, 7:30 PM
Chrysler Hall

Joshua Bell & Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Saturday, March 7, 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts

Joshua Bell & Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Sunday, March 8, 3:00 PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Sérgio & Odair Assad
Thursday, March 12, 7:30 PM
Norfolk Academy

Attucks Jazz Club – Anaïs Reno, vocals
Saturday, March 14, 7:30 PM
Attucks Theatre

Dance Theatre of Harlem – Firebird
Friday, March 20, 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 21, 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 22, 3:00 PM
Chrysler Hall

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts

All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Sunday, March 29, 7:30 PM
Attucks Theatre

Meow Meow
Monday, March 30, 7:30 PM
Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 PM
Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center

April 2026

Lucía
Tuesday, April 7, 7:30 PM
Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center

Peppa Pig: My First Concert
Sunday, April 12, 2:00 PM
Chrysler Hall

Borromeo String Quartet & Verona String Quartet
Monday, April 13, 7:30 PM
Kaufman Theater, Chrysler Museum of Art

Virginia International Tattoo
Thursday, April 16, 7:30 PM
Friday, April 17, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 18, 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 19, 2:30 PM
Scope Arena

Dorrance Dance
Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 PM
Attucks Theatre

Dorrance Dance
Thursday, April 23, 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts

One Night in Memphis
Friday, April 24, 7:30 PM
Perry Pavilion

Kayce Laine: Sound Bath
Saturday, April 25, 7:30 PM
Chrysler Hall

Celebrating Adolphus Hailstork’s 85th Birthday
with Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, April 30, 7:30 PM
L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center, Norfolk State University

May 2026

Attucks Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, May 9, 7:30 PM
Attucks Theatre

James Kealey, Organ
Sunday, May 10, 4:00 PM
Christ & St. Luke’s Church

Music of Queen – A Rock Symphony
with Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Friday, May 15, 7:30 PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Tony® Award winner Adrienne Warren
Saturday, May 16, 7:30 PM
Harrison Opera House

Christian McBride with Ursa Major
Sunday, May 17, 5:00 PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Coffee Concert: VAF Chamber | Olga Kern, piano
Thursday, May 21, 10:30 AM
Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center

Coffee Concert: VAF Chamber| Olga Kern, piano
Friday, May 22, 10:30 AM
Miller Studio Theatre, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Finding Peace at Potsdam with Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Friday, May 29, 7:30 PM
Chrysler Hall

Finding Peace at Potsdam with Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, May 30, 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts

June 2026

Olga Kern and Orava String Quartet
Wednesday, June 3, 7:30 PM
Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center
Thursday, June 4, 7:30 PM
William & Mary Concert Hall

New York Voices
Thursday, June 4, 7:30 PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Coffee Concert: Orava String Quartet
Friday, June 5, 10:30 AM
St. John’s Episcopal Church

The Leila
Saturday, June 6, 7:30 PM
Perry Pavilion

Alexandre Da Costa, violin | Tommy Mesa, cello | Olga Kern, piano
Tuesday, June 9, 7:30 PM
Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center

Coffee Concert: Alexandre Da Costa, violin | Tommy Mesa, cello | Olga Kern, piano
Wednesday, June 10, 10:30 AM
William & Mary Concert Hall

Coffee Concert: Alexandre Da Costa, violin | Tommy Mesa, cello | Olga Kern, piano
Thursday, June 11, 10:30 AM
Towne University

A Solo Evening of Music with Chris Thile
Friday, June 12, 7:30 PM
Perry Pavilion

Top Gun: Maverick with Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, June 13, 7:30 PM
Chrysler Hall

Williamsburg Live – Save the dates!
Thursday, June 25, 7:30 PM
Friday, June 26, 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 27, 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 28, 7:30 PM

24 October 2025

The Dragon Faire Returns to Norfolk’s NEON District Nov. 8

Hear ye, hear ye! Norfolk’s NEON District will once again transform into a realm of adventure, imagination, and laughter as The Dragon Faire: A Tabletop Role-Playing Festival returns on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Presented by Pushing Dragons and the Push Comedy Theater, this free, family-friendly festival invites dreamers, creatives, and curious visitors of all kinds to step into a world where dice roll, dragons roar, and magic fills the streets.

Adventure for All

The Dragon Faire is not just for die-hard Dungeons & Dragons fans. It is for anyone who has ever wanted to slay a dragon, tell a great story, or simply enjoy watching a little fantasy chaos unfold. Throughout the day, the NEON District will become a living fantasy village filled with:

Live Dungeons & Dragons games and interactive role-play
D&D-themed improv comedy shows from the Push Comedy Theater
Music, performances, and street entertainment
Kids’ activities, crafts, and family fun
A bustling fantasy marketplace featuring local artists and makers
A cosplay contest with prizes for heroes and villains alike
Free workshops on topics such as character creation, improvising at the table, and closet cosplay

Best of all, The Dragon Faire is free to attend. A few select adventures, workshops, and D&D games may have small participation fees.

