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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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+
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 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.
MIAMI, Sept. 16, 2025 — As it continues to unveil its 2027/28 lineup, Carnival Cruise Line today announced plans for three homeports as it opened new sailings in Long Beach, Calif., Norfolk, Va. and Baltimore, Md. With seasonal cruises on Carnival Legend in Long Beach, Carnival will launch its first-ever dedicated series of Hawaii cruises. Carnival is also repositioning Carnival Freedom to Norfolk and extending Carnival Pride’s year-round service in Baltimore. Guests can see these new sailings here.
“This update to our 2027/28 represents important pieces of our strategy to deliver more fun experiences that only Carnival can offer. With fun on the move, we’re creating new options – a newer ship for Norfolk and a new series dedicated to Hawaii sailings from Long Beach are both great examples of that. We’re also continuing our commitments in all our homeports, and Carnival Pride’s year-round deployment in Baltimore is a testament to that as well,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president. “From Baltimore to Norfolk and Long Beach, we’re proud to bring guests more opportunities to depart closer to home on itineraries that feature incredible destinations.”
Carnival Freedom: New Homeport in Norfolk
Carnival Freedom will reposition from Port Canaveral to Norfolk in May 2027 with a special 15-day Carnival Journeys cruise across the Southern Caribbean that visits Aruba, Curacao, Grenada,
Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. The ship will arrive in Norfolk on May 23, 2027 to launch the most diverse cruise program ever offered from the region. Highlights include six-day Bahamas cruises calling on Celebration Key, Nassau, and Bimini, as well as six-day Bermuda cruises offering guests two days to visit the beautiful island. Eight-day Eastern Caribbean voyages feature Amber Cove, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk. Carnival Freedom will also offer eight-day Canada cruises with stops in Halifax, Sydney, Saint John or Charlottetown.
Carnival Freedom is a Conquest-class ship that offers the perfect blend of fun, relaxation and adventure at sea. Known for its lively atmosphere and signature Carnival experiences, the nearly 3,000-guest ship features a variety of dining options, the WaterWorks waterpark and the legendary RedFrog Pub.
What: Honeysuckle Cafe Where: 813 W. 39th St., Norfolk, VA Hours: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; closed Sunday and Monday On the web:https://honeysucklenfk.com/
Hidden away in what was once a contractor’s office, Honeysuckle Café has quickly become one of Norfolk’s favorite spots for soups, sandwiches and weekend brunch. One taste and you’ll see why. Owners Susan and Ross Fetterly opened the doors in August 2024, modifying a space with deep family ties into a cozy café where the little touches reflect a little bit of tradition and a whole lot of creativity. Ross formerly worked at LeGrand Kitchen, Clementines and Rustic Spoon.
The building once belonged to Susan’s father-in-law, who ran a home restoration business there for 33 years. When he retired, the couple decided to reimagine the office into something new. “We’ve always loved soups and sandwiches,” Susan says. “With four boys at home, we had to keep food fun and interesting, and we really enjoy playing with vegetables.” The café, she says, was a natural extension of that.
Healthy + Tasty = A Culinary Home Run
Susan brings a double degree in culinary arts and nutrition to the table, which shows in the menu’s playful, health-minded twists. A standout example is her nut-free sunflower seed pesto, crafted to give diners with allergies an option without sacrificing flavor. “We’re small enough that we can take the time to accommodate special dietary needs,” she explains.
Honeysuckle’s menu covers plenty of ground. Susan’s personal favorite is the turkey, bacon and Swiss, while her husband champions their house-made pastrami, which takes a full week to prepare. After experimenting with nearly a dozen briskets to perfect the recipe, the couple now serves a pastrami sandwich that has become a customer favorite. Vegetarian diners also find plenty to love, from grilled veggie sandwiches to lighter soups and specials.
Speaking of soups, Honeysuckle made waves in its first year by winning the title of Best She-Crab Soup in Norfolk. The restaurant’s rich, creamy take on the regional classic has become a signature, served year-round alongside a rotating roster of seasonal offerings. For those looking for something quick and classic, the café also offers simple “brown bag” lunches with turkey, ham or chickpea salad sandwiches.