The Dragon Prom: A Fantasy Masquerade

When the sun sets, the magic truly begins.

As day fades to twilight, adventurers are invited to trade their armor for their finest attire at The Dragon Prom: A Fantasy Masquerade, an adult-only afterparty at the Push Comedy Theater.

Guests can dance beneath the Dragon’s Moon, mingle with fae and fiends, and celebrate the day’s victories with a night of mystery, music, and mischief. The evening features:

Live music by Radio Dial Up performing 90’s rock classics
A free pizza bar for hungry heroes
The Weiner Hole’s signature dragon-themed drinks
A night of fantasy revelry, comedy, and unforgettable fun

Saturday, November 8 | 8 PM | Push Comedy Theater, NEON District
Tickets: $35 | Dragon Pass: $100 (includes VIP perks, discounts, and a ticket to the Prom)
Learn more at https://bit.ly/DragonProm

Step Into the Story

Whether you are a seasoned dungeon crawler, a curious newcomer, or simply someone who loves a good turkey leg, The Dragon Faire is a celebration of creativity, comedy, and community.

Gather your party, polish your armor (or your sneakers), and enter a world of wonder right here in Norfolk’s NEON District.

The Dragon Faire
Saturday, November 8, 2025
10 AM – 5 PM (Faire) | 8 PM (Dragon Prom)
Norfolk’s NEON District
Free Admission (Dragon Prom is ticketed)
Learn more at https://bit.ly/DragonFaire2025

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20 October 2025

Student Music and Art Performance Tours in Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia offers students an endless array of opportunities to explore, perform and learn! With a multitude of festivals, internationally acclaimed museums, performing arts and attractions, you will find that no other Mid-Atlantic destination offers students more!

Day One

Arrive late afternoon and set sail across the Elizabeth River on the American Rover Sailing Cruise, a passenger operator topsail schooner! This majestic, three-masted tall ship is modeled after the cargo schooners that once sailed the Chesapeake Bay. Tours leave from Downtown Norfolk for a narrated two-hour harbor cruise. Educational classes and DJ cruises are available for student cruises.

End the evening with a live performance with the Virginia Arts Festival. This brings dozens of student-friendly performances to Coastal Virginia. Past performers include Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma, Dance Theater of Harlem, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Kristin Chenoweth and Renee Fleming. Every other year, Wynton Marsalis offers jazz workshops during his stint in Norfolk through the Virginia Arts Festival, with recent workshops being held in 2023 and 2025. Stay tuned for details on the next one.

The Virginia Arts Festival offers student groups customized pre-performance opportunities for choirs, bands, ensembles and dance groups. These opportunities include discussions with artists, directors, producers, masterclasses and workshops and behind-the-scenes immersive learning experiences.

Students can also enjoy performances at the Attucks Theatre, featuring a historic stage that has hosted legends from Duke Ellington to Ella Fitzgerald; ideal for small ensembles or choirs. Downtown, the majestic Wells Theatre offers evening and weekend matinee performances. Coordinate through Virginia Stage Company for behind-the-scenes tours or performance tie-ins.

Day Two

Start the morning off aboard the Victory Rover with a two-hour tour of the world’s largest naval installation, Naval Station Norfolk. Cruise past the vessels that ensure our freedom—destroyers, cruises, submarines, aircraft carriers and more.

Time to perform! Choral, band and instrumental groups are all welcome to perform aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships built by the U.S. Navy. Feel the excitement of being aboard a historic warship and performing in front of a public audience.

After the performance of a lifetime, it’s time to play at Nauticus. Scientists will lead the groups of students showing them live demonstrations and many great educational programs. The museum features more than 150 exhibits, including computer and video interactive films on a giant screen, exotic aquariums and national-caliber traveling exhibits. Then stroll through 200 years of naval history at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Students can enjoy lunch a nearby downtown restaurant (easy walking distance).

After lunch, head off to the city of Hampton to visit the Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton. Learn the history of flight from its inception to the future of our nation’s space programs through interactive, hands-on exhibits. One example is the hands-on laboratory experience, where students prepare for a cross-country flight that will take them on a tour of various NASA research centers.

The music doesn’t stop! Time for dinner and dancing aboard City Cruises Norfolk. Students can enjoy a nautical setting dancing to live music all while admiring Norfolk’s skyline.

Day Three

Time to head home, but before you leave, make a stop at the Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News. Discover one of the largest international maritime history museums, filled with prized artifacts that celebrate the spirit of seafaring adventure. Explore over 60,000 square feet of gallery space with rare figureheads, handcrafted ship models, USS Monitor artifacts, paintings and much more.

2022-Itinerary-–-Bands-and-Battleships-Performance-Student-Tour Download

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16 October 2025

Virginia opera Delivers Fairy Tales, History and Verdi

The 2025-26 Virginia Opera season is under way with a fresh lineup of classic tales, historic struggles and a classic Italian take on Egyptian mythology over the course of the next few months. Here’s a look at the shows set for the Harrison Opera House in 2025 and 2026.

Cinderella by Gioachino Rossini

Nov. 7-9, 2025
Harrison Opera House

Sung in Italian with English Surtitles

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. They’ll live happily ever after.

Cinderella embarks on an enchanting journey the entire family will enjoy! Amidst the glimmering splendor of 18th-century Italy, a kind-hearted dreamer rises above her misfortunes in search of love and her rightful place in the world. This timeless tale of rags to riches will captivate you with its sparkling music and timeless charm!

Intelligence

Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026
Harrison Opera House

Conceived by Jake Heggie, Gene Scheer, Jawole Zollar
Music by Jake Heggie
Libretto by Gene Scheer
Based upon historical facts pertaining to the underground Civil War spy network of Mary Jane Bowser and Elizabeth Van Lew
This opera was commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera
Sung in English with English Surtitles

When the smoke clears, only truth is left standing.

Set in Richmond, VA, Intelligence is inspired by a gripping true story of espionage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom. In the shadows of the Civil War, Mary Jane Bowser, an enslaved woman turned operative, joins a Union spy ring, unveiling secrets about the Confederacy and her own identity. Packed with riveting drama, powerful music, and dynamic dance, Intelligence will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Aida by Giuseppe Verdi

March 13-15, 2026
Harrison Opera House

Sung in Italian with English Surtitles

Bound by duty. Blinded by desire. Consumed by fate.

Forbidden love ignites between an Ethiopian princess and an Egyptian general as their nations clash in war. Aida, a tale of lovers torn between duty and desire, as fate tightens its grip around them, has captivated audiences for generations! This sweeping epic of love and betrayal is propelled by majestic music that will take you on an emotional journey.

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16 October 2025

November 2025 Norfolk Event Guide

Norfolk turns a corner with November, passing from the early days of fall to the full-blown holiday season. With that comes plenty of things to do indoors. Here’s a look at some of our favorite November 2025 events in Norfolk, Virginia.

Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu Live

Nov. 1, 2025
Attucks Theatre

Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu Live is a multimedia musical experience that breathes new life into the iconic 1922 silent horror film. Bielatowicz, an accomplished English composer and musician, has recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in progressive rock, including Carl Palmer, Dream Theater, Yes, and more. Intentionally embracing the Halloween season, the all-ages audience is encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes.

The Wiz

Nov. 4-9, 2025
Chrysler Hall

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. With direction by Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black Is King) and additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers), this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. Everybody rejoice!

Emma at Wells Theatre

Nov. 5-7, 2025
Wells Theatre

Emma Woodhouse is clever, educated, and energetic… and about to go mad with idleness. In a time when respectable ladies are expected to sit quietly at home, Emma desperately longs for projects—and prides herself on matchmaking, much to the chagrin of her friend Mr. Knightley. But where Emma’s considerable energies focus, screwball comedy follows! A fresh and funny new take on a treasured classic.

Opera: Cinderella

Nov. 7-9, 2025
Harrison Opera House

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. They’ll live happily ever after. Cinderella embarks on an enchanting journey the entire family will enjoy! Amidst the glimmering splendor of 18th-century Italy, a kind-hearted dreamer rises above her misfortunes in search of love and her rightful place in the world. This timeless tale of rags to riches will captivate you with its sparkling music and timeless charm!

Admirals vs. Thunder Hockey

Nov. 7-8, 2025
Scope Arena

The Norfolk Admirals hockey team faces off against the Adirondack Thunder at Scope Arena, with puck drop at 7:05 p.m.

Dominion Energy Garden of Lights

Nov. 8, 2025
Norfolk Botanical Garden

Enjoy a magical walk through the Garden’s Award-Winning holiday lights. This season immerse yourself in more than 1.5 million twinkling lights. Value Nights are from 5–8 p.m. and Premium Nights are from 5–9 p.m.

ERT Glow Party

Nov. 8, 2025
Jeff Robertson Park

Join the ERT community from 4 to 6 PM at Jeff Robertson Park for an evening of glowing fun, music, food, games, and trail magic as we celebrate The Glowline together. Bring your friends, your glow gear, and your love for the trail; this party is for everyone! New this year: Teeny Tiny Farm will be bringing their baby animal petting zoo! Cuddle up with some cute baby animals and support the ERT’s free events and programs. Tickets are $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free, and the petting zoo will only be available for the first hour! Tickets will be available at the ERT table.