On weekends, brunch brings another layer of creativity. Each Saturday and Sunday, a new French toast creation takes center stage, changing weekly but always designed to surprise regulars with something fresh.
More than just a menu, though, Honeysuckle Café is a place that warmly welcomes its neighbors. It’s the kind of place where local roots, family tradition, and a love of food come together—making it easy to see why the café has carved out such a loyal following in just over a year.
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.
The 757’s most exciting family festival, the Virginia Children’s Festival presented by Sentara Health Plans on Saturday, October 4, 2025 features more than 100 fun, creative, and interactive activities, including hands-on workshops, cultural experiences, military demonstrations, costumed characters, storytelling, musical performances, dance lessons, and much more! The festival is designed with children 10 and younger in mind.
The UFC heads to Las Vegas for UFC 320 as the T-Mobile arena hosts the Ultimate Fighting Championship between Ankalaev and Pereira. Watch live on the Market’s big screen with food, drinks & the crew. No charge, 21+
Featuring pianist and Navy pilot Alex Beyer, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy is an uplifting and familiar predecessor, in both melody and message, to his Ode to Joy, uniting virtuosic piano writing with chorus, vocal soloists, and orchestra. Sibelius’s heroic Second Symphony has been described as a moving depiction of Finland’s struggle for independence from Russia at the start of the 20th century.
In this work, the artists’ bodies become instruments that question, connect, and dismantle the tangible and intangible histories present within a human life. Inspired by Remica Bingham-Risher’s poetry and the caregiver’s journey through Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the navigation of grief, and the redemption of joy, Brown and her company explore the tapestry between our internal and external realities. Set to live music, five movement artists assisted by media projection, lights, and garments of art take the audience on a journey of truth and triumph.
A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing in a Las Vegas coffee house. Jo’s uniquely relatable comedy pulls inspiration from his colorful family that has reached all kinds of people and has translated into sold-out arenas around the world.
Over an illustrious career Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people, and, in “Run-Around,” had the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history, which earned them a Grammy® for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Their movie credits include Blues Brothers 2000, Kingpin, Wildflowers and others. A television favorite, they have been featured on Saturday Night Live, Austin City Limits, VH1’s Behind the Music and they have the record for the most appearances of any artist on The Late Show with David Letterman. Blues Traveler’s latest effort, 2021’s Traveler’s Blues, is nominated for a Grammy in the category of “Best Traditional Blues Album,” bringing their 35+ year journey full circle.
John Dela Cruz’s (a.k.a Nurse John’s) comedy is like talking to your work bestie; you trauma dump, cry, scream, and laugh together through all the high and the lows of working in the service industry. It’s the feeling of relatability and instant relief that you are not crazy from experiencing all the roller coaster of emotions working short staffed while being underpaid, undervalued, and underappreciated. His relatable humor helped him garner over 12 million besties & followers across the globe and growing each day in all his social media platforms. John also hosts ‘I Beg Your Pardon’; one of the top comedy podcasts in North America that currently has 3 million downloads and serves as a weekly therapy for many.
The band behind the hit “Teenage Dirtbag” with its catchy chorus will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a show at Norfolk’s The Annex on Church St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show at 7:30 p.m.
Presented by Arts Alliance and PRA Group, this free festival welcomes everyone to experience the NEON District through art exhibitions, local and regional performances, mural tours and programming unique to Norfolk’s first arts neighborhood. The 2025 celebration includes 10 For 10 Public Art Reveal, curated events by 757 producers and art-makers, Glass After Dark, live demos, make and takes, live music and more.
The Portland, Oregon-based group that saw hits with “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine: and “I Will Buy You a New Life” returns to Norfolk to perform at the NorVa on Oct. 17.
As a stand-up, Johnson headlines theaters, clubs, colleges, and festivals around the world. He is also a prolific writer and performer who puts out weekly stand up sets on his YouTube channel and is best known for his correspondent gig on “The Daily Show.” This year alone, Josh has released over 24 hours of stand up, and the content on his YouTube channel has been viewed over 140 million times by people all over the world.