Bubble Fest

Nov. 7-8, 2025
Barry Art Museum

The Fifth Annual Public Arts Festival at Old Dominion University — a celebration of the campus’s remarkable research, creative talent and synergistic collaboration. The festival serves as a platform for the intersection of art and science, while inviting attendees to engage with innovative projects and enjoy immersive experiences. At its heart is our belief in fostering community engagement and dialogue through the transformative power of art in public spaces.

Veterans Day in Norfolk

Nov. 11, 2025
Various locations

Veterans Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. In Norfolk—a city deeply tied to military heritage, with the nation’s largest naval base and storied maritime traditions—there are meaningful ways to celebrate, remember and engage. Events this year range from a wreath-laying ceremony to free train rides at the Virginia Zoo and a sailboat race.

Winterfest kickoff

Nov. 14, 2025
Nauticus/Battleship Wisconsin

Every winter, Norfolk’s waterfront glows brightly, signalling the start of holiday season. But this year, WinterFest is expanding, and the results will be visible all along the waterfront. Beginning Nov. 14, Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin will anchor an expanded celebration that spills out onto the river walk and into Town Point Park, turning the Elizabeth River into a wonderland of light. Learn more here.

Lemonheads in Concert

Nov. 14, 2025
The Annex

The Lemonheads return in 2025 with Love Chant, their first studio album in nearly two decades – a bold, melodic reaffirmation of Evan Dando’s singular songwriting voice. The Lemonheads will perform with Erin Rae at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Annex.

Attucks Jazz series: Ken Peplowski

Nov. 15, 2025
Attucks Theatre

Clarinetist Ken Peplowski returns to the Attucks Jazz Club! “Brilliantly entertaining” (DownBeat), Peplowski has been hailed by the BBC as Ken Peplowski clarinet “arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist.” Hearing this legendary artist in the intimate, 120-seat Attucks Jazz Club will be a phenomenal treat for area fans.

Ezra Ray HArt IN Concert

Nov. 21, 2025
Location

Ezra Ray Hart will soundtrack the holidays in 2025 like only they can. The trio of multiplatinum iconic rock frontmen—Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, and Emerson Hart of Tonic—will canvas the United States on the 90s Hits and Xmas Riffs tour, rolling through major markets coast-to-coast for 20 very special shows. It notably marks the collective’s first headline run as Ezra Ray Hart and their first-ever holiday jaunt.

Ali Siddiq live

Nov, 21, 2025
Chrysler Hall

Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. In 2024, Vulture called him stand-up comedy’s most prolific storyteller. Ali’s unique style of stand-up originated behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. He is the first comedian to ever release a 4-part series of comedy specials, The Domino Effect 1-4, which has over 40 million views combined on YouTube.

Hot Cocoa War

Week of Nov, 22, 2025
Various Locations

Beginning the day of Downtown Norfolk’s Grand Illumination celebration, there will be a magical contest of the hottest and chocolatiest proportions. Downtown Norfolk will rain with marshmallows of fantastical sizes! Get your cup and choose your side. The contest runs for a full week, allowing for more chances to try all the majestic cocoas Norfolk can create.

Gwar In Concert

Nov, 22, 2025
The NorVa

The story of GWAR is carved across the history of this hopeless planet, but GWARthemselves are not of this world…Their story begins far past Uranus, in the deepest reaches of space, where the beings known as GWAR were warriors in the Scumdogs of the Universe, an elite fighting force in the army of the Master of All Reality. If none of this made sense to you, rest assured Gwar are a cultural phenomenon that has shocked and awed audiences for decades and they’ll be bringing some of that musical insanity to Norfolk Nov. 22.

Grand Illumination Parade

Nov. 22, 2025
Downtown Norfolk

Experience the magic of the season as “WINTER’S GLOW” illuminates Downtown Norfolk with shimmering lights, frosted wonder, and the warmth of holiday cheer. The Grand Illumination Parade takes place every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, bringing thousands of spectators together to bask in the beauty of winter’s radiance.

Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend

Nov. 22-23, 2025
Norfolk

Join us in 2025 for the 12th annual Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend presented by Sentara. Enjoy Norfolk, Virginia’s Downtown, thriving art community, historic neighborhoods, the NEON District and Old Dominion University’s campus as you take on the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon. Keep an eye out for Norfolk’s iconic mermaids along the course as you experience this flat, fast course! (Hint: there are over 20 along the Half Marathon course.)

Thanksgiving Market at Afterglow

Nov. 23, 2025
Afterglow Brewing

Head over to Afterglow Brewing (next door to the Railyard) for a special holiday market! Shop local produce, baked goods, artisan products, and handmade gifts—perfect for your Thanksgiving table and early holiday shopping.

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15 October 2025

Get the Inside Scoop in Park Place

Inside Scoop Cereal Treats and More
Where: 2815 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, VA
What: Cereal-infused milkshakes, ice-cream waffles, sundaes and more
Hours: 2-8 p.m. Monday to Thursday; noon to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
Follow: Instagram

When Starla and Hollis King opened Inside Scoop Cereal Treats and More in June 2024, they set out to create a business that revived the best kind of childhood memories.

“This place kind of felt like home for us,” says Starla. The couple had spent years searching for the right spot to blend their family’s traditions into something bigger. “My husband grew up in the Park Place community. A lot of his childhood memories are from this same building. He would come here before and after school when it was a corner store. So when this space opened up, it just felt right.”

It’s that very mix of nostalgia and creativity that defined Inside Scoop. Inside, colors pulsate and glow from murals by local artists and from cartoon clips playing for kids, and shelves lined with classic cereals. “We wanted it to be bright and happy. Something that made people smile the moment they walk in,” she says.

Treat time

And the cereal isn’t mere decoration, as it’s a vital part of the menu. Inside Scoop fuses the comfort of breakfast cereal with the fun of ice cream, from cereal-infused milkshakes called “Shake-Ups” (think Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Oreo-O’s) to “Ice Cream Nachos” made with waffle chips instead of tortillas. Their signature “Scoop-A-Roos” sundaes were named by the Kings’ ten-year-old son; their “Plain Janes” cups, after their middle daughter, who always just wanted “a scoop of this and a scoop of that.” Another fan favorite is the Goop Scoop, an indulgent creation featuring a scoop of ice cream atop a warm belgian waffle. The flavor combinations are endless.

Beyond the sweets, the Kings have a real purpose. Starla, a former crisis clinician in the mental-health field, and Hollis, a mechanic and youth coach, both see their shop as an extension of their work in the community. “We reached out to 30 schools in Norfolk, and 10 of them responded,” she says. “We’re sponsoring Student of the Month and Perfect Attendance programs, giving kids a reason to celebrate their success.”

Up next

Their next chapter includes a dessert food truck and a fall lineup of warm treats: pumpkin pies, pound cakes with ice cream and cookie-sandwich “Sammies.” It’s a family business from start to finish and it’s built on travel memories, late-night cereal runs and the belief that everyone needs a little sweetness in their life.

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14 October 2025

WinterFest is Expanding Its Kingdom

The new riverfront experience stretches from the Pagoda to Nauticus with nearly two million lights, weaving through nearby condominiums and Trex decks before drawing guests into Town Point Park. Tall Christmas trees will line the water, with programmable lights glowing in blue with red and green accents. Music will drift through the park, inviting visitors to take a wintry stroll. And best of all, it’s free to enjoy, no ticket required.

Indoors, the story draws visitors into a new world. The Kingdom of the Snow Queen takes over 30,000 square feet of Nauticus, creating a wintry palace complete with an ice throne, theatrical performances and family-friendly photo opps.

According to organizers, “Winterfest features nearly 300 live entertainment performances over the holiday season, including award-winning magicians, jugglers, and aerialists. In the Kingdom of the Snow Queen, you’ll also encounter new friends including a talking polar bear, a wise snow owl, and the Snow Queen herself!”

From there, guests board the Battleship Wisconsin, where the front deck transforms into a harbor-themed marina with a bar, s’mores and even a snowball challenge.

The end result is a WinterFest that spans the city’s public spaces while also drawing people inside for warmth, performance and story.

Key dates to know:

Opening Night – Friday, Nov. 14
Holiday Sip & Shop Nights – Nov. 19, Dec. 3 & 10 (free and open to the public)
Grand Illumination Parade Special – Saturday, Nov. 22 ($12 admission, $9 in advance)
Great Hot Chocolate War – Parade night through Thanksgiving week
Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Market – Saturday, Dec. 6

The season also brings the WinterFest Harbor Lights Cruise, a 30-minute journey aboard the Victory Rover, offered on select dates in November and December. WinterFest will remain open on both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Learn more about Norfolk’s holiday celebrations, from the Garden of Lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden to the Miracle on the Waterside pop-up experience here.

From the Pagoda to the battleship, Norfolk’s waterfront is ready to glow brighter than ever.

Purchase tickets here.

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14 October 2025

How to Spend Veterans Day In Norfolk

Veterans Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. In Norfolk—a city deeply tied to military heritage, with the nation’s largest naval base and storied maritime traditions—there are meaningful ways to celebrate, remember and engage. Whether you’re looking to honor veterans, learn local history or simply soak in the patriotic spirit, here’s how to make the most of Veterans Day in Norfolk, Virginia.