Critically acclaimed vibraphonist Joel Ross brings a sound DownBeat hails as “lush, high-powered and full of luminous energy.” A Blue Note Artist, Ross has changed the conversation around vibes, incorporating the instrument’s unique sound in new ways.
Year after year, the Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival is one of Hampton Roads’ most anticipated wine festivals of the fall season. This year, the Fall Wine Festival takes places on Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19, 2025 at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Virginia one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world and the Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival encapsulates this recognition in grand fashion with more than 25 of the Commonwealth’s top wineries showcasing over 200 fine wines.
Since 1984 Hope House Foundation has hosted the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival, a two-day event featuring over 125 artists from across the U.S. and overseas to participate and showcase their art in a variety of mediums, including photography, pottery, sculpture, painting, mixed media and jewelry. Stockley Gardens Park offers the festival a distinctive atmosphere with its peaceful garden setting in the heart of the historic district in Ghent, Norfolk. The festival is free and open to the public and attracts thousands of people who enjoy the art, live music, an array of food and the community atmosphere of the event held in the spring and fall each year. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of art, music, and community.
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.
Virginia Arts Festival’s Attucks Jazz Series transforms Norfolk’s historic Attucks Theatre into an intimate jazz club, complete with cabaret tables, lighting and an impressive sound system.
“The concept behind this is to create a jazz club atmosphere,” says John Toomey, music director of the series. “It is an intimate setting with about 120 people at small tables, similar to a club, if you went into New York. They provide a beautiful grand piano and a sound system. There are lights, so everything is spot on.”
Toomey and bassist Jimmy Masters collaborate each year on artist selection, bringing some of the finest jazz musicians in the world to Norfolk.
“Jimmy…is pretty much at every concert and he and I work together every year to kind of think about who would we like to bring in. And then I start to reach out to them and see if we can work out a schedule with the dates available to make it happen,” Toomey explains. The result is a lineup of artists who regularly appear in top clubs and festivals worldwide, each offering something distinct for audiences.
The 2025–2026 season opens Sept. 20 with saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, a DownBeat Critics Poll winner known for his muscular tone and original compositions. “He’s an amazing saxophonist,” Toomey says. “He also writes his own compositions and that can be kind of different than playing standards, so we’ll be doing a bit of both.”
On Oct. 18, vibraphonist Joel Ross takes the stage. DownBeat has described his sound as “lush, high-powered and full of luminous energy.” Toomey calls Ross “really a strong force on vibes. Very excited. Yeah, he’s super strong.”
Clarinetist Ken Peplowski, often described as one of the finest living clarinetists, returns to the Attucks on Nov. 15. Toomey praised his artistry: “Ken Peplowski…extraordinary and also a very good saxophonist, just a beautiful player, and more traditional and straight ahead. He’s a great artist, also very, very funny too.”
The new year brings saxophonist Joel Frahm on Jan. 17, 2026. Known for his versatility and work alongside greats like Betty Carter and Brad Mehldau, Frahm has, as Toomey puts it, “been on the scene for decades…He’s so good. He’s been all over the place.”
Vocalist René Marie returns to the Attucks Jazz Club on Feb. 7. “She is rather well known, and I toured with her and was in her band for two years,” Toomey said. “I recorded with her in the cast in New York, so it’ll be kind of like a little bit of a homecoming for being in the city and music.”
The season concludes March 14 with vocalist Anaïs Reno, whose career is quickly ascending. “She is a very young but extremely successful jazz vocalist that I met at the Jazz Vocal Summit this summer,” Toomey said. “She just played at Dizzy’s. She’s been overseas recently. Very, very beautiful voice and kind of represents some of the younger artists that are coming up on the scene right now and doing quite well.”
Beyond the concerts, many of these artists also give masterclasses at Old Dominion University’s F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music, where Toomey teaches jazz studies. “It is called a masterclass and it involves student involvement,” he said. “They’ll give them immediate feedback… and it’s a nice way for people in the community to find out a little bit more about this artist before we actually present the concert on Saturday night.”
Toomey noted that nearly every show sells out well in advance. “Get your tickets early,” he advised. “I can just guarantee them that every artist coming in has something unique and special to offer. I’ve never had an unsatisfied customer. At the end of all these, it’s usually a standing ovation and people come up saying, ‘That was the best one.’ And then we’ll do another one.”