Attend A Wreath-Laying Ceremony at MacArthur Memorial

Veterans Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 this year. The MacArthur Memorial is proud to host the City of Norfolk’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony, which includes special guest speakers and a wreath laying. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. and will be held inside the MacArthur Memorial Museum, 198 Bank St,. Norfolk, Va. Admission is free.

Ride the Train for Free at the Virginia Zoo

On Nov. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Virginia Zoo Express will be offering free train rides to all veterans! This offer is only available to veterans and can be redeemed at the train station on Nov. 11, 2025.

Watch Sailors Race from the Little Creek Inlet

Little Creek Racers (LCR) invites all BBSA skippers and spectators to join for its annual Veterans Day Race. This fun, friendly race is the LCR’s way of celebrating and honoring the men and women who have served our country. The race will take place just north of Little Creek Inlet. Organizers say, “Whether you’re a regular racer or just looking for a good excuse to get out on the water one more time before winter, this is the perfect way to spend Veterans Day. First warning is 9:55 AM and race is expected to last approximately 2 hours. Come race, cheer on your fellow sailors, and help us honor our veterans.”

Spend Time at the Armed Forces Memorial

This very special memorial connecting to Town Point Park features 20 inscriptions from letters written home by U.S. service members who lost their lives in war. The letters have been cast in thin sheets of bronze and are scattered across the ground as if blown there by the wind.

Visit Nauticus, Battleship Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Learn about Norfolk’s maritime history by exploring Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. Located Downtown along the Elizabeth River, this maritime discover center features fun and hands-on education for all ages. Also on site, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum celebrates the history of the fleet in Hampton Roads.

Experience a Naval Base Tour

The Victory Rover is your front-row seat to the U.S. Navy’s Norfolk-based fleet. Departing from a berth just a short walk along the Downtown Norfolk Harbor from Nauticus, the Victory Rover offers a 2-hour narrated naval base tour. Passengers will witness the majesty of the Navy’s aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and other vessels that make up the world’s most powerful sea-going armada.

Explore the Cannonball Trail

Take part on this self-guided tour through 400 years of Norfolk and American history. Walk the cobblestone streets of West Freemason—the earliest residential streetscape in Norfolk—before strolling Downtown where you’ll see narrative plaques that mark places and events of historic interest. You’ll even find a Civil War-era cannonball still lodged in the wall of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church!

Visit the MacArthur Memorial

Located Downtown, the MacArthur Memorial is dedicated to the life and legacy of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur but also pays tribute to the millions of Americans who served during the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

Support a Veteran-Owned Business

Home to the world’s largest naval base, Norfolk has understandably become home to many veterans who have proudly served our country. Take the opportunity to support them and thank them for their service as you observe Memorial Day weekend in Norfolk.

Learn more about Norfolk’s historical attractions.

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06 October 2025

Meet Norfolk’s 21-Year-Old Burger Boss

What: Smashers Burgers
Where: 1551 Premium Outlets Blvd ste 270, Norfolk, VA 23502
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Menu: https://smashers.com/menu

At 21, most people are polishing up résumés and sitting through campus recruiting fairs. Henry Smith is running a restaurant. He opened Smashers Burgers in September 2024, near Norfolk Premium Outlets, just three years after launching a food truck in Cape Charles. Now, he’s not only an entrepreneur but also a local employer, building a business before most of his peers have finished college.

“We started in Cape Charles, Virginia, about three years ago,” Smith says. “We would just only really open on the beachfront seven days a week, depending on the summer. And we had a good local crowd.”

Relocation to Norfolk eventually came due to the desire for a year-round operation.

“It’s so seasonal that we had to come down here,” Smith says. “The restaurant industry is very risky as it is and opening on the Eastern Shore, I’ve just seen so many well, and go down very quickly.”

He found the Norfolk spot almost by luck. “I reached out to a bunch of realtors and one just took me under a wing. This was on the market for maybe two days. Got in here, signed a lease, and it was a fantastic decision. It keeps us steady in the cold season because of Christmas shopping.”

The Smashers Style

The menu is simple by design. “Ironically, I am a picky eater,” Smith says. “That’s why my menu is so simple. We’re just trying to focus on what I like and try to become the best at it.”

The best-seller is the Original Smasher, a double-patty cheeseburger. “I think it has the perfect meat, cheese and bun ratio,” Smith says.

And the sauce? “It’s dairy based. I like to say it’s in Cane’s sauce and Chick-fil-A sauce. It’s really good.”

Smith swears by the smashed style. “I’m not a fan of a big pink in the middle burger. I think a smashed burger, once you try a smashed burger, it’s hard. It’s the same all the way through. And it’s very difficult to go back to a regular burger.”

He’s already planning the next upgrade. “We’re about to launch a new French fry campaign. We’re going to start with cooking with beef tallow and (purchase) better fryers.”

The business began with support from home. “I started with a $40,000 personal [loan] from my parents. They’re both entrepreneurs. Nobody in my family’s in the restaurant space.”

First-Timer’s Guide

Smith has a clear recommendation for newcomers: “I would say, Original Smash, and keep it simple, Original Smash. Small, large fry, depending how hungry they are. Can’t get wrong with the cookies and cream milkshake.”

The shakes are made with “frozen custard,” he notes.

A single restaurant in Norfolk isn’t the end goal. “We’re actually on the hunt for the next—Virginia Beach or Chesapeake. Probably a second one for proof to concept, but the third one will probably be a flagship, and then we plan to either franchise or take on an investor two, really grow this thing.”

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01 October 2025

Spooky Season: 2025 Halloween Parties and Markets

October is a busy, busy month in Norfolk as you can see from our October 2025 Events Guide, which covers the arts, festivals, concerts and more. Here, we’ll talk specifically about the spookiest, scariest, most ghoulish events – some family-friendly, others not so much.

Want to have your event added to the list? Email us!

Ignite: Lagoon

Oct. 2, 2025
Chrysler Museum of Art

Dance the night away with DJ sets, circus performances, and a monster costume contest for all those who love to dress up and are inspired by the mystery of… what lies beneath.

Just in time to celebrate a gifted and versatile maker, Tapio Wirkkala, whose exhibition will be on view at the Museum, Lagoon celebrates his belief that “all materials have their own unwritten laws…” Join this amazing conglomeration of contemporary artists, pop-up installations, creative collaboration, and our community’s wonderful waterways.

Happy Half-Hour goes from 7–7:30 p.m. and features 50% off drinks.

Norfolk Flea Oddities Market

Oct. 11, 2025
Toast and the Veil Brewing Co.

Step into the shadows and celebrate the season where strange is the standard. The Oddities & Curiosities After Dark Block Party takes over the Railroad District for one wicked night of eerie vibes, eclectic treasures, and hauntingly good fun. Rare finds & peculiar vendors that will delight your darker side.

Evening includes:
– Craft beer from The Veil + signature spooky cocktails at Toast
– Street eats & seasonal bites to satisfy your midnight cravings
– Creepy-cool photo ops & Halloween-inspired surprises

Come dressed to impress (costumes encouraged, the weirder the better) and embrace your inner misfit. Whether you’re hunting for vintage oddities, sipping a blood-red brew, or dancing under the October moon, you’ll find your haunt here.

Boo: A Halloween Revue

Oct. 12, 2025
Hugh R. Copeland Center

A spooktacular show for all ages. Step into a world of music, magic, and mischief in the BOO Revue. When a group of kids stumble into a haunted theater – they find themselves caught in a ghostly revue hosted by the mysterious MC Spectra. Along the way, they encounter skeletons, witches, warlocks, and creatures of the night in this jukebox musical featuring pop hits, Broadway tunes and show stopping dance numbers.

Howloween Dog Costume Pawty @ COVA

OCt. 18, 2025
COVA BRewing Co.

Come celebrate spooky season with COVA Brewing Co and Golden Pawsabilites Mobile Vet Clinic! Prizes will be awarded to the most creative pet and family costumes. Local Pet Pop up vendors and music will also be at COVA during the contest! $10 donation to Golden Pawsabilites to enter the contest

Spooky Street Market

Oct. 18, 2025
The Ghent

This 21+ event at the Ghent Rooftop Bar will feature a costume contest with prizes, Halloween fun and activities, a basket raffle, food and drinks and music all night long. Vendors will be on hand.

ZooBoo

Oct. 18-19
The Virginia Zoo

This family-friendly celebration is packed with eerie-sistible fun for all ages. Guests can watch animals enjoy pumpkin enrichment, trick-or-treat at candy stations, meet Animal Ambassadors, compete in costume contests to win fang-tastic prizes and more. You and your boo crew will be in for a spooktacular treat! New this year: timed reservations are no longer required.

Nevermore! A Poe Comedy Show

Oct. 19, 2025
Push Comedy Theater

This Halloween season, the master of the macabre gets a comedy makeover. Join us for one night only as we take a lantern-lit dive into Edgar Allan Poe’s world of mystery, madness, and melodrama… only this time, it’s funny on purpose. Parodies, homages, and brand-new absurdities rise from the crypt in a lineup of sketch and improv comedy. You’ll see Poe’s gothic favorites reimagined, hilarious games pulled straight from his stories, and even a tale conjured live on stage that Poe himself never got around to writing. Dress code? Optional. But if you’ve ever wanted an excuse to don your gothic best, this is the night. Come cloaked, corseted, or just cozy – whatever gets you into the spirit. Spend your Sunday with us for a night of Poe, parody, and pure comedy. One performance only. Nevermore.