As the leaves begin to change and the air gets crisper, it’s that time of year again when coffee shops across town start unveiling their delicious fall-inspired concoctions. We’ve scoured the city for the best fall flavors at some of your favorite coffee spots, and trust us, you’re in for a treat!
Nestled within Norfolk’s charming Railroad District, Coalescence beckons with the allure of fall, offering an array of seasonal flavors to quench pumpkin spice lovers’ needs! Their signature creation, The Churchhill, combines smoky espresso with a hint of cinnamon and the intriguing black walnut bitters, providing a taste of autumn that lingers with each sip. For those seeking a familiar favorite, the house-made Pumpkin Latte, crafted with their special pumpkin sauce, promises a comforting and creamy indulgence that captures the spirit of Norfolk in the fall.
COVA is adding some seasonal flair to your coffee routine with two tempting choices, the Pumpkin Latte and the Salted Brown Sugar Latte. The Pumpkin Latte delivers that classic spiced pumpkin goodness, while the Salted Brown Sugar Latte introduces a delightful combination of sweet and salty notes to your daily caffeine fix. Don’t pass up the chance to savor these autumn-inspired flavors at COVA—they’re sure to hit the spot!
Start your morning (or sweeten your afternoon) at Crave Bakery, now serving in its new home at Boush and College in the Historic Freemason District. From buttery croissants and fluffy waffles to artisan coffee, ice cream, and a full breakfast and lunch menu, every bite is crafted to make you feel right at home.
Cure Coffeehouse is serving up an autumnal selection for the season that’s sure to satisfy your fall cravings. They’ve got the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, a delicious twist with Pumpkin Cheesecake, and in November, be on the lookout for the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Latte—a real treat in the making. But that’s not all! Halloween brings even more excitement with a S’mores Latte and possibly a matcha special.
Equinox Coffee is ushering in the fall season with a lineup of irresistible autumn favorites. From the timeless Pumpkin Spice Latte, capturing the essence of fall in a cup, to the health-conscious Vanilla Turmeric Latte, combining creamy vanilla with earthy turmeric, there’s something for everyone. The Hazelnut Mocha has a rich blend of chocolate and hazelnut, while the Cinnamon Maple Latte provides a warm and comforting hug in a cup, blending sweet maple with spicy cinnamon. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Equinox’s Brown Sugar Cold Brew with Vanilla Sweet Cream, the Pumpkin Chai, or the intriguing Pistachio Matcha, all promising unique fall flavor experiences!
Fairgrounds is the oldest independently owned coffee shop in Norfolk, known for its character and coziness. The establishment is embracing the fall season with an exciting and unique lineup of autumn beverages, including the signature Pumpkin Doodle Latte, featuring hints of pumpkin, white chocolate, and brown sugar cinnamon. Also on the menu is the Pecan Pie Latte for those with a sweet tooth and the playfully named “That’s What She Said” Latte, which combines pumpkin, caramel, cinnamon, and ginger for a unique twist on a traditional fall favorite. For another distinctive flavor, they are showcasing a Maple Leaf Latte as well as the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte for those who prefer to stick to the basics! With this vast array of options, you are bound to find something you’ll love.
FR8 House Coffee Co.
Find your new favorite hangout at Fr8 House Coffee Co, where every visit brings something unexpected. From whimsical lattes and rotating seasonal specials to Blind Dates with a Book and sweet Charm Bars, this cozy spot is full of little surprises that keep guests coming back for more.
This fall season, Mea Culpa has veered from the traditional pumpkin craze and created a simple but heavenly fall drink, the Hazelnut and Caramel Latte. They are embracing the warm and nutty notes of hazelnut, combined with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel, to create a seasonal sensation that’s nothing short of a cozy embrace in a cup. With every sip, you’ll find yourself immersed in the comforting flavors of fall, making this Hazelnut and Caramel Latte the perfect drink for crisp, sweater-weather days.
Nestled in the coastal neighborhood of Ocean View, Mudita is the ultimate destination for coffee connoisseurs seeking the perfect blend of comfort and character. As the autumn breeze sweeps through, Mudita unveils a seasonal lineup that captures the essence of fall. Leading the way is the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, a timeless favorite that embodies the spirit of the season. But their fall menu doesn’t stop there; they will also be featuring a Maple Caramel Apple Latte, a delightful fusion of sweet and tart apple flavors harmonizing with a rich caramel flavor, all touched by the magic of maple syrup! For a unique twist, experience their Chai Spiced Old Fashioned Latte, a reimagining of a classic cocktail, now transformed into a cozy, aromatic brew.
Embrace the beauty of autumn at Neptune’s Fury, where you can soak in stunning river views while sipping on their fall favorites. Enjoy the housemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, a timeless classic, or try something new with their Chai-der, a blend of chai and apple cider for a twist on tradition. Relax on the deck, feel the river breeze, and maybe even catch a glimpse of playful dolphins in the waves. Neptune’s Fury invites you to savor the season with each delightful sip.
Three Ships is all about embracing local flavors. During the fall season their Pungo Latte transitions from local peaches to Spiced Virginia Apples as the seasons change. They are also working on ciders to showcase at their shop.
Vessel Craft Coffee is brewing up something special for the fall season. They are featuring delightful cold brew creations like the Pumpkin Cold Foam Cold Brew and the Mulled Bourbon Barrel Cold Brew with maple cold foam. Embrace the autumn vibes and awaken your taste buds with these seasonal favorites.
Get ready to embrace the flavors of fall at Voyager Coffee! Their autumn lineup features a delightful range of drinks, including a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Peanut Brittle Latte, Caramel Apple Cider and a Cereal Milk Cold Brew. It’s the perfect way to sip your way through the season’s flavors one latte at a time.
Hidden away in an industrial corner just a stone’s throw from Ghent and Church Street, Latitude Climbing + Fitness is deceptive at first. The building dates back to the 1920s, but once you’re inside, you find a bright, open space filled with towering walls, bold color-coded climbing routes and lots of activity.
“This is our Norfolk location built 2018,” says Colin Foley, Latitude’s social media and event manager. “This came from essentially wanting to make a modern space for climbers in the area to have more amenities than just climbing, such as fitness, family stuff … and then we have yoga.”
Norfolk itself may not be a climbing mecca, but Latitude, which also features locations in Virginia Beach and Hampton, looks to fill the gap for climbers who can’t access the state’s big walls several hours to the west. It’s also a fantastic place to socialize and meet new folks with shared interests.
First-timers are greeted at the front desk and shown the ropes — literally and figuratively. “We show them the lay of the land,” Foley says. “The grading is essentially, how difficult is it to get it from the start of a route to the top of the route. Our color coordination starts at red being the easiest, black being the hardest… It’s more inclusive to get the people on the climbs.”
New climbers learn how to start a route, move upward, and (this one’s important) how to land safely.
First-timers can opt for a simple day pass, or book a first-time package with a climbing instructor for more hands-on guidance. “You can get more into that technical (stuff), where an instructor would say, “hey, maybe just shift your hips this way or keep your elbows straight,” Foley says.
Latitude’s programming attracts a wide range of people, from those with climbing experience to those just curious about the sport.
As for the target audience? “I’d say any adventurous person looking to just move around, and honestly, people that want to think,” Foley says. “This is an awesome problem-solving sport and community.”
Latitude’s Norfolk facility is ADA-compliant and offers student discounts, scholarships and outreach programs to make climbing accessible to all.
Memberships are designed with variety in mind. “One membership gets you unlimited climbing, unlimited yoga, unlimited fitness classes. All inclusive holistic fitness, hence the name Latitude Climbing + Fitness.” And if you decide to join after your first visit, there’s a perk: “That day pass gets reimbursed and then we just roll kick it off into your membership.”
With its mix of serious training and casual community, Latitude is as much about connection as it is about climbing. “At the end of the day, this is indoor rock climbing… it’s just the mode for practice so that when the real deal happens, you’re good to go.”