The Addams Kooky Market

Oct. 18, 2025
Locals Marketplace 757

Step into the shadows at The Addams Kooky Market in Norfolk, VA—a spooky shopping night where gothic style meets Halloween fun. This Norfolk fall market features eerie elegance, handcrafted oddities, and one-of-a-kind treasures inspired by everyone’s favorite creepy and kooky family.

What to Expect at The Addams Kooky Market in Norfolk:
– Raffle prizes and giveaways
– Over 40 local vendors and small businesses
– Gothic, horror, and handmade goods
– Tarot readings, trinkets, and curiosities
– Dark art, vintage finds, and unique décor
– Halloween-themed treats and spooky snacks
– A costume-friendly atmosphere

Masquerade in Ghent

Oct. 24, 2025
Colley Ave.

Norfolk’s biggest fall block party hits the streets of Colley Ave. on Oct. 24. Enjoy a costume contest, live music, kids activities and adult beverages in a street carnival atmosphere on Colley Ave. in Ghent. Prizes awarded for best costumes.

Lava Halloween Extravaganza

Oct. 25, 2025
Toast/Perro Blanco

LAVA Halloween Extravaganza is back October 25th for its ninth year and it’s going to be a good one! Get ready for an epic block party at Toast and Perro Blanco. Featuring 30+ local musicians performing songs of Heart, James Brown, Rage Against the Machine, the Ramones, the Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer.

Halloween Harvest Festival

Oct. 26, 2025
The Chrysler

Bring the entire family to a fun Halloween Harvest Festival featuring live performances, art-making, scavenger hunt, and lots of creative energy. This year, all guests are invited to sign up for The Let’s Create Together Showdown to win some boo-tiful prizes.

A free event for all, don’t miss costumed kiddies and their grown-ups showing off amazing and amusing costumes – joining the Museum’s marvelous Gallery Hosts who continue the annual tradition of becoming living artwork inspired by the art in the Museum’s galleries.

Free, registration not required.

Trunk Or Treat and Pranks

Oct. 26, 2025
Scope Plaza

Norfolk Police Department members will hand out candy and show off a collection of trucks from local and federal public safety agencies. Event is from 5 – 7:30 p.m.

The 666 Project: A Horror Show Anthology

Oct. 23-31, 2025
Push Comedy Theater

In the grand tradition of The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt comes The 666 Project: A Horror Anthology Show. The Push Comedy Theater has gathered six writers, six directors, and six actors to bring you six rib-tickling tales of terror.

Now in its seventh year, The 666 Project has become one of Hampton Roads’ hottest Halloween tickets. Don’t miss these spine-tingling stories. Six nights…October 23, 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31 at 7pm…only at the Push Comedy Theater.

Shrekxual Burlesque Show

Oct. 31, 2025
The Annex

Halloween at The Annex is going to be ogre-the-top as the venue hosts Shrekxual, a Shrek themed, burlesque show, party and much more. Come dressed to impress in your best Shrek themed costume – we’re calling all ogres, donkeys, Princess Fiona’s & Lord Farquaad to the swamp. Ages 18+

Twisted Fairytales at Waterside

Oct. 31, 2025
Waterside District

Enter a world where fairytales take a wicked turn. Join us at Waterside District for Twisted Fairytales, our most spellbinding Halloween bash. Step into an enchanted realm of hauntingly twisted storybook characters, immersive live entertainment, and mesmerizing performances that blur the line between magic and madness.

Experience immersive live entertainment including multiple DJs, karaoke, silent disco and a high-energy night throughout the District that’s anything but make-believe. One night only. One story you’ll never forget.

Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu Live

Nov. 1, 2025
Attucks Theatre

Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu Live is a multimedia musical experience that breathes new life into the iconic 1922 silent horror film. Bielatowicz, an accomplished English composer and musician, has recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in progressive rock, including Carl Palmer, Dream Theater, Yes, and more.

He describes himself as “a classical pianist trapped in a rock guitarist’s body” and brings his passion for music to life with the diverse range of instruments he plays on stage. The live event will thrill audiences as he is joined by Michael Dutko (Gary Hoey) on bass and Leah Bluestein (Eagles of Death Metal) on drums. The mesmerizing multimedia production is further enhanced by virtual all-star guest appearances on three video screens, including Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Arthur Brown (Crazy World of Arthur Brown), Dave Bainbridge (Strawbs, Iona), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses, Sons of Apollo, Asia), Peter Zay (New Bedford Symphony Orchestra), and Simon Fitzpatrick (ELP Legacy, Jennifer Batten).

Intentionally embracing the Halloween season, the all-ages audience is encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes.

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