If You Visit
Where: 1830 Lindsay Ave., Norfolk, VA
Day pass cost: adult $26; student (with ID): $23; youth (17 and under): $17
Details: Walk-ins welcome for day passes. Instruction packages can be booked online in advance
Gear: Rental shoes, chalk, and other equipment available on site. Option to buy gear after your trial period
First-Timer Tips: Arrive early to check in at the front desk. Staff will explain the color-coded grading system (red = easiest, black = hardest) and how to climb and land safely. You can upgrade to a first-time package with an instructor for extra guidance. Wear athletic clothing you can move in.
How do you set out to tell the story of a rich, well-lived life? When you’re Jack Ankerson, you start at the beginning, of course. As the former voice of the Norfolk Tides, original General Manager of the San Antonio Spurs and one-time practice quarterback for an NFL team, you might as well tell it in order because each story becomes more fascinating than the last.
If you listen closely to Ankerson’s deep, booming voice, you can hear a touch of his hometown, Neenah, Wisconsin. As a young man, he quickly became an all-conference triple threat in football, tennis and basketball.
He then moved on and played three sports at Ripon College, which Anderson describes as “unheard of.” It was basketball and tennis that brought him to Ripon (he was an All-American) but football is what got him drafted as a practice quarterback with the then-St. Louis Cardinals. If his schedule wasn’t full enough, he commanded a corps of cadets in college before nearly pivoting to a full-time military career.
“A general said, ‘Lieutenant, how about coming with me to Korea?’ I said, ‘But I’ve got to go back to football.’”
Although his time in the NFL was short, he was ready for a new adventure.
A Fortuitous Meeting
Having moved from the gridiron to a corporate sales job, he found himself sitting next to a perfect stranger on a cross-country flight. The stranger, it turns out, was Mike Storen who left his mark on the American Basketball Association (later the NBA) as an executive. After a year of back-and-forth talks, Storen convinced Ankerson to work in the front office of the Kentucky Colonels. A short time later, Ankerson was hired as the first GM of the San Antonio Spurs.
“I was probably the only employee when they got started in San Antonio,” he says.
He helped choose the Spurs’ black and silver color scheme while commuting between Louisville and Texas. He helped name the team. He hired staff, scouted talent and ran the business side. In his words, he did everything but sweep the floors.
The fateful meeting with Storen still resonates with Ankerson a half-century later.
“Isn’t it funny how one little thing—hopping on that flight—can change everything?
The Voice of the Tides (and the Monarchs)
Ankerson’s next move brought he and his wife, Ellie, to Norfolk as the new GM of the Virginia Squires. When that career had run its course, a call from an old friend took him in yet another new direction.
Norfolk Tides GM Dave Rosenfield asked Ankerson to fill in as the in-stadium PA announcer in 1987. Though he’d dabbled in radio before, he wasn’t sure whether to take the job.
“I never thought about that,” he said. But Rosenfield insisted: “With your voice? Do it for a year.”
One year became seven, and the Tides moved to Harbor Park. Then came more radio, and Old Dominion, where he voiced men’s and women’s basketball, football, soccer and baseball. If it involved competition, Ankerson called it.
The Book
When Ankerson took a step back from his announcing duties in early 2025, he set out to put all the details of these memories onto the page. It began with a series of Thursday morning conversations with co-author Tess Robinson, who suggested they divide the book into innings rather than chapters.
The result is an engaging, breezy read that covers 83 years of amazing stories.
“Everybody says they enjoy it,” he says. “The reading is good. The pictures are all good, and it’s easy reading.”
Today, Ankerson is still quick, still sharp and deeply engaged in the community of Norfolk.
“People say, ‘There’s no way you’re 83.’ I love hearing that. There’s a lot to do with staying totally involved. It’s just having a purpose.”
But it’s his family that keeps him young.
“My oldest daughter was a two-time soccer All-American, my youngest played three sports in high school, two in college… she’s still playing volleyball at 52.”
Needless to say, the Ankerson family is happy to carry on their father’s legacy of excelling in whatever they take on. And Jack couldn’t be prouder.
Jack of All Sports is available on Amazon, local bookstores and at the Mermaid Market at 232 E. Main St. in Norfolk.
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